Plasma Estrogen Levels Research Articles

Plasma Estrogen Levels and Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Women

ObjectivesAneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is more prevalent in post-menopausal women and it has been postulated that this relationship is hormonally driven by lower circulating levels of estrogens. We examined the association between circulating plasma estrogen levels and subsequent development of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in women. MethodsWomen from the Nurses’ Health Study with confirmed aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (n=38) were matched with controls (n=38) on age, smoking, menopausal status, and other reproductive factors. Plasma estriol, estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured at baseline, prior to the development of aSAH. Conditional logistic regressions were performed to assess the association between hormone levels and incident aSAH. ResultsPlasma estradiol, estriol, and SHBG were not associated with the subsequent development of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Women with a history of current or former smoking were associated with lower levels of circulating estriol (β = -0.35±0.12, p=0.004), and estradiol (β = -0.63±0.16, p=0.0002) levels. ConclusionsIn this study, we did not find an association between estrogen levels and incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in women.

Letrozole-induced reversible acute heart failure.

Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor (AI), which suppresses plasma estrogen levels by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme, that causes the conversion of androgens to estrogen in peripheral tissues. There is very few information in the literature regarding the development of acute heart failure after AI use. We would like to report a case of a patient who was started letrozole for hormonal treatment and developed acute heart failure due to this. Fifty-seven-year-old woman with hormone positive breast cancer was operated after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and received radiotherapy. Letrozole treatment was initiated after radiotherapy and the patient presented to the emergency department after two weeks with cough and dyspnea. Ejection fraction decreased to 20% and acute heart failure developed. Letrozole treatment was stopped. Afterwards, improvement in the patient's cardiac functions was observed. Letrozole-induced heart failure was thought to be reversible. Letrozole is one of the most commonly used HT in the treatment of hormone positive breast cancer. It may rarely cause cardiac side effects. It is very important to make patients aware of these issues and to be consulted by cardiology in case of possible cardiac symptoms.

Estradiol Levels are Differentially Associated with Arterial Stiffness in Trauma-Exposed Premenopausal Women with and without PTSD

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death for females in the United States. Although premenopausal females are typically thought to be protected from CVD, available data supports growing CVD risk in females before menopause by virtue of PTSD. Arterial stiffness is a well-known risk factor for CVD and estradiol (E2) in premenopausal females is known to promote good vascular function. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of E2 on arterial compliance in young trauma-exposed females with and without a PTSD diagnosis. We hypothesized that E2 levels will be negatively associated with arterial stiffness in women with PTSD. Methods: Sixty-eight trauma-exposed females (27 ± 7.4 years, 26.5 ± 5 kg/m2) from diverse backgrounds with (PTSD+, n=37) and without (PTSD-, n=31) a diagnosis of PTSD were included in this analysis. We collected blood samples to quantify plasma estrogen (E2) levels and assessed pulse wave velocity (PWV) using applanation tonometry. PWV is a non-invasive technique used to measure the speed at which blood travels from the aorta to the femoral artery using a tonometer that is placed over the carotid artery while a blood pressure cuff is placed over the femoral artery. PTSD symptom severity was assessed using the PTSD checklist for DSM 5 and blood samples were analyzed for total E2 using the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique (ELISA). We used Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression to determine associations between E2 and PWV in the entire sample and in each group. Given our previous findings on sleep effciency and vascular function, we controlled for sleep effciency in the current analysis. Sleep effciency was objectively measured as the relative time (%) spent asleep while in bed, using wrist actigraphy for seven days. Results: Our analysis revealed an overall weak correlation between E2 and PWV (r=-0.028, p=0.024). However, when we examined each group, we found no association between E2 levels and PWV (r=-0.01, p=0.95) in the PTSD+ group. In contrast, in the PTSD- group, we found a strong association between E2 levels and PWV (r=-0.51, p=0.004). Furthermore, we conducted a multiple linear regression in the PTSD- group to detect the predictive value of E2 levels on PWV, controlling for sleep effciency, age, BMI, blood pressure, and PCL5. The model was significant (R2=0.65, adjusted R2=0.56, p<0.001) with estradiol (β=-0.24, p=0.005) and diastolic blood pressure (β=-0.059, p<0.001) as the strongest predictors. Thus, for every unit increase in E2 level, PWV decreased by 0.24 in the PTSD- group. Conclusion: Our analysis revealed that although E2 levels were negatively associated with PWV in young trauma-exposed females without PTSD, it was not the case in those with a PTSD diagnosis. These findings suggest that PTSD disrupts the association between E2 and arterial compliance in young females. K01HL161027 and UMN CTSI UL1TR002494 no disclosure. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 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.

Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal potential regulatory pathways regulating bone metabolism pre- and postsexual maturity in hens

At the onset of sexual maturity, the increasing circulating estrogen stimulates the formation of medullary bone, which provides available calcium for eggshell formation. The bone loss of laying hens is caused by the continuous dynamic changes of structure bone leading to bone fragility and susceptibility. The degree of medullary bone mineralization in sexual maturity is positively correlated with bone quality in the late laying stage. This study aimed to explore the molecular regulation mechanism of bone metabolism pre- and postsexual maturity in hens based on the joint analysis of transcriptome and metabolome. A total of 50 Hy-line Sonia pullets with comparable body weight at 13 wk were selected. Eight pullets were killed at 15 wk (juvenile hens, JH) and 19 wk (laying hens, LH), and LHs were killed within 3 h after oviposition. Differentially expressed genes and metabolites in tibia were analyzed based on transcriptome and metabolome, and then combined to construct the relevant metabolisms and hub genes. In the LH hens, plasma levels of estrogen and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase were significantly elevated by 1.7 and 1.3 times. In addition, the midpoint diameter, bone mineral density and bone mineral content of the tibia and femur were higher at 19 wk of age. A total of 580 differentially expressed genes were found between the JH and LH group in the tibia, including 280 up-regulated, and 300 down-regulated genes in the LH group. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that the intracellular biosynthesis and secretion of matrix vesicles were significantly enrichment in the LH hens. A total of 21 differential metabolites were identified between JH and LH group. Estradiol valerate positively correlated with L-theanine, tryptophan betaine, dopamine, and perindopril. Joint analysis showed that the top 20 hub genes were enriched in cholesterol biosynthesis and phospholipid metabolism, which played a key regulatory role in bone metabolism during pre- and postsexual maturity. These results provide a theoretical foundation for maintaining efficient egg production and reducing bone health problems in laying hens.

Chronic estradiol exposure suppresses luteinizing hormone surge without affecting kisspeptin neurons and estrogen receptor alpha in anteroventral periventricular nucleus†.

Mammalian ovulation is induced by a luteinizing hormone surge, which is triggered by elevated plasma estrogen levels; however, chronic exposure to high levels of estradiol is known to inhibit luteinizing hormone secretion. In the present study, we hypothesized that the inhibition of the luteinizing hormone surge by chronic estradiol exposure is due to the downregulation of the estrogen receptor alpha in kisspeptin neurons at hypothalamic anteroventral periventricular nucleus, which is known as the gonadotropin-releasing hormone/luteinizing hormone surge generator. Animals exposed to estradiol for 2days showed an luteinizing hormone surge, whereas those exposed for 14days showed a significant suppression of luteinizing hormone. Chronic estradiol exposure did not affect the number of kisspeptin neurons and the percentage of kisspeptin neurons with estrogen receptor alpha or c-Fos in anteroventral periventricular nucleus, but it did affect the number of kisspeptin neurons in arcuate nucleus. Furthermore, chronic estradiol exposure did not affect gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons. In the pituitary, 14-day estradiol exposure significantly reduced the expression of Lhb mRNA and LHβ-immunoreactive areas. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-induced luteinizing hormone release was also reduced significantly by 14-day estradiol exposure. We revealed that the suppression of an luteinizing hormone surge by chronic estradiol exposure was induced in association with the significant reduction in kisspeptin neurons in arcuate nucleus, luteinizing hormone expression in the pituitary, and pituitary responsiveness to gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and this was not caused by changes in the estrogen receptor alpha-expressing kisspeptin neurons in anteroventral periventricular nucleus and gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons, which are responsible for estradiol positive feedback.

Menopause and lipid profile; a comparative observational study

Introduction: Hormonal changes after menopause such as low plasma estrogen levels and elevated Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone levels had a significant effect on plasma lipid metabolism. The incidence of atherosclerotic diseases is more in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women. The objective of this study was to find out the effect of menopause on lipid profile among apparently healthy postmenopausal women. Method: This was an unmatched comparative observational study carried out among apparently healthy pre and postmenopausal women aged between 35-65 years presented at the General Health Check-up OPD of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Nepal from May 2019 to June 2020.The sample size was 128 in each group and data were analyzed using an independent t-test to compare the mean between the two groups and were considered significant when the p-value is less than 0.05. Result: Among 128 postmenopausal women, mean total cholesterol 191.59±35.78 mg/dl, triglyceride 143.44±72.39 mg/dl, HDL-cholesterol 45.01±9.99 mg/dl, LDL-cholesterol116.43±31.79 mg/dl and VLDL cholesterol was found to 28.69±14.48 mg/dl. Similarly, among 128 premenopausal women, mean TC 164±35.03 mg/dl, TGs 125.52±65.84mg/dl, HDL cholesterol 41.66±7.66 mg/dl, LDL-cholesterol96.95 ±31.78 mg/dl and VLDL-cholesterol was found to 25.10 ± 13.17 mg/dl. Mean TC, TGs, LDL-cholesterol, and VLDL-cholesterol along with cardiac risk ratio (TC/HDL and LDL/HDL) were found to be statistically significantly higher in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women. We also observed significantly higher HDL cholesterol in the postmenopausal group. Conclusion: Menopause leads to an increase in mean TC, TGs, LDL-cholesterol, and VLDL-cholesterol along with an increased cardiac risk ratio among postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women.

Prospective Observational Study Evaluating Systemic Hormones and Corneal Crosslinking Effects in Keratoconus

To evaluate associations between hormone levels and corneal parameters in patients with keratoconus (KC), before and after photooxidative corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL). Prospective, observational cohort study. Twenty-eight patients with KC who were scheduled for CXL at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark. Androgen (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEA-S]) and estrogen (estrone and estriol) plasma levels were measured and clinical assessments were performed before CXL and 2 to 3 months post-CXL, comparing the CXL eye with the control eye from the same participant. Associations between hormone levels and maximum corneal curvature (Kmax) and minimum central corneal thickness (CCtmin) before and after CXL. Corneal collagen crosslinking was associated with a 2% reduction in Kmax values in the CXL eye, post-CXL, from baseline (median, 56.8 diopters [D]; 95% confidence interval [CI], 50.4-60.3) to the second visit (55.7 D; 95% CI, 50.4-58.8; P < 0.001). Systemic DHEA-S levels were 5 to 6 orders of magnitude higher than estriol or estrone concentrations in plasma. Importantly, estriol levels, rather than DHEA-S or estrone levels, were more closely correlated with Kmax before CXL (Spearman's r= 0.55, P= 0.01). Post-CXL Kmax and CCtmin were not associated with DHEA-S, estrone, or estriol plasma levels at the same timepoint. This study provides supporting evidence based on a KC clinical population that systemic estrogen levels may influence corneal parameters (curvature and thickness) pre-CXL. Further studies evaluating the interplay between the therapeutic benefits of CXL and systemic hormone distributions are needed to determine if perturbation of the local corneal microenvironment influences endocrine function. The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Biomarkers based on multiplatform comprehensive analysis: A systematic analysis of Geng-Nian-Shu in perimenopausal syndrome.

Although Geng-Nian-Shu has been shown to be clinically effective in perimenopausal syndrome, its active components and mechanism have not yet been elucidated. To demonstrate the mechanism-based biomarkers of Geng-Nian-Shu in treating perimenopausal syndrome, a total of 135 chemical constituents including 52 prototype blood constituents were identified via high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight/mass spectrometry. Then, network pharmacology showed significant enrichment for the PhosphoInositide-3 Kinase/Akt pathway, suggesting that it may be the main regulatory pathway for the Geng-Nian-Shu treatment of the perimenopausal syndrome. Subsequently, multivariate analysis was performed between the Geng-Nian-Shu sham-treated and Geng-Nian-Shu ovariectomy-treated groups and further screened out 18 prototype blood constituents by correlation analysis with plasma estrogen levels to identify potential biomarkers associated with Geng-Nian-Shu treat the ovariectomy-induced perimenopausal syndrome. Finally, the results of pharmacological experimental verification and Pearson correlation analysis indicated that catalpol, ligustilide, paeoniflorin, and gallic acid were selected as biomarkers of Geng-Nian-Shu which were strongly and positively correlated with PhosphoInositide-3 Kinase/Akt signaling pathway. In this study, based on high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight/mass spectrometry combined with pharmacodynamics, network pharmacology, pharmacology, and other disciplines, we explored the effects and mechanisms of Geng-Nian-Shu in the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome at multiple levels. Using multiplatform technology to investigate the role of Geng-Nian-Shu represents a new strategy for the selection and verification of biomarkers of Geng-Nian-Shu and provides a basis for further development and utilization of Geng-Nian-Shu.

Changes in Ocular Biometric Parameters During the Menstrual Cycle-A Prospective Study

Introduction: The cyclic hormonal changes have a significant biological influence on the female body. Plasma estrogen levels increase during ovulation, in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Since Estrogen receptors have been found in various structures of the eye, they may impact the physiology and biometric parameters of the eye.

The relationship of dietary inflammatory index and dietary patterns with premenstrual syndrome among women in Kermanshah: An analytical cross-sectional study.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common psychological condition that occurs continuously during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Potential factors in this syndrome comprise the central nervous system, hormones, genetic background, and nutritional indicators. Little is known about foods or eating patterns that may be associated with this syndrome, yet nutritional factors can be considered in strategies for the management of PMS. The current study purposed to investigate the relationship between PMS and dietary inflammation index as well as PMS and food patterns. The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 125 women and girls aged 20-46 years who experienced symptoms of PMS. The inclusion criteria included cooperation and consent to enter the study, a body mass index of 18.5-25 kg/m2, no underlying disease, no use of contraceptives or antidepressants, and no use of multivitamin or mineral supplements. In the first stage of this study, participants' height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference were measured. In the second stage, eating habits were examined using a semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. This study found a significant correlation between glycemic load quintiles as well as between energy and macronutrient intake and the dietary inflammatory index; however, it revealed a direct correlation between PMS and both Western-mixed dietary and high-salt-high-sugar dietary patterns. Moreover, the Western food pattern was found to have a direct correlation with dietary inflammatory index, and the healthy food pattern had an inverse correlation with this index. This study showed that PMS symptoms are more severe with the consumption of high-salt-high-sugar or a Western-mixed food dietary pattern. It seems that an imbalance in hormones and neurotransmitters can affect the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Also, some foods, such as vegetables, and low-fat and high-fiber diets reduce plasma estrogen levels and the duration of PMS symptoms.

Postural sway is not affected by estrogen fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.

When people stand still, they exhibit a phenomenon called postural sway, or spontaneous movement of the body's center of pressure, which is related to balance control. In general females show less sway than males, but this difference only begins to appear around puberty, pointing to different levels of sex hormones as one potential mechanism for sway sex differences. In this study, we followed cohorts of young females using oral contraceptives (n = 32) and not using oral contraceptives (n = 19), to investigate associations between estrogen availability and postural sway. All participants visited the lab four times over the putative 28-day menstrual cycle. At each visit, we performed blood draws to measure plasma estrogen (estradiol) levels, and tests of postural sway using a force plate. During late follicular and mid-luteal phase, estradiol levels were lower in participants using oral contraceptives (mean differences [95% CI], respectively: -231.33; [-800.44, 337.87]; -613.26; [-1333.60, 107.07] pmol/L; main effect p < 0.001), reflecting expected consequences of oral contraceptive use. Despite these differences, postural sway was not significantly different between participants who were using oral contraceptives and participants who were not (mean difference: 2.09 cm; 95% CI = [-1.05, 5.22]; p = 0.132). Overall, we found no significant effects of the estimated menstrual cycle phase-or absolute levels of estradiol-on postural sway.

Risk factors-related first episode postpartum psychosis among Egyptian women: the role of psychosocial and the biological factors

BackgroundThe risks associated with postpartum psychosis (PP) are poorly recognized in Egyptian women. We aimed to study the role of sociodemographic, psychosocial, obstetric, and biological factors in the occurrence of PP within 4 weeks after delivery in a sample of Egyptian women. We included 60 women with PP and 30 postpartum women without psychosis. All participants underwent a full medical assessment and psychiatric assessment using the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and hormonal assessment (including estrogen levels and thyroid function tests) were performed for each woman.ResultsThe mean age of pregnancy of women with PP was significantly younger than that of controls (19.2 ± 2.04 years versus 24.37 ± 4.92 years). PP was significantly more common among primipara (73.3%), women who underwent cesarean sections (58.3%) and had thyroid dysfunction. The rates of low birth weight, and premature delivery were significantly higher among women with PP than among those without PP. The mean time-lapse from parturition to the onset of PP symptoms was 6.11 ± 1.62 days. Sleep disturbance, and irritability symptoms were the earliest symptoms of PP in our study. Plasma estrogen levels were significantly correlated with the total BPRS scores in patients with PP (P = 0.001).ConclusionsYoung age, primiparity, low birth weight, cesarean delivery, a rapid drop in the estrogen level and thyroid dysfunction all could contribute to the occurrence of PP.

The relationship between serum estrogen concentration and post-dural puncture headache: a retrospective study.

Post-Dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a severe and undesirable complication for the patient and anesthesiologist. PDPH is more common in female patients. However, its relationship with plasma estrogen levels has not been demonstrated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between estrogen levels and PDPH in patients who underwent spinal anesthesia for in vitro fertilization (IVF) with supraphysiological estrogen levels. In this retrospective study, the data of patients between the ages of 18-45 with the following characteristics were included in the study: those who underwent IVF procedure between January 2021 and August 2022, in the ASA I-II risk group, and who underwent spinal anesthesia using a 25 G Quinke-tipped spinal needle at the L3-L4 or L4-L5 vertebra levels. The 48 patients in the study were in two groups according to their estradiol values: 'Supra physiological estradiol levels' (Group I=24 patients) and 'Normal estradiol levels' (Group C=24 patients). The relationship between PDPH and estrogen, progesterone, spinal needle diameter, and patient demographic characteristics were evaluated. The estrogen and progesterone levels of patients in Group I were higher than in Group C (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). PDPH was present in 6 (25%) patients in Group I and 5 (20.8%) patients in Group C (p=0.731). There was no significant correlation between PDPH and estrogen and progesterone levels (p>0.05). Since there is no relationship between the supraphysiological estrogen level and PDPH, high serum estrogen level should not be considered as an additional risk factor for PDPH in the decision of anesthesia type for IVF procedure.

Modification of oestrogen signalling pathways influences cough induced by citric acid but not capsaicin in the animal model of both sexes

To clarify the role of oestrogen signalling and the role of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in the cough pathways we performed a study in which coughing was observed in both sexes animal models after the treatment by selective ERα degrader fulvestrant (ICI 182–780) and inhibitor of oestrogen synthesis danazol. Degradation of ERα with the normal plasma oestrogen levels induced by fulvestrant, significantly augments the cough response of female but not male guinea pigs. These changes were observed in citric acid-induced cough. Female guinea pigs responded with an increased count of cough expulsions per challenge time and we also detected shorter cough latency. The capsaicin-induced cough did not change. A similar response was observed after danazol treatment, which decreased the plasma oestrogen level. Our results indicate that the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) channel-mediated cough is resistant to the hypoestrous state, while the citric acid-mediated cough is oestrogen-dependent and hypersensitive during the hypoestrous state.

The effects of safranal against bisphenol AF on some reproductive parameters in male new zealand rabbits

Bisphenol AF (BPAF) is used as an analog of the endocrine disruptor Bisphenol A (BPA), whereas safranal is a powerful antioxidant obtained from the saffron plant. In the current study, the possible effects of BPAF and Safranal on some spermatological parameters, reproductive hormones, oxidant/antioxidant enzymes, and histopathological parameters were investigated. A total of 24 male New Zealand rabbits were divided into 4 groups (n= 6 for each group). The groups and the treatments they received by oral gavage for 9 weeks are as follows: The control group received by oral gavage 1 ml/day of corn oil, the BPAF group received by oral gavage 20 mg/kg/day of bisphenol AF, the Safranal group received by oral gavage 100 mg/kg/day safranal, and the treatment group received by oral gavage 20 mg/kg/day bisphenol AF and 100 mg/kg/day safranal. Although the spermatological parameters (sperm concentration, ejaculate volume, progressive motility, ejaculate weight, seminal plasma total protein, and pH) prior to the experiment revealed no differences among the groups, BPAF treatment reduced sperm quantity and motility at the end of the study. BPAF treatments also had a negative impact on testicular MDA and GSH levels. It also caused seminiferous tubule degeneration in testicular tissue. On the other hand, the administration of safranal with BPAF decreased estrogen levels while increasing sperm concentration and motility to control group levels. Thus, the results suggested that safranal could have a beneficial effect in reducing BPAF-induced tissue damage. In conclusion, BPAF may have potentially harmful to the male reproductive system and safranal may exhibit a protective effect against BPAF exposure.

Prenatal restraint stress downregulates the hypothalamic kisspeptidergic system transcripts genes, reduces the estrogen plasma levels, delayed the onset of puberty, and reduced the sexual behavior intensity in female rats

AimsThis study investigated the possible relationships between the expression of the Kiss1 and Gpr54 gene expressions and the pituitary-gonadal hormones with the female onset of puberty and sexual behavior. The Kiss1 and Gpr54 gene expressions were examined because they are critical to controlling the hypothalamic activation of GnRH neurons and, in turn, the pituitary-gonadal hormones related to the early onset of puberty and sexual behavior. Further, it was evaluated that the pituitary and gonadal hormones involved in the vaginal opening and the expression of sexual behavior. MethodsPregnant rats exposed to PRS from gestation days 17 to 20 were evaluated for maternal and open-field behaviors. The maternal behavior was analyzed because it may alter brain sexual organization affecting the pups development. It was observed in female pups the physical and development and, in adult age, the open-field behavior, the anxiety-like behavior, the estrous cycle, the sexual behavior, the serum FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels, and the gene expression of kisspeptin protein (Kiss1) and Gpr54 in the hypothalamus. Resultsthe maternal and open-field behaviors were unaffected. In the F1 generation, PRS reduced weight at weaning, delayed the day of the vaginal opening and reduced the intensity of lordosis, the estrogen levels, and the Kiss1 and Gpr54 gene expression. These effects were attributed to hypothalamic kisspeptidergic system downregulation of transcripts genes and the reduced estrogen levels affected by the PRS.

Time-restricted feeding improves metabolic and endocrine profiles in mice with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathy disorders in premenopausal women, which is characterized by hyperandrogenemia, anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is a new intermittent restriction dietary pattern, which has been shown to have positive benefits on obesity and glycolipid metabolism disorders. We aimed to explore the effect of the feeding regimen (ad libitum vs. TRF) on the glycolipid metabolism and reproductive endocrine disorders in a PCOS mouse model. PCOS mouse model was induced by continuous subcutaneous administration of dihydrotestosterone for 21 days. Mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks on an ad libitum or time- restricted diet (from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.). Compared to control mice, PCOS mice that received TRF treatment had significantly lower body weight, reduced adiposity, lower area under the curve (AUC) of glucose response in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and lower AUC in the insulin tolerance test (ITT). TRF also ameliorated lipid metabolism, as shown by a reduction in plasma lipid profiles (triglycerides and cholesterol) and the triglyceride content in the liver of PCOS mice. In terms of reproduction, the plasma androgen level, plasma estrogen (E2) level, and luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio in PCOS mice were significantly reduced after 8 weeks of TRF treatment. In addition, ovarian histology showed that TRF inhibits cyst formation and promotes corpus luteum formation. In conclusion, TRF improved metabolic and endocrine profiles in mice with PCOS.

Oral Administration of Artemisia argyi Polysaccharide Increases Estrogen Level and Maintains Blood Lipid Homeostasis in Ovariectomized Rats

Introduction: Artemisia argyi polysaccharide (AAP) has a beneficial effect on menstruation-related symptoms and the potential regulation of lipid metabolism. It is expected to be a safe and effective ingredient for estrogen deficiency and lipid metabolic disorders. Here, we investigate the effect of AAP on body weight gain, estrogen level, and blood lipid changes in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Methods: Thirty-six female Wistar rats were randomly divided into six treatment groups, including a sham-operated (Sham) group, OVX group, estrogen replacement (OVX + E2) group, and AAP treatment (OVX + 125, 250, 500 mg/kg AAP) group. The body weight and feed intake were recorded every week. The level of estrogen and blood lipid was determined. The gene expressions and protein expressions of estrogen receptors (ERs), fatty acid synthetase (FAS), acetyl CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2), and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) were determined. Results: AAP treatment significantly decreased the body weight gain and average daily food intake of rats in the OVX group. Treatment with AAP significantly increased the relative weight of the uterus, plasma estrogen level, and the gene expression and protein expression of ER-α in the uterus. For blood lipids, plasma levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly reduced by AAP treatment in OVX rats. AAP treatment decreased the expression of FAS and HMGR in the liver of OVX rats. Furthermore, AAP treatment significantly increased the gene expression of ACC2, the protein expression of P-ACC2, and the ratio of P-ACC2/ACC2. Conclusion: In summary, AAP treatment exerts beneficial effects on body weight gain and lipid metabolism disorder induced by ovariectomy through increasing estrogen levels, inhibiting FAS, and promoting fatty acid oxidation.

Prostate histological investigation in rats exposed to bisphenol a and phytochemicals during the perinatal period and subjected to hormonal stimulus in adulthood

ABSTRACT Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmentally dispersed chemical associated with tumor development. Phytochemicals such as indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and genistein (GEN) have chemoprotective effects on tumor cells. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the prostatic morphological aspects of rats exposed to BPA, GEN, and I3C during the perinatal period and submitted to hormonal stimulus in adulthood. Blood was collected to obtain hormone concentrations. Slides stained with hematoxylin & eosin, and picrosirius were subjected to fractal, stereological, morphometric, and collagen quantification analysis. I3C decreased the plasma dihydrotestosterone levels, and both phytochemicals increased the plasma estrogen levels. Unlike phytochemicals, BPA did not alter any of the parameters evaluated. GEN reduced the epithelial height, while I3C increased the fractal dimension and stromal collagen. Although BPA did not alter the prostate morphology, the phytochemicals provided beneficial effects for the prostate histological organization in adult animals subjected to hormonal stimulus.

Magel2 knockdown in hypothalamic POMC neurons innervating the medial amygdala reduces susceptibility to diet-induced obesity.

Hyperphagia and obesity profoundly affect the health of children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The Magel2 gene among the genes in the Prader-Willi syndrome deletion region is expressed in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC). Knockout of the Magel2 gene disrupts POMC neuronal circuits and functions. Here, we report that loss of the Magel2 gene exclusively in ARCPOMC neurons innervating the medial amygdala (MeA) causes a reduction in body weight in both male and female mice fed with a high-fat diet. This anti-obesity effect is associated with an increased locomotor activity. There are no significant differences in glucose and insulin tolerance in mice without the Magel2 gene in ARCPOMC neurons innervating the MeA. Plasma estrogen levels are higher in female mutant mice than in controls. Blockade of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), but not estrogen receptor-α (ER-α), reduces locomotor activity in female mutant mice. Hence, our study provides evidence that knockdown of the Magel2 gene in ARCPOMC neurons innervating the MeA reduces susceptibility to diet-induced obesity with increased locomotor activity through activation of central GPER.