Prolactin Production Research Articles

Overview Of Clean And Healthy Living Behavior In Household Order In Health Center Area 2 Regency Tanjung Jabung Barat

Breast milk is a liquid that contains white blood cells, immune substances, enzymes, hormones, and proteins that are suitable for babies. Breast milk is an ideal source of nutrition, rich in food essences that can accelerate the growth of brain cells and the development of the nervous system. In breastfeeding, mothers often experience anxiety caused by milk production. Breast milk production can be influenced by several factors, namely infant birth weight, gestational age, maternal age and parity, maternal stress/illness, smoking, alcohol consumption, consumption of contraceptive pills, maternal diet, husband and family support, breast care, type of delivery and hospitalization. when giving birth. Mothers who experience anxiety will cause the let-down reflex to occur, resulting in disruption of breast milk production due to inhibition of the production of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. This study aims to The relationship between the anxiety level of breastfeeding mothers and the amount of milk production in Mothers who have babies aged 1-12 months in Sigumpar Dangsina Village, Sigumpar Health Center Working Area. This research is a quantitative research with cross sectional data collection approach. The population of this study were all breastfeeding mothers who had babies 1-12 months. The sampling technique used is a total sampling of 17 respondents. The data was processed by Spearman correlation test. The results showed p value = 0.003 so p < 0.05 which means that there is a relationship between the level of anxiety of mothers who breastfeed their babies to the amount of milk production in mothers who have babies aged 1-12 months in Sigumpar Dangsina Village, Sigumpar Health Center Work Area. Mothers/Communities and their families support each other in breastfeeding so as not to cause anxiety in breastfeeding mothers

The relationship between the anxiety level of breastfeeding mothers and the amount of milk production in Mothers who have babies aged 1-12 Months in Sigumpar Dangsina Village, Sigumpar Health Center Working Area

Breast milk is a liquid that contains white blood cells, immune substances, enzymes, hormones, and proteins that are suitable for babies. Breast milk is an ideal source of nutrition, rich in food essences that can accelerate the growth of brain cells and the development of the nervous system. In breastfeeding, mothers often experience anxiety caused by milk production. Breast milk production can be influenced by several factors, namely infant birth weight, gestational age, maternal age and parity, maternal stress/illness, smoking, alcohol consumption, consumption of contraceptive pills, maternal diet, husband and family support, breast care, type of delivery and hospitalization. when giving birth. Mothers who experience anxiety will cause the let-down reflex to occur, resulting in disruption of breast milk production due to inhibition of the production of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. This study aims to The relationship between the anxiety level of breastfeeding mothers and the amount of milk production in Mothers who have babies aged 1-12 months in Sigumpar Dangsina Village, Sigumpar Health Center Working Area. This research is a quantitative research with cross sectional data collection approach. The population of this study were all breastfeeding mothers who had babies 1-12 months. The sampling technique used is a total sampling of 17 respondents. The data was processed by Spearman correlation test. The results showed p value = 0.003 so p < 0.05 which means that there is a relationship between the level of anxiety of mothers who breastfeed their babies to the amount of milk production in mothers who have babies aged 1-12 months in Sigumpar Dangsina Village, Sigumpar Health Center Work Area. Mothers/Communities and their families support each other in breastfeeding so as not to cause anxiety in breastfeeding mothers

ODP335 Mutual Effects of Orexin and BMPs on Gonadotropin Expression by Mouse Gonadotrope LβT2 Cells

Abstract Orexins are neuropeptides that express primarily in the hypothalamus and are produced in two isoforms, orexin A and orexin B. There are two kinds of G protein coupled receptors, orexin type 1 (OX1R) and type 2 (OX2R) receptors. Orexin has been reported to have key roles on sleep-wake regulation and feeding behavior in the central nervous system, whereas its receptors are also expressed in peripheral tissues including the endocrine organs, and orexin affects the regulation of the endocrine system. In our previous experiments, we have revealed the impact of orexins on anterior pituitary functions. For instance, we reported that orexin A plays an inhibitory role in prolactin production through the suppression of endogenous bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) activity in rat pituitary lactotrope GH3 cells. It was also reported that orexin A enhances pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) transcription by upregulating corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) receptor signaling and by downregulating BMP-Smad signaling in mouse corticotope AtT20 cells. However, the effects of orexin on the endocrine function regarding gonadotrope cells remain unclear. We have recently uncovered that core clock genes and BMPs have mutual effects on luteinizing hormone (LH) expression in a phase-dependent manner by mouse gonadotrope LβT2 cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of orexin on pituitary gonadotropin expression using LβT2 cells, which express OX1R and OX2R, by focusing on the functional involvement of BMP system and clock genes. It was revealed that orexin A stimulation increased LHβ and FSHβ mRNA expression in a concentration-responsive manner in the absence of GnRH, and interestingly, GnRH co-treatment further upregulated LHβ mRNA expression in LβT2 cells. Regarding the interrelationships between the signalings of orexin and BMPs, it was also revealed that orexin A pretreatment enhanced the BMP receptor signaling detected as the Smad1/5/9 phosphorylation, indicating that orexin enables to upregulate the BMP actions in LβT2 cells. In our previous studies, we reported that several BMP ligands such as BMP-6, -7 and 15 expressed in LβT2 cells can promote gonadotropin transcription, in which BMP-6 regulates GnRH-stimulated LH expression by modulating the sensitivity to somatostatin analogs. Based on the present results, it was implied that endogenous orexin can be functionally involved in the underlying mechanisms of gonadotropin expression. Collectively, orexin enhances gonadotropin expression by regulating BMP signaling in gonadotrope cells. Here, we will also discuss functional involvement of clock genes in the regulatory system of gonadotropin secretion induced by orexin and BMPs. Presentation: No date and time listed

ODP343 Phoenixin as a Novel Autocrine/Paracrine Factor Stimulating Prolactin Secretion and Gene Expression at the Pituitary Level in Fish Model

Abstract Phoenixin (PNX), a new peptide first identified by bioinformatics, is widely expressed at tissue level and confirmed to be the ligand for the orphan receptor GPR173. Its mature peptide PNX 20 is highly conserved across species and emerged as a novel regulator for reproductive, appetite control, memory retention, plain perception and cardiovascular protection. However, not much is known for the comparative aspects of PNX and the post-receptor signaling mediating PNX action is still unclear. Using grass carp as a model for bony fish/teleost, carp PNX and its receptor GPR173 were cloned and confirmed to be single-copy genes in the carp genome. Using RT-PCR, transcript signals of PNX and GPR173 were found to be widely expressed in different tissues, including the brain-pituitary axis. As revealed by LC/MS/MS and ICC staining, protein signals of PNX and GPR173 could be detected in the pituitary and co-localized in immuno-identified lactotrophs. In primary culture of carp pituitary cells, static incubation with the synthetic peptide of carp PNX 20 was effective in increasing prolactin (PRL) release, PRL cell content and total production of PRL with a parallel rise in PRL mRNA level. The opposite was true for PRL secretion and transcript expression in parallel experiment with removal of endogenous PNX by immunoneutralization using PNX antiserum. Besides the stimulation on PRL signals, similar treatment with PNX 20 could also elevate cAMP and intracellular Ca 2+ levels with rapid phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, MEK 1/2 and ERK 1/2 in carp pituitary cells. In the same model, except for a lack of effect with PKC blockade, co-treatment with the pharmacological inhibitors for different signalling components of the cAMP/PKA, PLC/IP 3, PI3K/Akt and MAPK cascades was effective in reducing/causing a total blockade of PNX 20 -induced PRL release and gene expression. Our results, as a whole, suggest that (i) PNX produced locally within the carp pituitary, presumably via activation of GPR173, could act as an autocrine/paracrine signal to stimulate PRL secretion and gene expression in carp lactotrophs, and (ii) the stimulatory effects on PRL regulation caused by the local actions of PNX probably are mediated by the cAMP/PKA-, PLC/IP 3 -, PI3K/Akt- and MAPK-dependent signaling mechanisms. Presentation: No date and time listed

Cabergoline-Induced Hypoprolactinemia May Attenuate Cardiometabolic Effects of Atorvastatin: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Hypoprolactinemia, which is usually a consequence of treatment with inadequate high doses of dopaminergic agents, is a poorly understood clinical condition. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether the cardiometabolic effects of statin therapy differ between patients with low prolactin production and patients with normal levels of this hormone. Methods: We studied two groups of cabergoline-treated premenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia matched for age, plasma lipids, cabergoline dose, and treatment duration: 11 women with hypoprolactinemia (group A) and 15 women with plasma levels of this hormone within the reference range (group B). The control group (C) included 25 dopaminergic-naïve normoprolactinemic women, matched for age and lipid levels. Plasma lipids, insulin sensitivity, and levels of uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen, homocysteine, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured before and after 14-week treatment with atorvastatin (20 mg daily). Results: Patients with hypoprolactinemia were more insulin-resistant, had lower values of total testosterone and free androgen index, and had higher levels of hsCRP and fibrinogen than individuals with normal prolactin levels. Although atorvastatin reduced total and LDL cholesterol and hsCRP in all study groups, this effect was stronger in groups B and C than in group A. Only in groups B and C, the drug decreased uric acid, fibrinogen, and homocysteine and increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D. In turn, only in group A, atorvastatin worsened insulin sensitivity and reduced free androgen index. Conclusion: Coexisting hypoprolactinemia may have an unfavorable impact on the pleiotropic effects of statins.

Prolactinoma or leiomyoma-associated hyperprolactinemia—this is the question, a case report and review of the literature

Background: Hyperprolactinemia is a common finding in women of reproductive age that could result from physiological factors, pathological conditions or the use of different medications. The therapeutic approach depends on the etiology of hyperprolactinemia, thus, the proper diagnosis is paramount. Case: Herein, we present a case of a young woman with pituitary incidentaloma and leiomyoma-associated hyperprolactinemia. The initial diagnosis was microprolactinoma, based on typical clinical features, increased prolactin levels, and pituitary adenoma. However, dopamine agonist treatment did not lead to any reduction of prolactin levels or clinical improvement. The patient was myomectomized because of uterine fibroid enlargement. After the surgery, the hyperprolactinemia resolved completely, while the pituitary adenoma did not show any changes. The concomitant development of pituitary adenoma and extrapituitary hyperprolactinemia might not be such a rare phenomenon, considering the high prevalence of pituitary incidentalomas. Conclusions: Currently, there are no specific tests that could distinguish pituitary from extrapituitary prolactin production. Our case report and the literature review show that leiomyoma-associated hyperprolactinemia should be considered in women of reproductive age with treatment-resistant prolactinoma and uterine fibroids above 5 cm. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and the possible regulators of the ectopic prolactin secretion.

Functional Implications of Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors Expression in Adenomyosis, Potential Targets for Endocrinological Therapy.

Adenomyosis is a common gynaecological disease associated with the presence of endometrial lesions in the uterine myometrium. Estrogens have been proven to be the crucial hormones driving the growth of adenomyosis. Little is known about the distinct mechanisms of progesterone action in adenomyosis. Hence, in this study, we decided to characterize the expression of all nuclear and membrane estrogen and progesterone receptors. Additionally, as a functional investigation, we monitored prolactin production and cell proliferation after estradiol and progesterone treatments. We confirmed the presence of all nuclear and membrane estrogen and progesterone receptors in adenomyotic lesions at gene and protein levels. The expression of membrane progesterone receptors α and β (mPRα, mPRβ) as well as estrogen receptor β (ERβ) was upregulated in adenomyosis compared to normal myometrium. Estradiol significantly increased adenomyotic cell proliferation. Progesterone and cAMP upregulated prolactin secretion in adenomyosis in the same pattern as in the normal endometrium. In the present study, we showed the functional link between estradiol action and adenomyotic cell proliferation, as well as progesterone and prolactin production. Our findings provide novel insights into the sex steroid receptor expression pattern and potential regulated pathways in adenomyosis, suggesting that all receptors play an important role in adenomyosis pathophysiology.

Metformin attenuates the production and proliferative effects of prolactin induced by medroxyprogesterone acetate during fertility-sparing treatment for endometrial cancer

BackgroundProgestin is used for fertility-sparing treatment in cases of endometrial cancer (EC). Progestin can induce hyperprolactinemia by increasing pituitary secretion and endometrial decidualization. However, progestin induces prolactin (PRL) secretion, which stimulates cell proliferation and deleteriously affects treatment. To date, the detrimental effect of PRL, the secretion of which is induced by medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) during fertility-sparing treatment, has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effects of PRL on EC cells during combined treatment with progestin and metformin.MethodsIn total, 71 patients with EC/endometrial atypical hyperplasia who underwent fertility-sparing treatment at our institution from 2009–2019 were enrolled. Serum PRL levels were determined using enzyme immunoassays; mRNA levels in endometrial tissues were determined using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. To evaluate MPA-induced decidualization, cancer-associated stromal cells were enzymatically released from surgically removed specimens of six patients with EC. To examine PRL-induced cell proliferation, the EC cell lines Ishikawa, HEC1B, and HEC265 were used. In vitro cell proliferation was evaluated using the WST assay; protein levels of signaling molecules were determined using western blotting.ResultsMPA administration significantly increased serum PRL levels at 3 and 6 months and upregulated IGFBP-1 and PRL mRNA expression in tissues at 3 months of fertility-sparing treatment. Metformin significantly reduced MPA-induced IGFBP-1 and PRL mRNA expression during fertility-sparing treatment and significantly inhibited the upregulation of IGFBP-1 and PRL mRNA and PRL levels due to decidualization induced by MPA and cAMP treatment in primary cultured EC stromal cells. In vitro, PRL increased cell proliferation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels, whereas metformin attenuated these increases.ConclusionsMPA upregulated PRL levels in serum and endometrial tissues during fertility-sparing treatment. Metformin co-administration reduced PRL production and attenuated PRL-induced cell-proliferation activity. This study may provide valuable insights on the application of metformin to improve the outcomes of fertility-sparing treatment.

β-Catenin is reduced in membranes of human prolactinoma cells and it is inhibited by temozolomide in prolactin secreting tumor models.

Prolactinomas are the most frequent pituitary tumor subtype. Despite most of them respond to medical treatment, a proportion are resistant and become a challenge in clinical management. Wnt/β-Catenin pathway has been implicated in several cancers including pituitary tumors and other sellar region malignancies. Interestingly, Wnt/β-Catenin inhibition augments the cytotoxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent Temozolomide (TMZ) in different cancers. TMZ is now being implemented as rescue therapy for aggressive pituitary adenoma treatment. However, the molecular mechanisms associated with TMZ action in pituitary tumors remain unclear. Our aims in the present study were to evaluate differential β-Catenin expression in human resistant prolactinomas and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling activation and involvement in Prolactin (PRL) secreting experimental models treated with TMZ. We first evaluated by immunohistochemistry β-Catenin localization in human resistant prolactinomas in which we demonstrated reduced membrane β-Catenin in prolactinoma cells compared to normal pituitaries, independently of the Ki-67 proliferation indexes. In turn, in vivo 15 mg/kg of orally administered TMZ markedly reduced PRL production and increased prolactinoma cell apoptosis in mice bearing xenografted prolactinomas. Intratumoral β-Catenin strongly correlated with Prl and Cyclin D1, and importantly, TMZ downregulated both β-Catenin and Cyclin D1, supporting their significance in prolactinoma growth and as candidates of therapeutic targets. When tested in vitro, TMZ directly reduced MMQ cell viability, increased apoptosis and produced G2/M cell cycle arrest. Remarkably, β-Catenin activation and VEGF secretion were inhibited by TMZ in vitro. We concluded that dopamine resistant prolactinomas undergo a β-Catenin relocalization in relation to normal pituitaries and that TMZ restrains experimental prolactinoma tumorigenicity by reducing PRL production and β-Catenin activation. Together, our findings contribute to the understanding of Wnt/β-Catenin implication in prolactinoma maintenance and TMZ therapy, opening the opportunity of new treatment strategies for aggressive and resistant pituitary tumors.

Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil on Prolactin Levels and Breast Milk Production in Postpartum Mothers

Background and Aim: Breastfeeding is a natural process for a mother to support and prosper her child after giving birth. Lack of perception about breast milk production is one of the factors causing failure in exclusive breastfeeding. Nutritional and hormonal factors (prolactin and oxytocin) are the main factors that affect breast milk production. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of giving virgin coconut oil to prolactin levels and milk production. Material and Method: This type of research is experimental with Posttest Only Group Design. The sample was selected by purposive sampling technique so as to get a sample of 33 pregnant women in the group and 33 pregnant women in the control group. Examination of prolactin levels were measured using the ELISA method. Data were analyzed by Kolmogorov Smirnov and Independent T test. Result: The results of the average prolactin level of each group, namely the control group was 50.69 ng/ml and the treatment group was 72.98 ng/ml. The average milk production obtained in the control group was 325.73 ml and the treatment group was 432.80 ml. The results of the analysis using the Independent T test concluded that there were significant differences, between VCO, prolactin levels (p = 0.00) and VCO on breast milk production (p = 0.00). Conclution: The conclusion of this study is that giving Virgin Coconut Oil has an effect on increasing prolactin and breast milk production in postpartum mothers. Keywords: VCO, Prolactin, Breast Milk .

Impact of Chronic Prenatal Stress on Maternal Neuroendocrine Function and Embryo and Placenta Development During Early-to-Mid-Pregnancy in Mice.

Psychological stress, both leading up to and during pregnancy, is associated with increased risk for negative pregnancy outcomes. Although the neuroendocrine circuits that link the stress response to reduced sexual motivation and mating are well-described, the specific pathways by which stress negatively impacts gestational outcomes remain unclear. Using a mouse model of chronic psychological stress during pregnancy, we investigated 1) how chronic exposure to stress during gestation impacts maternal reproductive neuroendocrine circuitry, and 2) whether stress alters developmental outcomes for the fetus or placenta by mid-pregnancy. Focusing on the stress-responsive neuropeptide RFRP-3, we identified novel contacts between RFRP-3-immunoreactive (RFRP-3-ir) cells and tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons in the arcuate nucleus, thus providing a potential pathway linking the neuroendocrine stress response directly to pituitary prolactin production and release. However, neither of these cell populations nor circulating levels of pituitary hormones were affected by chronic stress. Conversely, circulating levels of steroid hormones relevant to gestational outcomes (progesterone and corticosterone) were altered in chronically-stressed dams across gestation, and those dams were qualitatively more likely to experience delays in fetal development. Together, these findings suggest that, up until at least mid-pregnancy, mothers appear to be relatively resilient to the effects of elevated glucocorticoids on reproductive neuroendocrine system function. We conclude that understanding how chronic psychological stress impacts reproductive outcomes will require understanding individual susceptibility and identifying reliable neuroendocrine changes resulting from gestational stress.

Prolactin and its significance in the placenta.

Prolactin, a pituitary hormone that was discovered about 80years ago and is primarily known for its functions in mammary gland development and lactation, is now known to participate in numerous functions across different phylogenetic groups. Fundamentally known for its secretion from lactotroph cells in adenohypophysis region of pituitary gland, newer studies have demonstrated a number of extrapituitary sites which secrete prolactin, where it acts in an autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine manner to regulate essential physiological and biochemical processes. These sites include lymphocytes, epithelial cells of lactating mammary glands, breast cancer cells of epithelial origin, and the placenta. The placenta is one of the most important organs secreting prolactin; however, its role in placental biology has not to date been reviewed comprehensively. This review elaborates upon the various facets of prolactin hormone, including prolactin production and its post-translational modifications and signaling. Major emphasis is placed on placental prolactin and its potential roles, ranging from the role of prolactin in angiogenesis, preeclampsia, maternal diabetes, and anti-apoptosis, among others.

Growth hormone modulates Trypanosoma cruzi infection in vitro

ObjectiveChagas disease (CD) is caused by the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. It affects 7 to 8 million people worldwide and leads to approximately 50,000 deaths per year. In vitro and in vivo studies had demonstrated that Trypanosoma cruziinfection causes an imbalance in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that is accompanied by a progressive decrease in growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) production. In humans, inactivating mutations in the GH receptor gene cause Laron Syndrome (LS), an autosomal recessive disorder. Affected subjects are short, have increased adiposity, decreased insulin-like growth factor-I (IGFI), increased serum GH levels, are highly resistant to diabetes and cancer, and display slow cognitive decline. In addition, CD incidence in these individuals is diminished despite living in highly endemic areas. Consequently, we decided to investigate the in vitro effect of GH/IGF-I on T. cruzi infection. DesignWe first treated the parasite and/or host cells with different peptide hormones including GH, IGFI, and PRL. Then, we treated cells using different combinations of GH/IGF-I attempting to mimic the GH/IGF-I serum levels observed in LS subjects. ResultsWe found that exogenous GH confers protection against T. cruzi infection. Moreover, this effect is mediated by GH and not IGFI. The combination of relatively high GH (50 ng/ml) and low IGF-I (20 ng/ml), mimicking the hormonal pattern seen in LS individuals, consistently decreased T. cruzi infection in vitro. ConclusionsThe combination of relatively high GH and low IGF-I serum levels in LS individuals may be an underlying condition providing partial protection against T. cruzi infection.

PENINGKATAN EFEKTIFITAS METODE KANGURU TERHADAP KECUKUPAN ASI PADA BAYI CUKUP BULAN DI DESA SUKARAME BARU KEC. KUALUH HULU KAB. LABUHAN BATU UTARA

PENINGKATAN EFEKTIFITAS METODE KANGURU TERHADAP KECUKUPAN ASI PADA BAYI CUKUP BULAN DI DESA SUKARAME BARU KEC. KUALUH HULU KAB. LABUHAN BATU UTARA

Prolactin-releasing peptide increases rat anxiety

Prolactin-releasing peptide(Prl-RP), in addition to stimulating the production of prolactin, interacts with various parts of the central nervous system, participating in the implementation of many functions that are reflected in behavior. The effect of Prl-RP on the anxiety of white Wistar rats was studied since there were no data in the literature on the relationship between Prl-RP and anxiety. Anxiety was assessed in two tests. In the elevated plus-maze (EPM), the time spent in the open arms and the number of edge reactions were recorded. In the social preference test, the time spent near a stranger, near a familiar individual, and in neutral territory were recorded. The administration of Prl-RP at a dose of 10-10 M with a volume of 10 µl in each nostril reduced the time spent by the animals in the open arms of the EPM, and the number of edge reactions. For testing the social interaction, animals were pre-selected for high or low levels of anxiety in the EPM. In rats with initially low levels of anxiety, Prl-RP reduced the time spent near a stranger, indicating an increase in anxiety levels. The behavior of rats with initially high levels of anxiety did not change after application of the Prl-RP. The results of our experiments indicate that the intranasal administration of Prl-RP increases the anxiety of rats.

Prolactin is Expressed in Uterine Leiomyomas and Promotes Signaling and Fibrosis in Myometrial Cells.

Uterine leiomyomas are benign, estrogen-sensitive, fibrotic smooth muscle cell tumors occurring in the uterine myometrium. Leiomyomas are a considerable health burden, with a lifetime prevalence of 80% and limited treatment options. Estrogen and progesterone have positive effects on leiomyoma growth, but little is known about the roles of other hormones. One hormone of interest is prolactin, as it has been described to be present and functional in leiomyomas. The current study investigates prolactin production within leiomyomas and its effects on myometrial cells. RNA isolation and quantitative-PCR of human leiomyoma samples relative to matched adjacent myometrium confirms significant expression of prolactin and dopamine receptor D2, a known regulator of prolactin production and release in the pituitary, with no difference in prolactin receptor expression. Immunohistochemistry confirms increased prolactin in leiomyomas compared to adjacent myometrium and uteri from women without leiomyomas. These results suggest that leiomyomas contain cells that produce prolactin, which may then promote signaling in leiomyoma cells to regulate leiomyoma development/growth. Accordingly, we find that prolactin robustly activates STAT5 and MAPK signaling in rat and human myometrial cell lines. Furthermore, prolactin stimulates expression of myofibroblast markers in rat myometrial cells. Our findings suggest that local prolactin production in leiomyomas may stimulate trans-differentiation of myometrial cells to myofibroblasts, which in turn contributes to the fibrotic nature of leiomyomas.

Clinical considerations for the management of psoriasis in women with disorders of the menstrual cycle

Introduction. Psoriasis in women of reproductive age is one of the most pressing medical and social problems. The consequence of psoriasis disease is a significant decrease in the quality of life, disability of patients, difficulties in creating a family and deterioration of family relations, significant psychological discomfort.
 Objective of the study: to increase the effectiveness of treatment of women with psoriasis with menstrual irregularities by means of pathogenetically substantiated therapy based on the study of hormonal changes.
 Materials and research methods. The study included 130 women who were divided into three groups: the main group – 75 women with psoriasis with menstrual irregularities, who were randomized into 3 subgroups: 1a – 25 patients who will receive standard psoriasis therapy; 1b – 25 patients, in addition to the standard treatment of psoriasis, will receive gestagens for 3 months; 1c – 25 patients, in addition to the standard treatment of psoriasis, will receive a preparation of an dry extract of herb of creeping anchors for 3 months. The comparison group consisted of 25 women with psoriasis without hormonal disorders, comparable in age and social status with the study group. The control group – 30 apparently healthy women, comparable in age and social status with the study group.
 Research results. In patients of the main group who received standard psoriasis therapy (1a); who received progestogens for 3 months in addition to standard psoriasis treatment (1b) and, in addition to the standard treatment of psoriasis, who received the preparation of an dry extract of herb of anchors creeping for 3 months (1c), before the start of the treatment, the ratio of LH / FSH – luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was below normal, which indicates a certain deficit in LH production relative to FSH values. In parallel, in these cohorts, the production of prolactin was increased, which suppresses the formation of FSH and LH in the pituitary gland. Changes in the production of gonadotropic hormones are a reaction to the existing deficiency or excess of sex hormones. In the main 1a, 1b and 1c in groups, estradiol values ​​were within the normal range with progesterone deficiency in the luteal phase. The testosterone value in all study groups did not deviate from the standard values.
 Conclusions. The obtained results of the survey indicate the need to increase the effectiveness of treatment of women with psoriasis with menstrual irregularities by involving measures aimed at correcting hormonal status in complex therapy.

Unconventional Actions of Glycoprotein Hormone Subunits: A Comprehensive Review.

The glycoprotein hormones (GPH) are heterodimers composed of a common α subunit and a specific β subunit. They act by activating specific leucine-rich repeat G protein-coupled receptors. However, individual subunits have been shown to elicit responses in cells devoid of the receptor for the dimeric hormones. The α subunit is involved in prolactin production from different tissues. The human chorionic gonadotropin β subunit (βhCG) plays determinant roles in placentation and in cancer development and metastasis. A truncated form of the thyrotropin (TSH) β subunit is also reported to have biological effects. The GPH α- and β subunits are derived from precursor genes (gpa and gpb, respectively), which are expressed in most invertebrate species and are still represented in vertebrates as GPH subunit paralogs (gpa2 and gpb5, respectively). No specific receptor has been found for the vertebrate GPA2 and GPB5 even if their heterodimeric form is able to activate the TSH receptor in mammals. Interestingly, GPA and GPB are phylogenetically and structurally related to cysteine-knot growth factors (CKGF) and particularly to a group of antagonists that act independently on any receptor. This review article summarizes the observed actions of individual GPH subunits and presents the current hypotheses of how these actions might be induced. New approaches are also proposed in light of the evolutionary relatedness with antagonists of the CKGF family of proteins.

Amisulpride: What’s Old Can Be New in the United States

Amisulpride: What’s Old Can Be New in the United States

A case of hyperprolactinaemia in a patient with metastatic melanoma

Ectopic prolactin production from a malignancy is infrequently reported. We report here a 60-year-old gentleman who presented with hyperprolactinaemia (9100 mIU/L) causing expressible galactorrhoea, decreased libido and fatigue thought to be due to ectopic prolactin secretion from a metastatic melanoma. Upon initiation of pembrolizumab, the patient's symptoms resolved and he became normoprolactinaemic. This corresponded with a partial response on radiological imaging. Although the core biopsy of the metastatic melanoma did not exhibit immunostaining for prolactin, we believe that only a subset of the tumour cells possesses prolactin-secreting capacity. This case illustrates the need to consider ectopic prolactin production for a solid malignant tumour as a rare cause of hyperprolactinaemia in patients with a normal pituitary MRI, in the absence of other causes.