Steroid Levels Research Articles

Sex-related differences in motoneuron firing behavior during typical development.

Sex-related differences have been documented for intrinsic motoneuron excitability and firing rates in young adults, with females exhibiting higher excitability than males; however, it is unknown whether these parameters are affected by sex earlier in development. We compared the sex-related differences in firing behavior of single tibialis anterior (TA) motor units decomposed from high-density surface electromyography (EMG) in young (7-17 yr) and older (18-28 yr) developmental males and females during triangular dorsiflexion contractions at 10, 20, and 30% of their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque. The amount of motoneuron self-sustained firing at estimated synaptic inputs below that needed for recruitment was measured [i.e., self-sustained firing (ΔF)], along with start, maximal, and end firing rates and the interspike interval variability across the entire contraction. When taking the recruitment threshold of the motor units into account, both young and older development females had larger ΔF values compared with males, which functionally allows more sustained firing of TA motoneurons in females. Young development females also had faster firing rates compared with males and equivalent firing variability, an effect that disappeared in the older development group, where males exhibited higher start rates and less firing variability. Overall, although female motor unit firing rates became similar to males as they matured, they were more variable, slower at recruitment, and continued to exhibit evidence of greater persistent inward currents that sustained firing (ΔF), the latter indicating that sex-related differences in intrinsic motoneuron excitability are established early during development.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The intrinsic excitability of tibialis anterior (TA) motoneurons was compared between males and females before (7-17 yr) and during (18-28 yr) adulthood. Female motor units exhibited greater self-sustained firing compared with males in both the pre-adult and adult groups, suggesting the intrinsic excitability of motoneurons is established early in life and may not be tightly dependent on the level of sex hormones, unlike the number of decomposed motor units that reflect muscle size.

Klotho mediates the association between serum testosterone and severe abdominal aortic calcification: a cross-sectional study from the NHANES database.

Severe abdominal aortic calcification (SAAC) is acknowledged as a significant contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, yet its relationship with sex steroid hormones remains unclear. Here, the unexplored link between serum sex steroid hormone levels and SAAC was investigated within the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cohort. This study utilized data from NHANES 2013-2014. SAAC was determined using the abdominal aortic calcification 24-point scale. Serum sex steroid hormones were categorized into quintiles 1-5 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression and subgroup analyses were employed to investigate the potential relationship between serum sex steroid hormones and SAAC risk. Moreover, the Johnson-Neyman plot was applied to identify the presence of any threshold effects. Finally, to reveal the potential pathophysiological mechanism, mediation analyses were performed. A total of 1852 enrolled individuals were included, and the prevalence of SAAC stood at 8.00%. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, multivariate analysis suggested the association of higher level of serum testosterone with a reduced incidence of SAAC (AOR = 0.33, 95%CI:0.13-0.87, P = 0.0247 for quintile 5, P for trend = 0.025). Subgroup analyses demonstrated the negative associations were more significant in participants aged ≥ 60 (AOR = 0.20, 95%CI:0.07-0.56, P = 0.0023 for quintile 5) and non-hypertensive population (AOR = 0.29, 95%CI:0.09-0.96, P = 0.0436 for quintile 5).The restricted cubic spline curve indicated that among the non-hypertensive male population aged ≥ 60, there was a dose-response relationship between serum testosterone and SAAC risk. Furthermore, Johnson-Neyman plot showed that sex hormone binding globulin exhibited a threshold effect on the modulation of the association between serum testosterone and SAAC. Finally, mediation analysis identified the role of Klotho in mediating high levels of serum testosterone's association with SAAC. This study reported that serum testosterone was inversely associated with SAAC, and further highlighted the mediation effect of anti-ageing protein Klotho on that association. Our findings have positive implications for the prevention and treatment of SAAC.

Serum testosterone and estradiol levels correlate with disease severity and prognosis in male patients with liver failure

Objective: To investigate and explore the serum levels of testosterone and estradiol in correlation with disease severity and prognosis in male patients with liver failure. Methods: Sixty male cases with liver failure who received treatment from April 2022 to December 2023 were selected as the research subjects. Forty healthy subjects who underwent physical examination in the physical examination center during the same period were enrolled as the control group. The levels of sex hormones (serum testosterone and estradiol) were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the diagnostic value of testosterone and estradiol for the grading of male patients with liver failure. The prognostic factors for predicting disease severity were analyzed using COX regression. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive value. Results: The testosterone level was significantly higher in the healthy group than that in the liver failure group [(5.11±3.00) nmol/L vs. (2.22±2.78) nmol/L, t=4.934, P<0.001], while the estradiol level was significantly lower in the liver failure group [37.46±13.21) nmol/L vs. (113.45±67.70) nmol/L, t=-8.457, P<0.001]. Multiple discriminant logistic regression analysis results showed that estradiol and testosterone were independent predictors of the model for end-stage liver disease. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that testosterone was an independent prognostic factor for the 1-year mortality rate in male patients with liver failure. The area under the curve predicting the 1-year mortality rate was 0.745 after adjusting for other factors. Conclusion: Testosterone and estradiol levels are significantly altered in male patients with liver failure. Testosterone and estradiol levels in peripheral blood can effectively reflect the degree of liver function impairment and the 1-year mortality rate in male patients with liver failure, which is helpful for accurately assessing the severity of the disease and its prognosis.

Network Pharmacology and Experiments to Verify the Effect and Potential Mechanism of Baicalein on Osteoporosis.

Baicalein (BN), a potent flavonoid derived from scutellaria scutellaria, exhibits an array of noteworthy attributes, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antipyretic properties. Furthermore, its potential in treating osteoporosis has been highlighted. Nonetheless, the exact modes of action responsible for its therapeutic effects remain obscure. Hence, this study aims to elucidate the improvement effect of BN on OVX rats and explore its potential mechanism of action in treating osteoporosis through a comprehensive strategy that integrates network pharmacology and rigorous animal experiments. The potential protein targets and OP disease targets in BN are analyzed using the protein database. The protein interaction diagram is constructed by Cytoscape3.7.2 software, and binding energy is used to evaluate the binding activity between BN and core targets, and some key genes are verified by protein experiments. Topology analysis and prediction reveal that osteoporosis (OP) is associated with more than ten core target proteins. Notably, NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), Androgen Receptor (AR), Estrogen Receptor beta (ESR1), and Cyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2) emerge as pivotal proteins in the treatment of osteoporosis with BN. The biological process underlying BN treatment of osteoporosis primarily involves the regulation of sex hormone levels, autophagy, inflammatory response, and reactive oxygen metabolism. Moreover, the signaling pathways involved are predominantly the PI3K-Akt pathway, AMPK pathway, and estrogen signaling pathway. Subsequent animal experiments corroborate these findings by demonstrating that BN significantly enhances the expression levels of SIRT1, AR, and ESR1 in tissues, while concurrently reducing the protein expression of PTGS2. This multifaceted approach ultimately achieves the desired therapeutic outcome of osteoporosis treatment. In summary, this study has validated the therapeutic effect of BN on OP and analyzed multiple potential therapeutic targets of BN for osteoporosis, which provides new ideas for further clinical treatment and experimental research of BN.

Biochemical, sex hormonal, and anthropometric predictors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in polycystic ovary syndrome

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Biochemical, sex hormonal, and anthropometric indicators have been explored for screening NAFLD in PCOS patients. However, the accuracy of NAFLD screening using these indicators in PCOS patients remains uncertain. This study aimed to identify biochemical, sex hormonal, and anthropometric indicators associated with NAFLD in overweight and obese PCOS patients and assess the diagnostic efficacy of combined indicators.MethodsThis cross-sectional study (Clinical trial number ChiCTR1900020986; Registration date January 24th, 2019) involved 87 overweight or obese women with PCOS (mean age 29 ± 4 years). Measurements included anthropometric indices, biochemistry, sex hormone levels, and liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF). Correlation analysis, intergroup comparisons, and logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for NAFLD (PDFF > 5.1%). The receiver operating characteristic curve, area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were used to determine cut-off values and evaluate diagnostic accuracy.ResultsLiver PDFF was 7.69% (3.93%, 14.80%) in overweight and obese PCOS patients, with 67.8% diagnosed with NAFLD. NAFLD was associated with increased body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference (AC), and triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), glucose, insulin, and free testosterone (FT) levels, and with decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels (P < 0.05). Risk factors for NAFLD in PCOS included BMI > 26.8 kg/m2, AC > 88.3 cm, triglyceride > 1.57 mmol/L, TC > 4.67 mmol/L, LDL-C > 3.31 mmol/L, glucose > 4.83 mmol/L, insulin > 111.35 pmol/L, FT > 7.6 pg/mL and SHBG < 25 nmol/L (β = 1.411–2.667, P < 0.005). A multi-indicator model including triglycerides, LDL-C, glucose, insulin, and SHBG showed higher diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.899, P < 0.001) for screening NAFLD in PCOS patients than single indicators (AUC = 0.667–0.761, P < 0.05).ConclusionsOverweight and obese PCOS patients have higher incidences of liver PDFF and NAFLD. A multi-indicator model including triglycerides > 1.57 mmol/L, LDL-C > 3.31 mmol/L, glucose > 4.83 mmol/L, insulin > 111.35 pmol/L, and SHBG < 25 nmol/L is highly accurate for screening NAFLD in overweight and obese PCOS patients.

Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Female Rats by Interfering with Oocyte Meiosis and Triggering DNA Damage.

Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) are among the most prevalent chemicals detected in human serum. As an emerging persistent organic pollutant, their toxicity mechanisms, particularly concerning the female reproductive system, remain poorly understood. In this study, we present both in vivo and in vitro evidence of ovarian toxicity induced by MCCPs and insights into their underlying molecular mechanisms. MCCP exposure induced chromatin condensation in the nucleus and mitochondria vacuolization of ovarian granulosa cells in rats and significantly increased the levels of serum gonadotropins and sex hormones, while reducing gonadotropin-releasing hormone levels. Transcriptomics analysis of ovaries revealed a predominant effect of MCCPs on the cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, and DNA damage repair pathways. Moreover, dual-omics integrative analysis indicated significant disturbance of steroid hormone biosynthesis caused by MCCPs, as well as amino acid metabolism related to TCA cycle. Furthermore, in vitro assays demonstrated that MCCP exposure disrupts intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and generates reactive oxygen species, ultimately leading to DNA damage. In conclusion, this study revealed potential mechanisms by which MCCPs affect ovary function. These findings can provide valuable insights for the mechanism-based risk assessment of MCCPs on female reproduction.

Probiotics ameliorates hypothalamic amenorrhea in a rat model of PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinometabolic disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and often, infertility. Hypothalamic amenorrhea, a condition marked by the cessation of menstruation due to disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, is a frequent manifestation in PCOS. Probiotics, beneficial microorganisms known for improving metabolic health, have shown promise in restoring hormonal balance and enhancing fertility. In this study, we hypothesize that probiotics would ameliorate hypothalamic amenorrhea by modulating hypothalamic kisspeptin and reducing inflammation in a rat model of PCOS. Eight (8)-week-old female Wistar rats were grouped into four with n = 5. Letrozole administration (1mg/kg, p.o.) for 21 days induced PCOS, thereafter the animals were treated with probiotics (3 × 109 CFU, p.o.), while control animals received distilled water. The treatment lasted for six weeks. Reduced insulin sensitivity, hyperinsulinemia, ovarian dysfunction with evidence of disrupted steroid hormone levels (testosterone/17β-Estradiol) and cystic follicles as well as hypothalamic lipid accumulation, elevated inflammatory markers (NF-kB/TNF-α) and antioxidant depletion (GSH/NrF2), which are accompanied by decreased level of kisspeptin. Nonetheless, administration of probiotics reversed these pathological alterations by enhancement of hypothalamic kisspeptin and suppression of inflammatory response. Altogether, the present results demonstrate that probiotics significantly ameliorated hypothalamic amenorrhea by mitigating hypothalamic lipid accumulation, suppressed inflammation, and replenished antioxidants. Crucially, probiotics enhanced hypothalamic kisspeptin levels, a key regulator of reproductive function, highlighting their potential as a therapeutic strategy for restoring ovarian function in PCOS.

Exosomes derived from hypoxic mesenchymal stem cell ameliorate premature ovarian insufficiency by reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress

Cyclophosphamide (CTX) exposure causes premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). The therapeutic potential of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) is not fully understood, especially regarding whether hypoxic preconditioning enhances their efficacy in POI. In this study, exosomes were isolated and identified from hucMSCs (hucMSCs-Exos) under hypoxic (HExos) and normoxic (NExos) conditions. Cyclophosphamide (CTX) was used to develop the POI rat model, and NExos or HExos was injected into the tail vein to investigate its therapeutic effect on POI. In addition, CTX-treated KGN cell lines were used to investigate the effects of NExos and HExos on cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane potential.The results indicated that hucMSCs-Exos transplantation substantially improved body weight, ovarian weight coefficient, estrous cycles, ovarian morphology, ovulation count, and sex hormone levels in POI rats. Further, HExos showed a higher level of therapeutic efficiency than NExos. In vitro experiments demonstrated that NExos and HExos may be phagocytosed by KGN cell line, decrease cell apoptosis, and enhance cell growth. After NExos or HExos transplantation, the reactive oxygen species level was reduced, mitochondrial membrane potential enhanced, and the levels of mitochondrial oxidative stress-associated factors returned to their basal level. Notably, the improvement of oxidative stress by NExos or HExos was blocked by the SIRT3 selective inhibitor 3-TYP. In conclusion, hypoxia-induced hucMSCs-Exos protected the ovarian reserve against CXT-induced ovarian damage by rectifying mitochondrial malfunction via the SIRT3/PGC1-α pathway, establishing a solid basis for developing specific ovarian protection therapies.

Association between waist-to-hip ratio and testosterone in Chinese men with young-onset type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundLow testosterone levels is associated with higher cardiovascular risk in men with diabetes. However, there are few studies on testosterone levels and the factors affecting them in patients with young-onset diabetes (YOD). The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and testosterone levels in men diagnosed with YOD.Research design and methodsThis cross-sectional study involved 547 male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from the Endocrinology Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University. The participants were divided into two groups: a young-onset diabetes (YOD) group and a late-onset diabetes (LOD) group. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference, were recorded. Additionally, fasting blood samples were collected to assess various parameters, such as sex hormone levels and lipid profiles. The association between WHR and testosterone levels was analyzed by univariate linear regression and multivariable linear regression analysis.ResultsFive hundred forty-seven patients with type 2 diabetes and aged 50.3 ± 12.1 years were enrolled in the study. One hundred ninety-three patients were assigned to the YOD group based on a diagnosis age of 40 years or younger, while the remaining 354 patients were assigned to the LOD group. The testosterone was significantly lower in the YOD group compare to the LOD group (P = 0.049), and the WHR had an independent effect on testosterone in men with the YOD group (β=-4.67, P = 0.0251), but there was no evidence of such an association in the LOD group (β =-1.13, P = 0.4608).ConclusionsAccording to our results, male patients with YOD exhibited lower testosterone levels compared to those with LOD. Furthermore, their testosterone levels were significantly negatively correlated with WHR. These findings indicate that it is more necessary to screen for testosterone in obese patients with YOD and that improving obesity, especially abdominal obesity, may help to interrupt the vicious cycle of low testosterone-obesity-insulin resistance-hyperglycemia-low testosterone.

Prospective cohort of pre-diagnosis hormone exposure and post-diagnosis sex hormone levels with survival outcomes: Alberta Endometrial Cancer Cohort Study.

To examine the associations between pre-diagnosis exogenous hormone exposure and endogenous sex hormone levels shortly after diagnosis with survival outcomes in endometrial cancer survivors. In this population-based cohort, females with endometrial cancer were followed from diagnosis to death or January 27, 2022. History of hormone exposure pre-diagnosis and sex-hormone levels shortly after diagnosis were obtained. The associations between hormone exposure and sex-hormone levels with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression by multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During a median 16.9 years of follow-up (IQR = 15.5-18.1 years), 152 of the 540 participants had a recurrence and/or died. There were no statistically significant associations between exposure to hormonal contraception or menopausal hormone therapy before diagnosis and DFS or OS. Higher estrone levels post-diagnosis were associated with lower DFS (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.04-2.34) and lower OS (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.15-2.72). Lower DFS was also observed with higher estradiol levels (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.02-2.41). There were no associations between pre-diagnosis hormonal contraception or menopausal hormone therapy use and endometrial cancer survival in our study. Endometrial cancer survivors with higher estrogen levels shortly after diagnosis had lower DFS and OS. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Hydrogen sulfide repairs testicular damage induced by heat stress in rats.

Heat stress can cause testicular damage and affect male fertility. The gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is involved in various physiological and pathophysiological processes, with antioxidant and anti-inflammation effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether H2S could reduce the testicular damage caused by heat stress. In this study, we constructed a rat heat-stress model and treated it with H2S. Histopathology, high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and molecular biology methods were used to investigate whether H2S donor NaHS could alleviate heat stress-induced testicular injury and to explore the underlying mode of action of H2S. Heat stress reduced testis index, sperm quality, sex hormone levels and disturbed testicular structures. High-throughput transcriptome sequencing and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses showed that genes involved in inflammation were upregulated in the heat stress group compared to the control group. H2S treatment increased testis index, sperm quality and attenuated pathological alternation and hormone disorder in rats exposed to heat stress. Furthermore, H2S administration reversed increased inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6, and resulted in a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels and in increased activity of catalase and ratio of reduced/oxidized glutathione compared to the heat stress group. This study suggests that H2S donor NaHS can effectively restore testicular damage caused by heat stress in rats by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress.

Chemical Change of Velvet Antler After Vinegar Processing Was Related With the Increased Fecundity in Drosophila melanogaster.

As a traditional Chinese medicine, velvet antler (VA) is usually processed with white wine according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The practice of using aged vinegar to process VA is uncommon, which is only used in "GuiLingJi." In this study, we found significant chemical changes in vinegar processing. Network pharmacology analysis showed that 20 increased components mainly were related with fecundity through the regulation of biosynthesis of steroid hormones and the estrogen signaling pathway. Reproduction experiment using Drosophila melanogaster showed that both VA and vinegar-processed velvet antler (VPVA) could enhance the reproductive capacity and increase the steroid hormone levels in Drosophila, while VPVA was much superior to VA. In addition, metabolomics showed that energy metabolism was related with the mechanisms by which VA improves the fecundity of Drosophila. This study provides a theoretical basis for the rationale of vinegar processing of VA.

Exploring the Relationships between Sex Hormones and Abdominal Muscle Area and Radiodensity in Postmenopausal Women: Insights from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Exploring the Relationships between Sex Hormones and Abdominal Muscle Area and Radiodensity in Postmenopausal Women: Insights from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Sexual dimorphism in exercise-induced response on steroid hormones to a 24-week supervised concurrent training intervention.

Steroid hormones are key mediators of adaptative responses to exercise, a stimulus that may concurrently affect their blood concentrations. However, the chronic endocrine adaptations and whether these potential changes are dependent on exercise intensity remain undetermined. Moreover, it is also unknown if the exercise-induced effects on steroid hormonal status are related to the participant' sex. This study aimed to investigate the intensity effects of a 24-week supervised concurrent training intervention on steroid hormones in sedentary young men and women. A total of 106 untrained young adults (68% women) aged 18-25 years were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: (I) Control group (no exercise; n = 35); (II) Ex-Moderate group (concurrent training at moderate intensity; n = 36); (III) Ex-Vigorous group (concurrent training at vigorous intensity; n = 35). Steroid hormones (i.e. cortisol, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS)) were measured in plasma through a chemiluminescent method. Body composition parameters were determined using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner. No significant changes in steroid hormones levels were observed after the intervention (all p ≥ .129). However, a time x group interaction was noted in the testosterone/cortisol ratio (T/C ratio) only in women (p = .044). Concretely, our data showed a significant decrement of T/C ratio in both the Ex-Moderate group and in the Ex-Vigorous compared with the control group (Δ = -24.2 ± 2.0% and Δ = -38.9 ± 45.4%, respectively). Our 24-week supervised concurrent training intervention showed no significant changes in steroid hormone levels. However, a significant decrement of T/C ratio was observed only in women, indicating a sexual dimorphism in the effect on T/C ratio.

Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid Disrupts the Immune Microenvironment for Spermatogenesis by Damaging the Structure of the Blood-Testis Barrier in Mice.

Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) is extensively used in waterproof coatings and fire-fighting foams, and several studies have found it to be a potential health hazard, but there is still unknown about its effects on spermatogenesis. Our results showed that PFHxS-treated mice have significant reproductive toxicity, including a decrease in sperm count and motility, and the levels of sex hormones (P < 0.05). Concurrently, structural abnormalities are observed in sperm, affecting ≈60-75% of those in the PFHxS-treated group. Additionally, it is found that the structure of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) is damaged after PFHxS treatment, leading to higher expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in the microenvironment for spermatogenesis. Moreover, the expression of proteins associated with mitochondrial biogenesis, including PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), is dysregulated in the testes after PFHxS treatment. Based on metabolome data, the differential metabolite 3-hydroxybutanoic acid is identified in the PFHxS-treated group, which can regulate the histone Kac levels, especially H3K4ac and H3K9ac. In summary, the results of this study suggest that in the testes of PFHxS-treated mice, inflammatory factors disrupt the mitochondrial function and metabolic profiles and hinder the progress of gene transcription through histone Kac, ultimately causing sperm dysfunction.

ПОЛИМОРФИЗМ ГЕНА FSHB И УРОВЕНЬ ПОЛОВЫХ ГОРМОНОВ В КРОВИ САМОК СЕВЕРНЫХ ОЛЕНЕЙ

ПОЛИМОРФИЗМ ГЕНА FSHB И УРОВЕНЬ ПОЛОВЫХ ГОРМОНОВ В КРОВИ САМОК СЕВЕРНЫХ ОЛЕНЕЙ

Association between endogenous estradiol, testosterone, and long-term mortality in adults with prediabetes and diabetes: Evidence from NHANES database.

Diabetes and prediabetes pose significant global public health challenges. Sex steroids, particularly testosterone and estradiol, play crucial roles in various metabolic processes. This study investigates the relationship between sex hormone levels and long-term mortality in adults with prediabetes and diabetes, as well as those without glucose intolerance. This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the NHANES 2013-2016, including adults aged 50-79 across prediabetic, diabetic, and non-diabetic groups. Serum testosterone, estradiol, and their ratios (T/E) were analyzed. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and CVD mortality tracked until December 2019. Cox regression models estimated the associations between hormone levels and mortality risks. The study included 3,665 participants (male: 2,140; female: 1,775). In males with prediabetes, higher estradiol (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07-0.43) or testosterone (aHR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.31-0.50) was significantly associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality. Higher estradiol (aHR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.04-0.32) or testosterone (aHR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.27-0.48) was significantly associated with lower CVD mortality risk. In females with diabetes, there was a significant association between higher estradiol levels (aHR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.83) or T/E ratio (aHR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.04-0.73) with a reduced all-cause mortality risk. This study identifies some novel associations between estradiol, testosterone, and their ratios with long-term mortality in men and women across different glycemic statuses. These findings suggest a potential protective role of sex hormones in individuals with altered glucose metabolism, with gender difference, warranting further investigation.

Chronic exposure to liquid crystal monomer EBCN at environmentally relevant concentrations induces testicular dysfunction via the gut-testis axis.

Chronic exposure to liquid crystal monomer EBCN at environmentally relevant concentrations induces testicular dysfunction via the gut-testis axis.

Comparative insights into the role of sex hormones in glaucoma among women and men.

Comparative insights into the role of sex hormones in glaucoma among women and men.

Chemical exposure in females of childbearing age associated with sex hormones: Evidence from an untargeted exposomic approach.

Chemical exposure in females of childbearing age associated with sex hormones: Evidence from an untargeted exposomic approach.