Steroid Profiles Research Articles

A critical review of randomized controlled trials on topical corticosteroids for the prevention of radiation dermatitis in breast cancer.

Topical steroids have shown effectiveness in preventing radiation dermatitis (RD) in breast cancer patients in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This review provides an in-depth analysis of the study methodology of these RCTs to review whether topical steroids should be employed in routine clinical practice. A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted from database inception until May 31, 2024. RCTs comparing topical steroids with moisturizers or placebo for the prophylaxis of RD in breast cancer patients were included. The methodology of the RCTs, including how topical steroids were applied, whether crossover in the control arm was allowed, if stratification factors were employed, and the reporting of side effects was evaluated. Twelve RCTs met inclusion criteria. Four different topical steroids were used, including betamethasone 0.1%, mometasone 0.1%, hydrocortisone 1%, and beclomethasone. Eleven studies (92%) showed that topical steroids were effective in reducing incidence or delaying occurrence of grade 2 or above RD with a relative risk of 0.69 (range, 0.19 to 0.98). In all RCTs, topical steroids were consistently used from the start of radiotherapy (RT) until completion to 3weeks post-RT. Five RCTs (42%) provided patient education on topical steroid application. Six (50%) reported on subsequent management if moist desquamation occurred. Four studies (33%) stratified potential risk factors of RD during randomization. No studies reported any long-term side effects of topical steroids. Topical steroids are effective in reducing the incidence of RD. However, heterogeneity was observed among the RCTs with regard to how and when the topical steroids were applied. The long-term safety profile of topical steroids is not well studied. In the context of modern radiotherapy planning techniques and increased use of hypofractionation radiation schedules, a repeat RCT addressing these methodological concerns may provide more guidance to clinicians.

Effect of antiepileptic drug monotherapy on endogenous sex hormonal profile in men and women with epilepsy.

To assess the alterations of endogenous sex hormone profiles in patients with epilepsy (PWE) on different antiepileptic drug (AED) monotherapies compared to healthy controls and drug naïve PWE (DNPWE). Four databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and CENTRAL were searched for analytical observational/intervention studies on the assessment of endogenous sex hormones in PWE compared to healthy controls and DNPWE. Two researchers reviewed the title/abstract, and full-text articles for the selection of the studies independently. Extracted data included information on study details, participant demographics, interventions, method of assessment and study results. The study outcomes were used to calculate the standard mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as effect size for assessing differences in the endogenous sex hormone levels between the treatment group and control/DNPWE. Among 5888 publications retrieved, 33 studies were included. Enzyme-inducing AEDs (EIAEDs) such as phenytoin (men: SMD=1.36; 95%CI=1.06,1.66) and carbamazepine (men: SMD=0.71; 95%CI=0.39, 1.04 and women: SMD=0.54; 95%CI=0.25, 0.83) and weak-EIAED oxcarbazepine (men: SMD=0.62; 95%CI=0.26,0.99) increased the SHBG levels in PWE compared to control. The same trend was observed when comparing it to DNPWE. No significant changes in SHBG were observed for non-EIAEDs valproic acid, lamotrigine and levetiracetam in men. Lamotrigine significantly reduced SHBG in women (SMD=-0.50; 95%CI=-0.85, -0.16) compared to controls. Testosterone (T) levels were significantly reduced for both carbamazepine (SMD=-0.39; 95%CI=-0.67, -0.11) and valproic acid (SMD=-0.48; 95%CI=-0.74, -0.21) treated men compared to control. Our findings emphasize the importance of screening the endogenous sex hormonal profile in PWE on AED monotherapies to evaluate the associated endocrine-related perturbations which may impact reproductive functions.

Subcutaneous route is a reliable alternative for ACTH-stimulated steroid profiling.

Intramuscular acton prolongatum is most often used as an alternative for intramuscular or intravenous tetracosactide for ACTH stimulation in some countries. Intramuscular administration of acton prolongatum is cumbersome whereas intended intramuscular acton prolongatum or tetracosactide may often turn subcutaneous. Hence, we compared the subcutaneous ACTH-stimulated steroid profiling with those of the intramuscular routes. The study included 60 apparently-healthy adult females aged 18-40 years who were randomised to intramuscular tetracosactide (250 µg), intramuscular acton prolongatum (24 IU), subcutaneous tetracosactide (250 µg), and subcutaneous acton prolongatum (24 IU) groups in (1:1:1:1) ratio. Serum steroid profile consisting of 13 steroids was measured at baseline and 60 minutes after ACTH stimulation by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Baseline steroid levels, stimulated steroid levels, and the percentage increase in all the steroids after subcutaneous tetracosactide and acton prolongatum stimulation were comparable to those after intramuscular tetracosactide and acton prolongatum stimulation, respectively. Intramuscular acton prolongatum, subcutaneous tetracosactide and subcutaneous acton prolongatum are simpler and reliable alternatives for ACTH-stimulated steroid profiling.

Impact of Repeated Glucocorticoid Oral Administration on the Urinary Steroid Profile.

The detection of endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids (EAAS) is performed with the Steroidal Module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP). Glucocorticoids (GC) could be a confounding factor to the ABP Steroidal Module because they inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and ABP metabolites have partial adrenal origin. In previous studies, single-dose systemic GC administrations have been shown to reduce the urinary ratios A/T and 5αdiol/E. In this work, the impact of repeated oral doses of GCs on the urinary steroid profile (SP) has been evaluated. The treatments administered consisted of multiple oral administrations of methylprednisolone (12 mg/24 h for 3 days, n = 8) and dexamethasone (2 mg/12 h for 5 days, n = 8). Urine samples were collected before, during, and after the GC treatments, and the SP was measured in all samples using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The multiple-dose oral administration of GCs resulted in a treatment-dependent reduction of the excretion rates of some urinary metabolites (5αAdiol, A, and Etio) and the urinary SP ratios A/T and 5αAdiol/E. The T/E ratio was not significantly affected. Overall, although the consumption of GC could result in atypical profiles for A/T and 5αAdiol/E ratios, according to the cost/benefit assessment, GC should not be considered a confounding factor to the urinary SP because misunderstandings would only take place in very specific situations and, in those cases, the analysis by isotope ratio mass spectrometry of the urine triggering the atypical profile would demonstrate the endogenous origin of the SP metabolites.

The impact of hysterectomy for benign uterine tumors on subsequent ovarian reserve, lower urinary tract symptoms, and sexual function: A prospective multidirectional short-term analysis.

To evaluate the effects of hysterectomy for benign uterine tumors on subsequent ovarian reserve, sexual function, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The present study was a prospective longitudinal analysis that recruited patients aged 35-45 years who underwent simple hysterectomy without oophorectomy for symptomatic benign uterine tumors. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and serum sex hormone profiles, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, and total testosterone, were measured at four timepoints: before hysterectomy, and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Participants completed the following questionnaires at these timepoints: Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence and Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12) short form. A total of 36 patients completed the study. Serum AMH levels significantly declined post-hysterectomy compared with preoperative levels. Both UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores significantly decreased post-hysterectomy compared with preoperative scores. No differences were observed in serum FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone levels before and after hysterectomy. No significant differences were found in the short form of PISQ-12 before and after hysterectomy. The present study demonstrated that simple hysterectomy with ovarian preservation had detrimental effects on ovarian reserves, whereas LUTS showed improvement. Furthermore, sexual dysfunction was not likely to occur within the first postoperative year.

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Endometriosis Treatment with Progestogen: A Metabolic Understanding

Endometriosis afflicts 10% of women in their reproductive years and nearly half of women with infertility, and its etiology is not yet clear. Pharmacological therapy is generally based on progestins like progestogen. This drug binds to progesterone receptors with many known side effects. Here, we describe the case of a 33-year-old woman surgically treated for endometriosis who continued with drug therapy based on estradiol valerate and dienogest. Approximately 21 months after treatment, she reported ocular symptoms with vision alteration, diplopia, and metamorphopsia related to central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). After the discontinuation of combined progestin-based treatment, the CSC fully subsided. Semeiological, clinical, and laboratory approaches were adopted, and urinary steroids were measured. A slight increase in prolactinemia in the absence of macro-prolactinemia was reported. The steroidal profile appeared without abnormalities, although a slight alteration of estrogen balance was noted. Considering the pharmacodynamics of dienogest versus selective progesterone receptor modulators, it can be assumed that patients’ clinical events are related to specific site response to steroids that bind the progesterone receptor. Dienogest may have induced the CSC as a not yet characterized side effect of the drug. Undoubtedly, further specific studies are needed concerning the metabolic and pharmacodynamic aspects that cannot be exhaustively covered here.

Baseline and Corticotropin-Stimulated Blood Steroid Profiles in Women of Reproductive Age in India: A Cross-Sectional Study and Global Literature Review

Baseline and Corticotropin-Stimulated Blood Steroid Profiles in Women of Reproductive Age in India: A Cross-Sectional Study and Global Literature Review

Multiclass Steroid Profiling in Short-Finned Pilot Whale Blubber Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Wildlife scientists are quantifying steroid hormones in a growing number of tissues and employing novel methods that must undergo validation before application. This study tested the accuracy and precision of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods for use on blubber samples from short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus). We expanded upon a method for corticosteroid quantification by adding analytes and optimizing internal standard (IS) application. We optimized a method for the quantification of seven steroid hormones using LC-MS/MS with a C18 column. We assessed the accuracy and precision of this updated C18 method and an existing biphenyl method for use with pilot whale blubber by conducting a spike recovery experiment and calculating percent recovery and relative standard deviation (RSD) for each analyte. To explore the potential for running this method with fewer matched ISs, we compared the performance of multiple ISs for each analyte. All 11 adrenal and gonadal analytes showed good accuracy and precision in the spike recovery experiment, with recoveries between 82% and 110% and recovery RSDs below 10%. The C18 method detected all analytes at endogenous concentrations, except aldosterone. Although endogenous DHEA was detected, variability was high. IS comparisons showed 10 of 11 analytes could be calculated with comparable accuracy and precision using an IS substitute, but some substitutions significantly altered the analyte concentrations calculated. The C18 method was not sensitive enough for endogenous aldosterone detection. DHEA, which has not been previously quantified in blubber, was detected in all samples, but with high variability at lower concentrations. The methods in this study provide reliable detection and quantification of the other nine hormones tested and can be used for assessments of adrenal and gonadal steroid hormones from whales. Laboratories can reduce costs through IS substitution but should consider how these substitutions affect results.

Germination and False Germination Increase the Levels of Bioactive Steroidal Saponins in Oats.

The health benefits of oats, particularly their enhanced nutritional and bioactive properties when sprouted, are well-documented. However, changes in steroidal saponins during germination and false germination are lacking. This study explored the influence of various temperatures (20, 25, and 30 °C) and durations (1, 3, 5, and 7 days) on the steroidal saponin profiles in both germinated and false-germinated oats and assessed their anti-inflammatory activities. The findings revealed that germination at 20 °C for 7 days significantly increased the total steroidal saponin content to 3265.54 μg/g, doubling its original concentration. Notably, avenacoside E (AVE-E), the most potent anti-inflammatory steroidal saponin in oats, increased by an impressive 21-fold from 64.02 to 1421.35 μg/g, becoming the predominant saponin following germination. Furthermore, the hydrolysis of sugar moieties and enzymatic synthesis of steroidal saponins were proposed as plausible secondary metabolic pathways during germination and false germination. This research provides the first evidence that germination and false germination can significantly enhance the steroidal saponin levels in oats and their anti-inflammatory properties, with germination proving more effective than false germination, highlighting the potential of these methods to further enhance the health benefits of oats.

Disruptive effects of genistein and daidzein on steroidogenesis, testicular development and maturation of Cyprinus carpio (Linn, 1758) males.

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the combined effect of dietary soy phytoestrogens, specifically genistein and daidzein, on the gonadal recrudescence and maturation of male Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758). Adult male C. carpio (60 ± 10g) were fed with a diet with no added genistein or daidzein (C), 110mg/100mg genistein (GL), 210mg/100g genistein (GH), 4mg/100g daidzein (DL), 8mg/100g daidzein (DH), combination of 110mg/100mg genistein and 4mg/100g daidzein (DGL, equivalent to 17.5% soybean meal) and combination of 210mg/100g genistein and 8mg/100g daidzein (DGH, equivalent to 35% soybean meal) for 60days. The fish were spent by injection of the inducing agent before the experiment to maintain the homogeneity in maturity stages. Serum 11-ketotestosterone and 17β-estradiol levels increased substantially (p < 0.05), while serum cortisol and 17α,20β dihydroxy progesterone levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in GH, DH, DL, DGL and DGH groups. The gene expression of cyp19a1a and 20β-HSD were significantly downregulated (p < 0.05) in GH, DH, and DGH. The ratio of spermatozoa to spermatocytes was lower in high doses of phytoestrogens and their combination treatments (GH, DH and DGH) than in the lower dose fed groups. The GSI (gonad somatic index) values showed a dose-dependent increase in the isoflavone-fed groups. Hence, the study concluded that the feeding of diets with a combination of 210mg/100g genistein and 8mg/100g daidzein (DGH), which is equivalent to 35% of soybean meal in the diet, disrupted the sex steroid profile and steroidogenic enzymes expression and caused a delay in maturation in the male common carp. Thus, soybean meal can be included in the diet of male common carp broodstock at levels up to 17.5%. However, inclusion levels above 35% have been shown to impair normal reproductive function.

Profile of Nandrolone-Based Anabolic Steroids Confiscated by Federal Police of Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil

Anabolic steroids are often consumed by both amateur and professional sports practitioners with the aim of improving their performance and for the rapid gain of muscle mass. Nandrolone is one of the main steroids consumed and is, frequently, acquired illegally or from dubious sources, and this raises serious concerns regarding the quality of the products. This work sought to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluates oily, nandrolone-based anabolic steroids confiscated by the Federal Police Department, in the triple border (Paraguay-Brazil-Argentina, PY-BR-AR). For the quantitative study, we conducted a methodological validation analysis based on the application of solvent extraction and GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). A total of 40 samples of nandrolone steroids (as described on the label) were thoroughly investigated. The results obtained showed that 90% of the samples analyzed contained the active ingredient but 67.5% of these samples exhibited concentrations below the values indicated on the label; these products are thus considered to be of low quality and their consumption may pose serious risks to the consumers. The findings of this study point to the importance of enforcing regulatory controls on the sale of anabolic steroids with a view to inhibiting the consumption of counterfeit drugs that can pose serious risks to the health of consumers.

Cohort profile: Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Rare Pediatric Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases in Korea (OUTSPREAD study).

Rare endocrine diseases are complex conditions that require lifelong specialized care due to their chronic nature and associated long-term complications. In Korea, a lack of nationwide data on clinical practice and outcomes has limited progress in patient care. Therefore, the Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Pediatric Rare Endocrine and Metabolic Disease (OUTSPREAD) study was initiated. This study involves 30 centers across Korea. The study aims to improve the long-term prognosis of Korean patients with rare endocrine diseases by collecting comprehensive clinical data, biospecimens, and patient-reported outcomes to identify complications and unmet needs in patient care. Patients with childhood-onset pituitary, adrenal, or gonadal disorders, such as craniopharyngioma, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and Turner syndrome were prioritized. The planned enrollment is 1,300 patients during the first study phase (2022-2024). Clinical, biochemical, and imaging data from diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up during 1980-2023 were retrospectively reviewed. For patients who agreed to participate in the prospective cohort, clinical data and biospecimens will be prospectively collected to discover ideal biomarkers that predict the effectiveness of disease control measures and prognosis. Patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life and depression scales, will be evaluated to assess psychosocial outcomes. Additionally, a substudy on CAH patients will develop a steroid hormone profiling method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to improve diagnosis and monitoring of treatment outcomes. This study will address unmet clinical needs by discovering ideal biomarkers, introducing evidence-based treatment guidelines, and ultimately improving long-term outcomes in the areas of rare endocrine and metabolic diseases.

Comparison of hair steroid levels among Wistar rats exposed to different environmental enrichment settings.

Environmental enrichment (EE) is a pivotal tool for creating ideal housing conditions that allow animals to fully display their ethograms. At the micro-environmental level, they should elicit cognitive and social responses and increase physical activities. Hair steroids may be among the best biomarkers to evaluate the effects of prolonged exposure to different enrichments because they are non-invasive and provide information regarding a longer period. This study aimed to compare the hair steroid profiles, specifically corticosterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), of Wistar rats exposed to two different EE settings. Twenty (n = 20) outbred Wistar rats were enrolled in this study. First hair collection (T0) was performed 3 days before weaning (at 28 days of life), and then Wistar rats were randomly divided into two equal groups with a sex ratio of 1:1: standard EE group, provided with one rat tunnel, and extra EE group, provided with an additional tunnel hanging from the top of the cage. Environmental conditions were 20°C-24°C, 45%-65% relative humidity, and a 12:12 dark/light cycle, with water and pelleted diet ad libitum. The rats were housed in ventilated cages with poplar bedding and nesting material. Hair was sampled again after 3 months (T1). Steroids were quantified using radioimmunoassay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after methanol extraction. Cortisol was not quantifiable, while corticosterone and DHEA were. After 3 months of exposure (T1), no differences were noted between the experimental groups. On data categorization per sex, females showed higher levels of all steroids than males. In males, the extra EE group had higher corticosterone levels. This study showed that corticosterone and DHEA are quantifiable in rats' hair, yet bigger datasets are needed to better understand the physiological levels of these hormones in such a matrix. Different enrichment settings induced differences between and within sex.

Cognition in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion at baseline and post-adrenalectomy.

The impact of mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) on cognition is incompletely characterized. We aimed to assess cognition in patients with MACS, identify factors associated with lower cognition, and determine the impact of adrenalectomy on cognition. We conducted a cross-sectional study (4/2019 to 10/2022) and a longitudinal cohort study (10/2021 to 9/2023) of adults with MACS and referent subjects. Cognition was assessed with National Institute of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery and reported as standardized T scores (adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education) for fluid, crystallized, and total composite cognition. Participants were assessed with urine steroid profiling (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry), frailty index, Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). A total of 84 patients (median age 57 years, 67% women) and 201 referent subjects (median age 63 years, 58% women) were included. Patients with MACS demonstrated lower mean (SD) total composite (50.9 [9.3] vs 55.4 [8.9], P < .001) and fluid composite T score (49.3 [10.6] vs 55.2 [10.2], P < .001), but not crystallized composite T score (52.3 [8.4] vs 54.0 [8.4], P = .130) when compared with referent subjects. Multivariable analysis adjusted for age, sex, BDI, SF-36, frailty index, total glucocorticoids, and androgens demonstrated that MACS status was associated with lower cognition. When cognition was reassessed in 37 patients post-adrenalectomy and 31 referent subjects, adjusted group differences of cognition change were similar except for a higher comparative increase in attention and executive functioning in patients with MACS. Patients with MACS demonstrate lower cognition than referent subjects. Adrenalectomy for MACS had a minor positive impact on cognition.

Steroid Profiles and Precursor-to-Product Ratios Are Altered in Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia.

Steroid hormone imbalance is associated with the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. However, affected enzymes of steroid metabolism and gene and protein expression in serum and placenta have not been elucidated yet. We aimed to investigate steroid hormone profiles and precursor-to-product ratios in preeclamptic women compared to women with healthy pregnancy (controls) to identify potentially affected steroid hormones and their metabolizing enzymes. Also, we aimed to investigate whether the mRNA expression of these enzymes is different between the study groups and whether levels of serum mRNA expression reflect postnatal placental protein expression. Serum levels of 14 steroid hormones were measured at eight time points throughout pregnancy in nine preeclamptic women and 36 controls. Serum mRNA expression of selected steroid-metabolizing enzymes was assessed, and their protein expression was analyzed in additional nine preeclamptic women. Mean levels of sex steroid and corticosteroid hormones were significantly altered in preeclamptic women. Precursor-to-product ratios of 5α-reductase, aromatase and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 were significantly increased, those of steroid 17α-hydroxylase, 17β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase, steroid 11β-hydroxylase and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 were significantly decreased. Serum mRNA expression and placenta protein expression were comparable between the groups. Results contribute to understanding the heterogeneity of preeclampsia and can thus promote future research in personalized medicine.

Comprehensive profiling and identification of C21 steroids in the root of Marsdenia tenacissima (Dai-Bai-Jie) using offline two-dimensional chromatography (LC × SFC) with Q-TOF/MS

Dai-Bai-Jie, the root of the plant Marsdenia tenacissima from the Asclepiadaceae family, is well-known for its therapeutic effects in clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing swelling, and relieving pain as one of the most commonly used Dai medicine. Due to numerous structurally similar C21 steroidal compounds in Dai-Bai-Jie, chemical composition profiling has been substantially challenged. In this study, an offline two-dimensional chromatographic method (LC × SFC separation system) was developed to address these issues. Using the Hypersil Gold (1stD LC column) and 2-PIC (2ndD SFC column) based on 40 reference standards, the orthogonality was as high as 83.83 %. Most profiled ion peaks were tentatively identified through quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and a self-built compound virtual library. Consequently, the integrated method effectively addressed and resolved the issues associated with co-elution, thus significantly expanding the peak capacity. This advancement identified 362 C21 steroidal components, 319 of which were speculated to be potentially novel compounds. Furthermore, 86 groups of isomeric compounds were distinguished. This method provides a comprehensive understanding of chemical composition of Dai-Bai-Jie and an integrated qualitative analysis method for the C21 steroids.

A 2000-year record of fecal biomarkers reveals past herbivore presence and impacts in a catchment in northern Yellowstone National Park, USA.

Molecular biomarkers preserved in lake sediments are increasingly used to develop records of past organism occurrence. When linked with traditional paleoecological methods, analysis of molecular biomarkers can yield new insights into the roles of herbivores and other animals in long-term ecosystem dynamics. We sought to determine whether fecal steroids in lake sediments could be used to reconstruct past ungulate use and dominant taxa in a small catchment in northern Yellowstone National Park. To do so, we characterized the fecal steroid profiles of a selection of North American ungulates historically present in the Yellowstone region (bison, elk, moose, mule deer, and pronghorn) and compared them with those of sediments from a small lake in the Yellowstone Northern Range. Analysis of a set of fecal steroids from herbivore dung (Δ5-sterols, 5α-stanols, 5β-stanols, epi5β-stanols, stanones, and bile acids) differentiated moose, pronghorn, and mule deer, whereas bison and elk were partially differentiated. Our results show that bison and/or elk were the primary ungulates in the watershed over the past c. 2300 years. Fecal steroid influxes reached historically unprecedented levels during the early and middle 20th century, possibly indicating high local use by ungulates. Comparison of fecal steroid influxes with pollen and diatom data suggests that elevated ungulate presence may have contributed to decreased forage taxa (Poaceae, Artemisia, and Salix), relative to long-term averages, and possibly increased lake production. Our results reflect past change within a single watershed, and extending this approach to a network of sites could provide much-needed information on past herbivore communities, use, and environmental influences in Yellowstone National Park and elsewhere.

Impact of maternal health and stress on steroid hormone profiles in human milk: Implications for infant development

Steroid hormones are biologically active factors in human milk (HM) that influence the physical and mental development of infants. Critically, maternal psychosocial stress has been associated with changes in HM steroid composition. This work aimed to characterize the steroid hormone profile of HM and pasteurized donor human milk (DHM) and assess the interplay between maternal physical and psychosocial status, the HM steroid profile, and infant outcomes. A targeted ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed to quantify sixteen steroid hormones in HM samples. HM samples from mothers of term infants (N = 42) and preterm infants (N = 35) were collected at (i) recovery of birth weight or achievement of complete enteral nutrition, respectively, and (ii) 6 months later as well as DHM samples (N = 19) from 11 donors. The physical and psychosocial status of mothers and infant neurodevelopment and temperament were assessed through structured interviews and validated questionnaires. Fourteen steroids were detected in HM/DHM samples, with cortisol, 20β-dihydrocortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, pregnenolone, and cortisone being present in > 48% of samples. Pregnenolone, 17α-OH-progesterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone are reported for the first time in HM. Whereas milk cortisol levels were not directly related to maternal physical and psychosocial status nor with infant development, cortisone, and pregnenolone correlated positively with maternal weight gain during pregnancy and were associated with maternal well-being and infant growth. The pasteurization process may have a detrimental effect on the steroid hormone levels in HM, which might influence the development of receptors.

Biochemical classification diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome based on serum steroid hormones

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic disorder with clinical heterogeneity. PCOS women with non-hyperandrogenemia (NA) might be misdiagnosed due to a lack of diagnostic markers. This study aims to systematically analyze the differences in steroid hormones between PCOS women with hyperandrogenemia (HA) and NA, and to screen classification diagnosis models for PCOS. The serum samples from 54 HA-PCOS, 79 NA-PCOS and 60 control women (Non-PCOS) aged between 18 and 35 were measured by an integrated steroid hormone-targeted quantification assay using LC-MS/MS. The levels of serum androgens, corticosteroids, progestins and estrogens in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway were analyzed in PCOS and Non-PCOS women. Eight machine learning methods including Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), K-nearest Neighbors (KNN), Boosted Logistic Regression (LogitBoost), Naive Bayes (NB), C5.0 algorithm (C5), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM), and Neural Network (NNET) were performed, evaluated and selected for classification diagnosis of PCOS. A 10-fold cross-validation on the training set was performed. The whole metabolic flux from cholesterol to downstream steroid hormones increased significantly in PCOS, especially in HA-POCS women. The RF model was chosen for the classification diagnosis of HA-PCOS, NA-PCOS, and Non-PCOS women due to the maximum average accuracy (0.938, p<0.001), AUC (0.989, p<0.001), and kappa (0.906, p<0.001), and the minimum logLoss (0.200, p<0.001). Five steroid hormones including testosterone, androstenedione, total 2-methoxyestradiol, total 4-methoxyestradiol, and free estrone were selected as the decision trees for the simplified RF model. A total of 37 women were included in the validation set. The diagnostic sensitivity for HA-PCOS, NA-PCOS, and Non-PCOS was 100 %, 93.3 % and 91.7 %, respectively. HA-PCOS, NA-PCOS, and Non-PCOS women showed obvious different steroid hormone profiles. The simplified RF model based on two androgens and three estrogens could be effectively applied to the classification diagnosis of PCOS, further reducing the missed diagnosis rate of NA-PCOS.

Effect of climatic factors on sexual maturity Labeo rohita fish

&lt;p&gt;This study examined the varying levels of thyroxine hormone impact (at doses of 2, 10, and 50 µg g-1 BW) as an environmentally responsive hormone on the fatty acid and sexual steroid profiles in male Labeo rohita fish. Each treatment group comprised six male fish with an average weight of 5.4 ± 0.58 kg. Blood samples were collected from male rohu fish pre-and post-injection, as well as following sperm retrieval from the caudal peduncle. Biotechnical parameters were evaluated post-fertilization. Among male breeders, the pituitary treatment and the 50 µg g-1 BW thyroxine treatment exhibited the highest levels of estradiol, testosterone, 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone, cortisol, LH, as well as testicular protein and fat content. Whereas the lowest levels were observed in the LHRH recipient and control groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Moreover, the saturated fatty acids C16:0 and C18:0, monounsaturated fatty acids C18:1n9c and C24:1n9, along with polyunsaturated fatty acids C20:3n6 and C22:6n3 in male breeders, were found to be the predominant fatty acids in the testes under hormonal treatment. The pituitary treatment and the 50 µg g-1 BW thyroxine treatment demonstrated a greater total percentage of testicular fatty acids compared to other interventions (p &amp;lt; 0.05). These findings emphasize the heightened efficacy of pituitary hormone and subsequent thyroxine hormone administration at a dose of 50 µg g-1 BW, relative to lower thyroxine doses and LHRH. The aforementioned treatment can increase the levels of sex hormones that are important for sexual responsiveness, emphasizing their pivotal role in facilitating successful artificial reproduction in male Rohu breeders.&lt;/p&gt;