Serum Oxytocin Levels Research Articles

Relationship between Oxytocin Level and Major Depressive Disorder

Background: major depressive disorder is one of the most common medical disorders worldwide, having huge impact on physical and mental health in the society and is considered an extended life-threatening psychiatric disorder. Abnormalities in the neurohypophyseal system, neuroendocrine, and immune systems have been reported in depression. Aim of the Work: this study was carried out to identify the relationship between plasma oxytocin level and the severity of major depressive disorder. Patients and Methods: this case control observational study was started from July 2016 till March 2018. The subjects were selected from inpatient and outpatient clinics of Institute of Psychiatry, Faculty of medicine, Ain Shams University. Twenty two female patients were enrolled and fourteen female healthy subjects were considered as controls. Both groups were subjected to Arabic version of Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders and sampling of serum Oxytocin. Moreover the female patients were subjected to Hamilton rating scale for depression and state trait anxiety inventory to assess the presence of anxiety symptoms. Results: our study revealed reduced serum oxytocin levels in depressed female patients with cutoff point ≤25.6 denoting that below this level shows probability for major depressive disorder in females. Conclusion: our study revealed reduced serum oxytocin levels in depressed female patients. Consistently with the hypothesis of dysregulated OXT biology may serve as a biomarker for major depression.

Serum oxytocin profiles in patients with repeated implantation failure during IVF cycles

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the association between oxytocin (OT) levels and repeated implantation failure (RIF) during in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 108 women undergoing IVF-ET treatment at the following time points: gonadotrophin (Gn) administration day (Gn Day 0), hCG administration day (hCG Day 0), ET administration day (ET Day 0), and 5 d after ET (ET Day 5). Serum OT and steroid profiles were measured and compared among three groups: Group A included 38 women with a history of RIF, Group B included 41 women who became pregnant following the first fresh ET, and Group C included 29 women who did not become pregnant following the first fresh ET. Results: The OT levels of the three groups at different time points were not significantly different. Serum OT levels were significantly higher on hCG Day 0, ET Day 0, and ET Day 5 than on Gn Day 0, and they were significantly correlated with the estradiol concentration on ET Day 0. Conclusions: RIF patients do not have elevated serum OT levels during IVF-ET cycles.

Serum oxytocin and lipid levels of dogs with maternal cannibalism

Abstract Maternal cannibalism is a condition whereby a dam consumes her own offspring after killing them. Although biological factors such as low levels of serum oxytocin and lipid levels have been shown to link to failure in maternal behaviors in different animals, underlying mechanisms responsible for abnormal maternal behavior has not yet been investigated in detail in dogs. To fill this gap, this study aimed to investigate serum lipid and oxytocin levels of the dogs having a previous history of maternal cannibalism. Mature female Kangal dogs with a history of maternal cannibalism (n = 15) and with a normal postpartum history (n = 15) were enrolled in the study. Serum oxytocin and lipid levels were significantly lower in dogs with a previous history of maternal aggression (P

Basal Serum Oxytocin Levels in Healthy Non‐Pregnant/Lactating Humans are Below 10 pg/mL and Not Detectable by Traditional Orbitrap LCMS

Quantifying peripheral oxytocin (OT) in humans is of increased interest due to its substantial role in cognition and social behavior (e.g. depression, autism). OT is commonly measured by immunoassays, which lack the sensitivity to accurately quantitate the very low basal circulating levels in non‐pregnant/lactating humans due to matrix interferences. This can be resolved by solid phase extraction (SPE) but is inconsistently performed, leading to large variation in OT levels across studies (Leng, 2016). Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) can separate interferences but requires high resolution accurate‐mass (HRAM) capabilities for selective and accurate quantitation.We developed a HRAM orbitrap based LCMS method to measure underivatized native OT from serum after SPE. 0.5 mL serum with OT‐d5 as internal standard underwent C18 SPE followed by Q‐Exactive LCMS analysis with a C18 core‐shell based column (Kinetex, 150 × 3.0 mm; 2.6 μm) and a linear gradient (formic acid/MeCN). The doubly protonated OT ion m/z 562.25503 was selected for MS quantitation due its high signal intensity. Our method LLOQ was 10 pg/mL, which permitted accurate OT measurement in healthy pregnant women (n=4, 16–24 pg/mL), rats (350 pg/mL) and healthy adults after intranasal OT administration. Intra‐day precision was 2–23% and 0% while accuracy was 66~91% and 108~109% at 47.6 and 90.9 pg/mL.A method for ‘total’ OT (OT‐R/A) measuring 500–700 pg/mL in adult plasma was reported recently using LCMSMS after chemical reduction with 1,4‐dithiothreitol, which supposedly disrupted protein binding, followed by alkylation with iodoacetamide to stabilize the reduced product (Brandtzaeg, 2016). Using this method even higher levels were reported from non‐pregnant/lactating subjects (Semba, 2016, Comminos, 2017). However, the masses used for OT‐R/A analysis by Brandtzaeg were for the singly protonated molecule and differed from the theoretical masses by 39.8 ppm while the doubly protonated species used by Semba for quantitation (562.8/839.1(b6); 562.8/286.1(y3); 562.8/446.0(y4) differed by 970 pm. These measured masses were shown in our HRAM LCMS system to be interferences and not OT‐R/A. When we selected a mass window of ≤6 ppm, our HRAM system was unable to detect native OT‐R/A while OT‐R/A was detectable after spiking with OT down to 10 pg/mL plus OT‐d5‐R/A was detected each time after adding OT‐d5 as internal standard.Underivatized OT was correctly measured in monkeys by LCMSMS after SPE purification using MRM transitions 1007‐>723, 285 and 1012‐>723, 290 for the singly protonated native OT and OT‐d5, respectively with basal levels <LLOQ (10 pg/mL; Lee, 2017), which is in excellent agreement with our results. Similarly, others reported mean circulating OT levels <10 pg/mL in non‐pregnant/lactating humans using 2D‐LCMSMS (1–2 pg/mL; Zhang, 2011) with 3 of the 10 subjects <LLOQ (1 pg/mL) and ELISA after SPE (Carson, 2015; mean 6.7 pg/mL) or <2 pg/mL using RIA after SPE (van Londen, 1997; Modahl, 1998). Accurate OT methods find <10 pg/mL OT in serum/plasma of non‐pregnant/lactating/OT medicated humans.PMIDs: Brandtzaeg 27528413; Carson 25349162; Comminos 28112678; Lee 28289281; Leng 27467712; Modahl 9513736; Semba 28508553; van Londen 9326754; Zhang 21609710Support or Funding InformationnoneThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Is the serum oxytocin level altered by treatment in rheumatoid arthritis patients complicated with depression?

The objective of this study was to investigate the factors associated with depression, including serum oxytocin (OXT) levels, disease activity, activities of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL), and their effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study included 42 RA patients who received treatment with a biological agent. We measured the following variables before and after 6 months of treatment: baseline characteristics, including age, sex, disease duration, smoking, and body mass index (BMI); prednisolone and methotrexate dose; serum level of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3); erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); and C-reactive protein (CRP) level. The disease activity of RA was assessed using the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI); depression was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D); ADL was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire; and QOL was assessed using the Short Form (SF)-36. Serum OXT levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The HAM-D score significantly correlated with the SDAI, and the mental component summary (MCS) score of SF-36. However, the serum OXT levels did not correlate with the HAM-D score. Regression analysis using the HAM-D score as the objective variable identified female sex, smoking, BMI, and all the three component scores of SF-36, but not serum OXT levels, as significant factors. Comparisons between before and after treatment showed that the HAM-D score improved from 5 to 1.5; however, the serum OXT levels did not change. The variables of female sex, smoking, BMI, and QOL correlated with depression complicated with RA. However, serum OXT levels did not correlate directly.

Longer trinucleotide repeats of androgen receptor are associated with higher testosterone and low oxytocin levels in diabetic premature ejaculatory dysfunction patients

BackgroundDespite its worldwide high occurrence, the obscurity regarding the description, epidemiology and management of premature ejaculation remains provocative. It is well established that male premature ejaculatory dysfunction is an increasing problem due to spontaneous ejaculation across a variety of general and clinical subjects. The main goal of this study was to determine the relationships between trinucleotide repeats of the androgen receptor (AR), sex steroids, and pituitary hormones with sexual function in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and reported with acquired premature ejaculation (PE).MethodsA total of 150 normal and 250 PE + DM subjects were enrolled in this study. Each subject was invited to fill out an elaborative questionnaire to acquire precise selective information regarding BMI, duration of PE + DM, self-reported Intra-Vaginal Ejaculatory Latency Time (IELT), sexual and mental health status by using the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between clinical, hormonal, and genetic variables. Ward’s minimum variance cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used for evaluation of dependence between genetic, clinical, and demographic parameters.ResultsThe patients who have the lowest number of (≤21) (CAG)n repeats have higher serum oxytocin levels (114.2 pg/ml; n = 54, 43.2%) than the controls (69.18 pg/ml; n = 22, 17.6%) and the patients with the highest (≥26) number of (CAG)n repeats (62.9 pg/ml; n = 108, 43.2%).On the other hand, patients who have the highest numbers of (CAG)n repeats (≥26) have higher serum testosterone (6.1 ng/ml; n = 108, 43.2% of cohort) lower prolactin (3.01 ng/ml; n = 108, 43.2% of cohort) levels than the controls and patients with the lowest numbers (≤21) of (CAG)n repeats and their TSH (1.53 mIU/L, P < 0.05) levels are lower than those of controls. In the Pearson correlation model, self-estimated IELT demonstrated significantly negative correlation with both (CAG)n and (GCC)n repeats (r = − 0.16, p = 0.0001; r = − 0.19, p = 0.0001) respectively. These repeats have positive correlation with PEDT (r = 0.28, p = 0.0001: r = 0.24, p = 0.0001, whole model) and inversely correlated with BDI-II (r = − 0.25, p = 0.0001).ConclusionThis study indicates that androgen receptor polymorphism modulates the endocrine effect on ejaculatory reflex and depends strongly on its “cofactors”. Moreover, our results also confirmed an association between long tri-nucleotide repeats of androgen receptor, sex steroids, pituitary, and thyroid hormones in relation to acquired premature ejaculatory dysfunction in diabetic patients. However, endocrine regulation of PE reflex is a complex phenomenon that requires further investigation.

Vitamin A Deficiency Induces Autistic-Like Behaviors in Rats by Regulating the RARβ-CD38-Oxytocin Axis in the Hypothalamus.

Vitamin A (VA) is an essential nutrient for the development of the brain. We previously found that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a significant rate of VA deficiency (VAD). In the current study, we aim to determine whether VAD is a risk factor for the generation of autistic-like behaviors via the transcription factor retinoic acid receptor beta (RARβ)-regulated cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38)-oxytocin (OXT) axis. Gestational VAD or VA supplementation (VAS) rat models are established, and the autistic-like behaviors in the offspring rats are investigated. The different expression levels of RARβ and CD38 in hypothalamic tissue and serum retinol and OXT concentration are tested. Primary cultured rat hypothalamic neurons are treated with all-trans retinoic acid (atRA), and recombinant adenoviruses carrying the rat RARβ (AdRARβ) or RNA interference virus RARβ-siRNA (siRARβ) are used to infect neurons to change RARβ signal. Western blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and intracellular Ca2+ detections are used to investigate the primary regulatory mechanism of RARβ in the CD38-OXT signaling pathway. We found that gestational VAD increases autistic-like behaviors and decreases the expression levels of hypothalamic RARβ and CD38 and serum OXT levels in the offspring. VAS ameliorates these autistic-like behaviors and increases the expression levels of RARβ, CD38, and OXT in the gestational VAD pups. In vitro, atRA increases the Ca2+ excitability of neurons, which might further promote the release of OXT. Different CD38 levels are induced in the neurons by infection with different RARβ adenoviruses. Furthermore, atRA enhances the binding of RARβ to the proximal promoter of CD38, indicating a potential upregulation of CD38 transcriptional activity by RARβ. Gestational VAD might be a risk factor for autistic-like behaviors due to the RARβ signal suppression of CD38 expression in the hypothalamus of the offspring, which improves with VAS during the early-life period. The nutritional status during pregnancy and the early-life period is important in rats.

Serum levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, and oxytocin in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder combined presentation with and without comorbid conduct disorder

The present study aimed to investigate serum cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and oxytocin levels of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) combined presentation and those diagnosed with ADHD combined presentation and coexisting conduct disorder. A total of 74 drug-naive children with ADHD combined presentation alone, 32 children with ADHD combined presentation + conduct disorder, and 42 healthy controls were included. The severities of ADHD and conduct disorder symptoms were assessed via parent- and teacher-rated questionnaires. The severity of aggression, anxiety, and depression symptoms of the children were assessed by the self-report inventories. Independent of potential confounders, including age, sex, pubertal stage, and severity of depression and anxiety, serum oxytocin levels of the ADHD combined presentation + conduct disorder group were significantly lower than those of both the ADHD combined presentation alone and control groups. There was also a trend for the ADHD combined presentation + conduct disorder group to show lower serum DHEA levels than that of the ADHD combined presentation alone group. However, serum cortisol levels did not show significant alterations among the groups. These findings suggest that oxytocin and DHEA may play a role in the pathophysiology of conduct disorder, at least in the presence of ADHD combined presentation.

Yimu San improves obstetric ability of pregnant mice by increasing serum oxytocin levels and connexin 43 expression in uterine smooth muscle.

Prolonged farrowing remains one of the critical challenges in intensive pig farming. This study aims to explore the effects and mechanism of Yimu San (YMS), a Chinese veterinary medicine micro mist, on delivery ability with mouse models. Thirty-two pregnant mice were randomly divided into a control group and low-YMS, med-YMS, and high-YMS groups. The labor process time and stillbirth rate were recorded, the levels of serum oxytocin and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Contractility measurements of the isolated uterus and the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in uterine smooth muscle were evaluated. The results showed that compared with the control group, the birth process time and stillbirth rate in the med-YMS and high-YMS groups were remarkably lower. The in vitro uterine contractions, levels of oxytocin, PGE2, and Cx43 in the med-YMS and high-YMS groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. The differences of the above measurements between the low-YMS group and the control group were not obvious. It can be speculated that YMS could significantly promote labor in pregnant mice by enhancing the levels of oxytocin, Cx43, and PGE2.

Beta-carotene as a novel therapy for the treatment of “Autistic like behavior” in animal models of Autism

Autism-affected individuals are characterized by lower plasma oxytocin and its ectoenzyme regulator CD38. Oxytocin, a hypothalamic hormone secreted upon the release of CD38, plays a role in social behavior and bonding. All-trans retinoic acid is a potent inducer of CD38 and can be used as a novel therapeutic strategy in autism. We investigated the role of beta-carotene in rescuing autistic-like behavior in BALB/c and BTBR mice. Beta-carotene derivatives are preferred as they are neither toxic nor teratogenic. Beta-carotene at 0.1–5.0 mg/kg was administered orally to BALB/c and BTBR newborn mice on days 1–7. They were tested at age 2–3 months for five behavioral tests for “autism”; in addition, brain CD38, oxytocin, oxytocin receptor, Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and retinoic acid receptor gene expression, serum oxytocin levels, and neurological score were evaluated.Beta-carotene administered at birth significantly increased T-maze alternations and led to longer time spent with an unfamiliar mouse in the “three-chamber test” and less time spent in the empty chamber. Furthermore, enhanced activity in the open field test; increased time spent in the reciprocal social interaction test; decreased grooming and bedding behaviors; and enhanced brain CD38, oxytocin, oxytocin receptor, BDNF, retinoic acid gene expression, and serum oxytocin levels. No changes in neurological score were observed.Beta-carotene oral supplementation to BALB/c and BTBR mice at birth significantly reduced restricted and stereotyped behaviors and interests, increased social interactions and communication, CD38, and oxytocin, probably by enhancing brain neuroplasticity without toxicity. Thus, beta-carotene administered after birth to newborns of families predisposed to “autism” has the potential to prevent/ameliorate” autistic like behavior”. These results support further clinical studies.

Effects of paternal deprivation on cocaine-induced behavioral response and hypothalamic oxytocin immunoreactivity and serum oxytocin level in female mandarin voles

Early paternal behavior plays a critical role in behavioral development in monogamous species. The vast majority of laboratory studies investigating the influence of parental behavior on cocaine vulnerability focus on the effects of early maternal separation. However, comparable studies on whether early paternal deprivation influences cocaine-induced behavioral response are substantially lacking. Mandarin vole (Microtus mandarinus) is a monogamous rodent with high levels of paternal care. After mandarin vole pups were subjected to early paternal deprivation, acute cocaine- induced locomotion, anxiety- like behavior and social behavior were examined in 45day old female pups, while hypothalamic oxytocin immunoreactivity and serum oxytocin level were also assessed. We found that cocaine increased locomotion and decreased social investigation, contact behavior and serum oxytocin level regardless of paternal care. Cocaine increased anxiety levels and decreased oxytocin immunoreactive neurons of the paraventricular nuclei and supraoptic nuclei in the bi-parental care group, whilst there were no specific effects in the paternal deprivation group. These results indicate that paternal deprivation results in different behavioral response to acute cocaine exposure in adolescents, which may be in part associated with the alterations in oxytocin immunoreactivity and peripheral OT level.

Oxytocin secretion is pulsatile in men and is related to social-emotional functioning

The hypothalamic hormone oxytocin (OXT) plays an important role in a range of physiological processes and social-emotional functioning in both sexes. In women, physiological stimuli, such as suckling and parturition, result in pulsatile release of OXT into the peripheral circulation via the posterior pituitary gland. However, data regarding OXT secretory patterns in men during a state of rest are limited. Further, the relationship between secretory dynamics of OXT and emotional measures has never been evaluated. We hypothesized a pulsatile pattern of OXT secretion in men, and explored the relationship between OXT secretory patterns and social-emotional functioning. MethodsDeconvolution analysis was performed on serum OXT levels obtained every 5min over a period of 10h in 5 healthy normal weight men. Area under the curve (AUC), average OXT values, and pulse characteristics [pulse number, inter-pulse interval, pulse height and mass (area under each pulse)] were calculated. State Adult Attachment Measure (SAAM) assessed types of human attachment. Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) assessed perception of social support. Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) measured the ability to express and identify one’s own emotions. ResultsMean age was 22.8±1.2years, and BMI was 21.7±0.4kg/m2 (mean±SEM). Assuming a basal secretion of zero and a half life of five to seven minutes, we demonstrated the following: OXT AUC: 5421±1331pg/ml, mean OXT level: 9.1pg/ml, mean pulse number: 22±3/10hr, mean pulse height: 1.81±0.48pg/ml, mean pulse mass: 30.34±10.29pg/ml and mean inter-pulse interval: 27±4min. The SAAM Avoidant scale correlated negatively with mean OXT pulse height (r=−0.90, p=0.04) and pulse mass (r=−0.95, p=0.01). The ISEL Belonging score correlated positively with OXT AUC (r=0.89, p=0.04) and average OXT (r=0.93, p=0.02). ISEL Appraisal score also had a positive association with mean OXT pulse height (r=0.99, p=0.0006) and pulse mass (r=0.98, p=0.003). Finally, ISEL total score had a significant correlation with average OXT values (r=0.90, p=0.04). While none of the subjects had a score in the alexithymia range, TAS-20 Difficulty describing feelings score had an inverse correlation with OXT pulse height (r=−0.96, p=0.01) and pulse mass (r=−0.99, p=0.001). TAS-20 total score also had an inverse correlation with OXT pulse height (r=−0.94, p=0.02) and pulse mass (r=−0.96, p=0.009). ConclusionWe demonstrate a pulsatile pattern of peripheral OXT secretion in healthy men at rest. Subjects with lower OXT pulse height and pulse mass had a more avoidant style of attachment, felt less supported, and expressed greater difficulty in describing their feelings. Our findings support the concept that OXT is a key mediator of social-emotional functioning. Future studies to determine causality are warranted.

Serum Irisin and Oxytocin Levels as Predictors of Metabolic Parameters in Obese Children.

Objective:Irisin and oxytocin can affect energy homeostasis and it has been suggested that they may play an important role in reducing obesity and diabetes. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between metabolic parameters (including irisin and oxytocin levels) and anthropometric parameters in obese children.Methods:Ninety obese children (mean age, 13.85±1.63 years) and 30 healthy controls (mean age, 14.32±1.58 years) were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric and laboratory parameters (glucose, insulin, lipid, oxytocin, and irisin levels) were analyzed. The serum irisin and oxytocin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bioelectrical impedance was used to determine body composition.Results:Irisin level was higher in the patients than in the controls (p=0.018), and this higher irisin level was correlated with increased systolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist/hip ratio, fat percentage, fat mass, glucose level, insulin level, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Serum oxytocin level was significantly decreased in obese children compared to the controls (p=0.049). Also, among the 60 obese patients, oxytocin level was significantly lower in patients with than in those without metabolic syndrome (8.65±2.69 vs. 10.87±5.93 ng/L, respectively), while irisin levels were comparable (p=0.049 and p=0.104, respectively). There were no statistically significant relationships between oxytocin or irisin levels and lipid levels (p>0.05).Conclusion:Obese children had significantly higher irisin levels than the healthy controls. Additionally, this study shows for the first time that oxytocin level is significantly lower in obese compared with non-obese children and also lower in obese children with metabolic syndrome compared to those without.

Oxytocin and Its Relationship to Body Composition, Bone Mineral Density, and Hip Geometry Across the Weight Spectrum.

Oxytocin (OXT), an anorexigenic hypothalamic hormone anabolic to bone, may reflect energy availability. Basal serum OXT levels are lower in anorexia nervosa (AN, state of energy deficit) than healthy controls (HC) and negatively associated with spine bone mineral density (BMD). Reports are conflicting regarding OXT levels in overweight/obesity (OB, state of energy excess). Relationships between OXT and BMD in OB and hip geometry across the weight spectrum are unknown. To determine whether overnight serum OXT levels are (1) elevated in OB and (2) associated with body composition, BMD, and hip geometry across the weight spectrum. Cross-sectional. Clinical research center. Fifty-nine women, ages 18 to 45 years: amenorrheic AN (N = 16), eumenorrheic HC (N = 24), eumenorrheic OB (N = 19). Serum sampled every 20 minutes from 8 pm to 8 am and pooled for integrated overnight OXT levels. Body composition, BMD, and hip structural analysis measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry. OXT levels were lowest in AN, higher in HC, and highest in OB (P ≤ 0.02). There were positive associations between OXT and (1) body mass index (P = 0.0004); (2) total, visceral, and subcutaneous fat (P ≤ 0.0002); (3) spine and hip BMD Z-scores (P ≤ 0.01); and (4) favorable hip geometry, namely buckling ratio (P ≤ 0.05). In a subset analysis of HC and OB, relationships between OXT and body composition, but not bone parameters, remained significant. These data suggest OXT is a marker of energy availability and may be a mediator of bone density, structure, and strength. OXT pathways may provide targets for obesity and osteoporosis treatment.

Serum Oxytocin Levels and an Oxytocin Receptor Gene Polymorphism (rs2254298) Indicate Social Deficits in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) and its receptor (OXTR) have been predicted to be involved in the regulation of social functioning in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Objective of the study was to investigate serum OT levels and the OXTR rs2254298 polymorphism in Chinese Han children and adolescents with ASD as well as to identify their social deficits relevant to the oxytocinergic system. We tested serum OT levels using ELISA in 55 ASD subjects and 110 typically developing (TD) controls as well as genotyped the OXTR rs2254298 polymorphism using PCR-RFLP in 100 ASD subjects and 232 TD controls. Autistic symptoms were assessed by the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). There were no significant associations between OXTR rs2254298 polymorphism and ASD, serum OT levels and age, as well as serum OT levels and intelligent quotient (IQ) in both ASD and TD groups. However, ASD subjects exhibited elevated serum OT levels compared to TD controls and positive correlations between serum OT levels and “adaptation to change score” in the CARS and CARS total scores. Moreover, in the ASD group, significant relationships were revealed between the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2254298 and serum OT levels, the category “stereotypes and object use” in the ABC and the category “adaptation to change” in the CARS. These findings indicated that individuals with ASD may exhibit a dysregulation in OT on the basis of changes in OXTR gene expression as well as environmentally induced alterations of the oxytocinergic system to determine their social deficits.

The neurobiology of social deficits in female patients with borderline personality disorder: The importance of oxytocin.

Social deficits and emotional dysregulation have been suggested as explanations for the relational difficulties experienced by patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) is a possible neurobiological underpinning of these adversities, and this study examines possible correlations between BPD symptomatology and serum OXT. Thirty-eight female participants (BPD group n=18, matched control group n=20) with a mean age of 29.5years (standard deviation 9.2) were assessed for personality disorders, general psychopathology, childhood trauma and perceived stress. OXT was measured in serum samples. We found no significant difference between patient and control group in terms of OXT levels. However, post hoc analysis showed a relationship in the patient group between civil status and OXT (p<0.05), indicating higher levels of OXT for patients in a romantic relationship. The idea of OXT as a pro-social love hormone is perhaps too simplistic, and factors like attachment style, exposure to trauma and psychiatric disorders must be considered in order to understand its diverse functions. Contrary to our expectations, we did not find lower serum OXT levels in the BPD group. However, BPD patients in a romantic relationship had higher levels of serum OXT than single BPD patients. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The function of oxytocin: a potential biomarker for prostate cancer diagnosis and promoter of prostate cancer.

PurposeTo measure the level of oxytocin in serum and prostate cancer (PCa) tissue and study its effect on the proliferation of PCa cells.ResultsOxytocin level in serum was significantly increased in PCa patients compared with the no-carcinoma individuals. Additionally, the levels of oxytocin and its receptor were also elevated in the PCa tissue. However, no significant difference existed among the PCa of various Gleason grades. Western blot analysis confirmed the previous results and revealed an increased expression level of APPL1.Materials and methodsThe level of oxytocin in serum was measured by ELISA analysis. The expression of oxytocin and its receptor in prostate was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The proliferation and apoptosis of PCa cells were assessed by the Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) assay, cell cycle analysis and caspase3 activity analysis, respectively. Western blot analysis was used for the detection of PCNA, Caspase3 and APPL1 protein levels.ConclusionsSerum and prostatic oxytocin levels are increased in the PCa subjects. Serum oxytocin level may be a biomarker for PCa in the future. Oxytocin increases PCa growth and APPL1 expression.

Comparing gestating sows housing between electronic sow feeding system and a conventional stall over three consecutive parities

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of gestating sows housed in groups with electronic sow feeding (ESF) system over three consecutive parities. A total of 83 pregnant gilts [Yorkshire×Landrace] were housed into ST: gilts housed in individual stalls, and ESF: gilts housed in groups with ESF system on the basis of body weight (BW) and backfat thickness (BFT) in a completely randomized design. Rice hulls were used as bedding material on the group housing floor. The same commercial gestating diet was provided daily at 2.0kg, 2.2kg and 2.4kg/day in the first, second and third parity, respectively, in both treatments. All sows introduced farrowing crates five days before expected farrowing. BW and BFT of the sows were measured at d 35, and 110 of gestation as well as at 12h and d 21 postpartum. Parturition time was recorded during farrowing. Reproductive performance, including total born, stillborn, mummy, born alive, mortality, weaning pigs as well as litter and piglet weight were recorded. Scratch incidence and locomotion scores in sows were assessed at d 36, 70, and 110, respectively. Ten sows in each treatment were randomly selected for blood sampling. Serum samples were analyzed for cortisol and oxytocin levels. In the gestation period, ESF tended to increase BW gain in the second parity (P=0.08), and consistently showed significance during the third parity (P<0.01), resulting in higher BW at d 110 (P=0.10, P<0.03 in parities 2 and 3, respectively). Similarly, BFT gain tended to be higher in ESF than ST (P=0.08, P=0.10 in parity 1 and 2, respectively). Estimated body fat contents changes are also higher in ESF regardless of the parities (P<0.01, P<0.02, P=0.10 in parities 1, 2, and 3, respectively). However, there were no significant differences on sow BW and BFT changes during lactation. There was a tendency of shorten duration of farrowing in the ESF treatment (P=0.07, P=0.09, and P=0.10 in parities 1, 2, and 3, respectively). In reproductive performances, higher piglet stillborn in ST was observed (P=0.06, P=0.07 in parities 2 and 3, respectively). In endocrinal analysis, ST higher serum cortisol was observed at d 110 of gestation (P<0.01 in parity 1), whereas no detectable difference was observed in the serum oxytocin level. Higher incidence of body scratch was scored in ESF treatment in early gestation in all parities (P<0.01). Likewise, ESF treatment were observed higher locomotor disorders in the middle and late gestation periods (P=0.07). In conclusion, our results suggested that the Group housing with ESF system showed higher growth performance and survival rate of piglets. However, more incidences of body scratch and higher locomotion disorder scores observed in the ESF sows was due to the combination of persistent fighting around the ESF machines and inadequate bedding materials. Consequently, it is necessary to consider an adequate space divider or barrier for gestating sows to avoid aggression in the group housing with ESF system.

Intranasal oxytocin reduces provoked symptoms in female patients with posttraumatic stress disorder despite exerting sympathomimetic and positive chronotropic effects in a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychiatric disease accompanied by neuroendocrine changes such as adrenergic overdrive and hence an elevated cardiovascular morbidity. Current pharmacotherapeutic options for PTSD are less than suboptimal, necessitating the development of PTSD-specific drugs. Although the neuropeptide oxytocin has been repeatedly suggested to be effective in PTSD treatment, there are, to our knowledge, only three studies that have assessed its efficacy on the intensity of PTSD symptoms in PTSD patients – among them one symptom provocation study in male veterans.MethodsTo evaluate for the first time how oxytocin influences the intensity of provoked PTSD symptoms and, furthermore, cardiac control in female PTSD patients, we assessed their psychic and cardiac response to trauma-script exposure with and without oxytocin pretreatment in a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. We used a within-subject design to study 35 female PTSD patients who received oxytocin and placebo in a 2-week interval. Furthermore, we performed a small pilot study to get an idea of the relation of the stress-modulated endogenous oxytocin levels and heart rate - we correlated oxytocin serum levels with the heart rate of 10 healthy individuals before and after exposure to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST).ResultsIntranasal oxytocin treatment was followed by a reduction of provoked total PTSD symptoms, in particular of avoidance, and by an elevation in baseline and maximum heart rate together with a drop in the pre-ejection period, a marker for sympathetic cardiac control. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between endogenous oxytocin levels and heart rate both before and after TSST challenge in healthy control subjects.ConclusionsThis study provides the first evidence that oxytocin treatment reduces the intensity of provoked PTSD symptoms in female PTSD patients. The small size of both samples and the heterogeneity of the patient sample restrict the generalizability of our findings. Future studies have to explore the gender dependency and the tolerability of the oxytocin-mediated increase in heart rate.This randomized controlled trial was retrospectively registered at the German Trials Register (DRKS00009399) on the 02 October 2015.

Increased oxytocin levels among abstinent heroin addicts: Association with aggressiveness, psychiatric symptoms and perceived childhood neglect

A disruption of the oxytocin system seems to affect a variety of brain functions including emotions, mood and social behavior possibly underlying severe social deficits and susceptibility for substance use and mental health disorders. Early life adversity, such as insecure attachment in childhood, has been suggested to influence oxytocin tone contributing to a condition of neurobiological vulnerability.Aim of the present study was to investigate oxytocin serum levels in abstinent heroin addicted patients, in comparison with healthy controls, and the possible correlation with co-occurring psychiatric symptoms, aggressiveness and perception of parental neglect. Eighteen (18) abstinent patients, affected by heroin use disorders, and 18 control subjects, who never used drugs or abused alcohol, were included in the study and submitted to 1) collection of a blood sample for oxytocin assay, 2) Symptoms Check List 90 for psychiatric symptoms evaluation 3) Buss Durkee Hostility Inventory to measure aggressiveness 4) Child Experience of Care and Abuse-Questionnaire to retrospectively test the perception of parental neglect. Heroin exposure extent and heroin dosages were also recorded. Oxytocin serum levels were unexpectedly significantly higher among abstinent patients affected by heroin use disorders and positively correlated with psychiatric symptoms, aggressiveness and mother neglect scores. No correlation was evidenced between oxytocin and heroin exposure extent or dosages. Our findings appear to contradict the simplistic view of oxytocin as a pro-social hormone and confirm previous evidence concerning the peptide levels direct association with aggressive behavior and mood disorders. Considering a more complex mechanism, oxytocin would increase the sensitivity to social salience cues related to contextual or inter-individual factors, promoting pro-sociality in “safe” conditions and, in contrast, inducing more defensive and “anti-social” emotions and behaviors when the social cues are interpreted as “unsafe”. This latter condition is often characterizing the clinical history of addicted patients.