Pituitary-gonadal Axis Hormones Research Articles

Acute and chronic hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with various endocrine abnormalities, including pituitary axis dysfunction. Understanding the prevalence and temporal patterns of these dysfunctions is crucial for effective clinical management. This study aimed to systematically review the literature and conduct a meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of pituitary axis dysfunction following TBI, assess temporal patterns across different post-injury durations, and identify potential contributing factors. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple electronic databases between 1st of January 2000 until 31st March 2024. Studies reporting the prevalence of pituitary axis dysfunction post-TBI were included. Pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models in the R statistical software. Subgroup analyses were performed based on duration post-TBI (< 3 months, 3–6 months, 6–12 months, > 12 months) to explore temporal variations. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I^2 statistic. A total of 52 studies were included in the meta-analysis, encompassing 7367 participants. The pooled estimate for the prevalence of any pituitary axis dysfunction post-TBI was 33% (95% CI [28%; 37%]). Subgroup analysis by duration revealed varying prevalence rates: < 3 months (40%, 95% CI [27%; 53%]), 3–6 months (31%, 95% CI [15%; 47%]), 6–12 months (26%, 95% CI [19%; 33%]), and > 12 months (32%, 95% CI [26%; 38%]). Prevalence of multiple axes affection was 7% (95% CI [6%; 9%]), with varying rates across durations. Specific axes affection varied: Growth Hormone (GH) deficiency was 18% (95% CI [14%; 21%]), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency was 10% (95% CI [8%; 13%]), pituitary–gonadal axis hormones deficiency was 16% (95% CI [12%; 19%]), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) deficiency was 6% (95% CI [5%; 7%]). This meta-analysis highlights a significant prevalence of pituitary axis dysfunction following TBI, with temporal variations observed across different post-injury durations. The findings underscore the importance of tailored clinical management strategies based on the duration and type of dysfunction. Further research addressing potential contributing factors is warranted to enhance understanding and management of these conditions.

The Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Silk Cocoon on Hypothalamic-Pituitary -Gonadal Axis in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats.

Background Diabetes mellitus impairs the reproductive system by damaging the glands and changing their function and hormone secretions. Given the previous studies on medical properties of silk cocoon, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of silk cocoon on pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and the testis changes in diabetic male rats. Methods In this experimental study, 35 male rats were divided into 5 equal groups. Control (C), nontreated diabetic rats (DNT1), and experimental diabetic rats treated (DT1) with a silk cocoon extract at concentrations of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 56 days. Diabetes was induced by an injection of streptozotocin. Blood sampling was performed by the tail and heart after fasting. Body weight, serum levels of glucose, prolactin, leptin, inhibin A, IGF-2, activin A, insulin, LH, testosterone, FSH, and GnRH were measured along with the testis weight and diameter as the outcome of the study. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20. Results Investigation of hormonal factors indicated that all diabetic groups had higher prolactin, inhibin A levels than those in C group and lower leptin, IGF-2, activin A, insulin, LH, testosterone, FSH, and GnRH levels than controls. Silk cocoon treatment significantly decreased prolactin and inhibin in comparison of DNT1 group. While there was a significant increase in leptin, IGF-2, activin A, insulin, LH, testosterone, FSH, and GnRH levels compared with DNT1 (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in both the testis weights and diameters was observed in diabetic male rats compared to controls (P < 0.05). While silk cocoon treatment improved gonadal weight, the diameter of tunica albuginea, and seminiferous tubules as long as increased in numbers of spermatocytes and Sertoli-Leydig cells. Spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid, spermatozoid, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cell count were significantly lower in the DNT1 group in comparison with the control group, while all groups receiving the highest dose of SC800 mg/kg daily had a higher count of cells than the DNT1 group. Conclusion It seems that silk cocoon treatment decreases the effects of diabetes on hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal axis.

Hypogonadism in Male Patients with Pituitary Adenoma and Its Related Mechanism: A Review of Literature.

Maintaining normal gonadal axis hormone levels is important for improving the condition of male patients with pituitary adenoma. The current literature is somewhat divided on the results of evaluations of gonadal axis function in male patients with pituitary adenoma before and after treatment, and the increasing demand for better quality of life has provided motivation for this research to continue. In this article, we summarize the feasibility of using testosterone as an indicator for assessing male function and discuss the changes reported in various studies for gonadal hormones before and after treatment in male patients with pituitary adenoma. It is important for clinicians to understand the advantages of each treatment option and the effectiveness of assessing gonadal function. The rationale behind the theory that pituitary adenomas affect gonadal function and the criteria for evaluating pituitary–gonadal axis hormones should be explored in more depth.

Standardized Extract of Costus Afer Ker. Gawl leaves Modulates Reproductive Toxicity Caused by FructoseStreptozotocin Administration in Type-2 Diabetic Rats Model

Background: Co-administration of streptozotocin and fructose is believed to induce type 2 diabetes as well as to cause reproductive toxicity and testicular damage via increasing oxidative stress in rats. Objectives: In this study, the potential protective effect of Costus afer leaves methanol extract (CAME) on andrological parameters and pituitary-gonadal axis hormones of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in rats treated with streptozotocin and fructose was investigated. Methods: A total of 35 rats were divided into five groups, each including seven rats. Group 1 received normal saline, whereas T2D was induced in rats from groups 2, 3, 4, and 5. Group 2 served as diabetic control; while groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated orally with 12 mg/kg body weight (BW) of metformin as well as 100 and 200 BW of CAME, respectively, for 4 weeks. Hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal responses, andrological parameters, DNA fragmentation, and oxidative stress parameters of the reproductive organs were examined in all treatment groups. Results: Administration of CAME reduced the degenerative changes in testes, epididymis and improved pituitary-gonadal axis hormone concentrations, and sperm morphology occasioned by the treatments. Conclusion: It was concluded that the administration of CAME ameliorated reproductive abnormalities in T2D rat models treated with streptozotocin-fructose administration.

Protective effects of Abelmoschus esculentus hydroalcoholic extract on changes in pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and testicular tissue in streptozotocin-induced diabetic adult rats

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of different doses Abelmoschus esculentus hydroalcoholic extract (AEHE) on changes in pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and testicular tissue in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic adult rats. Materials and Methods: The rats were randomly divided into six groups of six. The control group did not receive treatment, but the STZ60 group received 60 mg/kg STZ intraperitoneally for 3 days to induce diabetes and the AEHE400 group received 400 mg/kg AEHE orally for 28 days. The STZ60 + AEHE100, 200 and 400 groups first received 60 mg/kg STZ intraperitoneally for 3 days to induce diabetes and then received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg AEHE, respectively, for 28 days orally. At the end of the study, the hormonal levels were measured by ELISA method, and the testicular tissue was evaluated histopathologically. Results: Hormonal results represented that compared to the control and AEHE400 groups, the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels had increased in STZ60 group, and testosterone level had decreased. In the STZ60 + AEHE groups, FSH, LH and testosterone levels were improved compared to the STZ60 group. Histopathological findings also showed that compared to the control and AEHE400 groups, the number of spermatogenic and Leydig cells decreased in STZ60 group, but there were no changes in Sertoli cells. In the STZ60 + AEHE groups, an improvement in the number of spermatogenic and Leydig cells was observed compared to the STZ60 group. Conclusion: At the optimum dose (400 mg/kg), AEHE has protective effects on the testicular tissue and levels of pituitary-gonadal axis hormones in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Cannabinoids and Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Treatment.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Approximately 70–80% of BCs express estrogen receptors (ER), which predict the response to endocrine therapy (ET), and are therefore hormone receptor-positive (HR+). Endogenous cannabinoids together with cannabinoid receptor 1 and 2 (CB1, CB2) constitute the basis of the endocannabinoid system. Interactions of cannabinoids with hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis hormones are well documented, and two studies found a positive correlation between peak plasma endogenous cannabinoid anandamide with peak plasma 17β-estradiol, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels at ovulation in healthy premenopausal women. Do cannabinoids have an effect on HR+ BC? In this paper we review known and possible interactions between cannabinoids and specific HR+ BC treatments. In preclinical studies, CB1 and CB2 agonists (i.e., anandamide, THC) have been shown to inhibit the proliferation of ER positive BC cell lines. There is less evidence for antitumor cannabinoid action in HR+ BC in animal models and there are no clinical trials exploring the effects of cannabinoids on HR+ BC treatment outcomes. Two studies have shown that tamoxifen and several other selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) can act as inverse agonists on CB1 and CB2, an interaction with possible clinical consequences. In addition, cannabinoid action could interact with other commonly used endocrine and targeted therapies used in the treatment of HR+ BC.

Influence of N-acetylcysteine on pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and protamine expression level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats

Objective: To study the influence of N-acetylcysteine on the pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and protamine expression level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats. Methods: Forty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups, with 7 rats in each group. The control group left untreated; the streptozotocin group only received 50 mg/kg body weight streptozotocin intraperitoneally for 5 days to induce diabetes; the N-acetylcysteine group only received 200 mg/kg body weight N-acetylcysteine intraperitoneally, and the streptozotocin+N- acetylcysteine groups 1, 2 and 3 received 50 mg/kg streptozotocin intraperitoneally for 5 days to induce diabetes and then received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight doses of N-acetylcysteine intraperitoneally for 28 days, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone, and real-time PCR was applied for measuring protamine expression level. Results: Compared to the control and N-acetylcysteine groups, a significant decrease in the body weight, testicular weight and levels of testosterone and protamine expression was observed in the streptozotocin group and the streptozotocin+N-acetylcysteine groups 1 and 2. On the contrary, the levels of LH and FSH increased significantly. In the streptozotocin+N-acetylcysteine group 3, the body weight, testicular weight and expression level of protamine were significantly higher than those of the streptozotocin group. In the streptozotocin+N-acetylcysteine groups, testosterone and LH levels were significantly higher than and lower than the streptozotocin group, respectively. In the streptozotocin+N- acetylcysteine groups 2 and 3, the level of FSH was significantly lower than that of the streptozotocin group and streptozotocin+N- acetylcysteine group 1. Furthermore, a significant increase in the expression level of protamine was observed in the streptozotocin+N- acetylcysteine groups 2 and 3 when compared to the streptozotocin group and streptozotocin+N-acetylcysteine group 1. Conclusions: N-acetylcysteine in an optimal dose of 400 mg/kg body weight has a protective influence on the pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and also on the expression level of protamine in diabetic male rats.

Protective effect of N-acetylcysteine on changes in serum levels of Pituitary–Gonadal axis hormones and testicular tissue in acrylamide-treated adult rats

Background: Acrylamide (ACR) has cytotoxic effects on various tissues of the body, including the reproductive system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on changes in serum levels of pituitary–gonadal axis hormones and testicular tissue in ACR-treated adult rats. Materials and Methods: Forty-two adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 7 equal groups including control group, sham group received only distilled water intraperitoneally, ACR group received 50 mg/kg ACR orally, NAC group received 40 mg/kg NAC intraperitoneally and ACR+NAC1, ACR+NAC2 and ACR+NAC3 groups received 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg NAC intraperitoneally, respectively, and then received 50 mg/kg ACR orally. After 28 days of treatment, serum levels of LH, FSH and testosterone were measured by ELISA method, and the testicular tissue was evaluated histopathologically. Results: Hormonal and histopathological analysis indicated that compared to the control, sham and NAC groups, the administration of ACR alone decreased FSH and testosterone levels while increased LH level, and also, it decreased spermatogenic and Leydig cells, but it had no effect on Sertoli cells. The administration of NAC alone had no influence on the level of hormones and spermatogenesis. Coadministration of ACR+NAC ameliorated the serum levels of FSH, LH and testosterone and increased the number of spermatogenic and Leydig cells and recovered spermatogenesis disrupts, in a dose-dependent manner compared to the ACR group. Conclusion: As a potent antioxidant, NAC could inhibit ACR-induced toxicity effects in a dose-dependent manner and ameliorate spermatogenesis in rats.

Impact of Pituitary-Gonadal Axis Hormones on Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Men.

The association of sex hormone (estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone) with cardiopulmonary disease has already attracted great attention, especially in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the impact of sex hormones and their pituitary stimulators (follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone) on PAH in men remains unclear. We conducted a prospective cohort study recruiting 95 patients with idiopathic PAH from 2008 to 2014 and following up for a median of 65 months for death. Compared with control, abnormal plasma levels of sex hormones were more common in patients with PAH. Higher estradiol and estradiol/testosterone levels were associated with risk of PAH diagnosis (odds ratio per ln estradiol, 3.55; P<0.001; odds ratio per ln estradiol/testosterone, 4.30; P<0.001), whereas higher testosterone and progesterone were associated with a reduced risk (odds ratio per ln testosterone, 0.48; P=0.003; odds ratio per ln progesterone, 0.09; P<0.001). Fifty patients died during follow-up. Men with higher estradiol had increased mortality (hazard ratio per ln estradiol, 2.02; P=0.007), even after adjustment for baseline characteristics and PAH treatment. According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, patients with PAH with higher estradiol level (≥145.55 pmol/L) had worse 5-year survival rate compared with those with lower estradiol (38.6% versus 68.2%; log-rank test P=0.001). Therefore, our data show higher estradiol, estradiol/testosterone ratio, lower testosterone, and progesterone were associated with increased risk of PAH. Meanwhile, higher estradiol was independently associated with higher mortality in men with PAH. Further studies are needed to explain the origin of these hormonal derangements and their potential pathophysiological implications in PAH.

Cadmium delays puberty onset and testis growth in adolescents.

Cadmium (Cd) has been shown to impair pubertal development in experimental animals. However, no data are available for male adolescents with increased urinary cadmium levels. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate pubertal onset and pituitary-gonadal axis hormones in male adolescents with increased urinary levels of Cd. We studied 111 males, aged 12-14 years living in the Milazzo-Valle del Mela area. A control age-matched population (n = 60) living 28-45 km far from the industrial site was also enrolled. Pubertal stages were assessed by clinical examination according to Tanner's score. Mean testicular volume was also investigated by ultrasound examination. Urinary Cd concentration and blood levels of FSH, LH, testosterone and inhibin B were also investigated. Cd levels were significantly higher in adolescents living in the Milazzo-Valle del Mela area, compared to both age-matched subjects living far from the industrial plants and the reference values. Our population showed also a delayed onset of puberty, a smaller testicular volume and lower testosterone levels. An inverse correlation was found between urinary Cd and testicular volume (r = -0·25; P = 0·0008), testosterone levels (Spearman's r = -0·0·37; two-tailed P < 0·0001) and LH levels (Spearman's r = 0·048; P < 0·05). Testosterone levels were positively correlated with testicular volume (Spearman's r = 0·48; P < 0·0001). This study, for the first time, suggests that increased Cd burden is associated with delayed onset of puberty in male adolescents and impaired testicular growth.

Effect of Noise and Crowding Stresses on Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal Axis and Protective Effect of Sulpiride Drug in Adult Female Albino Rats

Background: Noise and crowdingare the most stressful factors which cause depressant effects on human beings, especially females.Therfore this study was aimed at clarifying their effects on hypothalamus pituitary gonadal axis hormones (luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen (E2)and progesterone as well as prolactin (PRL)and the possible protective effect of antidepressant drug;sulpiride. Material and Methods: Sixty adult female rats were divided into six groups (10/each): 1- Rats served ascontrol, 2- Rats treated with sulpiride drug only, 3- Rats exposed to noise (90db, 3hr. per day) for 45 days, 4- Rats exposed to noise and treated with sulpiride drug, 5- Rats exposed to crowding and 6- Rats exposed to crowding and treated with sulpiride drug. Results: Noise and crowding stresses caused a significant decrease of estrogen (E2), progesterone (P), LH and FSH levels and high significant increase in PRL level. Sulpiride drug ameliorated these parameters changes except PRL level which showed a high significant level compared to control group. Conclusion: it is useful to use antidepressant drug (e.g. sulpiride) with people who are exposing to noise and crowding stress.

Effect of Noise and Crowding Stresses on Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal Axis and Protective Effect of Sulpiride Drug in Adult Female Albino Rats

Background: Noise and crowdingare the most stressful factors which cause depressant effects on human beings, especially females.Therfore this study was aimed at clarifying their effects on hypothalamus pituitary gonadal axis hormones (luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen (E2)and progesterone as well as prolactin (PRL)and the possible protective effect of antidepressant drug;sulpiride. Material and Methods: Sixty adult female rats were divided into six groups (10/each): 1- Rats served ascontrol, 2- Rats treated with sulpiride drug only, 3- Rats exposed to noise (90db, 3hr. per day) for 45 days, 4- Rats exposed to noise and treated with sulpiride drug, 5- Rats exposed to crowding and 6- Rats exposed to crowding and treated with sulpiride drug. Results: Noise and crowding stresses caused a significant decrease of estrogen (E2), progesterone (P), LH and FSH levels and high significant increase in PRL level. Sulpiride drug ameliorated these parameters changes except PRL level which showed a high significant level compared to control group. Conclusion: it is useful to use antidepressant drug (e.g. sulpiride) with people who are exposing to noise and crowding stress.

Pituitary-Gonadal, Pituitary-Adrenocortical Hormones and IL-6 Levels Following Long-Term Magnesium Supplementation in Male Students

Abstract Background: Sleep deprivation, malnutrition and lack of physical activity are contemporary stress-related factors present in the student population. Stress activates the HPA and often suppresses the HPG axis, but also influences cytokine synthesis and consequently regulates immune response. Since magnesium deficiency facilitates negative pathophysiological consequences, a reasonable question imposes, wheth er Mg supplementation might correct the adrenal/go - n adal hormone balance and immuno-endocrine function. Methods: Fifteen male students were given 2 × 250 mg Mg for four weeks. Serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone (T), ACTH and cortisol (C) were measured before and after supplementation and the T/C ratio was calculated. Furthermore, IL-6, red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBC) and the WBC differential were measured. Results: Despite no change in the serum level of ACTH, a statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in the serum cortisol level appeared, accompanied with an IL-6 level reduction (p&lt;0.05) after Mg supplementation. Analysis of the pituitarygonadal axis hormones showed an increasing trend of the FSH level (p=0.087), and a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in the T/C ratio. An RBC count increase (p&lt;0.001) was found, along with a decrease in the percentage of neutrophils (p&lt; 0.05), and a trend toward a lymphocyte percentage increase. Conclusions: The results suggest that chronic oral magnesium supplementation in male students improves the balance of pituitary-gonadal and pituitary-adrenal hormones and is involved in the regulation of the basal IL-6 level.

Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) on pituitary-gonadal axis hormones of male Wistar rats

Introduction: Male fertility is controlled by a complex assortment of pituitary-gonadal hormones. This regulation is key to understanding problems with fertility. The level to which some plants consumed by man contribute to his fertility problems is yet to be fully explored. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of Chaya on pituitary gonadal hormone axis in male wistar rats. Methodology: The study was conducted using 24 wistar rats randomized into three control and three treatment groups of four rats each. The treatment rats received 1.5g/kg body weight of Chaya extract by gavage. Blood samples were collected at various time intervals for hormonal assay and statistical analysis performed. Findings: There was a statistically significant decrease (P = 0.010) in testosterone levels and elevated LH and FSH levels (P = 0.432 and P = 0.939 respectively) in the treatment rats. The testosterone / estrogen ratio was also elevated. These effects were duration of treatment dependent.

Adeno-Associated Viral (AAV)-Mediated Follistatin (FS) Gene Transfer Toxicology Studies in Preparation for Phase I Clinical Trial (SC02.004)

Objective: Establish safety of rAAV.CMV.FS gene transfer by intramuscular (i.m.) injection for improving quadriceps strength in preparation for phase I clinical trial. Background FS is a potent myostatin inhibitor that increases muscle size and strength in mice and non-human primates when secreted by muscle following delivery by AAV. Safety concerns have included impeded release of pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and general organ toxicity. In this study we used a non-tissue binding FS isoform (FS344) to address these safety concerns in mice at viral doses 10-fold greater than those planned for clinical use. Design/Methods: Mice were randomized to three experimental arms with bilateral i.m. injections to quadriceps muscle of rAAV1.CMV.FS344 equal to highest clinical dose (2.0e12 vg/kg) or 10-fold higher (2.0e13 vg/kg). Animals were followed to sacrifice time points at 6-,12-,24-, and 36-weeks (5 animals/sex/cohort/timepoint) post-injection (p.i.). Outcomes included: bodyweight, hematology, chemistry panels, pituitary-gonadal hormones; immune studies, and histopathology of 24 organs from each animal. Results: No treatment-related adverse clinical or toxicology signs were observed and viral DNA in non-injected tissues dissipated by 24 weeks. Within 6 weeks, high dose animals showed scattered focal infiltrates of inflammatory cells corresponding to T-cell immunity to AAV1 identified by IFN-γ ELISpot, but no other pathology was observed. Wet weights of quadriceps increased by 3.5-fold at 36 weeks p.i. in high dose animals. Muscle fiber hypertrophy was observed at 6 weeks and fiber diameter increased by 50% compared to controls by 36 weeks. Hypertrophic-multinucleated fibers were observed at 12 weeks p.i. with increased density of PAX7 positive nuclei. Conclusions: This study shows rAAV1.CMV.FS344 is safe and well tolerated at the proposed clinical doses and causes satellite cell proliferation and significant muscle hypertrophy by fusion with differentiated satellite cells. Early transient inflammation in muscle is related to immune response to AAV1. These results support this approach for clinical trial use. Supported by: Grants from The Myositis Association and Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Inc; and support from the Foundation at Nationwide Children9s Hospital. Disclosure: Dr. Kota has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shilling has nothing to disclose. Dr. Montgomery has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lewis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bevan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shontz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kaminoh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rosales has nothing to disclose. Dr. Viollet has nothing to disclose. Dr. Flanigan has received personal compensaiton for activities with AVI Therapeutics, Prosensa Therapeutics, and PTC, Inc. Dr. Flanigan has received research support from PTC Therapeutics. Dr. Clark has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kaspar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sahenk has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mendell has received research support from AVI BioPharmaceuticals Inc.

Cortisol and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis hormones in follicular-phase women with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome and effect of depressive symptoms on these hormones

We investigated abnormalities of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and cortisol concentrations in women with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who were in the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle, and whether their scores for depressive symptoms were related to levels of these hormones. A total of 176 subjects participated – 46 healthy volunteers, 68 patients with fibromyalgia, and 62 patients with CFS. We examined concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and cortisol. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Cortisol levels were significantly lower in patients with fibromyalgia or CFS than in healthy controls (P < 0.05); there were no significant differences in other hormone levels between the three groups.Fibromyalgia patients with high BDI scores had significantly lower cortisol levels than controls (P < 0.05), and so did CFS patients, regardless of their BDI scores (P < 0.05). Among patients without depressive symptoms, cortisol levels were lower in CFS than in fibromyalgia (P < 0.05). Our study suggests that in spite of low morning cortisol concentrations, the only abnormalities in hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis hormones among follicular-phase women with fibromyalgia or CFS are those of LH levels in fibromyalgia patients with a low BDI score. Depression may lower cortisol and LH levels, or, alternatively, low morning cortisol may be a biological factor that contributes to depressive symptoms in fibromyalgia. These parameters therefore must be taken into account in future investigations.

Effects of acute alcohol intoxication on pituitary-gonadal axis hormones, pituitary-adrenal axis hormones, beta-endorphin and prolactin in human adults of both sexes.

- The effects of acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) on the pituitary-gonadal axis hormones, and the possible contribution of pituitary-adrenal axis hormones, beta-endorphin and prolactin to alcohol-induced dysfunction of pituitary-gonadal axis hormones were studied in adult men and women. Blood samples were drawn from adults of both sexes who arrived at the emergency department with evident behavioural symptoms of drunkenness (AAI) or from adult volunteers with nil consumption of alcohol (controls). Our results demonstrated that AAI produces a high increase in plasma prolactin, corticotropin (adrenocorticotropic hormone, ACTH), and cortisol in adults of both sexes, a decrease in luteinizing hormone levels only in men, an increase in dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEAS) and a contradictory behaviour of testosterone according to gender, with increased plasma testosterone in women and a decrease in men. ACTH and prolactin correlated positively with cortisol, DHEAS and testosterone in women, which suggests that prolactin and ACTH could contribute to stimulated adrenal androgen production. In contrast, the decrease in testosterone and increase in beta-endorphin in men suggests that AAI could have an inhibitory effect on testicular testosterone, perhaps mediated by beta-endorphin. Our results suggest that the effect of alcohol on pituitary-gonadal axis hormones in humans could depend on the gender and degree of sexual maturity of the individual.

Effects of acute alcohol intoxication on pituitary-gonadal axis hormones, pituitary-adrenal axis hormones, β-endorphin and prolactin in human adolescents of both sexes

Teenage drinking continues to be a major problem in industrialized countries, where almost 35% of alcohol drinkers are under 16 years old. In the present paper we studied the effects of acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) on the pituitary-gonadal (PG) axis hormones, and the possible contribution of pituitary-adrenal (PA) axis hormones, β-endorphin (BEND), and prolactin (PRL) to the alcohol-induced dysfunction of PG axis hormones. Blood samples were drawn from adolescents that arrived at the emergency department with evident behavioral symptoms of drunkenness (AAI) or with nil consumption of alcohol (controls [C]). Our results demonstrated that AAI produces in adolescents a high increase in plasma PRL, ACTH, and cortisol (F), and a contradictory behavior of testosterone (T) according to gender: plasma T was increased in females and decreased in males. ACTH and PRL correlated positively with F, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEAS) and T in females, which suggests that PRL and ACTH could synergistically stimulate adrenal androgen production. In contrast, the decrease in T and increase in BEND in males suggests that AAI could have an inhibitory effect on testicular T, perhaps mediated by BEND. The hormones studied are involved in the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the growth axis during adolescence. The deleterious effects of alcohol abuse should be made known to adolescents and the appropriate authorities.

Hormones of the Hypothalamo–Pituitary–Gonadal Axis in Drug Discrimination Learning

DE BEUN, R. Hormones of the hypothalamo–pituitary–gonadal axis in drug discrimination learning. PHARMACOL BIOCHEM BEHAV 64(2) 311–317, 1999.—More than 30 years ago, T-maze studies with progesterone indicated that sex hormones have the potential to act as a discriminative stimulus in rats. Despite these early positive findings, the interest in discriminative stimulus properties of sex hormones remained low; few studies were dedicated to the investigation of discriminative stimulus properties of hypothalamo–pituitary–gonadal axis hormones (i.e., LHRH, LH/FSH, sex steroids). Nevertheless, the few studies that were published showed some interesting, and often sex-dependent results. Applying various methodologies (T-, or Y-maze, two-lever drug discrimination, taste aversion procedures), it was found that not only progesterone but also the two other principal sex steroids estradiol and testosterone can serve as discriminative stimuli in rodents. In addition to these gonadal hormones, the hypothalamic peptide LHRH (having a key role in the neuroendocrine regulation of steroid release from the gonads) appears to generate discriminative stimulus properties. Interestingly, recent (but preliminary) studies in postmenopausal women suggest that estradiol (and possibly progesterone) may also function as a discriminative stimulus in human subjects.

Gonadal axis hormones in male schizophrenic patients during treatment with haloperidol and after switch to risperidone.

The atypical neuroleptic risperidone, in addition to its dopamine receptor blocking activity, has a high affinity for serotonergic receptors. Since both dopaminergic and serotonergic neuronal activities participate in regulation of the pituitary gonadal axis (PGA), it is expected that a switch from treatment with haloperidol to treatment with risperidone should influence plasma levels of PGA hormones. To study the effects of a drug with dopamine and serotonin receptor blocking activity on PGA hormones in patients who were on treatment with a dopamine receptor blocker. Plasma levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as prolactin and cortisol, were measured in 16 male schizophrenic patients during treatment with haloperidol (mean dose 23.3 mg daily, SD = 16.9) and 6 weeks later after switching to treatment with risperidone (mean dose 11.8 mg daily, SD = 2.9). Psychopathology was assessed by BPRS. After switching to risperidone, total BPRS score and the scores in its subscales for positive, negative, and general symptoms were all significantly reduced in the order of 35-45%. Prolactin levels were significantly increased from 39.5+/-22.3 to 58.9+/-28.5 ng/ml (F= 4.61, P = 0.04), while cortisol, testosterone, LH, and FSH remained unchanged. No significant correlations between prolactin increases and reduction in BPRS or in its subscale scores were found. The results show that blocking of both dopamine and serotonin receptors does not influence the pituitary gonadal axis but considerably increases prolactin release.