Plasma Steroid Research Articles

Metamifop as an estrogen-like chemical affects the pituitary-hypothalamic-gonadal (HPG) axis of female rice field eels (Monopterus albus).

Metamifop (MET) is a widely used herbicide. It is likely for it to enter water environment when utilized, thus potential impacts may be produced on aquatic animals. Little information is available about its effects on the endocrine system of fish to date. In the current study, female rice field eels (Monopterus albus) were exposed to different MET concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8mgL -1) for 96h to examine the effect of MET on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and sexual reversal. The results showed that high concentrations of MET exposure increased vitellogenin (VTG) levels in liver and plasma, but plasma sex hormone levels were not affected by MET exposure. MET exposure increased the expression of CYP19A1b and CYP17 that regulate sex hormone production in the brain, but the expression of genes (CYP19A1a, CYP17, FSHR, LHCGR, hsd11b2, 3β-HSD) associated with sex hormone secretion in the ovary and the estrogen receptor genes (esr1, esr2a, esr2b) in the liver were all suppressed. In addition, the expression of sex-related gene (Dmrt1) was suppressed. This study revealed for the first time that MET has estrogen-like effects and has a strong interference with the expression of HPG axis genes. MET did not show the ability to promote the sexual reversal in M. albus, on the contrary, the genes expression showed that the occurrence of male pathway was inhibited.

Estradiol and Dihydrotestosterone Levels in COVID-19 Patients

ObjectiveTo determine differences in plasma sex hormone levels in male and female coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and healthy volunteers (HVs) because cell entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 occurs via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor which is downregulated by 17β-estradiol. Patients and MethodsCitrated plasma samples were collected from 101 patients with COVID-19 upon presentation to the emergency department and from 40 HVs between November 1, 2020, and May 30, 2021. Plasma 17β-estradiol and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (pg/mL). Data are presented as median and quartiles (IQR). Wilcoxon rank sum test with a P value less than .05 was considered significant. ResultsPatients with COVID-19 (median age, 49 years) included 51 males and 50 females (25 postmenopausal). Hospital admission was required for 58.8% of male patients (n = 30) and 48.0% of female patients (n = 24) (66.7% postmenopausal, n = 16) Healthy volunteers (median age, 41 years) included 20 males and 20 females (9 postmenopausal). Female patients with COVID-19 were found to have decreased 17β-estradiol levels (18.5 [IQR, 10.5-32.3] pg/mL; 41.4 [IQR, 15.5-111.0] pg/mL, P=.025), and lower 17β-estradiol to DHT ratios (0.073 [IQR, 0.052-0.159] pg/mL; 0.207 [IQR, 0.104-0.538] pg/mL, P=.015) than female HVs. Male patients with COVID-19 were found to have decreased DHT levels (302.8 [IQR, 249.9-470.8] pg/mL; 457.2 [IQR, 368.7-844.3] pg/mL, P=.005), compared with male HVs. Levels of DHT did not differ between female patients with COVID-19 and female HVs, whereas 17β-estradiol levels did not differ between male patients with COVID-19 and male HVs. ConclusionSex hormone levels differ between patients with COVID-19 and HVs, with sex-specific patterns of hypogonadism in males and females. These alterations may be associated with disease development and severity.

Reproductive Maturation of Meagre Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801) Reared in Floating Cages.

The meagre Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801) is a promising aquaculture species that shows reproductive dysfunctions when reared in tanks. The aim of this study was to assess the capacity of meagre, reared in cages under routine farming conditions, to mature gonads and reproduce spontaneously. Meagre adults, reared in a fish farm located in the Gulf of Taranto (Italy), were sampled from March to July 2021. The gonadosomatic index and sex steroid plasma concentrations increased from March-April to June, and then decreased in July. In March-April, most of the females showed perinucleolar or cortical alveoli oocytes as the most advanced stages in the ovaries, and most of the males had testes at early spermatogenesis stage. In June, most of the sampled females had oocytes at late vitellogenesis or early post-vitellogenesis stages, and males had seminiferous tubules filled with spermatozoa. In July, most of the females had signs of previous spawning, and males showed scarce amounts of luminal spermatozoa. The present study demonstrated the capacity of meagre, reared in sea cages under commercial conditions, to carry out gametogenesis and spontaneously release gametes. Meagre reproduction, under routine farming conditions, may represent an opportunity for the expansion of meagre aquaculture production.

Genome-wide association study of abdominal MRI-measured visceral fat: The multiethnic cohort adiposity phenotype study.

Few studies have explored the genetic underpinnings of intra-abdominal visceral fat deposition, which varies substantially by sex and race/ethnicity. Among 1,787 participants in the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC)-Adiposity Phenotype Study (MEC-APS), we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the percent visceral adiposity tissue (VAT) area out of the overall abdominal area, averaged across L1-L5 (%VAT), measured by abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A genome-wide significant signal was found on chromosome 2q14.3 in the sex-combined GWAS (lead variant rs79837492: Beta per effect allele = -4.76; P = 2.62 × 10-8) and in the male-only GWAS (lead variant rs2968545: (Beta = -6.50; P = 1.09 × 10-9), and one suggestive variant was found at 13q12.11 in the female-only GWAS (rs79926925: Beta = 6.95; P = 8.15 × 10-8). The negatively associated variants were most common in European Americans (T allele of rs79837492; 5%) and African Americans (C allele of rs2968545; 5%) and not observed in Japanese Americans, whereas the positively associated variant was most common in Japanese Americans (C allele of rs79926925, 5%), which was all consistent with the racial/ethnic %VAT differences. In a validation step among UK Biobank participants (N = 23,699 of mainly British and Irish ancestry) with MRI-based VAT volume, both rs79837492 (Beta = -0.026, P = 0.019) and rs2968545 (Beta = -0.028, P = 0.010) were significantly associated in men only (n = 11,524). In the MEC-APS, the association between rs79926925 and plasma sex hormone binding globulin levels reached statistical significance in females, but not in males, with adjustment for total adiposity (Beta = -0.24; P = 0.028), on the log scale. Rs79837492 and rs2968545 are located in intron 5 of CNTNAP5, and rs79926925, in an intergenic region between GJB6 and CRYL1. These novel findings differing by sex and racial/ethnic group warrant replication in additional diverse studies with direct visceral fat measurements.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presented by Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Case Report

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening haematological condition which can be secondary to many disorders. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can present with thrombotic microangiopathy and the differentiation between them is quite difficult especially in people with no previous history of SLE. Thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MAHA) characterized by schistocytes on the peripheral blood smear are the most consistent signs of TTP. Plasma exchange, the main treatment for TTP must be started urgently once the TTP diagnosis is established. We report a case of 20-year-old female with no previous medical problems, who was presented with severe illness and dizziness following tooth extraction and was found to have severe microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, her platelet count was severely decreased and with subsequent diagnosis as TTP and plasma exchange and steroids were started and fulfilled the European League Against Rheumatism and the American College of Rheumatology 2019 (EULAR/ACR-2019) criteria for SLE. The patient showed satisfactory improvement. This study of case report was made for early diagnosis and immediate treatment of unusual presentation of SLE resulted in a good prognosis.�

STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF BODY CONDITION ON THE DYNAMICS OF SEX HORMONES IN THE BLOOD OF BITCHES

The physiological mechanisms of regulation of the reproductive function of bitches are well studied, however, the issue of individual characteristics of the body on the dynamics of sex hormones in the blood remained out of the attention of researchers. Therefore, we set ourselves the goal of studying the influence of body condition on the dynamics of sex hormones in the blood of bitches. The experiment was carried out on 15 bitches of the bull terrier breed with different body conditions according to the Body Condition Scoring scale. Three groups of animals were formed for the experiment: the control group was the ideal weight (the average BCS score was 5 points); I research group – low weight (average BCS score – 3.6 points); Group II – overweight (average BCS score – 6.6 points). For the first time, the dynamics of the content of sex hormones (progesterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estadiol) in the blood of bull terrier bitches with different body conditions was studied. New scientific data on the breed features of humoral regulation of the sexual cycle in the body of bitches have been obtained. The results of the studies indicate that factors such as overweight and low weight of bitches have an impact on the dynamics of sex hormones in the blood plasma of bitches during the sexual cycle. In particular, a significant effect of excess weight on the level of luteinizing hormone (P≤0.05) and progesterone (P≤0.05) at the stage of diestrus, on the level of progesterone (P≤0.05) at the stage of estrus was established. Low bitch weights were accompanied by higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormone at the proestrus stage (P≤0.05). Thus, our findings highlight that the characteristics of the corpus luteum of bitches and the synthesis of progesterone are influenced by many factors that have received little scientific attention to date.

Steroid Hormones in Seminal Plasma: the Relationship with Sperm Quality.

The purpose of this study was to find out whether the seminal testosterone and/or estradiol levels could serve as prognostic criteria for normal spermatogenesis and whether they are able to characterize the sperm pathology. The study involved healthy young male volunteers (n=269); serum and seminal steroid hormones were measured; the sperm concentration, mobility, and morphology were evaluated. The results indicate that the seminal testosterone concentration is lower (p<0.05) and the seminal estradiol is higher than the corresponding parameters in the serum (p<0.05). The seminal testosterone and estradiol concentrations negatively correlated with the sperm concentration, and the seminal estradiol concentration was higher in pathozoospermic than in normospermic men (p<0.05). It is assumed that the seminal estradiol level can be an indicator of sperm quality and serve as a biological predictor of normal spermatogenesis; in addition, this parameter can be used for diagnostic purposes in patients with impaired spermatogenesis induced by excess of estrogens.

Combined intralesional platelet-rich plasma and intralesional steroid versus intralesional steroid alone in the treatment of alopecia areata

Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising treatment method of alopecia, but there is a debate about its role in the treatment of alopecia areata. Intralesional steroid is the first-line treatment option for patchy alopecia areata. Combination therapy represents an option for increasing the efficacy of the different lines of treatment.Objective To compare the therapeutic efficacy of traditional treatment of alopecia areata with intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide versus combination therapy with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and intralesional PRP alternatively.Patients and methods In this comparative randomized single-blinded study, 30 patients with two nonadjacent patches of alopecia areata were included. One patch was treated with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide alone (group I) every 4 weeks for 3 months, and the other patch was treated with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide alternating with intralesional PRP (group II) every 2 weeks for 3 months. Evaluation was done by MacDonald Hull and Norris grading and dermoscopy.Results A significant increase in the mean grading score was noted before each intralesional steroid injection session in both groups. However, group II patches treated with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide alternating with intralesional PRP showed significantly higher mean grading score as compared with group I patches treated with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide alone. The dermoscopic features of alopecia areata significantly decrease or disappear at the end of treatment sessions in both groups.Conclusion Combined use of intralesional steroid and intralesional PRP in the treatment of alopecia areata yields better results than using intralesional steroid alone and could be considered as a more effective line of treatment. However, further research studies are needed to determine the optimal dose, intervals, and duration of treatment.

Reproductive Markers in Alzheimer's Disease Progression: The Framingham Heart Study.

Reproductive status, such as the age of menarche or menopause, may be linked to cognitive abilities and risk for incident Alzheimer's disease (AD) but the evidence is conflicting. It is also not fully known if these factors interact with cortical beta-amyloid deposition. To study the relationship between reproductive risks, sex hormone markers and risk for decline in specific cognitive domains in women. We analyzed the association of reproductive markers (age at menarche, number of births, age at menopause, sex hormone-binding globulin, estradiol, estrone, total testosterone, free testosterone) with incident AD and annualized cognitive decline in the community-based longitudinal Framingham Heart Study (FHS) Offspring women 60 years and older (n=772, mean age 68 years, mean follow-up 10.7 ± 3 years). We used the Cox proportional hazards regression model and linear regression model, adjusting for covariates. Incident AD dementia as well as the annualized change in memory, language, attention and executive functions. Older age at menopause was associated with a lower risk of incident AD dementia (p = 0.047, 6% lower risk per older year) after adjusting for baseline age, education, hormone therapy status, and MMSE score. Older age at menopause was significantly associated with a slower annualized decline in memory (beta = 0.085, p = 0.00059). The lower level of plasma Aβ42 was also associated with a higher risk of incident AD (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.95, 0.99; p = 0.0039) but there was no significant interaction effect with age at menarche, age at menopause or plasma sex hormone levels. Younger age at menopause is a risk factor for late-life memory decline and incident AD. This risk appears to be independent of Aβ42 pathology. Further studies to understand the biological and social mechanisms underlying the differential effects of reproductive risks are warranted.

Endogenous Steroid Hormone Concentrations and Risk of Endometriosis in Nurses' Health Study II.

Few studies have assessed the association between endogenous steroid hormone levels and a subsequent diagnosis of endometriosis. We prospectively evaluated premenopausal plasma sex hormone levels and the risk of laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis in a nested case-control study within Nurses' Health Study II. Between blood collection (1996-1999) and 2009, we ascertained 446 women with incident endometriosis and matched them to 878 controls through risk-set sampling. We conducted multivariable conditional logistic regression accounting for matching and confounders to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Women with greater early follicular-phase total or free estradiol levels had a nonlinear increased risk of endometriosis (early follicular total estradiol: second quartile vs. first, RR=2.23 (95% CI: 1.44, 3.47); third quartile, RR=1.83 (95% CI: 1.16, 2.88); fourth quartile, RR=1.68 (95% CI: 1.05, 2.68); early follicular free estradiol: second quartile vs. first, RR=1.63 (95% CI: 1.05, 2.54); third quartile, RR=2.02 (95% CI: 1.31, 3.12); fourth quartile, RR=1.04 (95% CI: 0.66, 1.65)). Free testosterone assessed in quartile categories was not associated with endometriosis, although a threshold effect was observed, with a positive association among women in the top 2% of free testosterone levels. Levels of mid-luteal-phase total and free estradiol, follicular and luteal estrone, total testosterone, progesterone, and sex hormone binding globulin were not associated with endometriosis risk. These results support the role of sex steroids in endometriosis etiology, although the relationships suggest complex threshold effects.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in a Parturient Leading to Life-Threatening Thrombocytopenia and Neonatal Demise—A Case Report

Abstract Thrombocytopenia is common (up to 12%) in pregnancy; thrombotic thrombocytopenia is a rare cause of thrombocytopenia; however, it is immediately life-threatening to both mother and fetus and requires immediate intervention. This is compounded by the need to act on a presumptive diagnosis with high level of suspicion given the relatively long laboratory confirmation time. A 31-year-old gravida 3, para 1 parturient at 26 weeks of gestation presented to outside hospital with recent onset of easy bruising and blurry vision. A blood count was drawn and showed a platelet count of 19,000/μL. She was transferred to our institution for management where an initial diagnosis of preeclampsia with severe features was made based on thrombocytopenia and fetal growth restriction (&lt;1%). Platelet count nadired at 14,000/μL and a blood smear showed schistocytes, suggesting microangiopathic hemolysis, prompting discussion of urgent cesarean delivery and anesthesia consult. An urgent hematology consult led to presumptively diagnosing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and cesarean delivery was deferred after discussion with the patient and team. Plasma exchange and steroid therapy were started promptly, and her platelet count improved within 12 hours. Unfortunately, the patient experienced neonatal demise. Undetectable ADAMTS13 levels confirmed diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenia. She was transitioned to rituximab, platelets recovered to baseline, and she continues to do well. Thrombotic thrombocytopenia is a rare, life-threatening cause of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Despite grim fetal prognosis, especially in early pregnancy, low threshold of suspicion, early anesthesia involvement, and multidisciplinary approach can facilitate diagnosis and timely intervention. In our case, it was likely lifesaving.

First Evidence Indicates the Physiology- and Axial-Myopia-Dependent Profiles of Steroid Hormones in Aqueous Humor.

The quantitative level of steroid hormones (SHs) in some body fluids have been accepted for clinical diagnosis, whereas their distribution in aqueous humor (AH) is unknown yet. Herein, a profiling study was conducted with a total of 171 AH and 107 plasma samples using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS). For the first time, six kinds of SHs in AH were quantitatively estimated, and their abundances were ranked at cortisol (F), corticosterone (COR), androstenedione (A2), and 11-deoxycortisol (11DOC). The corresponding abundance of all SHs in AH was significantly lower than those in plasma, while there was a lack of a proportional relationship with the abundance of plasma SHs. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, the most abundant plasma SH, was undetectable in AH, implying that the blood-aqueous barrier might specifically block its transferral. Axial myopia generally results from many factors throughout the entire eye from tissues and molecules; furthermore, the correlation of AH SHs and axial myopia was assessed to look for their indication in such myopia. The panel with five kinds of AH SHs (F, COR, CORT, ALD and A2) was functional as a discriminator for axial myopia and control. The abundance of SHs, therefore, has a specific distribution in AH and can potentially contribute to axial myopia.

Metformin improves ovarian function and increases egg production in broiler breeder hens.

The pathophysiology of the ovarian dysfunction encountered in broiler breeder hens remains poorly understood but is similar to a condition in women known as polycystic ovary syndrome. This study reveals that metformin may provide a cheap and effective method of improving ovarian function in broiler breeder hens. Broiler breeder hens, the parent stock of commercial broiler chickens, have poor reproductive efficiency associated with aberrant and excessive recruitment of ovarian follicles which results in sub-optimal egg production, fertility, and hatchability. The reproductive dysfunction observed in these hens resembles polycystic ovary syndrome in women, a condition wherein metformin is prescribed as a treatment. The main objectives of this study were to determine the effect of metformin on body weight, abdominal fat pad weight, ovarian function, and plasma steroid hormone concentrations. Broiler breeder hens were treated with 0, 25, 50, or 75 mg/kg body weight of metformin mixed in the diet for 40 weeks (n = 45 hens/treatment; 2565 weeks of age). At 65 weeks of age, hens that received the highest dose of metformin had significantly lower body and abdominal fat pad weights (P < 0.05) than the control. Metformin treatment, at all levels, normalized the preovulatory and prehierarchical ovarian follicular hierarchy. Metformin (50 or 75 mg/kg body weight) significantly increased the total number of eggs laid per hen during the entire production period and these hens had significantly greater fertility and hatchability at 65 weeks of age compared to the control (P < 0.05). Metformin treatment at all levels altered the plasma profile of reproductive hormones, with significantly lower plasma testosterone concentrations and a decreased testosterone to androstenedione ratio in hens that received metformin (P < 0.05). Future studies should focus on the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of metformin in improving the reproductive efficiency of broiler breeder hens.

Safety Evaluation and Effect Deconstruction of Blood Lipid Test in the Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease Patients.

With the increase in the number of cardiovascular patients in China, this paper must use better detection methods to examine these patients. Blood lipid testing is a quantitative method for the determination of lipids contained in blood (plasma). Blood lipids are the general term for neutral fats (triglycerides and cholesterol) and lipids (phospholipids, glycolipids, sterols, and steroids) in plasma, which are widely present in the human body. At the same time, this paper also applies this technology to different examination procedures at various current stages. Cardiovascular disease, also known as circulatory system disease, is a series of diseases involving the circulatory system. The circulatory system refers to the organs and tissues that transport blood in the human body, mainly including the heart and blood vessels (arteries, veins, and microvessels), which can be subdivided into acute and chronic and are generally related to arteriosclerosis. In recent years, the most widely used is blood lipid measurement. Therefore, this paper proposes a study on the safety evaluation and effect analysis of blood lipid testing in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease patients. This article focuses on the causes of cardiovascular disease and introduces the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions of blood lipid detection. Combined with the deep learning method combined with wavelet analysis and support vector machine (SVM), the in-depth analysis is carried out, and suitable patients are selected for blood lipid detection. The final experimental results showed that apolipoprotein B (APOB), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and other indicators were significantly different from the control group. The values of apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were significantly different from those in the control group, P < 0.05. This shows that blood lipid examination has a good effect on the diagnosis of cardiovascular patients; it can make accurate diagnosis and prediction of the patient's condition and has good clinical application value.

Caplacizumab for Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Real-World Multicenter Data on Re-Administration and Plasma Exchange Free Treatment

Background Caplacizumab is the first targeted therapy, approved for acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP). Our multicenter real-world study was designed to assess real-world outcomes of caplacizumab compared to historic controls, emphasizing on re-administration of caplacizumab and plasma-exchange free treatment. Methods: We recorded clinico-biological data from adult patients treated for aTTP over the last decade (2011-2021) according to current treatment guidelines. Diagnosis was confirmed with ADAMTS13 activity. Results are presented as median, range. Results: We have studied 66 patients (age 47 years, 19-75): 19 in the caplacizumab and 47 in the historic control group (Figure A). Patients that received caplacizumab had lower hemoglobin levels at diagnosis (p=0.029), higher rate of underlying comorbidities (p=0.005), but lower rate of neurological involvement (p=0.001). No other significant differences were observed in patient or disease characteristics between groups. Caplacizumab was given at a median on day 5 (1-32) from diagnosis (10 mg daily) for 30 (6-40) doses. In four patients, caplacizumab was administered after refractoriness to plasma exchange. In two patients, aTTP occurred early after COVID-19 infection. There were no major hemorrhagic events or other grade 3 complications. Median plasma exchange sessions were 12 (8-23) in caplacizumab group, versus 14 (6-32) in the control group. Early platelet normalization was achieved in all patients, following 5 (3-7) days from caplacizumab administration. ADAMTS13 activity normalized at the end of treatment in all caplacizumab-treated patients (25-52%). Two relapses have been observed within 13 and 18 months of the first caplacizumab administration, with low ADAMTS13 levels (<1%). In the first patient, caplacizumab was re-administered at regular dosing from day 1 of relapse, together with steroids but without plasma exchange. In the second patient, caplacizumab was started 10 days after initial relapse, because of poor response to plasma exchange and steroids. A rapid normalization of platelet count was observed in both patients within 10 and 4 days respectively, from the start of caplacizumab. Control patients presented 1 (0-14) relapse. After a median of 19.0 (2.6-320) months from aTTP diagnosis, there were 4 deaths (only from the control group, p-0.262, Figure B). Conclusion: Our real-world multicenter study provides updated data showing that caplacizumab is safe and effective in aTTP, even in patients refractory to plasma exchange, after re-administration, and in patients, who have not received plasma exchange treatment. Further studies in large real-world populations with longer follow-up are needed to delineate the algorithm of aTTP treatment in the era of personalized medicine. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Steroid profiling characteristics in pediatrc adrenal diseases

Adrenocortical adenomas are often followed with steroid hormones hyperproduction, and therefore determination of their concentration plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of adrenal diseases. Steroid profiling by tandem mass spectrometry is one of the main diagnostic methods in steroidogenesis characterization. Currently plasma and urinary steroid profiling is of particular interest in differential diagnosis and subtyping patients with adrenocortical adenomas. Steroid profiling of pediatric patients with adrenal diseases (incidentalomas, ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma, ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome, premature adrenarche). We conducted a retrospective analysis of steroid profile of 41 pediatric patients with adrenal diseases who were observed between 2005 and 2020 at the Endocrinology Research Centre. All patients were divided into groups due to diagnosis: with ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma [n=7], ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome (autonomous cortisol secretion by an adrenal adenoma) [n=4], with incidentaloma [n=7] and premature adrenarche [n=23]. In group of patients with ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome identified statistically significant higher levels of 11-deoxycortisol (р=0, 0035) and significant lower levels of 17-hydroxypregnenolone (р=0, 0026) and DHEA (р=0, 0047) compared to other groups. Statistically significant differences in steroid profiles between other groups were not identified. Results of our study steroid profiling can be used as additional differential diagnosis method in patients with adrenocortical adenomas with or without hormonal hyperproduction (ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome and incidentaloma). Further studies are needed to identify steroid markers for subtyping pediatric adrenal diseases.

Steroid hormone levels in postmenopausal hysterectomised women with and without ovarian conservation: the continuous endocrine function of the ovaries

This study aims to clarify the effect of postmenopausal bilateral oophorectomy on plasma steroid hormone levels. Women who were submitted in the postmenopausal period to hysterectomy for uterine benign conditions were divided into two groups: 18 women had isolated hysterectomy and 11 had hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. In both groups serum hormone levels were quantified by solid phase extraction and gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Differences in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone, androstenedione and oestradiol were determined in both groups. The analysis revealed lower steroid levels in the bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy group when compared to the isolated hysterectomy group with statistically significant differences found for DHEA (5.8 ± 3.2 vs. 9.4 ± 4.4 ng/mL; p = 0.019) and oestradiol (0.69 ± 0.4 vs. 1.48 ± 4.3 ng/mL; p = 0.007). The results are consistent with a significant endocrine activity of the postmenopausal ovary. The clinical consequences of these findings need to be clarified and postmenopausal prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy re-evaluated. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Although it is consensual that premenopausal prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy should not be performed because it has harmful effects on women's health, the evidence regarding the effects of postmenopausal prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy is scarce and this procedure continues to be a regular practice. Few studies have demonstrated that postmenopausal ovaries still have endocrine activity that may impact older women's health. What do the results of this study add? This is the first study to compare hormone levels of postmenopausal women based on their hysterectomy and oophorectomy status using GC-MS/MS, a highly sensitive bioanalytical assay for the measurement of steroid hormones. Previous studies relied on immunoassays and did not compare DHEA levels, which according to the intracrinology theory is a precursor for androgens and oestrogens. In this study, statistically significant lower levels of DHEA and oestradiol were found after postmenopausal bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This is a pilot study that may lead to further investigation in this area to clarify the impact of the prophylactic removal of postmenopausal ovaries on older women′s health and lead to changes in surgical procedures.

Saliva and plasma steroidome in mare during reproductive stages: A GC-MS/MS study

Precision livestock farming using omics approach to acquire precise and real-time data can help farmers in individual animal management and decision making. Since steroid hormones play a key role for the regulation of reproductive functions, reproduction management could be improved by characterizing the steroidome during reproductive stages. Moreover, saliva collection is a non-invasive, painless, inexpensive and easy sampling method. Thus, this prospective study proposes a steroidomic analysis in mare saliva during reproductive stages, that could help to identify potential biomarkers to accurately detect their reproductive stage in a welfare friendly production system, for real-time decision making at the individual animal level. Correlation between saliva and plasma steroidome was also investigated. Saliva and blood samples from 6 mares were collected in anestrus, in the follicular phase 3 days, 2 days and 1 day before ovulation and the day when ovulation was detected, in the luteal phase 6 days after ovulation and in gestation 18 days after ovulation and insemination. Steroidome analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). We characterized 25 and 36 steroids in saliva and plasma respectively. Pregnenolone concentrations in saliva during gestation were significantly higher than during anestrus or follicular phase and tended to be higher than during luteal phase. Most of the 5α-reduced metabolites of progesterone showed higher salivary concentrations during the luteal phase 6 days post-ovulation and during gestation 18 days post-ovulation compared to anestrus and follicular phase. These steroids could be potential salivary biomarkers of the reproductive stage of the mare. Further studies with a greater number of animals are in progress to confirm the reliability of these potential candidate biomarkers and to develop field-friendly assays.

Targeted Profiling of Endogenous Steroids in Mouse Plasma Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Approach

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Plasma steroid concentrations reflect disease severity during acute illness but not recovery after hospitalisation with COVID-19

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)