Nonhormonal Factors Research Articles

INFLUENCE OF SEED TREATMENT WITH SALICYLIC ACID ON THE CARBONIC ANHYDRASE ACTIVITY, PHOTOSYNTHESIS RATE, STOMATAL CONDUCTANCE AND PIGMENTS CONTENT IN WHEAT LEAVES AT ZINC EXCESS

We studied the effect of seed treatment with salicylic acid (SA) on the carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and pigments content in wheat leaves at optimal zinc content (2 μM) or zinc excess (1500 μM). It was shown for the first time that at an optimal zinc content seed treatment with SA leads to an increase in CA activity and stomatal conductance compared to untreated plants without affecting the photosynthesis rate. At an zinc excess seed treatment with SA increased the decrease in CA activity, but the photosynthesis rate was higher than in untreated plants, apparently due to an increase in the chlorophylls and carotenoids content and stomatal conductivity. It is concluded that SA along with other non-hormonal factors and hormones, is involved in the protective and adaptive reactions of wheat plants to an zinc excess in the environment.

Metabolic disturbances in menopause

Menopause maybe associated with several short, medium and long-term consequences. Metabolic disturbances represent a significant negative effect of the progressive reduction of estradiol as well as of the increased androgens/estrogens ratio occurring during perimenopause (1). Besides, other hormonal (such as, hypercortisolism and/or altered thyroid function) or non-hormonal (family hystory, dietary habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.) factors, could negatively impact on metabolism in an individualized manner. On the other hand, the ageing per se usually favours a change of body composition characterized by a reduction of lean body mass (LBM) and an increase of fat free mass (FFM), exposing post-menopausal women to higher cardiometabolic risk.

Sex differences in susceptibility to substance use disorder: Role for X chromosome inactivation and escape?

There is a sex-based disparity associated with substance use disorders (SUDs) as demonstrated by clinical and preclinical studies. Females are known to escalate from initial drug use to compulsive drug-taking behavior (telescoping) more rapidly, and experience greater negative withdrawal effects than males. Although these biological differences have largely been attributed to sex hormones, there is evidence for non-hormonal factors, such as the influence of the sex chromosome, which underlie sex disparities in addiction behavior. However, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying sex chromosome influences on substance abuse behavior are not completely understood. In this review, we discuss the role that escape from X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) in females plays in sex-associated differences in addiction behavior. Females have two X chromosomes (XX), and during XCI, one X chromosome is randomly chosen to be transcriptionally silenced. However, some X-linked genes escape XCI and display biallelic gene expression. We generated a mouse model using an X-linked gene specific bicistronic dual reporter mouse as a tool to visualize allelic usage and measure XCI escape in a cell specific manner. Our results revealed a previously undiscovered X-linked gene XCI escaper (CXCR3), which is variable and cell type dependent. This illustrates the highly complex and context dependent nature of XCI escape which is largely understudied in the context of SUD. Novel approaches such as single cell RNA sequencing will provide a global molecular landscape and impact of XCI escape in addiction and facilitate our understanding of the contribution of XCI escape to sex disparities in SUD.

A novel mouse model for an inducible gene-modification in the renal thick ascending limb

The thick ascending limb (TAL) is critical for the renal control of fluid and ion homeostasis. The function of the TAL depends on the activity of the bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl co-transporter NKCC2, which is highly abundant in the luminal membrane of TAL cells. The TAL function is regulated by various hormonal and non-hormonal factors. However, many of the underlying signal transduction pathways remain elusive. Here, we describe the characterization of a novel gene-modified mouse model for an inducible and specific Cre/Lox-mediated gene modification in the TAL. In these mice, a tamoxifen-dependent Cre (CreERT2) was inserted into the 3’ UTR of the Slc12a1 gene, which encodes NKCC2 (Slc12a1-CreERT2). Although this gene-modification strategy reduced endogenous NKCC2 expression at the mRNA and protein level, the lowered NKCC2 abundance was not associated with an altered urinary fluid and ion excretion. Likewise, the renal response to loop-diuretics or water restriction was similar in wildtype (wt) and in Slc12a1-CreERT2wt/tg mice. Immunohistochemistry on kidneys from Slc12a1-CreERT2 mice revealed strong Cre expression exclusively in TAL cells but not in any other nephron portion. Cross-breeding of these mice with the mT/mG reporter mouse line showed a very low recombination rate (0.22%) at baseline, but a complete recombination (100%) after repeated tamoxifen administration. The achieved recombination encompassed the entire TAL and included also the macula densa. Thus, the new Slc12a1-CreERT2wt/tg mouse line allows an inducible and very efficient gene-targeting in the TAL and hence promises to be a powerful tool to advance our understanding of the regulation of TAL function. The research of Johannes Loffing is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (310030_143929/1) and the Swiss National Centre for Competence in Research “Kidney.CH” This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

CASE REPORT : BREAST CARCINOMA STADIUM IIIB

Introduction: Breast Carcinoma is a malignant tumor originating from the parenchymal epithelial cells of the breast. This includes the ducts of the mammary glands and their supporting tissues, which grow infiltratively, destructively, and can metastasize. In 2018, an estimated 2.1 million women were newly diagnosed with breast cancer, about one new case diagnosed every 18 seconds. The global incidence of breast cancer has increased with an annual year increase of 3.1%
 Case presentation: A female 51-years-old patient with right breast cancer on chemotherapy. She already has 6 times chemotherapy session the patient had a biopsy done one year ago and the results of the biopsy were obtained from a patient with grade 2 breast cancer, the patient had been offered to do breast removal but the patient refused, at this time the lump in the patient burst and bled continuously
 Conclusion: Breast cancer (Carcinoma mammae) is cancer of the breast tissue. Ca Mammae occurs because the condition of the cell has lost its normal control and mechanism, so that it experiences abnormal, fast and uncontrolled growth. Ca Mammae is often defined as a malignant neoplasm disease originating from the mammary gland parenchyma. There are various hormonal and non-hormonal factors that are thought to increase the risk of breast cancer, including age, genetic and familial, hormonal, lifestyle, environment, and a history of benign tumors.

Pathogenesis mechanisms of endometrial polyps in women of reproductive age: a literature review

Endometrial polyp (EP) is a frequent incidental finding during hysteroscopy in asymptomatic patients. To date, the pathogenesis of EPs has not been fully disclosed, which challenges the primary and secondary prevention of EPs and their targeted therapy. It determined the focus of our work. We searched for scientific publications in Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, PubMed (MEDLINE), eLIBRARY using the keywords "polyps", "endometrial polyps", "pathogenesis", "reproductive age", "recidive" for 20122022. Analysis of the literature data allowed us to conclude that ES pathogenesis most likely involves several mechanisms, both estrogen-mediated (hyperestrogenism, including related to impaired progesterone reception and deficiency) and non-hormonal (inflammatory, immune, genetic factors, neoangiogenesis). Hormonal and non-hormonal factors disturb normal cyclic changes of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle, alter the balance and dynamics of proliferation and apoptosis, and initiate neoangiogenesis that serves as a resolving mechanism of polyposis formation, persistence of ES, and their recurrence after surgical removal. The objective of our study was to analyze and summarize the scientific data available on the mechanisms of ES pathogenesis in women of reproductive age.

The importance of kidney calcium handling in the homeostasis of extracellular fluid calcium.

Extracellular fluid calcium concentration must be maintained within a narrow range in order to sustain many biological functions, encompassing muscle contraction, blood coagulation, and bone and tooth mineralization. Blood calcium value is critically dependent on the ability of the renal tubule to reabsorb the adequate amount of filtered calcium. Tubular calcium reabsorption is carried out by various and complex mechanisms in 3 distinct segments: the proximal tubule, the cortical thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, and the late distal convoluted/connecting tubule. In addition, calcium reabsorption is tightly controlled by many endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors, as well as by non-hormonal factors, in order to adapt the tubular handling of calcium to the metabolic requirements. The present review summarizes the current knowledge of the mechanisms and factors involved in calcium handling by the kidney and, ultimately, in extracellular calcium homeostasis. The review also highlights some of our gaps in understanding that need to be addressed in the future.

Rabbit Maternal Behavior: A Perspective from Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Animal Production, and Psychobiology.

Rabbit maternal behavior (MB) impacts meat and fur production on the farm, survival of the species in the wild, and pet welfare. Specific characteristics of rabbit MB (i.e., three-step nest building process; single, brief, daily nursing bout) have been used as models for exploring particular themes in neuroscience, like obsessive-compulsive actions, circadian rhythms, and cognition. Particular hormonal combinations regulate nest building by acting on brain regions controlling MB in other mammals. Nonhormonal factors like type of lodging and the doe's social rank influence nursing and milk production. The concurrency of pregnancy and lactation, the display of nonselective nursing, and the rapid growth of altricial young - despite a minimal effort of maternal care - have prompted the study of mother-young affiliation, neurodevelopment, and weaning. Neurohormonal mechanisms, common to other mammals, plus additional strategies (perhaps unique to rabbits) allow the efficient, adaptive display of MB in multiple settings.

Veritable evaluation and inspection of PCOS and its apropos medicaments

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a vastly familial, prevalent yet complicated endocrine disorder seen in 5 to 15% of premenopausal women. An estimated one in five ~ 20% Indian women suffer from PCOS. In India, PCOS is a tabooed disorder; If neglected, the condition can prove fatal. However, the past decade has seen the changing discourse in India. PCOS negatively affects reproduction, general health, sexual health, and quality of life. Genetic predisposition of hormonal and non-hormonal factors influence ovary functioning and are responsible for the onset of the syndrome. Hormonal imbalance, metabolic abnormality, and insulin resistance are characteristic features that significantly increase the risk of anovulatory infertility, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The underlying cause of the path physiology of PCOS is still under the radar, but the derangement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis could be the sweeping reason for the same. PCOS management should address on healthy lifestyle with symptomatic medical therapy and psychological bearing with special emphasis on far reaching side effects and long-term metabolic consequences This review article gives a comprehensive overview of PCOS and the morbidities hooked up with it. It has a notable emphasis on the PCOS guidelines, diagnosis, non-pharmacological, and pharmacological treatments.

Beige Adipocyte as the Flame of White Adipose Tissue: Regulation of Browning and Impact of Obesity.

Beige adipocyte, the third and relatively new type of adipocyte, can emerge in white adipose tissue (WAT) under thermogenic stimulations that is termed as browning of WAT. Recent studies suggest that browning of WAT deserves more attention and therapies targeting browning of WAT can be helpful for reducing obesity. Beyond the major inducers of browning, namely cold and β 3-adrenergic stimulation, beige adipocytes are affected by several factors, and excess adiposity per se may also influence the browning process. The objective of the present review is to provide an overview of recent clinical and preclinical studies on the hormonal and nonhormonal factors that affect the browning of WAT. This review further focuses on the role of obesity per se on browning process.

Sleep and Obesity: Mechanisms of Association

Epidemiologic studies demonstrate that both prolonged and reduced sleep duration is associated with increased risk of excessive weight and obesity. The aim of the review was to analyze probable mechanisms of association of sleep duration and obesity elucidated in current scientific literature. Several proposed mechanisms of such an association exist: an imbalance of appetite regulating hormones resulting from decreased sleep duration; fatigue or decreased activity during the daytime, leading to sedentary behavior with decreased energy expenditure; changes in eating behavior with increased daily calorie intake. The article gives a comprehensive review of factors, mediating the association of sleep duration and obesity (age, gender, ethnic origin), studies of neurohormonal regulation of sleep in association with obesity (the influence of sleep duration on thermoregulation, appetite center – increased grelin-to-leptin ratio); the relationship of sleep with growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1, with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and non-hormonal factors, stimulating food intake. Data indicating that increased sleep duration is often associated with decreased sleep quality are presented. Besides traditional risk factors – unhealthy diet and decreased physical exercise, specific attention should be given to the problems, associated with sleep disorders to increase the efficacy of treatment and prevention of obesity.

The analysis of female sexual functions, sexual satisfaction and depressive symptoms according to menstrual cycle phases

This study was planned to investigate women’s sexual functions, sexual satisfaction and depressive symptoms according to menstrual cycle phases. It was performed with 96 women with similar characteristics among women having regular menstruation. It is a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 4 face-to-face interviews were conducted with women. In the collection of data, Diagnostic Form, FSFI and SSS-W were used at the time between the follicular and luteal phases. In both follicular and luteal phase, blood samples were collected to evaluate the serum hormone levels. According to the findings, FSFI and SSS-W total subdimension scores of women were determined to be higher in the luteal phase. According to the results of hormone analysis, sexual function and sexual satisfaction were not significantly affected in both menstrual phases. The depressive symptoms were found to have a significant effect on sexual satisfaction. It was shown that in independent groups as in with/without depression, the BDI scores had a low effect on the DHEA-S level and moderate effect on the SHBG, E2 and Prolactin levels; in spite of this, had no effect on Progesterone and F. Testosterone levels. As a result, it can be said that sexual functions and sexual satisfaction according to menstrual phases are affected by both hormonal and nonhormonal factors.

DELAYED PUBERTY IN BOYS. MODERN ASPECTS

Pubertal impairment in adolescents is an urgent pediatric problem conditioned by progressive worsening of the population’s reproductive health in general. One of the variants of teenagers’ puberty disturbances is the delayed puberty (DP) as no secondary sexual maturation by the age of 14 years in boys. There are discriminated hypogonadism and constitutional DP, the latter being the most frequent form of the disorder of pubertal development in boys, accounting for 60-80% of all forms of DP. At the base of pathogenesis of constitutional DP there are lied deteriorations in the system of the regulation of impulse secretion of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) and such non-hormonal factors as monamines of adrenergic and dophaminergic system, melatonin, neuropeptide Y, estragens, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), leptine, interacting with Gn-RH-secreting neurons. Pathology of the development and maturation of structures of the diencephalon, as the cause of constitutional APD, is a rather frequent consequence of antenatal and perinatal pathology, traumatic injury of the brain, microcirculatory disorders. DP proves to be an unfavorable factor in the formation of bone density and final growth, in psychological personality achievement of the adolescent, in the maturation of the reproductive system, thus is the subject to correct. The problem of the therapy of constitutional puberty arrest remains to be controversial up to recent time. Some authors adhere to the observation tactics. They believe that children with constitutional DP may have a favorable prognosis of final growth and pubertal development. However, obvious negative psychosocial and medical consequences of the delayed growth and puberty have not yet been taken into consideration. Lately, hormonal therapy with puberty-stimulating steroids, anabolic agents has been suggested. But both a number of questions concerning the effect of therapy with androgens on activation of the hypophyseal-gonadal system in adolescents, and the impact of this treatment on the final growth of the patients remain to be unsolved. The necessity to produce an effect on central mechanisms of regulation by applying physiotherapeutic transcranial techniques, particularly transcranial magnetic therapy also exists. The presented review showed the diversity of factors influencing on the pubertal development of adolescents, various tactical methods of treatment and correction of disorders in patients with constitutional PD.

The transient cortical zone in the adrenal gland: the mystery of the adrenal X-zone.

The X-zone is a transient cortical region enriched in eosinophilic cells located in the cortical-medullary boundary of the mouse adrenal gland. Similar to the X-zone, the fetal zone in human adrenals is also a transient cortical compartment, comprising the majority of the human fetal adrenal gland. During adrenal development, fetal cortical cells are gradually replaced by newly formed adult cortical cells that develop into outer definitive zones. In mice, the regression of this fetal cell population is sexually dimorphic. Many mouse models with mutations associated with endocrine factors have been reported with X-zone phenotypes. Increasing findings indicate that the cell fate of this aged cell population of the adrenal cortex can be manipulated by many hormonal and nonhormonal factors. This review summarizes the current knowledge of this transient adrenocortical zone with an emphasis on genes and signaling pathways that affect X-zone cells.

Hormonal and non-hormonal factors contributing to chronic fatigue after traumatic brain injury

Hormonal and non-hormonal factors contributing to chronic fatigue after traumatic brain injury

Uterine Fibroids Review: Understanding their Origins to Better Understand their Future Treatments

Despite the high prevalence and the enormous impact the uterine fibroids has on the healthcare system and the economy, there is no effective medical treatment available to eliminate fibroids. This is due in part to the fact that very little is known about their pathophysiology; in order to look for and potentially find treatments capable of eliminating fibroids, we must gain a deep understanding of the mechanisms behind their initiation, stimulation, and growth. In this article, we comprehensively review current knowledge of the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids, with the aim of better understanding their origin, as well as discussing the action of already existing medical treatments in order to highlight ways that potential future therapies may be able to target the disease. A literature search was performed in PubMed to find articles related to the etiopathogenesis of fibroids and their treatments. Myomas comprise areas of disordered smooth muscle fascicles characterized by an excess of acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) with a dysregulated phenotype. Although the initial event is believed to be smooth muscle cell proliferation, it is thought that a complex signaling system is also necessary. Non-hormonal factors may be responsible for initiating the development of uterine fibroids, although hormonal stimulation is an essential factor for their growth Recent studies have confirmed that the different cell types contained in fibroids are all clonally derived from a parental cell with implied multipotent stem cell properties. Ethnicity also strongly influences the development and clinical severity of fibroids. Many Growth factors and their respective receptors have been implicated in fibroid growth. The available evidence continues to reinforce the importance of progesterone in the development of fibroids. The Ulipristal Acetate mediated volume reduction is due to a series of multifactorial and successive events that lead to a low proliferation rate.

The Emerging Role of Regucalcin as a Tumor Suppressor: Facts and Views.

Regucalcin (RGN) is a multifunctional protein that was first described as a calcium (Ca2+)-binding protein playing a relevant role in the maintenance of intracellular Ca2+ concentration. However, due to its downregulated expression with aging, RGN is also known as senescence marker protein-30. The RGN protein is an X-chromosome gene product, whose transcription is regulated by a myriad of hormonal and non-hormonal factors. Besides the well-known role in Ca2+ homeostasis, RGN has also been linked to the control of several intracellular signaling pathways, and basic biological processes, such as oxidative stress, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism. RGN has been shown to have antioxidant properties by its activity reducing the production of reactive oxygen species and increasing the antioxidant defenses. The role of RGN suppressing cell proliferation is associated with the regulation of expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. It results clear that all the existent knowledge implicates RGN in the control of the main biological processes actually recognized as the hallmarks of cancer. Moreover, it has been shown that tumor onset and progression are underpinned by the loss of RGN expression, whereas RGN overexpression showed to have a protective role against the development of chemicallyinduced tumors. This review describes the mechanisms that control the tissue expression of RGN and discusses the experimental evidence that indicate RGN as a new tumor suppressor protein.

Gender and hormonal influences in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome

The reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes, including postpartum angiopathy, have been characterized over the last decade. Women are predominantly affected. Some studies suggest that postpartum angiopathy carries a worse prognosis. We compared the clinical, neuroimaging, and angiographic features of 36 men, 110 non-pregnant women and 16 postpartum women included in our single-center cohort of patients with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes encountered from 1998 to 2016. As compared to men, non-pregnant women were older (48 ± 11 vs. 34 ± 13 years, p < 0.001), had more underlying migraine (49% vs. 19%, p = 0.002), depression (53% vs. 14%, p < 0.001) and serotonergic antidepressant use (45% vs. 11%, p < 0.001), developed more clinical worsening (18% vs. 3%, p = 0.022), more infarcts (39% vs. 20%, p = 0.031) and worse angiographic severity scores (23 ± 14 vs. 10.9 ± 10.3, p < 0.001), but had similar discharge outcomes (modified Rankin scale scores 0-3, 90% vs. 91%, p = 0.768). Sexual activity was an important trigger in men (22% vs. 4%, p = 0.002). As compared to non-pregnant women, postpartum angiopathy patients were younger (33 ± 6 years, p < 0.001) and had less vasoconstrictive drug exposure (25% vs. 67%, p = 0.002) but showed similar clinical, radiological and angiographic findings and similar discharge outcomes (modified Rankin scale scores 0-3 in 94%, p = 0.633). There were no significant differences between pre- and post-menopausal women, or those with and without hysterectomy. The observed gender differences in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes may result from hormonal or non-hormonal factors. Hormonal imbalances may trigger reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes. Given the absence of significant differences in the female subgroups, hormonal factors do not appear to significantly affect the course or outcome of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes.

The interaction of testosterone and cortisol is associated with attained status in male executives.

Are hormone levels associated with the attainment of social status? Although endogenous testosterone predicts status-seeking social behaviors, research suggests that the stress hormone cortisol may inhibit testosterone's effects. Thus, individuals with both high testosterone and low cortisol may be especially likely to occupy high-status positions in social hierarchies while individuals with high testosterone and high cortisol may not. We tested this hypothesis by recruiting a sample of real executives and examining testosterone, cortisol, and a concrete indicator of attained status: the number of subordinates over which the executive has authority. Despite the myriad nonhormonal factors that determine organizational promotion, the executives' endogenous testosterone and cortisol interacted to significantly predict hierarchical position: Testosterone positively predicted executives' number of subordinates, but only among low-cortisol executives. The results imply that reducing cortisol levels via stress reduction may be a critical goal not only because doing so will improve health but also because doing so may enhance leadership potential. (PsycINFO Database Record

Age- and gender-dependent myocardial transcription patterns of cytokines and extracellular matrix remodelling enzymes in cats with non-cardiac diseases

BackgroundAge, gender and systemic diseases all influence cardiac function and remodelling. In cats, age and gender associated myocardial remodelling and the effect of systemic diseases on the myocardium have so far not been studied. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate whether relevant cytokines and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling enzymes are expressed in the myocardium of cats with non-cardiac diseases and whether transcription levels are influenced by age and gender. MethodsThe study was performed on myocardial samples from 26 cats aged between 2 and 19years that had died with non-cardiac diseases. Seventeen cats were female (2 entire) and nine were male (1 entire). Of these, nine cats were diagnosed with diseases unlikely to affect the myocardium (control cats). The remaining 17 cats suffered from diseases with likely systemic effects. All hearts were assessed for any pathological changes, and the myocardium was analysed for interleukin (IL)-1, -2, -4, -6, -18, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -3, -13, tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1, -2 and -3 transcriptions using quantitative RT-PCR assays. ResultsDespite the absence of any histological evidence of myocardial damage, inflammation and fibrosis, the myocardium of all the cats was found to constitutively transcribe cytokines and ECM remodelling enzymes, with generally higher mRNA concentrations in the atria than in the ventricles. The young and male cats exhibited higher transcription levels throughout the myocardium in comparison to the older and female cats. Furthermore, age-associated transcription pattern differed between male and female cats. ConclusionThe constitutive transcription of ECM remodelling enzymes suggests continuous myocardial remodelling throughout the entire life of a cat. The myocardium of young and male cats appears to be in a pro-inflammatory state, whereas in older and female cats the myocardium exhibits a reduced inflammatory reaction to systemic disease. Age-associated cardiac remodelling seems to be influenced by non-hormonal factors in male and female cats.