Hormone Production Research Articles

P-21 POSSIBLY ECTOPIC PTH SECRETION IN A WOMAN WITH METASTATIC BREAST CANCER

Abstract Introduction Hypercalcemia is a common complication in malignancies, with various causes such as tumor secretion of parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), osteolytic metastases or tumor-induced calcitriol production. Ectopic production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a rare cause of hypercalcemia. This report presents a rare case of metastatic breast cancer possibly associated with ectopic PTH secretion. Clinical Case A 66-year-old female with a history of invasive ductal carcinoma and metastases of bone and liver was referred to our endocrinology clinic due to persistent hypercalcemia. She had been presented with atypical-pathological femur fracture 2 years ago and metastatic breast cancer had been detected. Her primary cancer treatment included conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy over the past 2 years. She had been already treated with zoledronic acid from the beginining of the chemotherapy for her bone metastases. During her follow up hypercalcemia had been detected at the 30 th month of the therapy; her calcium was around 9-10 mg/dl and increased to 12 mg/dl abruptly while shewas on zoledronic acid. Laboratory tests showed elevated PTH levels accompanying hypercalcemia. Neck ultrasound and parathyroid scintigraphy were negative for any parathyroid pathology. A biopsy of the liver metastasis was performed during the transarterial chemoembolization procedure to make an immunohistochemical staining for PTH but it was negative. The patient was given cinacalcet with changing dosages according to the calcium levels besides zoledronic acid. Under these medications both calcium and PTH levels continued to rise;during a short period which she could not take cinacalcet because of side effects, her calcium was measured 17.5mg/dl,and didn't come to normal levels despite glucocorticoid and furosemide treatment which she subsequently required hemodialysis. Zoledronic acid was replaced with denosumab. Although calcium levels were controlled with denosumab and low dosage cinacalcet PTH levels remained elevated, suggesting ongoing ectopic PTH secretion. With no identifiable parathyroid hormone source and persistent high PTH levels despite normalized calcium, the diagnosis of ectopic PTH production was assumed. Besides the high levels of PTH we couldn't visualize a lesion secreting PTH on the contrary of direct relationship between the volume of parathyroid lesions and PTH levels. Conclusion This case represents a rare complication of metastatic breast cancer possibly associated with ectopic PTH production causing hypercalcemia. Despite extensive imaging,no parathyroid adenoma or alternative explanation for the elevated PTH was found, reinforcing the need for awareness of ectopic hormone production in the management of hypercalcemia in cancer patients. Early recognition and appropriate management of such atypical cases are crucial to avoid unnecessary interventions and to tailor treatment strategies effectively.

The Hippo Pathway in Kidney Development

The kidney, a complex organ crucial for a multitude of homeostatic functions, including the maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance, removal of various metabolic waste products, and hormone production, undergoes intricate developmental processes to form functional nephron units. Understanding the mechanisms behind kidney development is paramount for elucidating the etiology of renal congenital disabilities and acquired diseases. The Hippo pathway is known for its involvement in various cellular functions, including cell fate determination and differentiation, and is a critical player in renal organogenesis. Here, we discuss research findings about the roles that Hippo signaling plays in kidney formation.

The language of glioblastoma: a tale of cytokines and sex hormones communication

Abstract Glioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive and frequent tumor in the central nervous system and, in humans, represents the worst prognosis for cancer. GB develops a very complex microenvironment, recruiting and interacting with a variety of cells and soluble factors, including immune cells, cytokines, and sex hormones, that contribute to GB survival and progression. Recent evidence has shown a crosstalk between cytokine and sex hormone signaling in GB. This communication could provide GB resistance to treatments and malignancy. Then, how GB orchestrates this communication is a matter of interest. For instance, a critical interaction between tumor necrosis factor beta (TGF-β) and estrogen receptor signaling has been reported in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition, an essential step in GB progression. Furthermore, an inhibition of TGF-β signaling by androgen receptor has been reported to promote GB tumorigenesis in men. On the other hand, it has been described that cytokines regulate steroid hormone production in different organs, and this mechanism could be involved in GB development and progression. All these data suggest an intercommunication between the immune and endocrine systems in the tumor microenvironment. Thus, in this review, we focus on explaining the knowledge about this critical intercommunication system and its implication in GB progression.

The Effects of Maternal Subclinical Hypothyroidism on Fetal Thymus Size: A Prospective Study

Objective: This study investigated the impact of maternal subclinical hypothyroidism on fetal thymus size and development and explored how inadequate thyroid hormone production in pregnant women affects the fetal thymus. Methods: Conducted at the Giresun Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Pediatrics Training and Research Hospital, this case–control study involved 86 pregnant women, 43 with hypothyroidism and 43 without. Maternal thyroid function was assessed using TSH and free T4 levels, and fetal thymus size and thymus–thorax ratio were measured using ultrasound. Exclusion criteria were chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension or eclampsia, multiple pregnancies, infectious diseases, renovascular diseases, diagnosed with hypothyroidism prior to pregnancy and other endocrine disorders, fetal cardiac diseases, and morbid obesity. Data collected included maternal age, gestational week, number of pregnancies, parity, number of living children, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and Free thyroxine 4 (T4) levels, and fetal thymus measurements (transverse diameter and thymus/thorax ratio). Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test and logistic regression analysis. The relationships between TSH, thymus diameters, thorax diameters, and the thymus–thorax ratio were evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results: The thymus–thorax ratio was significantly reduced in the hypothyroid group (p = 0.003). Logistic regression analysis identified TSH as an independent risk factor for a low thymus–thorax ratio, with each unit increase in TSH associated with a 1.345-fold higher likelihood of having a low thymus–thorax ratio. A significant negative correlation was found between TSH levels and the TTR ratio (Spearman’s correlation coefficient r = −0.338, p = 0.001). Conclusions: An association was identified between maternal TSH levels and the thymus–thorax ratio, with increasing TSH levels correlating with a decrease in the thymus–thorax ratio. Regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy and appropriate replacement treatment in cases of deficiency are crucial for optimal fetal thymus development. Further multicenter studies are needed to confirm these findings and investigate the long-term implications of altered fetal thymus development.

Physical education as a basis for developing self-confidence in students' self-defense using various types of martial arts

Studying physical education as a basis for developing confidence and self-defense skills is extremely important. Sports help to treat failures as temporary obstacles, stimulating the search for ways to improve one's own abilities. This develops psychological resilience, favorably affecting self-esteem and the ability to self-defense. Physical exercises aimed at developing physical capabilities allow you to increase self-esteem and self-confidence, and also contribute to the ability to protect yourself. Activity helps to overcome stress, improves mood and stimulates the production of hormones of joy. Due to the improvement of physical condition, psychological well-being also improves. Conscious engagement in sports and physical exercises contributes to a positive attitude towards one's own body and increased confidence, forming important self-defense skills. The purpose of the study is to analyze the role of physical education in the formation of confidence in self-defense. General scientific methods are used in the process, in particular, analysis, synthesis and generalization of information sources. The results of the study show that physical education is of crucial importance in this area, with an emphasis on the development of personal resilience in self- defense. The conclusions note that the role of physical education in modern life is critically important. It strengthens physical and psychological health, increases the level of confidence and the ability to self-defense, and its importance will only grow in the future. One of the key conditions for successfully mastering any activity is faith in oneself and one’s capabilities. This often helps to overcome difficulties that seem insurmountable at first glance, along with abilities, high motivation and other factors. Physical education and sports teach self-discipline, emotional management and perseverance, skills that are useful in all areas of life. They help to learn to set complex goals and achieve them, demonstrating the unlimited possibilities of a person in the pursuit of self- improvement. Further research should be directed at a detailed analysis of how physical education contributes to the development of confidence and skills in self-defense.

Identification of puberty related miRNAs in the hypothalamus of female mice.

Puberty is a crucial developmental stage marked by the transition from childhood to adulthood, organized by complex hormonal signaling within the neuroendocrine system. The hypothalamus, a central region in this system, regulates pubertal functions through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, essential in puberty control, release GnRH in a pulsatile manner, initiating the production of sex hormones. Major influence in pubertal timing has been attributed to genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and nutritional status. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules, have emerged as key regulators in various cellular processes by either repressing genes or activating them by inhibiting their repressors. The present study aims to investigate the involvement of miRNAs in the control of puberty. Small RNA sequencing was used to identify and compare the total population of miRNAs in the hypothalamus of female mice before, during and after puberty. Bioinformatic analysis was applied to analyse the expression profile of miRNAs with altered levels followed by pathway enrichment analysis. Expression levels of several miRNAs were found up- or down-regulated from pre-pubertal to pubertal stage. Furthermore, monitoring the levels of these miRNAs at the post-pubertal stage revealed four expression patterns, in which pathway analysis displayed the associations of these miRNAs with developmental processes, cell cycle regulation, metabolic biosynthesis and epigenetic regulation. The findings of the present study improve our understanding of the molecular pathways underlying puberty and stress the significance of miRNAs in fine-tuning gene expression within the hypothalamus during this critical developmental stage.

A comparative study to estimate three commercial products of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on blood biochemistry, sexual hormones concentrations, reproductive indices, and larvae production of African catfish Clarias gariepinus brood-stock

Currently, almost all hatcheries that produce catfish seeds depend on hormone stimulations, application of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) is considered the common method for commercial spawning of African catfish Clarias gariepinus, regardless of whether they use an artificial or semi-industrial hatching approach. Therefore, to maximise profit, the best type must be selected based on cost and effectiveness. The present study compared three common products of hCG on blood sexual hormone, reproductive performance, and fry production per kg female. Four groups were designed to be: Group1: Untreated group to (control), Group2, Group3, and Group4, the brood-stock was hormonally induced with Choriomon®, Chorionic Gonadotropin, and Epifasi®, respectively. Both males and females received the same single dose of hCG (1500 IU)/kg of biomass. 80 brood-stock (40 female + 40 male) were used and distributed in two replicates in 8 square concrete ponds (water volume: 2.4 m3) each tank was randomly stocked at a rate of (5 males + 5 females). A single dose of hCG was injected intramuscularly at an angle of 45 degrees above the lateral line towards the tail. 24 hr after the injection blood sampling was drawn and samples of testes and ovaries were collected to measure reproductive indices and analyse chemical composition. Results showed superiority in all indicators of reproductive physiology that related to reproductive between hCG-treated brood-stock and untreated group. Besides, brood-stock injected with Choriomon® was the best in fry production (34587 larvae/kg brood stock) followed by Chorionic Gonadotropin and Epifasi®, respectively, while the Chorionic Gonadotropin group had the highest dose cost for producing 1000 fry.

Therapeutic Interventions Targeting Circadian Rhythms

Occurring biologically in a 24-hour cycle, circadian rhythms affect important activities like metabolism, hormone production, and sleep-wake cycles. Many medical illnesses, including sleep problems, depression, and metabolic syndromes, have been linked to disruptions in circadian rhythms. This study reviews the therapeutic approaches that aim to realign disrupted circadian rhythms. Among the methods under discussion are light therapy, melatonin supplements, chronotherapy, and pharmaceutical treatments aiming at circadian paths. The review includes studies that assess the efficacy and utilization of these therapies in clinical settings. Results imply that these treatments show encouraging results in controlling circadian rhythm problems, especially for diseases like insomnia, seasonal affective disorder, and shift work schedule. Still, topics needing more study are patient response variability and the long-term efficacy of these therapies. The possibility of tailored therapy strategies to improve the efficacy of circadian rhythm therapies and reduce side effects is underlined in this study.

Relationship Between Pituitary Gland and Stem Cell in the Aspect of Hormone Production and Disease Prevention: A Narrative Review.

In the last two decades, scientists have gained a better understanding of several aspects of pituitary development. The signaling pathways that govern pituitary morphology and development have been identified, and the compensatory relationships among them are now known. This paper aims to emphasize the wide variety of relationships between Pituitary Gland and Stem cells in hormone Production and disease prevention. Based on many case reports and several types of research, a wide variety of relationships between the Pituitary Gland and Stem cells in the aspect of hormone Production and disease prevention are reviewed in this literature. In this paper, we focus on various roles and functions of the pituitary gland, the responsibilities of stem cells as a mode of hormone production, and disease prevention. Within this period, more was discovered concerning the contributions made to the transcription factors within the pituitary development, with factors such as Prop1, Pitx1, and Sox2 being defined as important in the development and action of hormone-secreting cells. They are also required in the appropriate specification of the cell types in the pituitary gland and the persistence of the progenitors. Manipulation of these factors causes developmental defects as well as tumors, thus the necessity of knowing the precise function and interaction of these factors. A closer look at these transcription factors could help expand treatment options for structural defect development or give rise to pituitary adenomas. It has been established that signaling pathways such as Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Wnt, and Notch play a part in modulating pituitary development. These pathways are involved in regulating important processes such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, and organization of the pituitary gland tissues. Breaching any of these pathways has been correlated with the development of various pituitary-related conditions including adenomas and congenital hypopituitarism. Moving forward, further studies of these pathways and their associations with stem cells could provide a better understanding of disease processes and approaches to manage them. This way, there is a possibility of developing new approaches aimed at treating the cause of the dysfunction of the pituitary gland by modulating its specific signaling activities. Promising directions for the stimulation of hormone synthesis and restoration of normal pituitary function upon its disorders via tissue regrowth could be found in stem cell application. The fact that one can generate functional pituitary cells from iPSCs for instance provides new avenues both for the understanding of pituitary disease mechanisms as well as for personalized medicine. It is possible to utilize these stem cell- derived cells for modeling disease, drug discovery or even transplantation to restore the function of the damaged pituitary gland. In the future, however, the focus ought to be on the effective application of stem cell therapies that have been research during the development of better differentiation processes. The recent understanding of the system that carries the hypothalamic hormones to the pituitary gland, i.e., the hypophyseal portal vasculature, has had its implications too. This factorial consideration emphasizes the role of the vascular component in the control of pituitary activity - the release of hormones by the pituitary gland. Exploring stem cell-hypophyseal portal system interactions may open new avenues of treatment for diseases associated with deficient hormone transportation and/or pituitary dysfunction.

Unseen Threats: The Long-term Impact of PET-Microplastics on Development of Male Reproductive Over a Lifetime.

The physical abrasion of plastics from simple everyday entered the food chain, with associated risks recently emphasized. Although many studies have reported the adverse effects of microplastics (MPs) on human, the reproductive implications of continuous exposure to physically abraded polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-MPs remain unexplored. Ingestion of physically abraded PET-MPs (size range: 50-100µm) in mice from 5 to 34 weeks of age at an annual intake relevant dose of MPs (5 mgweek-1) significantly impaired male reproductive function. Reductions in seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelial height are observed (p <0.0001), with 32.2% decrease in Leydig cells and 24.3% reduction in testosterone levels (p <0.05). The epididymis shows marked deterioration in all regions, with total sperm concentration significantly reduce from 17.0 × 10⁶ to 5.3 × 10⁶ (p <0.01) and decrease motility. Transcriptome analysis demonstrates downregulation of genes related with gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion, testosterone biosynthesis, and Meiosin gene, which is for crucial spermatogenesis. Continuous ingestion of physically abraded PET-MPs from plastic bottles adversely affected testicular and epididymal functions, leading to hormonal imbalances and abnormal sperm production. These findings raise concerns about the impact of commonly used plastics on male reproductive development, highlighting potential risks for future generations.

Innovative capsulation and microencapsulation of plant hormones: a strategy to combat plant pathogens.

One of the prevailing trends in contemporary agriculture is the application of biological control. Nevertheless, several reports suggest that biocontrol bacteria exhibit poor survival rates in host plants. Consequently, the concept of shielding biological control agents by encapsulating them in outer coatings has gained popularity. Several techniques, including extrusion, spray drying, and emulsification, have been introduced to encapsulate biocontrol bacteria. Much research has focused on the preparation of suitable synthetic hormone products capable of influencing plant growth and development in agriculture. The most effective approach to address this demand is through controlled release systems. One of these techniques involves encapsulating growth hormones. The encapsulation procedure must adhere to crucial standards such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and provision for sustained viability and performance. Nonetheless, it is essential to conduct further research on the consequences of encapsulation and targeted release in organic farming systems. The creation of a novel composition grounded on biodegradable polymers has the potential to enhance the volume and quality of agricultural yields significantly. The current investigation endeavors to scrutinize the encapsulation of plant hormones and microencapsulation and their effectiveness in counteracting plant pathogens.

Hypoparathyroidism: Similarities and differences between Western and Eastern countries.

Hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) is characterized by acute and chronic complications due to insufficient parathyroid hormone (PTH) production or action. Several management guidelines have been developed, but mostly based on evidence from Western countries. Data from Eastern countries have not been systematically compared with those from Western countries. Literatures regarding to the epidemiology, genetics, risk factors, clinical manifestations and therapies for hypoPT in Easten and Western countries, including China, South Korea, Japan, India, and USA, Canada, Italy, and etc., were searched through PubMed and CNKI. This review was officially endorsed by European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS) board. Postoperative hypoPT is the major form of hypoPT in both Western and Eastern countries. The genetic profiles and clinical features of hypoPT are similar in Eastern and Western countries. The most commonly used medications in Eastern countries are calcium and native vitamin D or active vitamin D analogues, similar to their Western counterparts. While PTH replacement therapy is not available and approved to use in most Eastern countries. Physicians and surgeons should follow the guidelines on the management of thyroid nodules, taking more care of protecting parathyroid glands during surgery. The cross-talk between East and West in the management of hypoPT should be continued. Direct comparisons of the management strategies in patients with hypoPT between Eastern and Wester countries regarding to the morbidity, mortality, quality of life, optimal dosage, efficacies and side-effects of conventional therapies or newer medications, as well as pharmacogenetics and pharmacoeconomics, would be valuable.

Differential Impact of Medical Therapies for Acromegaly on Glucose Metabolism.

Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disorder caused by excessive growth hormone (GH) production, due, in the vast majority of cases, to the presence of a GH-secreting pituitary tumour. The chronic elevation of GH and the resulting high circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) cause the characteristic tissue overgrowth and a number of associated comorbidities, including several metabolic changes, such as glucose intolerance and overt diabetes mellitus (DM). Elevated GH concentrations directly attenuate insulin signalling and stimulate lipolysis, decreasing glucose uptake in peripheral tissues, thus leading to the development of impaired glucose tolerance and DM. Acromegaly treatment aims to normalize plasma GH and IGF-1 levels using surgery, medical treatment, or radiotherapy. The effect of the different medical therapies on glucose homeostasis varies. This literature review explores the impact of the currently available pharmacological therapies for acromegaly (first- and second-generation somatostatin receptor ligands, a GH receptor antagonist, and dopamine agonists) on glucose homeostasis. We also discuss the underlying biological mechanisms through which they impact glucose metabolism.

Mechanisms of Rhizosphere Microorganisms in Regulating Plant Root System Architecture in Acidic Soils

Red soil occupies an important position in China's agriculturally cultivated land resources. However, its low pH value, high aluminum concentration, and inefficient phosphorus utilization limit the productivity of acidic red soil farmland. Plant roots exhibit remarkable plasticity, capable of absorbing water and nutrients and modulating root system architecture in response to biotic and abiotic stresses, either autonomously or through rhizosphere microorganisms. This study primarily investigates the regulatory effects of rhizosphere microorganisms, including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia, and synthetic microbial consortia, on plant root system architecture. These regulatory mechanisms encompass the production of hormones, the release of volatile organic compounds, nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and the improvement of rhizospheric soil structure. Such mechanisms can influence root biomass, branching, lateral roots, and root hair growth. Furthermore, we summarize new visualization methods for plant root system architecture and rhizosphere microorganisms, providing technical support for studying the regulation of root system architecture by rhizosphere microbes. Under acidic soil conditions, rhizosphere microorganisms serve as a crucial regulatory strategy. By adjusting plant root system architecture, they can enhance the productivity of acidic soils, representing a potential solution for ameliorating the constraints of acidic soils.

Lin28b-let-7 Modulates mRNA Expression of GnRH1 Through Multiple Signaling Pathways Related to Glycolysis in GT1-7 Cells.

Lin28b and let-7 miRNA regulate mammalian pubertal initiation and Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) production. However, it remains unclear which signaling pathways Lin28b regulates to modulate GnRH production. In this study, the mRNA expression levels of Lin28b and let-7 in the pubertal and juvenile goat hypothalamus and pituitary gland were detected, and Lin28b expression in the pubertal hypothalamus decreased significantly compared with that in juvenile tissues. It was predicted that Lin28b might inhibit GnRH1 expression, which was verified in the GnRH-producing cell model GT1-7 cells. Lin28b inhibited GnRH1 expression and promoted Kiss1/Gpr54 signaling. The pyruvate content and the expression of Hif1a and Hk2, which were related to glycolysis, were also promoted by Lin28b overexpression. Additionally, 77 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIs) in Lin28b-overexpressed GT1-7 cells were identified. Bioinformatics analysis and mRNA expression of the target genes of DEMIs revealed that the MAPK and PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathways were key pathways that involved the regulatory effect of Lin28b on GnRH. In GT1-7 cells, GnRH1 expression was suppressed by blocking mTOR signaling with rapamycin, which was rescued by Lin28b overexpression. These results indicate that Lin28b-let-7 regulates GnRH1 expression through several pathways, including the Kiss1/Gpr54, MAPK, and mTOR signaling pathways, which are all related to glucose metabolism and provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of the regulatory role of Lin28b on GnRH production.

Immunophenotyping of Hematopoietic Cells in the Spleen in Hypothyroid Mice.

Hypothyroidism, which is characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, and malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, are significant global health challenges. Studying how these two conditions interact could provide valuable insights into their complex relationship and potential treatment options.To induce hypothyroidism in the research, scientists used drugs to block the production of thyroid hormones. Then, they infected mice with Plasmodium berghei ANKA to mimic cerebral malaria infection. The spleen is essential in the body's immune response to malaria. It is involved in both innate and adaptive immunity, iron recycling, and the removal of old red blood cells or damaged cells infected with Plasmodium. Monitoring disease progression in male mice is crucial for early detection, and techniques like flow cytometry can help identify specific immune system populations within the spleen that are relevant to the research.

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) as a potential invasive predator in a Critically Endangered sawfish nursery

Although the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is considered one of the most damaging and adaptive invasive carnivorous mammals that consumes a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate taxa, there are surprisingly few reports of red foxes hunting fish. We observed evidence of an attempted predation event by a red fox on a neonate green sawfish (Pristis zijsron) within a deltaic island in the Ashburton River estuary, a remote desert river in Western Australia. The site is a globally important nursery where newborn sawfish arrive annually in spring. Injuries to the sawfish included paw/claw marks on the head, damage to the rostrum, which is a formidable tool that is used for both defence against predators and for detecting and attacking prey, as well as a major hole in the head and damage to the gills, which are vital for respiration, osmoregulation, nitrogenous waste excretion, pH regulation, and hormone production. A series of tracks suggests at least one fox parades the shallow tidally influenced banks, with evidence of a green mud crab (Scylla serrata) having also been predated on. There have also been reports of red fox predation of sea turtle nests nearby. This is the first record of a red fox hunting in marine waters and one of the few identifying fish as prey. We suggest that a monitoring program for foxes, and possibly a control program, is warranted prior to the annual seasonal colonisation of this habitat by neonate green sawfish and nesting turtles, which may in turn reduce predation of sympatric species.

Anterior pituitary gland volume mediates associations between adrenarche and changes in transdiagnostic symptoms in youth.

The pituitary gland (PG) plays a central role in the production and secretion of pubertal hormones, with documented links to the increase in mental health symptoms during adolescence. Although literature has largely focused on examining whole PG volume, recent findings have demonstrated associations among pubertal hormone levels, including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), PG subregions, and mental health symptoms during adolescence. Despite the anterior PG's role in DHEA production, studies have not yet examined potential links with transdiagnostic symptomology (i.e., dysregulation) pertinent to long-term functioning. Therefore, the current study sought examine whether anterior PG volume mediates associations between DHEA levels and changes in dysregulation symptoms in an adolescent sample (N = 114, 9 -17 years, Mage = 12.87, SD = 1.88). Following manual tracing, structural equation modeling revealed that greater anterior, not posterior, PG volume mediated the association between greater DHEA levels and increasing dysregulation symptoms across time, controlling for baseline dysregulation symptom levels. Results also showed that greater DHEA levels related to decreasing symptoms across time, suggesting potential attenuation effects. Altogether, these results provide support for separating the anterior and posterior PG by demonstrating specificity in the role of the anterior PG in adrenarcheal processes that may confer risk for adolescent psychopathology.

Immunophenotyping of Leukocytes in Brain in Hypothyroid Mice.

Hypothyroidism, characterized by inadequate production of thyroid hormones, and malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, are significant health concerns worldwide. Understanding the interplay between these two conditions could offer insights into their complex relationship and potential therapeutic strategies. To induce hypothyroidism, pharmacological inhibition of thyroid hormone synthesis was employed. Subsequently, mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA to simulate cerebral malaria infection. It needs to monitor the progression of the disease in male mice before it can identify infiltrating immune system populations of interest in the brain by multiparametric techniques such as flow cytometry.

Research advances in the transplacental transfer efficiencies of environmental pollutants

Industrialization has led to significant increases in the types and quantities of pollutants, with environmental pollutants widely present in various media, including the air, food, and everyday items. These pollutants can enter the human body via multiple pathways, including ingestion through food and absorption through the skin; this intrusion can disrupt the production, release, and circulation of hormones in the body, resulting in a range of illnesses that affect the reproductive, endocrine, and nervous systems. Consequently, these pollutants pose substantial risks to human health. In particular, fetuses are highly sensitive to environmental pollutants during critical stages of development, and exposure during periods of growth and development can result in more-obvious and severe health hazards that can lead to preterm birth, low birth weight, and fetal malformations. The placenta acts as a barrier between the mother and fetus, and selectively filters certain pollutants. While some pollutants remain in the maternal bloodstream, others cross the placental barrier into the fetal umbilical blood through passive diffusion, placental transport proteins, or endocytosis. The transplacental transfer efficiency (TTE) is the ratio of the level of the pollutant in the umbilical blood to that in the maternal blood, and is a valuable metric for evaluating the ability of a pollutant to breach the placental barrier. A higher TTE implies that a larger proportion of pollutants are transferred from the mother to the fetus, thereby amplifying the potential risks to the fetus. Mass spectrometry-based detection methods are extensively used in the chemical and environmental sciences because they are exceptionally sensitive and highly resolving. This analytical technique involves ionizing compounds within a sample and identifying them based on their distinct mass-to-charge ratios; it enables both qualitative and quantitative analyses of various environmental pollutants. Current methodologies for examining the TTE of a pollutant include in-vitro experiments, animal studies, epidemiologic studies, and model calculation; these approaches help to evaluate the transfer of pollutants from mother to fetus via the placenta. Analyzing the TTEs of different chemicals enables high-risk pollutants to be identified and provides an understanding of their abilities to cross the placenta. Research on the transplacental transfer of environmental pollutants has focused mainly on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), with relatively few studies on the TTEs of other pollutants reported. Pollutant transfer through the placenta is a complex process that is influenced by factors that include the physical and chemical properties of the pollutant (e.g., molecular mass, solubility, and lipophilicity), maternal factors (e.g., maternal health and lifestyle, maternal genetics, environmental conditions, and socioeconomic status), and placental characteristics (e.g., placental maturity, placental blood flow, transport proteins, and metabolic enzymes). This review summarizes recent advances in research on the TTEs of environmental pollutants, focusing on analytical methods, the TTEs of PFASs, PBDEs, PCBs, and OCPs, and the pivotal factors that influence TTEs. Studying the TTEs of pollutants enables their characteristics to be elucidated, thereby providing support data for research on the exposure, transfer, and accumulation of pollutants in the human body, as well as a theoretical framework for understanding the mechanism of transplacental transfer of environmental pollutants. This research is expected to play a vital role in assessing the impact of environmental pollutants on the health of pregnant women and their fetuses.