Blood Prolactin Levels Research Articles

Maternal prolactin levels during late pregnancy and nurturing behavior of offspring in mice.

Elucidating the mechanisms underlying nurturing and neglect behaviors is meaningful but challenging. Recently, we found that CIN85-deficient mice had reduced pituitary hormone prolactin secretion during late pregnancy, and their pups later showed an inhibited nurturing behavior. To examine whether this phenomenon could be reproduced in normal mice and not just CIN85-deficient mice, we investigated the nurturing behavior of offspring born to mothers whose blood prolactin levels had been reduced by bromocriptine administration during late pregnancy. First, to determine when bromocriptine treatment should be started, we investigated the detailed changes in blood prolactin levels in late pregnancy in mice, resulting in the identification of the prepartum prolactin surge. Furthermore, prolactin receptors in the fetal hypothalamus were expressed to the same extent as in the adult hypothalamus. Treatment with bromocriptine decreased the plasma concentrations of prolactin to the basal range throughout late pregnancy. However, against expectations, the proportion of the resultant pups exhibiting nurturing behaviors as adults was as high as that in the mice without bromocriptine treatment. In conclusion, the elimination of prolactin secretion during late pregnancy alone does not induce neglect-like behavior in offspring, suggesting that CIN85-deficient mice appear to involve another factor due to CIN85 deficiency besides prolactin deficiency.

Changes of Mental State and Serum Prolactin Levels in Patients with Schizophrenia and Depression after Receiving the Combination Therapy of Amisulpride and Chloroprothixol Tablets.

Objective To investigate the changes in mental state and serum prolactin levels in patients with schizophrenia and depression after receiving the combination therapy of amisulpride and chloroprothixol tablets. Methods A total of 148 schizophrenic patients with depression were randomly divided into control group (N = 73) and study group (N = 75). The control group was treated with clopidothiol, and the study group was treated with amisulpride. Symptom scores, sleep quality, adverse reactions, therapeutic effects, prolactin, and progesterone levels, HAMD, PANSS, and PSP scores were compared between the two groups. Results The symptom scores of both groups were significantly reduced, but when compared to the control group, the symptom scores of the research group were significantly reduced more significantly (P < 0.05); serum GDNF levels of both groups were significantly increased, while serum NSE, IL-1, and MBP levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). However, the research group altered more substantially (P < 0.05) than the control group; the overall PSQI score of the research group was lower (P < 0.05) than the control group; and the incidence of adverse responses in the control and study groups was 12.3 percent and 4.0 percent. The research group had a lower rate of adverse responses (P < 0.05) than the control group, and the effective treatment of the control and research groups was 82.2 percent and 98.7%, respectively. The research group had a lower rate of adverse reactions (P < 0.05) than the control group, while the control and research groups' successful treatment rates were 82.2 percent and 98.7%, respectively. When compared to the control group, the research group had a greater treatment efficiency (P < 0.05); blood prolactin and progesterone levels were considerably lowered in both groups, but the reductions in the research group were more evident (P < 0.05). Both groups had considerably lower HAMD and PANSS scores, and both had significantly higher PSP scores, although the difference in the research group was more evident (P < 0.05). Conclusion For people with schizophrenia and depression, a combination of amisulpride and chloroprothixol pills has a considerable effect. It can help patients with their clinical symptoms and sleep quality while also lowering their serum prolactin levels, which is favorable to their illness recovery. As a result, the combined treatment of amisulpride and chloroprothixol pills deserves to be promoted and used.

Effects of prolactin on movement disorders and APOE, GFAP, and PRL receptor gene expression following intracerebral hemorrhage in rats.

Objective(s):Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) occurs mostly in the striatum. In ICH, blood prolactin level increases 3-fold. The effects of intracerebroventricular injection (ICV) of prolactin on motor disorders will be investigated. Materials and Methods:This study was performed on 32 male Wistar rats in 4 groups: sham, ICH, and prolactin with 1 μg/2 μl (P1) and 2 μg/2 μl (P2) doses. Results:The weight of animals on days 1 (P˂0.01), 3, and 7 (P˂0.05) in the sham and P2 groups increased compared with the ICH group. Neurological Deficit Score (NDS) in ICH and P1 groups decreased, and increased compared with sham and ICH groups (P˂0.001), respectively. NDS in the P1 group increased compared with the P2 group on days 1 (P˂0.0 5), 3, and 7 (P˂0.001). The duration time of rotarod in ICH and P1 groups decreased and increased compared with sham and ICH groups (P˂0.001), respectively. The duration time of rotarod in the P1 group on days 3 and 7 increased compared with the P2 group (P˂0.001). Travel distance in days 1(P˂0.01), 3(P˂0.001), and 7(P˂0.01) decreased in the ICH group. Prolactin receptor (PRL receptor) expression in ICH, P1, and P2 groups increased compared with sham and ICH groups (P˂0.001). Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression (P˂0.001) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) (P˂0.01) expression in the ICH group increased compared with the sham group. GFAP and APOE expression in the P1 group increased compared with the ICH group (P˂0.001). APOE expression in the P1 group increased compared with the P2 group (P˂0.001). Conclusion:According to the results, prolactin reduces movement disorders.

Ethanol Extract of Carica papaya Leaf Can Increase Breast Milk in Lactating Rat

BACKGROUND: Carica papaya leaves (Carica papaya L) have been used empirically and traditionally as a galactogogue, but their mechanism as galactogogue is still unknown. AIM: This study aimed to analyze the effect of ethanol extract from papaya leaves on blood prolactin levels, prolactin receptor (prlr) gene expression, the number of breast alveoli and lobes of lactating rats. METHODS: This in vivo true experimental study with a post-test control group design was conducted on 24 rats with the same lactating period. They were divided into four groups consisting of six rats each. The control group was given daily standard food, whereas the three treatment groups were, respectively, given additionally ethanol extract of 0.95 mg, 1.9 mg, and 3.8 mg/200 g BW/day from day 1 to day 14 of lactation. On day 14, all of the rats were sacrificed, blood prolactin levels were measured by ELISA, prlr gene expressions were measured using RT-PCR, and numbers of breast alveoli and lobes were microscopically observed through staining histological specimens. A statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA, Tukey's test, Games–Howell test, and path analysis at 95% confidence level. RESULTS: Levels of blood prolactin levels, prlr gene expression, the number of breast alveoli, and lobes of all treatment rat groups were significantly above those of the control group (p &lt; 0.05). The increases of all parameters were consistent; the most effective dose was 1.9 mg/200 g BW. CONCLUSION: The Carica papaya leaf ethanol extract had a galactogogue effect on lactating rats by increasing blood prolactin levels, prlr gene expression, and numbers number of breast alveoli and lobes.

Drug Induced Hyperprolactinemia

Introduction: Drugs are a common cause of hyperprolactinemia. It is essential to differentiate this cause from other pathological causes which avoids unnecessary investigations. Detailed history will help us in identifying the responsible drug and withdrawing the same will be rewarding. Here we are reporting a case series of drug induced hyperprolactinemia. Methods: It was a cross-sectional observational study. Subjects were recruited from our outpatient department. Hyperprolactinemia was defined as blood prolactin levels >30 ng/mL in females and >24 ng/mL in males, regardless of the presence of symptoms. Serum prolactin was repeated one week after holding the suspected drug(s). Drug induced hyperprolactinemia is defined as normalisation of serum prolactin on discontinuation of the offending drug. Demographics, clinical presentation and offending drug name were entered in pre designed proforma.Results: Total of 32 subjects were studied in this study with age of 35.5±10.8years. Predominantly female subjects were present with female to male ratio 5.4. Basal prolactin was 132±68.7ng/mL and after holding the drug prolactin value was 16.9±8.2. Proton pump inhibitors in combination with prokinetics were the leading cause (71.8%) and followed by multiple drug combinations (15.6%), anti-psychiatric drugs(9.3%) and oral contraceptives(3.1%). Overall 86.75% of subjects were having symptomatic presentation. Commonest clinical presentation among the women was galactorrhea (88.9% of female subjects) followed by irregular menstrual cycles (59% of female subjects) and breast heaviness in 29.6%. Among the men erectile dysfunction was common presentation, noted among 80% of them. Asymptomatic presentation was there in 6.25% of subjects. All subjects were improved clinically after withdrawal of the the offending drug(s).Conclusions: Most of the subjects were clinically symptomatic. Most common symptom in female was galactorrhea followed by irregular menses and breast heaviness, and erectile dysfunction in males. All subjects were improved clinically after withdrawal of the offending drug(s). A detailed drug history is rewarding and avoids unnecessary investigations for hyperprolactinemia

Fever for 2 months and disturbance of consciousness for 1 week in a preschool-aged girl

Rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation syndrome (ROHHADS) is a rare multi-system disease, and delayed diagnosis and treatment may lead to catastrophic cardiopulmonary complications. As far as we know, no patient with ROHHADS has been reported in China, and this article reports a child with ROHHADS to improve the awareness of this disease among clinicians. A girl, aged 3 years, had the clinical manifestations of rapid weight gain, fever, disturbance of consciousness, and convulsion. The physical examination showed a body weight of 20 kg, somnolence, irregular breathing, and stiff neck. She had increased blood levels of prolactin and follicle-stimulating hormone and hyponatremia. The lumbar puncture showed an increased intracranial pressure. The brain MRI and magnetic resonance venography showed symmetrical lesions in the periventricular region and venous thrombosis in the right transverse sinus and the superior sagittal sinus. The sleep monitoring showed hypopnea. The girl was finally diagnosed with ROHHADS and intracranial venous thrombosis. She recovered after symptomatic treatment including decreasing intracranial pressure, anticoagulation, and respiratory support. The possibility of ROHHADS should be considered for patients with unexplained obesity, fever, and hypoventilation, with or without central nervous system symptoms. Early diagnosis and standardized follow-up can improve the prognosis of children with ROHHADS.

A study to assess relation of cord blood prolactin levels and development of respiratory syndrome – an observational study

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) occurs in infants whose lungs have not yet fully developed. It can also be due to genetic problems with lung development. Most cases of RDS occur in babies born before 37 to 39 weeks. This study was conducted to find out incidence of Respiratory Distress syndrome among preterm and term born neonates.60 neonates were divided into two groups GroupA consisted of Neonates born to mothers with gestational age between 28-37 weeks and Group B -Neonates born to mothers with gestational age of more than 37 weeks. It was observed that out of 60 neonates, 31 (52%) developed RDS. A out of 30 babies born about 25(83.33%) babies developed RDS as all the babies were premature. In Group B out of 30 babies born 6(20%) babies developed RDSProlactin levels play a very important role in lung maturation of newborns. Identification of high risk cases of premature delivery and giving them prompt treatment at right time is very important. Proper care during antenatal period can reduce preterm deliveries and ultimately decrease in incidence of RDS and decrease in neonatal mortality rate.

Secondary SUNCT Syndrome in a Patient with Rathke’s Cleft Cyst and Hyperprolactinemia: a Case Report

Pathophysiology of short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) remains unclear. SUNCT is considered the primary type of a headache, but several cases of secondary SUNCT syndrome were described in patients with pituitary neoplasms, mainly pituitary micro- and macroadenomas. Rathke’s cleft cyst is a suprasellar noncancerous cystic lesion. We described a new case of SUNCT in a patient with Rathke’s cleft cyst with persistent hyperprolactinemia at the beginning of the headaches. After beginning of treatment with antiepileptic drugs (topiramate 75 mg/day, followed by replacement lamotrigine 75 mg/day), the headaches regressed. Also, cabergoline 0.5 mg was added to the therapy, 1 time a week; after 4 months, the level of prolactin was normalized, after beginning of dopamine agonists. After discontinuation of all treatments, after 4 months, the patient again began to develop daily single headaches, clinically similar to those that were at the onset of the disease, against the background of an increase in blood prolactin levels. Against the background of normalization of prolactin level, the headaches disappeared. We assume that in this case, the main reason for the secondary SUNCT was an influence of anatomical structures and caused neuroendocrine changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary system, but there are still discussions about what mechanism is the main reason for SUNCT. Therefore, clinicians should also pay attention to the history of symptoms associated with tumors in the pituitary gland and perform magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, pituitary gland, and screening for hormonal disorders in the blood serum.

The stress hormones effect on the progression of vaginal bacterial dysbiosis

Annotation. The stress objective marker is the neuro-hormonal stress-implementing system stress and the increase the cortisol and prolactin levels in the blood, leading to the “distress syndrome” formation. Aim – to establish the stress effect, revealed according to the level of stress- implementing hormones, in particular cortisol and prolactin, on the progression of vaginal bacterial dysbiosis and the bacterial vaginosis (BV) development. During the study there were used the data taken from 298 women, who were divided into the following groups according to the Opportunistic pathogenic microflora index (OPMI) and normobiota index (NBI): normocenosis (n=53), dysbiosis I (n=128) and II degree (n=117) among the latter 83 patients with NBI&gt;1 lg GE/sample were identified, in which BV was established. Molecular genetic studies of the epithelium scraping from the vagina posterolateral wall were carried out by Polymerase chain reaction (“DNK-Technologiia” LLC, RF). Facultative and obligate anaerobes, myco- and ureplasmas, and yeast-like fungi were quantified. The cortisol and prolactin blood levels were identified. For statistical analysis, the Statistica 10 software (StatSoft, Inc., USA) was used. Catch out that the blood cortisol content with dysbiosis progression compared with the normocenosis has changed in two-phase: it was increased with I degree dysbiosis (1.2–1.4 times; p&lt;0.01) and decreased with II degree dysbiosis and BV (1.5 times; p&lt;0.001). So, with respect to the classical concept of the General adaptive syndrome of G. Selye, the first dysbiosis development stages can be considered as reaction of “anxiety”, while the development of BV is a reaction of “exhaustion”. The blood prolactin content compared with normocenosis with dysbiosis was increased, which was most expressed in BV (1.5 times; p &lt;0.001). It also reflected the stress response development with increased central nervous system stress. The blood hormones content has relation with BV-associated microbiota indexes: prolactin was positively related with NBI, and cortisol was negatively related to the number of Atopobium vaginalis. Thus, according to the data obtained, BV can be attributed to the stress pathology with the "distress syndrome" development and the content of cortisol and prolactin in the blood can be considered as marker factors for hormonal regulation disorder.

Maternal waterpipe tobacco smoke exposure during lactation induces hormonal and biochemical changes in rat dams and offspring.

Waterpipe smoking is common among pregnant and breastfeeding women. Herein, the effects of waterpipe tobacco smoke (WTS) exposure during lactation on milk composition, hormonal levels and biochemical profile in dams and pups were investigated. Lactating Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive either WTS (2hours per day) or fresh air (control group). Milk was collected on day 21 and analysed for protein, lactose and total fat. Blood, from dams and pups, was analysed for insulin, glucose, lipid profile, leptin, prolactin and corticosterone. WTS exposure during lactation increased the blood level of HDL and corticosterone in dams (P<.05). However, the level of milk lactose and blood glucose was reduced in dams after the exposure to WTS during lactation (P<.05). WTS during lactation significantly increased levels of triglycerides, LDL and leptin (P<.05), and a trend of increase in blood level of nicotine and prolactin in pups. Levels of other parameters were not affected by WTS exposure in dams and pups. In conclusion, WTS exposure during lactation altered the milk composition and altered lipid profile, glucose homeostasis and hormonal levels in dams and pups. It is necessary to adopt strategies to enhance tobacco cessation during breastfeeding.

Lurasidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine extended‐release for bipolar depression: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis of phase 3 trials in Japan

AimThis systematic review and random‐effect model, network meta‐analysis of the phase 3 trials in Japan assessed the efficacy and safety profile of lurasidone compared with olanzapine and quetiapine extended‐release (QUE‐XR) for the treatment of bipolar depression.MethodsThe study included double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 trials in Japan that included patients with bipolar depression. Outcomes included response rate (primary), remission rate (secondary), improvement of Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score, discontinuation rates, and incidence of individual adverse events.ResultsThree studies were included (n = 1223). Lurasidone and olanzapine but not QUE‐XR were superior to placebo in response rate [risk ratio (95% credible interval): lurasidone = 0.78 (0.66, 0.92); olanzapine = 0.84 (0.71, 0.99); QUE‐XR = 0.87 (0.73, 1.03)]. Lurasidone, olanzapine and QUE‐XR were superior to placebo in remission rate [lurasidone = 0.90 (0.83, 0.98); olanzapine = 0.87 (0.77, 0.99); QUE‐XR = 0.84 (0.73, 0.98)] and the improvement of MADRS total score. There were not differences in discontinuation rates between each antipsychotic and placebo. Compared with placebo, lurasidone was higher incidence of akathisia, and increased body weight and blood prolactin level; olanzapine was higher incidence of somnolence and ≥7% weight gain, and increased body weight, blood total cholesterol level, blood LDL cholesterol level, and blood triglyceride levels; QUE‐XR was higher incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms, akathisia, somnolence, dry mouth, constipation and ≥7% weight gain, and increased body weight, blood total cholesterol level, blood LDL cholesterol level, and blood triglyceride levels.ConclusionsOur results suggested although the efficacy of three SGAs was similar, there were the differences in the safety profile among the SGAs.

Copeptin response to hypoglycemic stress is linked to prolactin activation in children.

The physiological role of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the acute stress response in humans and especially in children is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the interaction between copeptin, a well-established surrogate marker of AVP release, and anterior pituitary hormone activation in response to acute hypoglycemic stress in children and adolescents. We conducted an exploratory single center study involving 77 children and adolescents undergoing insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Blood levels of copeptin, ACTH, cortisol, GH, prolactin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), adrenaline and noradrenaline were determined at baseline and after insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Basal plasma levels of copeptin (median: 5.2pmol/L) increased significantly after hypoglycemia (median 9.7pmol/L; P < 0.0001). Subjects with insufficient HPA axis response or severe GH deficiency had lower hypoglycemia-induced copeptin increase (median: 2.3pmol/L) compared with individuals with intact pituitary response (median: 5.2pmol/L, P = 0.02). Copeptin increase correlated significantly with the maximal increase of ACTH (rs = 0.30; P = 0.010), cortisol (rs = 0.33; P = 0.003), prolactin (rs = 0.25; P = 0.03), IL-6 (rs = 0.35; P = 0.008) and with BMI-SDS (rs = - 0.28, P = 0.01). In multivariate regression analysis, prolactin increase was the only independent variable associated with copeptin increase (P = 0.0004). Our data indicate that: (1) hypoglycemic stress elicits a marked copeptin response in children and adolescents, pointing out its role as an acute stress marker in this population; (2) stress-induced AVP/copeptin release is associated with anterior pituitary activation, mainly a prolactin response.

Repurposing prolactin as a promising immunomodulator for the treatment of COVID-19: Are common Antiemetics the wonder drug to fight coronavirus?

Prolactin (PRL), the well-known lactogenic hormone, plays a crucial role in immune function given the fact that long term hypoprolactinemia (serum prolactin level below normal) can even lead to death from opportunistic infection. High blood PRL level is known to provide an immunological advantage in many pathological conditions (with some exceptions like autoimmune diseases) and women, because of their higher blood PRL level, get an advantage in this regard. It has been reported that by controlled enhancement of blood PRL level (within the physiological limit and in some cases a little elevated above the normal to induce mild hyperprolactinemia) using dopamine antagonists such immune-stimulatory advantage can led to survival of the patients in many critical conditions. Here it is hypothesized that through controlled augmentation of blood PRL level using dopamine antagonists like domperidone/metoclopramide, which are commonly used drugs for the treatment of nausea and vomiting, both innate and adaptive immunity can be boosted to evade or tone down COVID-19. The hypothesis is strengthened from the fact that at least seven little-understood salient observations in coronavirus patients can apparently be explained by considering the role of enhanced PRL in line with the proposed hypothesis and hence, clinical trials (both therapeutic and prophylactic) on the role of enhanced PRL on the course and outcome of coronavirus patients should be conducted accordingly.

The use of clozapine is protective for low bone mineral density induced by prolactin-raising antipsychotics in inpatients with schizophrenia.

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effects of prolactin-raising (PR) antipsychotics vs. clozapine combined with PR antipsychotics on BMD of patients with schizophrenia and analyzed clinically related factors that may affect BMD. A total of 125 participants (males/females = 62/63) were included. Patients were treated with PR antipsychotics vs. clozapine combined with PR antipsychotics. They were similar in demographic and clinical characteristics. BMD was examined in their lumbar spine and proximal femur by a dual-energy X-ray (DEXA) absorption measurement device. Laboratory variables (including blood levels of prolactin, estradiol, testosterone, and cortisol) were collected. Among 125 inpatients with schizophrenia, the prevalence of osteoporosis and low BMD (including osteoporosis and osteopenia) was 26.4% and 64%. The average BMD T value in patients receiving clozapine combined with PR antipsychotics was significantly higher than in patients receiving PR antipsychotics (p< 0.05). Patients in the clozapine combined with PR antipsychotic group had higher testosterone levels than the PR antipsychotic group (Z = - 2.77, p= 0.006). Linear logistic regression analysis indicated that clozapine combined with PR antipsychotic treatment (p< 0.05) and higher estradiol level (p< 0.05) may be significantly associated with higher BMD. Our results suggest that the use of clozapine may be a protective factor for low BMD induced by PR antipsychotics in inpatients with schizophrenia. The possible mechanism is that clozapine may protect BMD by regulating estrogen and testosterone levels, but the mechanism by which clozapine regulates these two sex hormones needs further investigation.

Hormones as indicator of relapse-free period in breast cancer (BC).

e12550 Background: BC is still one of the main causes of death in women due to the tumor recurrence and/or resistance to anticancer therapy. The criteria to assess the effectiveness of BC treatment are important. The purpose of the study was to analyze blood levels of steroid and pituitary hormones in BC patients after two chemotherapy cycles. Methods: The study included 42 patients with various biological BC subtypes: luminal A, luminal B and triple-negative BC (TNBC). Levels of estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, prolactin, LH, FSH and cortisol were measured by RIA in the blood of all patients before and after two neoadjuvant chemotherapy cycles. Significance of differences was evaluated by the Student’s t-test. Results: Levels of many hormones were high before the treatment in patients with all BC subtypes. After two chemotherapy cycles, unidirectional changes in the values were found in patients with subsequent remission for more than three years. Levels of estradiol decreased in luminal A BC by 1.7 times (p˂0.05), in luminal B BC – by 11.6 times (p˂0.05), cortisol decreased by 2.4 and 1.7 times (p˂0.05) respectively, and prolactin – on average by three times (p˂0.05). LH levels increased in luminal A and luminal B BC by 1.65 times (p˂0.05). In patients with TNBC, levels of estradiol decreased by 1.8 times, and cortisol – by two times (p˂0.05). Patients with subsequent remission regardless of BC subtypes had unchanged levels of testosterone, progesterone and FSH. Patients with luminal B and TNBC subtypes with progression in 6-12 months did not show significant changes in prolactin and cortisol levels after two chemotherapy cycles, compared with the values before treatment. Conclusions: A decrease in blood levels of prolactin and cortisol after two chemotherapy cycles is an indicator of a long-term remission in patients with breast cancer.

Effect of chronic neurogenic pain on blood levels of hormones in patients with melanoma depending on their gender.

e22097 Background: Chronic neurogenic pain (CNP) as a comorbid disease is quite frequent, but its effect on malignant diseases is poorly studied. The risk of cutaneous melanoma in women is higher, but the disease course in men is more severe. The purpose of the study was to reveal the effect of CNP on the levels of sex hormones in the blood of patients with melanoma depending on their gender. Methods: Blood levels of estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), progesterone (P4), testosterone (T) and prolactin (PRL) were measured by ELISA in patients with Т3-4NxM0 melanoma (M): 21 women with CNP (pelvic pain - 7, osteochondrosis – 14), mean age 67.2±2.7 years; 17 men with CNP (osteochondrosis), mean age 65.6±3.1 years. The control group included patients with melanoma similar in age, gender and disease stages without CNP. Results: In women with M+CNP, E2 and P4 were decreased by 1.8 times, while E1 was 1.4 times, T – 2 times, PRL – 1.5 times higher, compared to controls. In men with M+CNP, blood levels of estrogens were unchanged, PRL was 2.5 times lower and P4 and T – 1.3 times higher, compared to the corresponding control levels. Conclusions: CNP upregulated blood levels of androgens in both male and female melanoma patients, and caused the inversion of estrogens only in women with the prevalence of E1 over E2. Gender differences in the CNP influence included the elevation of progesterone and a decrease of prolactin in the blood of men, and P4 deficiency with increased prolactin in women with M+CNP. The specific effect of CNP on the hormonal profile in patients with cutaneous melanoma should be considered in choosing antitumor treatment.

Effect of thyroxin on cell morphology and hormone secretion of pituitary grafts in rats

IntroductionGrowth hormone and prolactin secretion is affected by thyroid hormones. To see if this influence is subsidiary to the hyptothalamus, we investigated the effects of thyroxin (T4) on hormone secretion and histology of sellar pituitaries and pituitary grafts detached from the hypothalamus (autografted or allografted under the kidney capsule). Materials and methodsMale Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: control, thyroidectomised, pituitary autografted, pituitary allografted, and four additional groups that were injected with T4 for two weeks, starting four weeks after surgery. At sacrifice, adenohypophysial hormone blood levels were assessed, and tissue from sellar and grafted pituitaries were investigated by histology and electron microscopy. ResultsGrowth hormone and prolactin blood levels, as well as the number of growth hormone immunopositive cells increased in T4-treated groups. Both pituitary auto- and allo-grafts showed lactotroph hyperplasia and displayed spongiform areas containing cells with vesicles in their cytoplasm resembling thyroidectomy cells. This phenomenon was minimized in their respective T4-treated group. Thyroidectomy cells were identified in pituitary grafts, indicating that hypothalamic control was not essential to induce them. Discussion and conclusionIt is intriguing that the pituitary allografted group, even maintaining normal T4 blood levels, developed thyroidectomy cells in their grafts, suggesting that a long- term deficit of vascularization (>4 weeks) prevented T4 from reaching the graft. After 6 weeks, post T4 treatment of two weeks seemed to be the determining factor to minimize thyroidectomy cells in both pituitary autografted + T4 and pituitary allografted + T4 grafts compared to the untreated groups, although more time and/or higher T4 doses may be required to fully restore the euthyroid morphology.

Aerobic physical exercise and prolactin levels in blood during breastfeeding in woman with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: A case report

Introduction. The World Health Organization (WHO) exclusively recommends breastfeeding for the first six months of the newborn life. Many factors affect milk production. Physical exercise can significantly affect prolactin secretion in the blood. Case report. A respondent in this study was a primipara (33 years old) diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and a singleton pregnancy. During pregnancy and after the childbirth, she continued with light to moderate physical exercise. During the first six months after the childbirth, the light to moderate intensity aerobic exercise had no negative impact on the blood level of prolactin and growth and development of the child. Conclusion. In this case study, light to moderate intensity aerobic exercise had no negative impact on the level of prolactin in the blood during the first six months after the childbirth in a woman with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Evidence for hyperprolactinemia in migraineurs: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

One of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis hormones which may play a crucial role in pathophysiology of migraine is prolactin which is secreted from anterior pituitary gland and synthesized by various immune system cells as well. Whether prolactin blood levels can affect the migraine pathogenesis is an open question. Therefore, investigating prolactin circulatory levels in migraineurs may pave the way to underpin the mechanisms of migraine pathophysiology at biochemical levels. In the current investigation, the prolactin blood levels in the migraine subjects were investigated using systematic review and meta-analysis. Using online and specialized biomedical databases including Google Scholar, Medline, Pubmed, Pubmed Central, Embase, and Scopus, without the beginning date restriction until Feb 2019, the systematic review retrieved 11 publications in this systematic review after fulfilling for the inclusion and exclusion criteria. For heterogeneity, extent calculation statistical testing was applied. In the present study, the levels of circulatory prolactin in migraineurs assessed using standardized mean difference (SMD) as the effect size. Q quantity and I2% statistic index showed a high heterogeneity in the 13 selected publications (188.370 and 92.568, respectively) and random-effects model was chosen for further analyses. The meta-analysis on a total number of 460 migraineurs and 429 healthy controls found that the weighted pooled SMD for the effects of prolactin blood concentrations on migraine pathogenesis was as follows: SMD = 1.435 (95% confidence interval, 0.854-2.015). The current investigation presents evidence that prolactin blood levels are higher in migraineurs than healthy subjects.

Quetiapine extended-release vs olanzapine for Japanese patients with bipolar depression: A Bayesian analysis.

ObjectiveIt is unknown whether there are differences in efficacy and safety between quetiapine extended‐release, 300 mg/d (QUEXR300), and olanzapine, 5‐20 mg/d (OLA), for Japanese patients with bipolar depression.MethodsWe conducted a Bayesian analysis of data from phase 3 studies in Japan of QUEXR300 and OLA. Outcomes were remission rate (primary), response rate, improvement on the Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores, discontinuation rate, and incidence of individual adverse events. We calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) and the risk ratio (RR) and 95% credible interval (95% CrI) for continuous and dichotomous data, respectively.ResultsThere were no significant differences between QUEXR300 and OLA for any of the efficacy outcomes. QUEXR300 was associated with a higher incidence of somnolence than OLA (RR = 5.517; 95% CrI = 1.563, 19.787), while OLA was associated with greater increase body weight (SMD = −0.488; 95% CrI = −0.881, −0.089) and blood prolactin levels (SMD = −0.642; 95% CrI = −1.073, −0.213) than QUEXR300, and a greater decrease in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (SMD = −0.408; 95% CrI = −0.785, −0.030) than QUEXR300.ConclusionAlthough the two drugs’ efficacy did not differ, OLA increased the risk of metabolic syndrome and QUEXR300 the risk of somnolence. A large scale, long‐term, head‐to‐head comparison study of QUEXR300 vs OLA for Japanese patients with bipolar depression is needed to confirm the results of the current study.