Prolactin Concentrations Research Articles

FERTILITY FACTORS. D-HORMONE IN PREVENTION OF REPRODUCOPATHIES CAUSED BY BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (Literature review)

In accordance with the statistical data, the spreading of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is increasing, because modern stressful lifestyle causes sex hormones disbalances and other dyshormonal conditions which lead to pathologies’ development at younger ages. The pathogenesis of BPH is connected with disturbances of regulation in the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system and with the changes of the regulatory signals intensity which go to the reproductive organs. The central pathogenic links of this pathology’ development are: the declining of efficacy of hypothalamus functioning regulation which carries out on the basis of feedback; the changes of the pituitary gland cells sensitivity to the releasing hormones of hypothalamus and disbalance of sex hormones. In addition to gonadotropins prolactin has a significant impact on the BPH development. Its hypersecretion causes the development of hyperplastic age-related changes in prostate gland. The introduction of dopamine receptors antagonists such as sulpiride causes the increasing of prolactin concentration and declining of gonadotropins releasing. “Sulpiride model” is broadly used in the experimental endocrinology for studying prostate-active drugs and is characterized by sex hormones disbalance' and inflammation processes’ development. The development of the pathology is linked with the disturbance of testosterone synthesis in the testicles, insufficiency of prostate gland functioning and increasing of prolactin and estradiol concentrations which provoke proliferative changes. The androgens disbalance is the main cause of BHP development, therefore, the “Testosterone model” based on testosterone’ and estradiol’ slow releasing implants is broadly used for modeling of urination disturbance in rats which imitates the same condition in elderly men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The prostatitis, which developed under the condition of BHP, causes the disturbances of spermatogenesis during experimental modeling and in the clinical practice when spermatopathies, sexual disturbances and hypofertility are diagnosed in patients. The traditional BHP therapeutic methods are not always effective and the new therapeutic approaches of hypofertility caused by prostate gland pathologies are developed by investigators. Thus, there are data about correlation between increased vitamin D consumption and decreasing of BHP spreading, between gland volume and cells proliferation in patients with this pathology. Vitamin D level influences the quantity and quality of ejaculate. The deficiency of vitamin D is associated with lower proportion of sex hormones in young men and choriogonin sensitivity of Leydig's cells to be diminished. It has been experimentally shown that cholecalciferol regulates steroid hormones genesis, mitigates the age-related declining of testicles activity, protects the testicles in old animals and the unchanged spermatogenesis in normal males which received vitamin D3 can be considered to be the result of estrogens and androgens balance. The androgens receptors as well as vitamin D receptors have been found in prostate gland in health males and in those with hyperplasia. In addition to its classical function in calcium homeostasis and bones health, vitamin D inhibits tumor growth in different tissues including prostate gland. Vitamin D metabolites have been determined to be anti-inflammatory, proapoptotic and antiproliferative. D-hormone application potentiates the specific properties of prostate gland protectors, recovers reproductive capacity under the condition of experimental chronic prostatitis of inflammatory genesis as well as traumatic. All facts listed above allow to confirm the positive role of D-hormone in the regulation of prostate gland and reproductive function in patients with BHP and recovering of fertility under the condition of this pathology. The literature search for this review has been carried out on databases PubMed, Science Direct, Europa PMC, BMC, MedLine etc.

Oxytocin Receptor-Expressing Neurons in the Medial Preoptic Area Are Essential for Lactation, whereas Those in the Lateral Septum Are Not Critical for Maternal Behavior

Introduction: In nurturing systems, the oxytocin (Oxt)-oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) system is important for parturition, and essential for lactation and parental behavior. Among the nerve nuclei that express Oxtr, the lateral septal nucleus (LS) and medial preoptic area (MPOA) are representative regions that control maternal behavior. Methods: We investigated the role of Oxtr- and Oxtr-expressing neurons, located in the LS and MPOA, in regulating maternal behavior by regulating Oxtr expression in a region-specific manner using recombinant mice and adeno-associated viruses. We quantified the prolactin (Prl) concentrations in the pituitary gland and plasma when Oxtr expression in the MPOA was reduced. Results: The endogenous Oxtr gene in the neurons of the LS did not seem to play an essential role in maternal behavior. Conversely, decreased Oxtr expression in the MPOA increased the frequency of pups being left outside the nest and reduced their survival rate. Deletion of Oxtr in MPOA neurons prevented elevation of Prl levels in plasma and pituitary at postpartum day 2. Discussion/Conclusion: Oxtr-expressing neurons in the MPOA are involved in the postpartum production of Prl. We confirmed the essential functions of Oxtr-expressing neurons and the Oxtr gene itself in the MPOA for the sustainability of maternal behavior, which involved Oxtr-dependent induction of Prl.

Effect size and inferential statistical techniques coupled with machine learning for assessing the association between prolactin concentration and metabolic homeostasis

Background and objectiveRecent guidelines classify low prolactin levels as low as <7 ng/mL and high levels as >25 ng/mL, while the “Homeostatically Functionally Increased Transient Prolactinemia” (HomeoFIT-PRL) range (25–100 ng/mL) suggests that a temporary increase in prolactin could be metabolically beneficial if no related health issues are present. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between mean prolactin concentrations and disturbances in glycidic and lipidic metabolism and to identify the gray zone associated with prolactin inflection points that correlate with these metabolic changes. MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 65,795 adults who underwent HOMA-IR, glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglyceride tests. Data was categorized into 106 partitions based on prolactin results. Employing an approach referred to in this study as “Hierarchical Multicriteria Analysis of Differences Between Groups - Statistical and Effect Size Approach” (HiMADiG-SESA) comparing the mean concentrations of metabolic tests across prolactin ranges. A machine learning model was utilized to determine inflection points and their corresponding confidence intervals (CIs). These CIs helped establish gray zones in mean prolactin results related to metabolic changes. ResultsStatistically and clinically, metabolic test means differed for prolactin <7 ng/mL, except insulin. In the HomeoFIT-PRL range, means were lower except for HDL-c. The gray zones of the mean prolactin results associated with changes in glycidic and lipidic metabolism were 9.58–12.87 ng/mL and 13.81–18.73 ng/mL, respectively. ConclusionA strong correlation was identified between mean prolactin concentrations and the results of metabolism tests below the gray zones associated with inflection points, indicating the potential role of prolactin in the appearance of metabolic disorders. Mean prolactin results can provide deeper insight into metabolic balance.

Prolactin Monomeric Polyethylene Glycol Measurement Method and Study of Reference Value Verification

Purpose: Prolactin in the blood is separated into three types, and over 90% of prolactin presents as a double monomer (23 KDa). Rarely, it can exist in the size of big prolactin (150 KDa), which is called macroprolactin and is known as an autoantibody complex. When macroprolactin accounts for more than 60% of prolactin in the blood, it is called macroprolactinemia. The presence of such macroprolactin was first reported in a patient with hyperprolactinemia but without typical symptoms. Macroprolactinemia is emerging as an important cause of idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation method using the property of precipitating large-molecular-weight proteins is simple and recently has been widely used as a screening test. The results are in good agreement with the results of gel chromatography. The purpose of this study was to confirm the measurement method and reference value verification of monomeric prolactin in blood prolactin using the PEG precipitation method. Materials and Methods: For 40 examinees who visited the Gangnam Center of Seoul National University Hospital in 2021, the prolactin level was verified using radioimmunoassay (RIA). For macroprolactinemia PEG precipitation method, 25% PEG (molecular weight 6000kDa) solution and serum were mixed in equal amounts in a test tube, then left at room temperature for 20 minutes and centrifuged at 4℃ for 30 minutes (1500g). The prolactin level was measured in the supernatant. Results : After confirming that more than 90% of the 40 tested samples within the reference range &lt;25 ng/mL, the same value as the reference value for prolactin was applied. Since the concentration of monomeric prolactin in serum from which macroprolactin has been removed from blood is diluted 1:1 with PEG, our laboratory is currently reporting the result by multiplying the result by a dilution factor of 2. Conclusion: Radioimmunoassay using PEG precipitation method using the property of precipitating large molecular weight proteins is simple and effective for quantitative measurement of monomeric prolactin in blood prolactin.

The association between serum prolactin levels and live birth rates in non-PCOS patients: A retrospective cohort study.

This paper aimed to analyze the relationship between baseline prolactin (PRL) levels and live birth rates (LBRs) in patients undergoing embryo transfer who did not have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) using a retrospective design. Patient(s): A total of 20,877 patients who had undergone IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) between December 2014 and December 2019. We examined the association between PRL concentrations and LBRs using multivariate regression analysis. In addition, a model for nonlinear relationships based on a two-part linear regression was developed. Following adjustment for confounding factors, multivariate regression analysis confirmed a statistically significant correlation between serum PRL and LBR. Particularly, when blood PRL content was less than 14.8 ng/mL, there exists a positive relation between serum PRL and LBRs. In contrast, once PRL concentrations surpassed the inflection point at 14.8 ng/mL, a meaningful relationship could no longer be inferred between serum PRL and LBR. Basal serum PRL levels were segmentally connected with LBRs.

Ендокринна і гінекологічна захворюваність у жінок із непліддям та посттравматичним стресовим розладом

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a complex of mental symptoms of an anxious, obsessive and avoidant nature that persist for more than 6 months after the impact of the traumatic factor. Purpose - to study the reproductive history of patients with infertility and post-traumatic stress disorder to improve preparation to additional reproductive technologies use. Materials and methods. The study analyzed the reproductive anamnesis, gynecological and endocrine morbidity of 67 patients with infertility, who were divided into 2 groups: the Group I - 36 women with impaired fertility before the action of a traumatic factor, the Group II - 31 women with infertility due to stress disorder The Comparison group consisted of 45 women with infertility without symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, the Control group - 30 healthy women. Results. The patients of the Group I had mostly primary infertility (80.5%), in the Group II, the vast majority of women had pregnancies and deliveries. 44.4% of women in the first group had a duration of infertility of 5 years or more, in the Group II 64.1% - up to 3 years. In the Group I, patients were characterized by late menarche (22.2%, in the Group II - 6.5%), uterine bleeding during adolescence (33.3%) and reproductive (27.8%) periods (in the Group II - 9.7% and 12,9%, respectively). Patients of the Group I more often had accompanying diabetes (33.3%; in the Group II - 16.2%), obesity (38.9%; in the Group II - 29.0%), hyperandrogenemia (27.8%; in the Group II - 16.2%). Every third patient with infertility and post-traumatic stress disorder had an increased concentration of prolactin. Conclusions. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a powerful factor of impaired fertility, because in the group of women with infertility registered after a traumatic factor, the previous history was uncomplicated (the vast majority of them had given birth - 77.5%), the frequency of endocrine disorders corresponds to the indicator of healthy women (carbohydrate metabolism disorders - 16.2% and 20.2%, respectively), obesity (29.0% and 23.3%, respectively), hyperandrogenemia (16.2% and 13.3%, respectively). Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, who had infertility before the impact of the traumatic factor, mostly had the primary form of fertility disorder (80.5%), late menarche (22.2%; in the Control group - 6.6%), juvenile (33.3%; in the Control group - 6.6%) and abnormal uterine bleeding in the reproductive period (27.8%; in the Control group - 10%). Endocrine disorders were also more common in this group - carbohydrate metabolism disorders (33.3%), obesity (38.9%), hyperandrogenemia (27.8%). The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Sow nest-building behavior in communal farrowing relates to productivity and litter size

Sows have an innate need for prepartal nest-building (NB), which promotes parturition and nursing. However, the interpretation of NB in relation to different environments or sow physiology is unclear. We aimed to observe sow NB and reproductive performance in communal farrowing with 7.9–11.9 m2 total space per sow, individual unconfined farrowing pens and abundant straw. We observed 33 farrowings (Norwegian Landrace and Finnish Landrace x Yorkshire, mean parity 3.6 ± 1.8) with continuous video recording for NB during the last 24 h pre-partum, and followed the subsequent parturition and reproductive performance. Serum samples taken at the start of farrowing were analyzed for progesterone and prolactin, and a colostrum sample was analyzed for Ig-composition. Piglet weight at birth, 24 h later and at 3 weeks of age provided data for colostrum intake and piglet average daily weight gain (ADG). Average NB activity increased from 24 to 12 h to 12–0 h before farrowing (P < 0.001) but NB bout duration remained similar between the two different time phases. The peak of NB activity occurred 8–4 h before farrowing, but in sows with ≥17 piglets, compared to sows with ≤16 piglets, the activity peak was delayed (4–2 h vs. 8–6 h before farrowing), and NB activity 4–2 h and 2–0 h before farrowing was higher (P = 0.02, and P = 0.022, respectively). The average NB bout duration during 12–0 h before farrowing was positively related to serum prolactin concentration (P = 0.012) and negatively correlated with piglet ADG at 3 weeks (P = 0.024). Furthermore, during the same time phase, the frequency of NB bouts was positively correlated with colostrum BRIX and IgG-levels (P < 0.001 and P = 0.029, respectively) and negatively correlated with piglet mortality at lactation days 2–3 (P = 0.037). Earlier start of NB was negatively correlated with colostrum IgA levels (P < 0.001). Sows with higher progesterone levels at the start of farrowing had a higher piglet stillbirth incidence (P = 0.02). Current results from the novel communal farrowing environment suggest that higher intensity of NB 12–0 h before farrowing is related to an improved sow hormonal balance and colostrum quality, in addition to decreased piglet mortality. However, higher litter size delays the peak of nest-building activity, while it remains unclear whether this reflects a negative physiological response or a beneficial compensatory effect. Further research should aim at defining different elements of NB in different environments and reproductive outcomes.

Content of adipokines and myokines in the blood of children and adolescents with obesity with polymorphism of the gene of liver triacylglycerol lipase rs2070895

BACKGROUND: A special role in the development of obesity is given to the genetic polymorphism of lipid metabolism enzymes, which include triacylglycerol lipase. However, there is still no information about the relationship between the single nucleotide polymorphism (snp) of the triacylglycerol lipase (LIPC) gene and the state of the endocrine function of mesenchymal tissues in childhood and adolescence obesity.AIM: The aim of the work was to study the relationship between snp LIPC for rs2070895 and changes in the content of adipokines, myokines, and the values of blood lipid metabolism in obese children and adolescents with different sexes.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 96 healthy children and adolescents of different sexes and 98 obese peers, a study was conducted to assess the snp of the LIPC by rs2070895. In the blood serum of the examined, the content of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols, glucose, activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, as well as the level of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, apelin, irisin, adipsin, myostatin, FGF21, osteocrine, oncostatin M , insulin and asprosin.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: It has been established that obesity in boys is accompanied by hyperleptinemia, the occurrence of insulin resistance and disorders of blood lipid metabolism. In carriers of the heterozygous allele -250G/A, dyslipidemia and atherogenesis decrease in obesity, but alteration of internal organs increases. In girls with different LIPC genotypes for rs2070895, with obesity, there is an increase in the level of leptin and apelin, as well as irisin and insulin in the blood. In girls with the homozygous allele -250G/G, in addition to that, the content of resistin, asprosin and prolactin decreases in the blood, which is not are typical for girls with the heterozygous allele -250G/A. In obese girls with the heterozygous allele, the levels of adipsin, FGF-21, oncostatin M, and osteocrine increase, which are not typical for obese girls with the homozygous allele. Against the background of changes in the content of adipokines and myokines in girls homozygous for LIPC, obesity occurs dyslipemia, which is not typical for girls with the heterozygous allele -250G/A.CONCLUSION: The snp of LIPC at rs2070895 has sex-dependent effects on the levels of adipokines, myokines, and parameters lipid metabolism in the blood.

High fat diet-induced maternal obesity in mice impairs peripartum maternal behaviour.

Obesity during pregnancy represents a significant health issue and can lead to increased complications during pregnancy and impairments with breastfeeding, along with long-term negative health consequences for both mother and offspring. In rodent models, diet-induced obesity (DIO) during pregnancy leads to poor outcomes for offspring. Using a DIO mouse model, consisting of feeding mice a high fat diet for 8 weeks before mating, we recapitulate the effect of high pup mortality within the first 3 days postpartum. To examine the activity of the dam around the time of birth, late pregnant control and DIO dams were recorded in their home cages and the behaviour of the dam immediately before and after birth was analysed. Prior to giving birth, DIO dams spent less time engaging in nesting behaviour, while after birth, DIO dams spent less time in the nest with their pups compared to control dams, indicating reduced pup-engagement in the early postpartum period. We have previously reported that lactogenic hormone action, mediated by the prolactin receptor, in the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus (MPOA) is critical for the onset of normal postpartum maternal behaviour. We hypothesized that DIO dams may have lower lactogenic hormone activity during late pregnancy, which would contribute to impaired onset of normal postpartum maternal behaviour. Day 16 lactogenic activity, transport of prolactin into the brain, and plasma prolactin concentrations around birth were all similar in control and DIO dams. Moreover, endogenous pSTAT5, a marker of prolactin receptor activity, in the MPOA was unaffected by DIO. Overall, these data indicate that lactogenic activity in late pregnancy of DIO dams is not different to controls and is unlikely to play a major role in impaired onset of normal postpartum maternal behaviour.

Marine-derived Ca-Mg complex influences lipid and glucose metabolism, serum metabolites, colostrum profile, and stress hormone in sows over four-parity periods.

Minerals is required small amounts among various nutrients, but it has a significant impact on sow longevity and reproduction performance. This study was carried out to see the beneficial effects of marine-derived Ca-Mg complex on the reproductive performance of sows during four-parity periods. Seventy-two gilts ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc), with an average body weight of 181 kg, were randomly allocated to three groups; CON (basal diet), 0.3LC (CON - MgO - 0.3% limestone + 0.4% Ca-Mg complex), and 0.7LC (CON - MgO - 0.7% limestone + 0.4% Ca-Mg complex). During parity 3 and 4, the expression level of SCD gene was lower in the umbilical cord of piglets born to 0.3LC and 0.7LC sows compared with the CON sows. During parity 2, 3 and 4, SLC2A2 and FABP4 gene expressions were higher in the umbilical cord of piglets born to 0.7LC sows and the placenta of sows from 0.3LC groups, respectively. Ca-Mg complex increased (p < 0.05) Ca and Mg concentrations in sows and their piglets' serum as well as in colostrum regardless of parities. The serum vitamin D concentration was higher (p < 0.05) in their first parity, whereas serum prolactin and estrogen concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) during the fourth and third parity, respectively. The growth hormone concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in the piglets born to sows during the first and second parity. The fat and immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations in colostrum were higher (p < 0.05) during the third and fourth parity, respectively. A reduction (p < 0.05) in salivary cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine concentrations was observed in 0.3LC and 0.7LC sow groups compared with CON after farrowing regardless of parity, however before farrowing, a reduction in norepinephrine was observed. Before farrowing, the epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) during the first and second parity. After farrowing, the concentration of these hormones was higher during the second parity. Taken together, sows' parity and dietary Ca-Mg complex supplementation influenced serum metabolites, colostrum nutrients, stress hormones as well as the gene expressions related to lipid and glucose metabolism.

Prolactin inhibitor changes testosterone production, testicular morphology, and related genes expression in cashmere goats.

Prolactin has multifaceted roles in lactation, growth, metabolism, osmoregulation, behavior, and the reproduction of animals. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of prolactin in testicular function in cashmere goats. Twenty cashmere goats were randomly assigned to either the control group (CON) or the bromocriptine treatment group (BCR, bromocriptine, prolactin inhibitor). Blood and testis samples collected for analysis after 30 days of treatment. The results indicated that, compared with the CON group, BCR significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the serum concentrations of prolactin, and significantly increased (p < 0.05) the levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) on day 30. The serum level of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was not affected (p > 0.05) by the treatment. The mean seminiferous tubule diameter and spermatogenic epithelium thickness were increased (p < 0.05) in the BCR group. Subsequently, we performed RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to identify the key genes and pathways associated with the regulation of spermatogenesis or testosterone secretion function. A total of 142 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (91 were upregulated, 51 were downregulated). Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) revealed that the DEGs were mainly involved in the extracellular matrix (ECM), hippo, and steroid hormone biosynthesis, which are related to testicular function. The expression of the genes SULT2B1, CYP3A24, and CYP3A74 in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the BCR group, which was validated by qRT-PCR. These results provide a basis for understanding the mechanisms underlying the regulation of testicular function by prolactin in cashmere goats.

Testosterone and Prolactin Perturbations Possibly Associated with Reduced Levels of β-Arrestin1 in Mononuclear Leukocytes of Women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

Previously, we reported that a reduction in β-Arrestin1 protein levels in peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBMC) significantly correlated with the severity of depression symptoms in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This study aimed to determine whether the reduced premenstrual β-Arrestin1 protein levels were associated with changes in the regulator for late luteal phase progesterone secretion. The study participants (n = 25) were non-pregnant women between 18 and 42 years of age not taking any antidepressants or receiving therapy and experiencing the luteal phase of menstruation. ELISA determined the β-Arrestin1 protein in PBMC; testosterone and prolactin levels from the plasma were determined by radioimmunoassay. Reduced levels of β-Arrestin1 protein in women with Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) scores above 19 were observed alongside significantly higher plasma testosterone and prolactin concentrations. Understanding the mechanism underlying the initiation of PMDD will allow for identification of a key perturbed metabolic enzyme that can serve as a target for drug development to ensure the alleviation of PMDD, which has been suggested earlier as a risk factor for developing major depressive disorders.

A preliminary composite of blood-based biomarkers to distinguish major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder in adolescents and adults

BackgroundSince diagnosis of mood disorder heavily depends on signs and symptoms, emerging researches have been studying biomarkers with the attempt to improve diagnostic accuracy, but none of the findings have been broadly accepted. The purpose of the present study was to construct a preliminary diagnostic model to distinguish major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) using potential commonly tested blood biomarkers.MethodsInformation of 721 inpatients with an ICD-10 diagnosis of MDD or BD were collected from the electronic medical record system. Variables in the nomogram were selected by best subset selection method after a prior univariable screening, and then constructed using logistic regression with inclusion of the psychotropic medication use. The discrimination, calibration and internal validation of the nomogram were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), the calibration curve, cross validation and subset validation method.ResultsThe nomogram consisted of five variables, including age, eosinophil count, plasma concentrations of prolactin, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The model could discriminate between MDD and BD with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.858, with a sensitivity of 0.716 and a specificity of 0.890.ConclusionThe comprehensive nomogram constructed by the present study can be convenient to distinguish MDD and BD since the incorporating variables were common indicators in clinical practice. It could help avoid misdiagnoses and improve prognosis of the patients.

Seasonal patterns of prolactin, prolactin receptor, and STAT5 expression in the ovaries of wild ground squirrels (Citellus dauricus Brandt).

Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone crucial for normal reproduction, functioning as an autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine factor. This study aimed to examine the immunolocalization and expression patterns of PRL, prolactin receptor (PRLR), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) in the ovaries of wild ground squirrels during both breeding and non-breeding periods. Significant seasonal variations were observed in ovarian weights, with higher values during the breeding season and relatively lower values during the nonbreeding season. PRL, PRLR, STAT5, and p-STAT5 were immunolocalized in granulosa cells and luteal cells during the breeding season, whereas they were exclusively found in granulosa cells during the non-breeding season. The mRNA expression levels of Prl, Prlr, and Stat5 were increased in ovarian tissues during the breeding season compared to the non-breeding season. Moreover, the mean mRNA levels of Prl, Prlr, and Stat5 exhibited a positive correlation with ovarian weights. Both circulating PRL and ovarian PRL concentrations were significantly elevated during the breeding season. Additionally, transcriptomic analysis of ovarian tissues revealed differentially expressed genes possibly associated with ovarian function and mammary gland development, including ovarian follicle development, steroid synthesis, and regulation of reproductive process. These findings suggest that PRL might play an essential endocrine, autocrine, or paracrine role in the regulation of seasonal changes in the ovarian functions in wild ground squirrels.

Evaluation of the relations between reproduction-related pituitary and ovarian hormones and abdominal fat area-related variables determined with computed tomography in overweight or obese women who have undergone bariatric surgery: a cross-sectional study.

An understanding of the associations between midregion fat depots and systemic hormone levels will be crucial for developing health-promotion messages aimed at overweight or obese women. However, related research in this area is rare. The present study was performed to identify and quantify fat-related reproduction pituitary and ovarian hormones in overweight or obese women. A total of 250 eligible overweight or obese women scheduled to undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) from a single center were retrospectively included in this study. Computed tomography (CT) images at the level of the umbilicus were selected, and abdominal fat areas were measured and calculated. The reproduction-related pituitary and ovarian hormones were also measured. The correlations among the parameters were examined using Spearman correlation test. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed after log and β-transformation of the hormone levels and fat area-related variables. Positive correlations were detected for prolactin (PRL) with total fat area (TFA) [β=0.045; P=0.029; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.004-0.085] and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) (β=0.066; P=0.023; 95% CI: 0.009-0.123), whereas estradiol showed a negative correlation with visceral fat area (VFA) (β=-0.056, P=0.005; 95% CI: -0.096 to -0.017) and relative VFA (rVFA) (β=-0.068; P=0.001; 95% CI: -0.109 to -0.027) and a positive correlation with SFA (β=0.036; P=0.042; 95% CI: 0.001-0.071). Progesterone (PROG) was negatively correlated with both VFA (β=-0.037; P=0.002; 95% CI: -0.061 to -0.013) and rVFA (β=-0.039; P=0.002; 95% CI: -0.063 to -0.014). The final results revealed that TFA was increased by 3.1% and SFA was increased by 4.7% with a doubling of PRL concentration; VFA was reduced by 2.5% and rVFA was reduced by 2.6% with a doubling of PROG concentration; and VFA was reduced by 3.8%, rVFA was reduced by 4.6%, and SFA was increased by 2.5% with a doubling of estradiol concentration. There exist certain associations between some reproduction-related pituitary and ovarian hormones and fat areas. Our findings provide new insights into the associations between midregion fat depots and systemic hormone levels in overweight or obese women.

Serum Prolactin Concentration in Patients with Pemphigus Vulgaris

Background: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune bullous disorder characterized clinically by blisters and erosions of the skin and/or mucous membranes. Serum prolactin plays a role in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris. Objective: The study aims to observe the serum prolactin concentration in patients with pemphigus vulgaris. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Dermatology &amp; Venereology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, between May 2017 and April 2018. A total of 35 patients were included in the study. A consecutive type of sampling technique was used. The dermatological examination was done to ascertain the extent of involvement of the disease. Results: Among 35 patients, 31.4% belonged to 30-50 years age group, while 62.9% belonged to &gt;50 years and 5.7% patients belonged to &lt;30 years ae group. The mean age was found 42.7±11.8 years with ranged from 19-65 years. The majority of the patients (57.1%) were male, and 42.9% patients were female. It was observed that 30(85.7%) had vesicles, 25(71.4%) had bulla, 35(100%) had erosions and 6(17.1%) had other types of lesions. 28 patients (80.0%) had scalp, 32(91.4%) had extremity, 35(100.0%) had trunk and 31(88.6%) had mucous membrane as the sites of involvement. The mean duration of disease was 9.0±12.7 months with a range from 0.5 to 36 months. It was observed that 9 patients (25.7%) had hyperprolactinemia, while 26 patients (74.3%) had normal levels of prolactin. The mean serum prolactin level was found 28.7±16.7 ng/ml with a range from 1.64 to 51.04 ng/ml. Conclusion: Since serum prolactin plays a role in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris, it may offer a novel therapeutic target for treatment of PV. Thus, we may reduce morbidity and mortality rate in PV patients by modifying their serum prolactin levels. Mugda Med Coll J. 2023; 6(1): 20-24

A-057 Cerebrospinal Fluid Prolactin in Patients with Neurological Disorders

Abstract Introduction Prolactin a 23 kDa glycoprotein produced by the anterior pituitary among other cells with possible immunological properties. The presence and significance of prolactin in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is not widely known. This study examined prolactin levels in CSF from patients being investigated for neurological disorders. Methods CSF samples (leftover) from patients being investigated for neuropathy were obtained and stored at 4 °C or at −20 °C if not analyzed within one week of collection. Prolactin levels were measured using a high sensitivity prolactin ELISA (R and D Systems, Inc., MN, USA) according to manufacturer’s instructions. CSF samples reported total protein and glucose levels were obtained and correlated with measured prolactin levels. Statistical analysis were performed using NCSS statistical software. Results A total of 53 CSF (leftover samples) were analyzed for prolactin content. Prolactin was detectable and levels ranged from 2.68 ng/mL to 12.1 ng/mL (mean 4.49 ng/mL). Total protein ranged from 21 mg/dL to 219 mg/dL (mean 67.5 mg/dL). CSF glucose levels ranged from 16 mg/dL to 114 mg/dL (mean 63.9 mg/dL). Although there was poor (r = 0.66) but significant (P &amp;lt; 0.003) correlation between CSF prolactin and total protein levels, there was no correlation (r = −0.1) between CSF prolactin and CSF glucose levels (P = 0.6). Conclusion Prolactin levels was detected in CSF from patients being investigated for neurological dysfunction. There was correlation with total protein and glucose levels. The clinical significance of CSF prolactin is unknown and remains to be elucidated.

High Prolactin Concentration Induces Ovarian Granulosa Cell Oxidative Stress, Leading to Apoptosis Mediated by L-PRLR and S-PRLR.

High prolactin (PRL) concentration has been shown to induce the apoptosis of ovine ovarian granulosa cells (GCs), but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of apoptosis induced by high PRL concentration in GCs. Trial 1: The optimal concentration of glutathion was determined according to the detected cell proliferation. The results showed that the optimal glutathione concentration was 5 μmol/mL. Trial 2: 500 ng/mL PRL was chosen as the high PRL concentration. The GCs were treated with 0 ng/mL PRL (C group), 500 ng/mL PRL (P group) or 500 ng/mL PRL, and 5 μmol/mL glutathione (P-GSH group). The results indicated that the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex (MRCC) I-V, ATP production, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and thioredoxin peroxidase (TPx) in the C group were higher than those in the P group (p < 0.05), while they were lower than those in the P-GSH group (p < 0.05). Compared to the C group, the P group exhibited elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis (p < 0.05) and increased expression of ATG7 and ATG5 (p < 0.05). However, MRCC I-V, ATP, SOD, A-TOC, TPx, ROS, and apoptosis were decreased after the addition of glutathione (p < 0.05). The knockdown of either L-PRLR or S-PRLR in P group GCs resulted in a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in MRCC I-V, ATP, T-AOC, SOD and TPx, while the overexpression of either receptor showed an opposite trend (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that high PRL concentrations induce apoptotic cell death in ovine ovarian GCs by downregulating L-PRLR and S-PRLR, activating oxidative stress and autophagic pathways.

Relationship between Prolactin rs1341239 Gene Polymorphism and Prolactin Serum Level in Iranian Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as an inflammatory autoimmune disease, originates from the production of autoantibodies against several cellular components, especially nuclear components such as DNA. Prolactin consists of 199 amino acids and due to the structural similarity with cytokines, this polypeptide has the ability to modulate the immune system, which is characterized by the observation of hyperprolactinemia in autoimmune disorders. The rs1341239 polymorphism of the prolactin gene is associated with several autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between this polymorphism and prolactin serum level in SLE patients in a population from Iran.&#x0D; Methods: Genotype analysis of prolactin rs1341239 gene polymorphism was performed using blood samples of 90 SLE patients as patients’ group and 90 control samples as the control group through RFLP-PCR method. Also, serum prolactin concentration was measured using ELISA method.&#x0D; Results: Our results showed a significantly higher serum level of prolactin in patients group than in the control group. There was no significant difference in alleles and genotypes frequencies of rs1341239 polymorphism in patients group compared to the control group. However, a significant correlation was found between the frequency of GG genotype and the reduction of platelets in the blood of patients group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our results did not show a significant difference in the frequency of prolactin rs1341239 gene polymorphism in patients and control groups, while we observed the relationship between this polymorphism and platelet count in patients group.

Subsets of preoperative sex hormones in testicular germ cell cancer: a retrospective multicenter study

Preoperative homeostasis of sex hormones in testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) patients is scarcely characterized. We aimed to explore regulation of sex hormones and their implications for histopathological parameters and prognosis in TGCT using a data-driven explorative approach. Pre-surgery serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and prolactin were measured in a retrospective multicenter TGCT cohort (n = 518). Clusters of patients were defined by latent class analysis. Clinical, pathologic and survival parameters were compared between the clusters by statistical hypothesis testing, Random Forest modeling and Peto-Peto test. Cancer tissue expression of sex hormone-related genes was explored in the publicly available TCGA cohort (n = 149). We included 354 patients with pure seminoma and 164 patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT), with a median age of 36 years. Three hormonal clusters were defined: ‘neutral’ (n = 228) with normal sex hormone homeostasis, ‘testicle’ (n = 91) with elevated T and E2, low pituitary hormones, and finally ‘pituitary’ subset (n = 103) with increased FSH and LH paralleled by low-to-normal levels of the gonadal hormones. Relapse-free survival in the hormonal subsets was comparable (p = 0.64). Cancer tissue expression of luteinizing hormone- and follicle-stimulating hormone-coding genes was significantly higher in seminomas, while genes of T and E2 biosynthesis enzymes were strongly upregulated in NSGCT. Substantial percentages of TGCT patients are at increased risk of sex hormone dysfunction at primary diagnosis before orchiectomy. TGCT may directly influence systemic hormonal homeostasis by in-situ synthesis of sex hormones.