Serum Hormone Levels Research Articles

Efficacy of Shu-yi-ning-chang decoction on IBS-D: Modulating Nr4a3 pathway to reduce visceral hypersensitivity.

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of SYNC in diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) and explore its underlying mechanism through transcriptomic sequencing (RNA-Seq). A rat model of IBS-D was constructed to elucidate the effects of SYNC. Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR), fecal water content (FWC), and recording body weight were calculated to assess visceral sensitivity in rats. Histopathological changes in the colon and alterations in mast cell (MC) count were determined. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess mast cell tryptase (MCT) expression in rat colons. Serum levels of corticotropin-releasing Hormone (CRH), interleukin-6 (IL-6), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were quantified using ELISA. RNA-Seq of colon tissue was performed, followed by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Western blot analysis was conducted to quantify the expression levels of key proteins in the Nr4a3 pathway in the colon and hypothalamus tissues of rats. SYNC alleviated visceral hypersensitivity and mood disorders in rats with IBS-D. Moreover, it was positively correlated with its dosage and the observed effects, such as the enhancement of the colon's mucosal lining condition and reduction in the number and activation of MCs within the model group. SYNC reduced the expression levels of factors related to the brain-gut axis and inflammatory markers in the bloodstream. RNA-Seq analysis indicated that SYNC down-regulated the expression of Nr4a3 and PI3K. These SYNC-targeted genes primarily played roles in immune regulation and inflammatory responses, correlating with the modulation of Nr4a3 and the PI3K/AKT pathway. Western blot analysis further confirmed SYNC's influence on inflammation-related MC activation by downregulating key proteins in the Nr4a3/PI3K pathway. SYNC inhibited mast cell activation and attenuated visceral hypersensitivity in the colon tissues of IBS-D rats. These effects were mediated by the Nr4a3/PI3K signaling pathway.

Alterations of Glucocorticosteroids Thyroid Hormones Leptin and Endothelins Threat of Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes

Background: The cardiovascular diseases are phenomenon or circumstances that affect the structures as well as function of the heart. Aim: The level of glucocorticosteroids, thyroid hormones, leptin, and endothelins in cardiovascular subjects was determined in Owerri, Imo state. Method: A total of 100 subjects within the age 35-65 years were recruited for this study. The study consists of 50 subjects who were diagnosed of cardiac disorders and 50 were apparently healthy individuals who served as controls subjects of the same age bracket. The levels of glucocorticosteroids, thyroid hormones, leptin, and endothelins were analysed using ELISA technique. Data was assessed using SPSS version 20, the mean value with P˂ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The result revealed that the levels of glucocorticosteroids, thyroid hormones, leptin, and endothelins in cardiovascular disorder were significantly increased when compared with control subjects. Conclusion: The increased serum level of glucocorticosteroids, thyroid hormones, leptin, and endothelins in cardiac malfunction subjects may contribute some risk factors in patients with cardiac dysfunction and in people living with diabetes.

Gender Differences of Antioxidant System and Thyroid Function in Depressed Adolescents with Non-Suicidal Self-Injury.

The aim of our study was to explore the relation between serum levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants, thyroid function with the risk of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in depressed adolescents. We retrospected the electronic records of 454 hospitalized patients aged 13-17 years old with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (239 patients with NSSI and 215 subjects without NSSI), and collected their demographic and clinical information, including serum levels of total bilirubin (Tbil), uric acid (UA), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The incidence of NSSI was 52.6% among depressed adolescents aged 13-17, 57.1% in female and 38.5% in male. After using the propensity scoring method to exclude the influence of age between the two groups, it was found that patients with NSSI showed lower levels of Tbil (P=0.046) and UA (P=0.015) compared with those without NSSI. Logistic regression results showed that serum UA was associated with NSSI behavior in female patients (OR=0.995, 95% CI: 0.991-0.999, P=0.014), and TSH was associated with NSSI in male participants (OR=0.499, 95% CI: 0.267-0.932, P=0.029). Female and male may have different pathological mechanisms of NSSI. NSSI is more likely to be related to antioxidant reaction in female adolescent patients, while more likely to be related to thyroid function in male depressed adolescent patients.

Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of very small stem cells from peripheral blood on the treatment of Premature Ovarian Failure: A pilot study.

Premature ovary failure (POF) is a severe health condition with multiple negative outcomes, which deteriorate a patient's life. The current study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from peripheral blood in the treatment of women with the POF background. The current study was a pilot study carried-out on women younger than 40 with premature ovarian failure. Study participants underwent 4-months cell therapy using Mesenchymal stem cells extracted from peripheral bloods. Serum level of Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Estradiol (E2), Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), and Antral follicle count (AFC) were the main investigated outcomes that were assessed at baseline, month two and month four of the very small stem cell intervention. Average serum level of FSH was 45.0 (12.1) mIU/mL at baseline and continually decreased during the study and reached 33.2 (12.4) mIU/mL in the fourth month. The average AMH level was 0.10 ng/mL prior to the intervention and increased to 0.13 ng/mL in the 2nd month and 0.15 ng/mL in the fourth month. The level E2 was 85.7 (23.6) pg/ml on average at baseline, while the average E2 reduced to 77.2 (25.6) pg/ml in the fourth month. Average number of AFC was 2.0 (0.8) at baseline. We observed a gradual increase in the second month (Mean AFC=2.2) and after four months it increased to 3.1 (1.8) as the highest menstrual restoration and pregnancy was observed in 10% of our study participants. MSCs could significantly improve hormone secretion in women with POF. Implantation of MSCs in women with POF background was associated with an increase in AMH and AFC, while it downed the serum level of E2 and FSH. MSCs could also lead to menstrual restoration and pregnancy in women with POF.

Assessment of the In Vivo Reprotoxicity of Isotretinoin in Sprague-Dawley Male Rat.

Isotretinoin (ISO) belongs to a family of drugs called retinoids. It is the most effective drug prescribed by dermatologists for the treatment of the inflammatory disease, acne vulgaris. A significant barrier to the use of ISO has worries regarding its adverse effect profile. Despite the well-recognized reproductive toxicity and teratogenicity in females, there is no warning related to the use by male patients in the medication prospectus. Current data on the effects on human male fertility is contradictory and inconclusive. This study was undertaken to investigate the potential effects of ISO oral doses in the Sprague-Dawley male rat germ cells using the sperm morphology assay. Also, the serum levels of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone were measured. The rat groups were given varying ISO doses via gastric gavage for seven consecutive days. The epididymis sperm specimens were microscopically examined for the following reproductive toxicity parameters: sperm concentration, examined viability, motility, and morphology. The serum FSH, LH, and testosterone levels were measured by using the corresponding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The data were analyzed statistically by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey test at P ≤ 0.05 significance level. The results indicated that the drug did not significantly increase the sex hormone levels but notably affected both the sperm quantity and quality. These observations suggest that ISO was reprotoxic, and future therapies should be further reassessed.

Recognizing the Diverse Clinical Presentations of Acromegaly: Insight from a Case Series

Purpose: Acromegaly is an endocrine disease due to growth hormone excess with slowly developing manifestations and diverse clinical presentations. There are chances that patients may present with common clinical problems and the underlying endocrine condition is overlooked and diagnosis is delayed. This case series will discuss the presentation, clinical features and investigations of four acromegaly cases to increase the clinical skills of physicians so that an early diagnosis is made and treatment is initiated early. Methods: This is an observational study, where a series of four acromegaly cases, who presented to medicine inpatients or outpatients of Sylhet Women’s Medical College, Bangladesh. They were analyzed through detailed clinical features and, investigation findings. MRI brain was used as the main tool for diagnosis. Serum levels of growth hormone, IGF-1, TSH, ACTH, and prolactin were assessed in all. Other anterior pituitary hormone assays were selectively done. Ocular examinations were performed on all patients. Conclusion: Though a case series has lower value as medical evidence than systematic reviews and randomized clinical trials, it can help in generating future protocols of studies. This series emphasizes that a keen clinical eye of the physician can help in early diagnosis of acromegaly and thus an early MRI of brain based on clinical suspicion can ensure early treatment and prevent cardiovascular complications.

Evaluation of the thyroid and hypothyroid function after postoperative radiation therapy among breast cancer patients.

The current advances in radiotherapy (RT) have improved the outcome of breast cancer (BC) patients. Despite its therapeutic benefits, the iatrogenic toxicities of RT and its impact on BC survivors are still debated, and further evaluations should be considered. This study aims to assess the rate of subclinical hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism among BC patients who were exposed to therapeutic radiation. Seventy females undergoing RT for BC were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Laboratory assessment of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), and free triiodothyronine (fT3) levels was obtained to evaluate thyroid function. The parathyroid function was evaluated by measuring serum levels of Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) at baseline, six and 12 months after RT. The mean age of patients was 54.3±6.4 years. We found no cases of hypothyroidism before radiotherapy. However, nine patients developed hypothyroidism in the six months after radiotherapy (one clinical and eight subclinical, 13% in total), and six patients were identified with hypothyroidism in the 12 months after radiotherapy (one clinical and five subclinical, 8.7% in total). Significant relationships were observed in the hypothyroidism rate at both six months (p = 0.003) and 12 months (p = 0.028) after RT compared with the baseline. There was no case of hypoparathyroidism before and after RT. In summary, we found that thyroid and parathyroid dysfunction after RT are relatively common findings among women with BC. It is a treatable source of morbidity in patients undergoing RT. Therefore, routine thyroid function monitoring should be recommended to improve the quality of life in BC survivors.

Comparison of Thyroid Gland Sonography Index with Serum Antithyroid Peroxidase, Antithyroglobulin, and Thyroid Function Tests in Patients with Hashimoto Thyroiditis.

Ultrasound examination of the thyroid has emerged as a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool, along with measuring serum titers of anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO), anti-thyroglobulin (Tg), and thyroid hormones, in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. So, we aimed at considering correlations of ultrasonographic, antibodies, and thyroid hormone levels. A total of 149 patients (118 females, 31 males; aged 18-60 years; mean age: 38.60 ± 8.03 years) who were diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis were enrolled in the study. The blood sample was taken to measure serum titers of free T3 (FT3) and T4 (FT4), TSH, anti-TPO, and anti-Tg antibody titers. The thyroid sonography of each patient was classified into one of the five grades by real-time ultrasound (US) based on echogenicity, thyroid size, and thyroid pattern. We evaluated whether there was a correlation between thyroid characteristics observed via ultrasound and serum levels of thyroid hormones, anti-TPO antibodies, and anti-Tg antibodies. Nodular structures were detected in 54 (36.2%) patients (38 micro-nodular and 16 macro-nodular). Echogenicity was recorded as isoechoic in 15(10.07%) and hypoechoic in 119 (79.87%) subjects. Euthyroid subjects had significantly thicker isthmus than overt and subclinical hypothyroid patients (P=0.018). Mean serum TSH, anti-Tg, and anti-TPO antibody titers showed a significant increase in patients with macro-nodules compared to those with micro-nodules and individuals without nodules (P0.05). The thickness of the isthmus had a significant negative correlation with FT4 (P=0.046; r=0.11) and FT3 (P=0.017; r=0.15), respectively. Thyroid autoantibodies had positive significant correlations with different parameters of thyroid volume (P0.05). Thyroid US findings, in addition to serum anti-Tg and anti-TPO antibody titers, might be correlated with the severity and extent of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but further evaluations are needed.

The association of reproductive hormones, thyroid function, and vitamin levels with premature ejaculation: A prospective case-control study.

To investigate whether serum hormone (testosterone, prolactin, gonadotropins, and thyroid hormones) and vitamin (vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin D) levels are associated with premature ejaculation (PE). This prospective case-control study included 126 patients with PE (lifelong PE [LPE] in 94 and acquired PE [APE] in 32) who presented to the urology outpatient clinic between April 2016 and January 2023 and 92 healthy men as a control group. The diagnosis of PE was based on the criteria defined by the International Society for Sexual Medicine. Serum total testosterone (TT), free and bioavailable testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, thyroxine (fT4), vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin D levels were measured. Serum TT, fT4, and vitamin D levels were significantly higher in patients with PE than in the control group (p=0.022, p=0.002, and p=0.044, respectively). However, the serum vitamin B12 level was significantly lower in the PE group (p=0.021). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only vitamin B12 was found to be an independent risk factor for PE, with an estimated odds ratio of 0.997 (95% confidence interval 0.994-0.999, p=0.036). This study demonstrated that lower vitamin B12 levels are associated with the presence of PE. Therefore, we believe that it would be beneficial to consider vitamin B12 levels in the evaluation of patients with PE.

Immune response in men patients infected with toxoplasmosis

The primary aim of this study was to determine the differential count of white blood cells and the serum levels of (CCR2 and testosterone) in patients with Toxoplasmosis and the healthy group. The study was conducted on 260 Males suspected of Toxoplasmosis ages ranging from 20-50 years old. All these cases were examined by measuring Toxo IgM and IgG serum levels, who attended AL-Hakeem hospital, and (30) healthy males as the control group, collected randomly from AL-Najaf province, these samples were collected from March 2023 to August 2023. Any patient was using the drug or undergoing disease removal from the current study. The present study revealed the numbers and percentage of infected patients fifty out of 260 (19.23%) male patients. The current study was conducted on the effect of WBCs (Monocyte, Lymphocyte and Neutrophil) in patients infected with Toxoplasmosis. The results showed that high concentrations of Monocyte and Neutrophil (9.560± 0.244 ×103 µL) (10.65± 0.13%) (72.48± 0.575%) respectively for the patient, and (6.660 ± 0.067 ×103 µL) (6.933 ± 0.064 %) (52.50 ± 0.252 %) respectively for compared to the control group. However, no significant changes were recorded for lymphocytes (34.33± 0.881%) in patients infected with Toxoplasmosis compared to the control group. The current study revealed that the concentration of (testosterone, CCR2) inpatients infected with Toxoplasmosis was a significant increase (P<0.05) compared to the control group. The current study has concluded that infection with Toxoplasmosis may be a risk factor. A chronic T. gondii infection is associated with variations in levels of serum hormones for can result in inducted behavioural alterations and these variations may influence the immune system by (Testosterone, CCR2).

Effects of Berberine on glucolipid metabolism among dehydroepiandrosterone-induced rats of polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin-resistance

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a set of endocrine disorder syndrome characterized by ovulation disorder. Increased insulin resistance (IR) and compensatory hyperinsulinemia play a vital role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Therefore, insulin sensitizing agents have been studied in the treatment of PCOS. Berberine (BBR) has been proved to alleviate IR in patients with PCOS, but the mechanism remained unclear. This study was aimed to verify the regulatory mechanism of BBR on PCOS-IR rats. Firstly, we established a female rat PCOS-IR model induced by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and found that estrus cycle was disrupted in the PCOS-IR group, serum fasting insulin (FINS) level and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were significantly higher than normal control group. BBR treatment could recover estrous cycle, reduce abnormal serum hormone levels like luteotropic hormone (LH) and testosterone (T). Most importantly, BBR could concentration-dependently reduce serum FINS level in PCOS-IR rat model. Meanwhile, BBR may improve the abnormal lipid metabolism levels in PCOS-IR group by decreasing low density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG). Histological results showed that BBR can also protect normal histological structures of ovaries in PCOS-IR rats. Our results indicated that BBR plays a protective role in PCOS-IR, increasing insulin sensitivity, improving hyperandrogens and recovering abnormal blood lipids. Therefore, Our research provides novel insights for therapeutic treatment of BBR in patients with glucolipid metabolic disturbances.

HASHIMOTO THYROIDITIS IN 7-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN: A CASE REPORT

Hashimoto thyroiditis (AIT) is a common cause of hypothyroidism that can occur in childhood and adolescence (ages six to sixteen years) and often occurs in women. AIT can be determined by increases in TSH with normal thyroid hormone serum levels. The diagnosis of AIT based on clinical symptoms of hypothyroid, biochemical results, and ultrasound images. Treatment is carried out by administering levothyroxine at an initial dose of 1 – 2 g/weight/day. This case report aims to show that AIT can show a wide range of symptoms and effects from the treatment that given to patient.

Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders among Pregnant Women at Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital

Background: Thyroid disorders (TD) are the second most common endocrine disorders seen in pregnancy. TD is known to be associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
 Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study. All the pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital from 1st July 2021 to 30th June 2022 were enrolled in the study, irrespective of their gestational age and gravida status. Pregnant women with diagnosed thyroid disorder and are on medication, multiple gestation, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension and pregnant women with age more than 35 years were excluded from study. Thyroid function status of pregnant women was assessed by measuring serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and if the TSH value was deranged then they underwent free T3 and free T4 level. Based on the TFT reports they will be classified as euthyroid, subclinical hypothyroidism and overt hypothyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism and overt hyperthyroidism.
 Results: A total of 395 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. The mean age and standard deviation of pregnant women was 25.25± 4.76 years. Among 395 pregnant women 93(23.6%) pregnant women have thyroid disorder. Subclinical hypothyroidism and Overt hypothyroidism were 19% and 1.8% respectively. Subclinical and Overt hyperthyroidism were 1.5% and 1.3% respectively.
 Conclusion: The prevalence of thyroid disorder in pregnancy was 23.6%. The most common thyroid disorder observed was Subclinical hypothyroidism comprising 19% cases followed by overt hypothyroidism comprising 1.8% cases followed by Subclinical and Overt hyperthyroidism 1.5% and 1.3% cases respectively.

Effect Of Zinc And Ingredients Of Protein Supplement On Sperm Parameters And Male Reproductive Hormones- An RCT Study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the protective effects of zinc against injury to sperm parameters and male reproductive hormones brought on by toxic protein supplement constituents. Methods: 30 male Sprague Dawley rats were used in the study, of which 10 were in Group 1 (given standard laboratory food), 10 were in Group 2, fed standard laboratory food nutritional supplement powder and 10 were in Group 3, fed standard laboratory food, nutritional supplement powder and zinc. Semen Analysis of Male Sprague Dawley rats of all 3 groups was evaluated after 8 weeks. Sperm parameters and serum levels of Male Reproductive Hormones were measured at the beginning and the end of the study. Results: There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in Mean ± SEM of sperm count millions /ml, sperm motility (%), and normal sperm morphology (%) in Group 2 rats when compared with Group 1. Zinc supplement in Group 3 caused a significant increase (P<0.05) in Mean ± SEM of sperm parameters including sperm count millions /ml, sperm motility (%) and normal sperm morphology (%) as compared to Group 2 rats. Mean ± SEM of serum level of testosterone Hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone(FSH), and Luteinizing Hormone(LH) of Group 2 rats showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease when compared with Group 1 rats. However, the use of Zinc in Group 3 rats significantly (P<0.05) increased serum Testosterone, FSH, and LH levels when compared to Group 2. No significant difference was noted between serum levels of Testosterone, in Group 1 and Group 3. Serum levels of FSH and LH in Group 3 rats (484.81+ 78.17 ng/ml) were significantly increased (P<0.05) as compared to Group 1 rats. Conclusion: Regular addition of antioxidant Zinc with protein supplements has the potential to restore normal functions of the male reproductive system. Keywords: Protein supplements, Soy Protein, Silicon dioxide, Zinc, Sperm parameters, Testosterone, Follicle stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone.

Clinical observation of kidney-tonifying and mind-calming acupuncture therapy in the treatment of perimenopausal insomnia

Abstract Objective To observe the effects of kidney-tonifying and mind-calming acupuncture therapy on sleep, mood, sex hormone levels, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms in patients with perimenopausal insomnia (PMI). Methods A total of 90 patients with PMI were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 45 cases in each group. Patients in the treatment group were treated with acupuncture at Shenshu (BL23), Taixi (KI3), Baihui (GV20), and Anmian (Extra). The control group was treated with sham acupuncture. Both groups were treated 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and insomnia severity index (ISI) were used to evaluate the sleep quality of the subjects before treatment, after treatment, and 1 month after treatment (follow-up). Beck depression inventory (BDI) and Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate the depression and anxiety of the subjects before treatment, after treatment, and at 1-month follow-up. The TCM symptom scale was used to evaluate the TCM symptoms of the subjects before treatment, after treatment, and 1 month after treatment. Serum levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured before and after treatment. Results During the study, 2 cases dropped out of the treatment group, and no cases dropped out of the control group. The PSQI scores of the treatment group were significantly lower after treatment and at 1-month follow-up compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the difference was statistically significant compared with that of the control group (P<0.05). In the control group, the PSQI score was significantly lower after treatment compared with before treatment (P<0.05), and the difference was not statistically significant at 1-month follow-up compared with before treatment (P>0.05). Compared with the pre-treatment, the ISI, BDI, BAI, and TCM symptom scale scores of the treatment group were lower after treatment and at 1-month follow-up (P<0.05), and the differences with the control group at the same time point were statistically significant (P<0.05). The differences in ISI, BDI, BAI, and TCM symptom scale scores of the control group before treatment, after treatment, and at 1-month follow-up were not statistically significant (P>0.05). After treatment, the serum E2 level in the treatment group was significantly higher than that before treatment (P<0.05), and the difference with the control group was statistically significant (P<0.05). The difference in the serum E2 level before and after treatment in the control group was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The differences in the serum FSH and LH levels between before and after treatment were not statistically significant in either group of subjects (P>0.05). Conclusion Kidney-tonifying and mind-calming acupuncture therapy can improve sleep quality, relieve anxiety and depression, delay the decrease of serum E2 level, and improve related TCM symptoms in patients with PMI.

Ampelopsis japonica aqueous extract improves ovulatory dysfunction in PCOS by modulating lipid metabolism

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorder that is closely associated with the proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). Ampelopsis japonica (AJ) is the dried tuberous root of Ampelopsis japonica (Thunb.) Makino (A. japonica), with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, wound-healing, and antitumor properties; however, it is unclear whether this herb has a therapeutic effect on PCOS. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effect of AJ on PCOS and reveal its potential mechanism of action. A PCOS rat model was established using letrozole. After establishing the PCOS model, the rats received oral treatment of AJ and Diane-35 (Positive drug: ethinylestradiol + cyproterone tablets) for 2 weeks. Lipidomics was conducted using liquid-phase mass spectrometry and chromatography. AJ significantly regulated serum hormone levels and attenuated pathological variants in the ovaries of rats with PCOS. Furthermore, AJ significantly reduced the apoptotic rate of ovarian GCs. Lipidomic analysis revealed that AJ modulated glycerolipid and glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways mediated by lipoprotein lipase (Lpl), diacylglycerol choline phosphotransferase (Chpt1), and choline/ethanolamine phosphotransferase (Cept1). Therefore, we established that AJ may reduce ovarian GC apoptosis by modulating lipid metabolism, ultimately improving ovulatory dysfunction in PCOS. Therefore, AJ is a novel candidate for PCOS treatment.

Testosterone Recovery for Relugolix Versus Leuprolide in Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer: Results from the Phase 3 HERO Study

BackgroundIn the HERO study, relugolix demonstrated sustained testosterone suppression superior to that of leuprolide acetate (97% vs 89%; difference 7.9% [95% confidence interval, 4.1–12%; p < 0.001]). ObjectiveTo analyze testosterone recovery in a prespecified subset of men from the HERO study not indicated to continue androgen deprivation therapy. Design, setting, and participantsMen (N = 934) were randomized (2:1) to receive relugolix 120 mg orally daily or leuprolide acetate injections every 12 wk for 48 wk. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisTestosterone recovery was assessed in 184 men who completed 48 wk of treatment. During the 90-d recovery period, assessments included time to testosterone recovery (>280 ng/dl; ≥80% of baseline testosterone), serum levels of prostate-specific antigen and pituitary hormones, and adverse events. Results and limitationsThe cumulative incidence rate of testosterone recovery to >280 ng/dl at 90 d following drug discontinuation was significantly higher in the relugolix cohort (n = 137) than in the leuprolide acetate cohort (n = 47; 54% vs 3.2%; nominal p = 0.002). The median time to testosterone recovery was faster following relugolix treatment than with leuprolide acetate treatment (86.0 d vs 112.0 d). Compared with leuprolide acetate, more men treated with relugolix achieved ≥80% of baseline testosterone levels (39% vs 2.1%). Men ≤65 yr and those with baseline testosterone greater than the median had a higher incident rate of testosterone recovery. Adverse events were generally similar between treatment groups. One limitation is the short testosterone recovery follow-up period. ConclusionsOral relugolix had faster and more complete recovery of testosterone to normal levels after treatment discontinuation than leuprolide acetate in a subset of men from the HERO study. The clinical implications of a faster testosterone recovery with relugolix may be significant for men being treated with androgen deprivation therapy and influence treatment decisions. Patient summaryThe male hormone testosterone is reduced during androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. Reduced testosterone levels cause side effects, impacting patient quality of life. When treatment is stopped, the side effects lessen over time as the levels of testosterone come back to pretreatment range (testosterone recovery). In this study, we found that the time to testosterone recovery was faster with relugolix than with leuprolide acetate.

Fertility Protection, A Novel Concept: Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Protect against Chemotherapy-Induced Testicular Cytotoxicity.

Currently, there is no viable option for fertility preservation in prepubertal boys. Experimentally, controlled vitrification of testicular tissue has been evaluated and found to cause potential structural damage to the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche during cryopreservation. In this report, we leveraged the regenerative effect of human umbilical cord-derived Mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (h-UCMSC-Exo) to protect against testicular damage from the cytotoxic effects of polychemotherapy (CTX). A chemotherapy-induced testicular dysfunctional model was established by CTX treatment with cyclophosphamide and Busulfan in vitro (human Sertoli cells) and in prepubescent mice. We assessed the effects of the exosomes by analyzing cell proliferation assays, molecular analysis, immunohistochemistry, body weight change, serum hormone levels, and fertility rate. Our data indicates the protective effect of h-UCMSC-Exo by preserving the SSC niche and preventing testicular damage in mice. Interestingly, mice that received multiple injections of h-UCMSC-Exo showed significantly higher fertility rates and serum testosterone levels (p < 0.01). Our study demonstrates that h-UCMSC-Exo can potentially be a novel fertility protection approach in prepubertal boys triaged for chemotherapy treatment.

Research on liposomal hydrogels loaded with "Liu Zi Tang" compound Chinese medicine for the treatment of primary ovarian insufficiency

IntroductionPrimary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is marked by reduced estrogen production and irregular ovulation, often resulting in lowered fertility or infertility. The traditional Chinese medicine "Liu Zi Tang" (LZT) has displayed promising outcomes in treating POI. Yet, conventional oral LZT administration poses challenges, including gastrointestinal irritation and the liver's first-pass effect. Thus, a novel drug delivery approach is imperative. MethodThis research incorporated the extracts of traditional Chinese medicine LZT into a novel liposome type, leading to the creation of LZT-glycerol plasmid/chitosan hydrogel (LZT-Gly-Lip/CS Gel) drug-carrier patches for achieving transdermal gradual-release drug delivery. The POI model was established in rats through intraperitoneal injection of vinylcyclohexene dioxide (VCD). A total of twenty-four 4-week-old female SD rats were distributed randomly among four groups: negative control (NC), vinylcyclohexene dioxide model (VCD), LZT/chitosan hydrogel treatment (VCD+LZT/CS Gel), and LZT glycerol liposome/chitosan hydrogel treatment (VCD+LZT-Gly-Lip/CS Gel). The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by observing and analyzing the rats' body weight, diverse organ indices, serum hormone levels, and histopathological sections. ResultRats treated with LZT-Gly-Lip/CS Gel manifested significant enhancements in body weight (243.0 ± 11.0 g), serum estradiol concentration (64.362 ± 6.461 pg/mL), and uterus index (0.34 ± 0.05 %), demonstrating outcomes approaching normal levels (245.3 ± 12.0 g, 74.280 ± 8.903 pg/mL, 0.32 ± 0.10 %, respectively). DiscussionThese results confirm the effectiveness of LZT-Gly-Lip/CS Gel as a promising transdermal drug delivery system for addressing POI.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, sex hormones and cognitive decline in male patients with schizophrenia receiving continuous antipsychotic therapy.

There are systematic differences in clinical features between women and men with schizophrenia (SCZ). The regulation of sex hormones may play a potential role in abnormal neurodevelopment in SCZ. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and sex hormones have complex interacting actions that contribute to the etiology of SCZ. To investigate the influence of BDNF and sex hormones on cognition and clinical symptomatology in chronic antipsychotic-treated male SCZ patients. The serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), progesterone, testosterone (T), prolactin (PRL) and BDNF were compared between chronic antipsychotic-treated male (CATM) patients with SCZ (n = 120) and healthy controls (n = 120). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used to quantify SCZ symptoms, while neuropsychological tests were used to assess cognition. Neuropsychological tests, such as the Digit Cancellation Test (DCT), Semantic Verbal Fluency (SVF), Spatial Span Test (SS), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), Trail Making Task (TMT-A), and Block Design Test (BDT), were used to assess executive functions (BDT), attention (DCT, TMT-A), memory (SS, PASAT), and verbal proficiency (SVF). Although E2 levels were significantly lower in the patient group compared to the healthy controls, T, PRL, and LH levels were all significantly higher. Additionally, the analysis revealed that across the entire sample, there were positive correlations between E2 Levels and BDNF levels as well as BDNF levels and the digital cancellation time. In CATM patients with SCZ, a significant correlation between the negative symptoms score and PRL levels was observed. Sex hormones and BDNF levels may also be linked to cognitive function in patients with chronic SCZ.