Relationship Of Steroids Research Articles

Plasma substance-P and substance-K and gonadal steroids in relation to the gonadotropin surge in normal human reproductive cycles.

This study was designed to examine changes in peripheral plasma substance-P and -K levels, their association with follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone release in normal reproductive cycles in humans, and their correlation with plasma estradiol and progesterone. Fourteen healthy, normally menstruating women underwent daily blood sampling (cycle day 4, 4-14 days) for measurement of estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, substances-P and -K, and daily transvaginal ultrasounds assessing follicular growth and documentation of ovulation. Estradiol peaked on day 13, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone peaked on day 14, and progesterone began an exponential increase on about day 13. In contrast to other experimental designs using in vitro or in vivo rat or monkey tissue, peripheral levels of substances-P (P = 0.8391) and -K (P = 0.3205) reflected no modulation related to midcycle gonadotropin release in cycling woman.

Plasma concentrations of ovarian steroids in relation to oocyte final maturation and ovulation in female plaice sampled at sea

Plasma concentrations of ovarian steroids in relation to oocyte final maturation and ovulation in female plaice sampled at sea

Serum steroids in relation to prostate cancer risk in a case-control study (Greece).

Blood samples were collected from 52 incident cases of histologically confirmed prostate cancer and 52 age- and town of residence-matched healthy controls in Athens, Greece. Samples were analyzed blindly in Boston, Massachusetts (USA) for testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The data were modeled using multiple logistic regression with adjustment for age, height, body mass index (wt/ht2), years of schooling, and mutually among hormones. DHT was associated inversely, significantly, and strongly with the risk of prostate cancer, whereas T was associated marginally positively, and E2 was associated nonsignificantly inversely with the disease. No association was observed in this study with respect to SHBG.

Short- and long-term dietary effects on female sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax): seasonal changes in plasma profiles of lipids and sex steroids in relation to reproduction

Sea bass were fed a natural diet (ND) (trash fish) or two commercial diets ( CD1 = 56% (P)rotein, 11% (L)ipids; CD2 = 47% P, 7% L) during two consecutive reproductive cycles in order to assess the effects on the reproductive performance. CD1 and CD2 had lower energetic and PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) content, especially n-3 fatty acids, with respect to ND. During the first spawning, the levels of sex steriods (17β-estradiol [E2] and testosterone [T], the percentage of good quality (i.e. buoyant) eggs and the hatching rates were similar between the ND and CD1 groups. Females fed CD2 did not show significant variations in E2 or T, and had few spawnings, low egg quality and no egg survival. At second spawning, the fish fed the commercial diets had reduced fecundity and egg viability, together with lower levels of E2 and T, altered patterns of plasma lipids and early presence of atresia in the ovary, with respect to the females fed ND. The present study provides evidence for the importance of dietary lipid for the reproductive processes in the sea bass. The data suggest that long-term dietary deficiences in n-3 fatty acids may affect the patterns of plasma lipids and may induce early gonadal atresia. For example, follicular atresia could reduce the production of gonadal steroids, the fecundity and the subsequent egg survival.

Use of anabolic‐androgenic steroids among body builders — frequency and attitudes

A total of 138 male body builders who regularly attended a gym participated anonymously in a study of the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids in relation to side-effects, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI; kg m-2), training frequency, social background, occupation, knowledge and attitudes to steroid use. Fifty-three of the 138 body builders had used anabolic-androgenic steroids for a median duration of 2 years. Steroid use was linked to a higher BMI and more frequent training. Seventy-five per cent (n = 18) of those attending body building for competition, and 24% (n = 11) of those attending to improve their sense of well-being, used anabolic-androgenic steroids. Of all body builders, 94% considered anabolic-androgenic steroids to be dangerous. Of the users, 81% experienced side-effects, but 74% still intended to continue steroid medication.

Plasma levels of prolactin and gonadal steroids in relation to multiple-brooding and renesting in free-living populations of the song sparrow, Melospiza melodia

Plasma levels of testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and prolactin were measured in samples collected from free-living song sparrows, Melospiza melodia. In males, plasma levels of T were elevated early in the season when territories were established and when females laid the first clutch of eggs. Thereafter, T levels declined and remained low throughout the remainder of the breeding cycle. However, if the first brood was lost to a predator, or by experimental removal of the nest, plasma levels of T increased as renesting, to replace the clutch, occurred. Circulating levels of prolactin in males began to rise during the egg-laying stage of the first brood, reached a maximum toward the end of the incubation stage, remained elevated until breeding was terminated, and then declined throughout the moulting stage to basal values in October. Prolactin levels remained high throughout the breeding season irrespective of whether a brood was raised successfully or whether the nest was lost and renesting occurred. In females, plasma levels of E2 were elevated prior to the egg-laying stage for each brood as is typical of multiple-brooded species. However, prolactin titers rose dramatically during egg-laying for the first clutch (slightly higher than in males) and were maximal by onset of incubation. Only females of this species incubate, although males do feed young. As in males, plasma prolactin in females remained high between broods and during experimentally induced renesting, and then declined to basal by the end of the moult stage in October. These data suggest that there are no differences in the temporal patterns of prolactin concentrations in blood between multiple-brooding and renesting. In a separate experiment, captive male song sparrows were transferred from a short day to artificial long days (18L 6D) and a control group was maintained on 9L 15D. In the long-day group, prolactin levels rose abruptly over the first 20 days, as the testes developed, and remained high well into postnuptial moult after the gonads had regressed. Prolactin remained basal in the control group. These data suggest that the temporal pattern of circulating prolactin levels throughout the breeding season is regulated at least partly by changing photoperiod. However, nonphotoperiodic factors are also important since photoperiodically induced increases in prolactin are significantly less than those seen in free-living individuals. These differences may be related to parental behavior.

Seasonal patterns in serum levels of thyroid hormones and sex steroids in relation to photoperiod-induced changes in spawning time in rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri

Serum levels of thyroid hormones (T 4 = l-thyroxine and T 3 = 3,5,3′-triiodo- l-thyronine) were measured and correlated with previously published levels of 17β-estradiol, testosterone (T), and Ca 2+ (index of vitellogenin) in four groups of female trout held for 1–3 years at 8.5–9.0° on a ration of 0.5% of body weight day −1 under different constant photoperiod regimes. In group 1, trout under a regimen of 18L:6D became sexually mature (SM) in April/May and then SM again in September/October; in group 2, trout under a regimen of 6L:18D became SM in January/February; in group 3, trout under a regimen of 6L:18D became SM in March/April; in group 4 trout under a regimen of 18L:6D followed by 10L:14D became SM in September/October. In all groups, regardless of the photoperiod-induced changes in spawning time, serum T 3 exceeded T 4 and both serum T 3 and T 4 patterns showed a consistent relationship with the sequence of steroid hormone changes and spawning time. Thyroid hormone levels were high during previtellogenesis but fell as sex steroids and serum Ca 2+ increased. T 3 and T 4 were lowest before spawning when sex steroids were at their peak and then increased sharply following spawning as sex steroid levels declined. Peak serum T coincided with ovulation and usually preceded the postreproductive surge in serum T 3 and T 4. The hypothesis is discussed that T 3 enhances early ovarian development, but as energy-demanding vitellogenesis proceeds T 3 formation is suppressed, thereby curtailing growth and favoring energy partition to the ova.

Follicular steroids in relation to oocyte development and human ovarian stimulation protocols.

Oocytes of pre-ovulatory follicles were collected by laparoscopy for in-vitro fertilization in 118 women. Patients were treated either during the natural cycle, or after induction of ovulation with clomiphene citrate, or with human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG), or clomiphene citrate combined with HMG. The oestrogens (oestrone + oestradiol) and total aromatizable androgens (androstenedione, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulphate) were assayed in follicular fluids using an enzymatic method. The levels of progesterone, 17 alpha OH-progesterone, thromboxane, and prostaglandins (PGE2 and PGF2 alpha) were determined by radioimmunoassay. The best follicular fluid indicator of oocyte fertilization in vitro was the A/E ratio, which was less than 1 when the oocyte was fertilized in vitro and led to a pregnancy. The lowest value for the A/E ratio was obtained with spontaneous ovulation protocols. Regardless of oocyte development, the progesterone level was always greater than 2000 ng/ml, and the PGE2/PGF2 alpha ratio was greater than 1 in all stimulated cycles. Our investigations show that a combination of clomiphene citrate and HMG provides the best stimulation, on the basis of follicular fluid analysis and the outcome of fertilized oocytes.

Annual and Daily Changes in Plasma Gonadotropin and Sex Steroids in Relation to Teleost Gonad Cycles

Abstract Long-term (annual and seasonal) variations in plasma concentration of reproductive hormones (maturational gonadotropin GTH and sex steroids) have been studied in relation to the gonad cycle in some teleosts. Plasma GTH concentrations are low and increase only gradually during the major part of gonad development (vitellogenesis, spermatogenesis) but increase sharply towards the end of gametogenesis–that is, around the time of oocyte maturation and ovulation and before the start of spermiation. In females, plasma concentrations of 17β-estradiol and estrone rise continuously during vitellogenesis. In salmonids, after a decrease in 17β-estradiol concentration starting at the end of the vitellogenesis, there is a small peak in testosterone concentration followed by a strong transient rise in 17α-hydroxy-20β-dihydroprogesterone, which induces oocyte maturation. The concentrations of testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone rise during spermatogenesis. Maximal concentrations of 11-ketotestosterone were reco...

Injectable and oral contraceptive steroids in relation to some neurotransmitters in the rat brain

The influence of both injectable and oral contraceptive steroids on brain acetylcholine and serotonin was investigated. The effects of such steroids on some brain amino adds such as tryptophan, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamate (Glu) levels were determined. The steroids used in the present study were the long-acting injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and the orally active steroids ethinyloestradiol (EE) and norethisterone acetate (NEA). Acetylcholine content of the rat brain was not altered significantly following treatment with any of the steroids used. In contrast, all types of treatment caused a significant rise in brain serotonin levels. Tryptophan concentration was similarly increased following MPA injection, administration of NEA alone, or its combination with EE. No changes were noted, however, in brain tryptophan content following the administration of EE alone. MPA injection was found to be devoid of any effect on the balance between Glu, the excitatory amino acid, and GABA, the inhibitory one. On the other hand, all the orally active steroid regimens used significantly increased the GABA content of the rat brain. Only NEA pretreatment resulted in a significant decrease in brain Glu content. Changes in these central chemical transmitters and their possible relations to both antifertility and to the untoward effects of such contraceptive measures are discussed.

The androgen receptor binding site: A conformational study of steroids in relation with their affinity—I. Interaction with the D-ring

The mechanism of the interaction of the D-ring of androgens with their intracellular receptor protein has been investigated. The study is based on the relationship between the receptor binding properties of a series of steroids, their structures determined by complete geometry optimisation, and some of their spectroscopic properties. The data are compatible with the occurrence of a specific H-bond between the receptor and the 17β-hydroxyl of the steroid. It is proposed that the hydroxyl acts as an acceptor and that a receptor proton is donated to the hydroxylic oxygen of the steroid in an equatorial direction pointing towards the C-12 atom. This model also provides for androgen receptor binding of progesterone and its analogues through the π-orbital of the pregnane side-chain. The possible role of D-ring binding in assigning androgenic agonist or antagonist activity is discussed.

CHANGES IN THE PLASMA LEVELS OF ANDROSTENEDIONE, DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE AND CORTISOL AFTER STIMULATION WITH ACTH AND hCG AND SUPPRESSION WITH DEXAMETHASONE DURING MALE PUBERTY

ABSTRACT Cortisol, androstenedione (Δ4) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), were evaluated by RIA in a group of 34 adolescent boys, grouped according to genital size. Basal blood samples were taken and 2 mg of dexamethasone administered (12 p.m.). Further plasma samples were taken at 9 a. m. and 250 μg of ACTH injected. Additional samples were drawn after 60 and 120 min. After a lapse of two days 5000 IU of hCG was administered every day for four days and blood samples were taken after the second and fourth injection. After stimulation with ACTH and suppression with dexamethasone the levels of cortisol were higher and lower, respectively, (P < 0.001) than the basal values. No statistical differences were obtained after the administration of hCG. The levels of Δ4 and DHEA clearly decreased after the administration of dexamethasone and markedly increased after stimulation with ACTH. However, after administration of hCG the levels of both steroids rose but those of the latter did not increase as steeply as those of the former. With regard to the degree of response of the three steroids in relation to the pubertal stages we noted that cortisol showed a steady response at all stages, while Δ4 and DHEA in contrast, showed a more marked response at stages IV and V than at stages I and II. These results indicate the primary role that the adrenal glands and the testes play in the rise of levels of DHEA and Δ4 during pubertal development.

Molecular rotations of steroids in relation to their structures. The S value of a hydrogen atom and that of a hydroxyl radical

Molecular rotations of steroids in relation to their structures. The S value of a hydrogen atom and that of a hydroxyl radical

Further studies on the relationship between C19- and C21-steroid synthesis in the human adrenal gland.

SUMMARY As part of a continuing study of adrenal steroids in relation to breast cancer, various experiments were performed in order to study relationships between androgen and corticosteroid biosynthesis. Chopped tumour tissue from a 'mixed cell' adrenal adenoma (7·4 g.) removed from a patient in Cardiff Royal Infirmary was incubated with [4-14C]pregnenolone and [7α3H]17α-hydroxypregnenolone for periods of time ranging from 30 to 120 min. The results of this work suggest that 17α-hydroxyprogesterone may not be an obligatory intermediate in androgen or cortisol synthesis. Evidence from further experiments with 'normal' human adrenal tissue removed from breast cancer patients using previously established ultramicrochemical techniques indicates that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) sulphokinase enzyme system is confined to the zona reticularis of the gland. The conversion of [7α-3H]DHA sulphate, [7α-3H]androstenedione and [7α-3H]testosterone to oestrogens and their conjugates by adrenal homogenates was also investigated. Conversions were extremely low from all precursors.

Nutritional studies withPhytophthora cinnamomirands

Abstract Discovery of the role of steroids in relation to growth and asexual sporulation of Phytophthora spp. makes it possible to replace natural media by a synthetic medium. For this purpose an investigation was made into the carbon, nitrogen. vitamin. and calcium requirements of P. cinnamomi Rands. Twenty carbon compounds were tested as major sources of carbon with Ca(NO3)2 and glutamic acid as nitrogen sources. Dextrin, starch, and sucrose were the best sources of carbon for growth and asexual reproduction. Xylose also supported abundant sporulation, although growth was slow. Organic acids and alcohols were poor sources of carbon. The best sources of organic nitrogen tested for growth were glutamine and glutamic acid. Tryptophan, phenyl-alanine, and cystine appeared to be inhibitory. Of the vitamins tested, only thiamine was required by the fungus. Five calcium compounds added singly to the basal medium gave no increase in the growth of the fungus.

Steroids and Cancer

Biological Activities of Steroids in Relation to Cancer Proceedings of a Conference sponsored by the Cancer Chemotherapy National Service Center, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Edited by Gregory Pincus and Erwin P. Vollmer. Pp. xvi + 530. (New York: Academic Press, Inc.; London: Academic Press, Inc. (London), Ltd., I960.) 15 dollars.

The effects of some 21-methyl-substituted corticoids on inflammation, liver glycogen and electrolyte-regulating activity in the rat.

ABSTRACT The anti-inflammatory, liver glycogen deposition and electrolyte-regulating activities in the rat have been studied for the following new steroids: 21-Me-9α-F-Δ1-F 21α-Ac; its 21β-Ac; 21-Me-6α,9α-diF-Δ1-F 21α-Ac; and its 21β-Ac. Using the granuloma pouch assay, results show that there is a linear relationship between degree of inhibition of inflammatory exudate and logarithm of dose assayed for each steroid. The most potent of the new steroids is 21-Me-6α,9α=diF-Δ1-F 21α-Ac (ca. four times Δ1-F Ac), next is its 21β-Ac epimer (ca. twice Δ1-F Ac) and the lowest in activity is 21-Me-9α-F-Δ1-F 21β-Ac (almost equipotent to Δ1-F Ac). Results of liver glycogen deposition assay reveal an even greater potency of the new steroids in relation to Δ1-F Ac, although the rank of activity is the same as that obtained from the granuloma pouch test. The intense sodium retaining-potassium excreting activity of 9α-F-Δ1-F Ac, the parent compound of the new steroids, is modified by the 21-methyl substituent with the result that the 21-methyl steroids induce more natriuresis with the exception of 21-Me-9α-F-Δ1-F 21β-Ac, and less kaliuresis, than the parent compound. The introduction of a 21-methyl grouping creates a new center of asymmetry at C-21. Results from the present investigation indicate that for a given steroid the 21α-ol configuration has more anti-inflammatory and glucogenic activities than the corresponding 21β-ol. The 21-methyl corticoids may be of usefulness to treat inflammatory disorders in man.

Biological Activities of Steroids in Relation to Cancer

The cancer chemotherapy program of the National Cancer Institute (Cancer Chemotherapy National Service Center, CCNSC) includes a study of steroids in the treatment of various cancers, especially of the breast and prostrate. Within the first 2 years of formal activity of the nation-wide program, it became evident that intensive review and evaluation would be necessary to clarify its scope and function. To achieve this a conference was held, the proceedings of which form the present volume. To the pediatrician the word "steroid" probably means first and foremost "adrenocortical steroid" and may indicate to him that this book will deal primarily with cortisone and related compounds.

Book Review: “Biological Activities of Steroids in Relation to Cancer.”

Book Review: “Biological Activities of Steroids in Relation to Cancer.”

Book Review: Biological Activities of Steroids in Relation to Cancer

Book Review: Biological Activities of Steroids in Relation to Cancer