Diagnóstico y tratamiento del síndrome de ovario poliquístico

El síndrome de ovario poliquístico es un trastorno endocrino-genético-ginecológico que afecta principalmente a mujeres en edad fértil, con manifestaciones de hiperandrogenismo e infertilidad en etapas tempranas de la vida. Este trabajo tiene por objetivo describir el diagnóstico y tratamiento del síndrome de ovario poliquístico. cuya fisiopatología no ha sido del todo comprendida, de ahí que su diagnóstico continúe siendo por exclusión. Los criterios del consenso de Rotterdam han logrado mejorar la uniformidad diagnóstica; sin embargo, se hace necesario un diagnóstico individualizado, en el cual debe incluirse el estudio de la morfología de los ovarios. Aunque la literatura sugiere la asociación de esta entidad con la presencia de obesidad, resistencia a la insulina e hiperinsulinismo, no se incluyen como parte de los criterios diagnósticos actualmente. El tratamiento incluye cambios en los estilos de vida, unidos a inhibidores de la producción de andrógenos por los ovarios, inhibidores de la acción de los andrógenos y los sensibilizadores a la insulina; se establecerá según los intereses reproductivos de la paciente.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine-genetic-gynecological disorder that mainly affects women of childbearing age, with manifestations of hyperandrogenism and infertility in early stages of life. This work aims to describe the diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome whose pathophysiology has not been fully understood, hence its diagnosis continues to be by exclusion. The Rotterdam consensus criteria have managed to improve diagnostic uniformity; however, an individualized diagnosis is necessary, which must include the study of the morphology of the ovaries. Although the literature suggests the association of this entity with the presence of obesity, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinism, they are not currently included as part of the diagnostic criteria. Treatment includes changes in lifestyle, together with inhibitors of androgen production by the ovaries, inhibitors of androgen action and insulin sensitizers; It will be established according to the patient´s reproductive interests.

Background cardiovascular risk factors in patients of metastatic prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy: A retrospective observational study from a tertiary care hospital of Eastern India

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is indispensable part of treatment for metastatic prostate cancer (MPC) patients. There is documented association between ADT and adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, with variability between the different modes. However, there is dearth of evidence on the background CV risk factors of these group of patients at diagnosis. Aims and Objectives: We envisaged this retrospective observational study in the department of oncology to document the background CV risk factors of MPC patients at diagnosis, to help us better select the available ADTs based on their CV risks. Materials and Methods: Over a period of 2 years, all patients registered for treatment with a diagnosis of MPC, indicated for ADT, and available detailed history and background cardiological evaluation at presentation, were included in the study. As indirect indicators of CV risks, history of smoking, presence and treatment of dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), were documented. As direct indicators of CV risks, presence and treatment of hypertension, ischemic heart disease (IHD), congestive cardiac failure (CCF), ECG, and echocardiography changes suggesting cardiac morbidity were documented and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results: Indirect indicators: dyslipidemia, habit of smoking, and T2DM were found in 74%, 29.3%, and 13.3% patients, respectively. Direct indicators: Presence of hypertension, IHD, CCF, abnormalities in ECG, and echocardiography were found in 38.7%, 10.6%, 4%, 28%, and 34.6% patients, respectively. ST-T changes on ECG, low EF, and IHD on echocardiography were seen in 28.5%, 23%, and 26.9%, respectively. Conclusions: MPC patients have a substantial pre-existing CV risk at diagnosis. Our findings warrant a meticulous screening of all MPC patients for CV risk factors, to help in judicious selection of their ADT.

Role of 11-oxygenated androgens in the diseases of pediatric hyperandrogenism / 国际儿科学杂志

Previously the diseases of pediatric hyperandrogenism were mainly diagnosed and evaluated by testing traditional androgens such as testosterone and androstenedione.However, clinical application has revealed a poor correlation between traditional androgens and the clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism in some patients.It has been proposed that adrenal-derived 11-oxygenated androgen may also be involved in the course of this type of disease.The concentrations of 11-oxygenated androgen are elevated in androgen excess diseases, and they fulfill a variety of roles in human physiology and disease.This article discusses three aspects of the synthesis process, activity and content of 11-oxygenated androgen and their application in three androgen excess diseases: congenital adrenocortical hyperplasia, premature adrenarche and polycystic ovary syndrome, in order to help clinicians expand their clinical understanding and investigative thoughts on 11-oxygenated androgen.

Epidemiological profile of COVID-19 in patients with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy at a Brazilian Cancer Center

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the epidemiological aspects of COVID-19 in patients with prostate cancer who received androgen deprivation therapy and those who did not. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy and those who did not undergo androgen deprivation therapy. These patients were treated at the A.C.Camargo Cancer Center between March 2020 and March 2021. Results Of the 78 patients with prostate cancer and positive RT-PCR test results, 50% were undergoing androgen deprivation therapy, and 49% were experiencing a non-metastatic biochemical relapse. Of these, 80.6% were symptomatic on the day of examination compared to 97.2% in the Control Group. A total of 82.1% of the patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy required hospitalization, with 30.8% admitted to the intensive care unit compared to 21.6% in the Control Group. There was no statistically significant difference in the use of a high-flow oxygen cannula, the need for orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, the need for dialysis, multiple organ failure, or death. A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the average length of stay in the intensive care unit. Conclusion Androgen deprivation therapy was not associated with protective factors or potential treatments in patients with prostate cancer and COVID-19. Although the number of patients analyzed was limited, and there may have been a selection bias, this is a unique study that cannot be expanded or replicated in similar (unvaccinated) populations.

Diagnóstico hormonal del síndrome de ovario poliquístico / Hormonal diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome

Introducción: El síndrome de ovario poliquístico es el trastorno endocrino más frecuente en la mujer durante la etapa reproductiva. Se han realizado varios consensos con el fin de definir sus criterios diagnósticos y el hiperandrogenismo siempre ha estado presente dentro, ya sea tipo clínico o humoral. Objetivo: Describir los aspectos relacionados con el diagnostico hormonal en el síndrome de ovario poliquístico. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sobre aspectos relacionados con el diagnóstico hormonal del síndrome de ovario poliquístico. Se obtuvieron artículos originales en inglés de las bases Pubmed, Google académico, EMBASE y MEDLINE. Se priorizó el término que aparece en el MESH BROWSER de síndrome de ovario poliquístico. Conclusiones: El diagnostico hormonal del síndrome de ovario poliquístico debe demostrar el hiperandrogenismo de manera bioquímica, siempre que sea posible, aunque si existe evidencia clínica basada en los propios criterios diagnósticos no es obligatorio. El método de laboratorio más útil al parecer es la determinación de la testosterona libre o en su lugar el del índice de andrógenos libres, seguido de la testosterona total. Otras determinaciones de andrógenos tienen menos valor como primera línea(AU)

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder in women during the reproductive stage. Several consensuses have been made in order to define its diagnostic criteria and hyperandrogenism has always been present, either clinical or mood related. Objective: To describe the aspects related to hormonal diagnosis in polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods: A literature review was performed on aspects related to the hormonal diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Original articles in English were obtained from Pubmed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases. Priority was given to the MESH BROWSER term polycystic ovary syndrome. Results: The hormonal diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome should demonstrate hyperandrogenism biochemically, whenever possible, although if there is clinical evidence based on the diagnostic criteria themselves it is not mandatory. The most useful laboratory method appears to be the determination of free testosterone or instead that of the free androgen index, followed by total testosterone. Other androgen determinations are of less value as first line(AU)

Classic and current concepts in adrenal steroidogenesis: a reappraisal

ABSTRACT Adrenal steroid biosynthesis and its related pathology are constant evolving disciplines. In this paper, we review classic and current concepts of adrenal steroidogenesis, plus control mechanisms of steroid pathways, distribution of unique enzymes and cofactors, and major steroid families. We highlight the presence of a "mineralocorticoid (MC) pathway of zona fasciculata (ZF)", where most circulating corticosterone and deoxycorticosterone (DOC) originate together with 18OHDOC, under ACTH control, a claim based on functional studies in normal subjects and in patients with 11β-, and 17α-hydroxylase deficiencies. We emphasize key differences between CYP11B1 (11β-hydroxylase) and CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) and the onset of a hybrid enzyme - CYP11B1/CYP11B2 -, responsible for aldosterone formation in ZF under ACTH control, in "type I familial hyperaldosteronism" (dexamethasone suppressible). In "apparent MC excess syndrome", peripheral conversion of cortisol to cortisone is impaired by lack of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, permitting free cortisol access to MC receptors resulting in severe hypertension. We discuss two novel conditions involving the synthesis of adrenal androgens: the "backdoor pathway", through which dihydrotestosterone is formed directly from androsterone, being relevant for the fetoplacental setting and sexual differentiation of male fetuses, and the rediscovery of C19 11-oxygenated steroids (11-hydroxyandrostenedione and 11-ketotestosterone), active androgens and important markers of virilization in 21-hydroxylase deficiency and polycystic ovaries syndrome. Finally, we underline two enzyme cofactor deficiencies: cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase which partially affects 21- and 17α-hydroxylation, producing a combined clinical/hormonal picture and causing typical skeletal malformations (Antley-Bixler syndrome), and PAPSS2, coupled to SULT2A1, that promotes sulfation of DHEA to DHEAS, preventing active androgens to accumulate. Its deficiency results in reduced DHEAS and elevated DHEA and androgens with virilization. Future and necessary studies will shed light on remaining issues and questions on adrenal steroidogenesis.

Effects of finasteride combined with tamsulosin hydrochloride on glandular microvessel density during the perioperative period in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of finasteride combined with tamsulosin hydrochloride administered during the perioperative period on glandular microvessel density in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.Methods:Ninety patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who received treatment in Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from August 2017 to August 2019 were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to receive either oral tamsulosin hydrochloride alone (control group, n = 45) or oral finasteride combined with tamsulosin hydrochloride (observation group, n = 45) during the perioperative period of transurethral resection of the prostate. All patients received 6 weeks of medication. Clinical efficacy, adverse reactions, and urodynamic indexes, glandular microvessel density, International Prostatism Symptom Score, bother score, and urine color/degree of haematuria score pre- and post-treatment were compared between the two groups. Results:The maximum urinary flow rate in each group significantly increased 6 weeks after treatment compared with before treatment. The detrusor pressure and residual urine volume in each group decreased 6 weeks after treatment compared with before treatment. After 6 weeks of treatment, the maximum urinary flow rate was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group [(15.63 ± 2.26) mL/s vs. (13.14 ± 2.23) mL/s], and residual urine volume was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group [(29.19 ± 4.81) mL vs. (32.25 ± 5.52) mL, t = 5.26, 2.80, both P < 0.05). International Prostatism Symptom Score measured 6 weeks after treatment and urine color/degree of haematuria score measured 1 week after treatment were (12.09 ± 2.17) points and (1.51 ± 0.27) points, respectively in the observation group, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(14.28 ± 2.22) points, (2.03 ± 0.38) points, t = 4.73, 7.48, both P < 0.05]. Factor VIII related antigen- and CD34-positive glandular microvessel density values in the observation group were (14.74 ± 3.05) counts/visual field and (19.41 ± 3.07) counts/visual field, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(18.08 ± 3.16) counts/visual field, (22.27 ± 3.16) counts/visual field, t = 5.10, 4.35, both P < 0.05]. The incidence of postoperative hematuria was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group [15.56% (7/45) vs. 35.56% (16/45), χ2 = 4.73, P < 0.05]. Conclusion:Compared with tamsulosin hydrochloride alone, finasteride combined with tamsulosin hydrochloride administered during the perioperative stage can greatly improve the urodynamic indexes of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, reduce microvessel density value, International Prostatism Symptom Score, bother score, and decrease the incidence of hematuria. The combined therapy provides a novel idea for preventing perioperative bleeding in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Research progress in influence of intrauterine hyper androgen on offspring health and mechanisms / 中华围产医学杂志

Maternal adverse endocrine environment severely affects the growth and development of offspring. This article reviews relevant cohort studies and animal experiments on the influence of intrauterine hyper androgen on offspring health and the mechanisms, aiming to provide a new perspective for further research, mechanism exploration, and early interventions in this field.

Tumor ovárico de células esteroideas sin otra especificación, durante el embarazo

Los tumores de células esteroides de ovario se clasifican en luteoma estromal, tumor de células de Leydig y tumor de células esteroideas sin otra especificación, según su origen embrionario. El tumor ovárico de células esteroideas sin otra especificación es un tumor benigno raro, pero con potencial maligno; representa menos del 0,1% de todos los tumores de ovario. Deben ser considerados como causa de virilización en mujeres adultas por la producción de testosterona. Solo un feto femenino corre riesgo de virilización. Al igual que otros tumores del estroma ovárico, los tumores deben ser tratados quirúrgicamente. La cirugía está indicada en casos de agrandamiento ovárico unilateral sólido, debido a un 50% de probabilidad de malignidad. En el embarazo, los tumores ováricos de células esteroideas sin otra especificación son excepcionalmente raros y deben ser diferenciados del luteoma del embarazo y otras neoplasias malignas del ovario. Con mayor frecuencia pueden complicarse con rotura y/o torsión. Se presenta un caso de tumor ovárico de células esteroideas sin otra especificación durante el embarazo.

Ovarian steroid cell tumors are classified into stromal luteoma, Leydig cell tumor and steroid cell tumor not otherwise specified, according to their embryonal origin. Ovarian steroid cell tumor not otherwise specified is a rare benign tumor, but with malignant potential; it accounts for less than 0.1% of all ovarian tumors. They should be considered as a cause of virilization in adult women due to testosterone production. Only a female fetus is at risk of virilization. Like other ovarian stromal tumors, the tumors must be treated surgically. Surgery is indicated in cases of solid unilateral ovarian enlargement, due to a 50% chance of malignancy. In pregnancy, ovarian steroid cell tumors not otherwise specified are exceptionally rare and should be differentiated from luteoma of pregnancy and other malignant ovarian neoplasms. More frequently they may be complicated by rupture and/or torsion. A case of nonspecific ovarian steroid cell tumor during pregnancy is presented.

Ginecomastia: aspectos generales y etiológicos / Gynecomastia: general and etiological aspects

La ginecomastia es el crecimiento mamario benigno en el varón. Etiológicamente se clasifica en fisiológica y patológica. La ginecomastia fisiológica se presenta frecuentemente en ciertos periodos de la vida, como la época neonatal, puberal y senil. La patológica se asocia a múltiples factores, incluyendo los hormonales, los de origen tumoral, y al uso de ciertos medicamentos, entre otros; sin embargo, en muchos pacientes no se consigue identificar nunca la causa. La historia clínica y el examen físico son los pilares fundamentales que permiten orientar hacia la etiología, con el apoyo de pruebas de laboratorio e imagenología que permitan descartar una enfermedad clínica subyacente. En los casos moderados o severos, la cirugía es el tratamiento de elección. El objetivo del presente manuscrito es discutir algunos puntos de interés acerca de los aspectos más importantes relacionados con la ginecomastia, incluyendo la fisiopatología, la clínica y el diagnóstico, además de presentar las principales causas asociadas a esta condición. Por último, se describen los tipos de tratamiento disponibles para estos pacientes

Gynecomastia is the benign breast enlargement in males. Etiologically it is classified as physiological and pathological. Physiological gynecomastia is more frequently observed in newborns, adolescents, and in older men. Pathological gynecomastia is associated with multiple factors, including hormonal and of tumor origin, and to the use of certain medications, among other factors; however, in many patients the underlying cause may never be identified. Anamnesis and physical examination are the fundamental pillars that will guide towards the etiology, with the support of laboratory and imaging tests to rule out an underlying disease. In moderate or severe cases, surgery is the treatment of choice. The aim of this article is to discuss some key points about the most important aspects related to gynecomastia, including pathophysiology, symptoms and diagnosis, in addition to presenting the main causes associated with this condition. Finally, the types of treatment available for these patients are described

Testosterone, cardiomyopathies, and heart failure: a narrative review / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Testosterone exerts an important regulation of cardiovascular function through genomic and nongenomic pathways. It produces several changes in cardiomyocytes, the main actor of cardiomyopathies, which are characterized by pathological remodeling, eventually leading to heart failure. Testosterone is involved in contractility, in the energy metabolism of myocardial cells, apoptosis, and the remodeling process. In myocarditis, testosterone directly promotes the type of inflammation that leads to fibrosis, and influences viremia with virus localization. At the same time, testosterone exerts cardioprotective effects that have been observed in different studies. There is increasing evidence that low endogenous levels of testosterone have a negative impact in some cardiomyopathies and a protective impact in others. This review focuses on the interrelationships between testosterone and cardiomyopathies and heart failure.

Gender disparity in COVID-19: Role of sex steroid hormones

The emerging pandemic of COVID-19 caused by the novel pathogenic human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has caused significant morbidity and mortality across the globe, prompting the scientific world to search for preventive measures to interrupt the disease process. Demographic data indicates gender-based differences in COVID-19 morbidity with better outcome amongst females. Disparity in sex-dependent morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients may be attributed to difference in levels of sex steroid hormones -androgens and estrogens. Evidence suggests that apart from the regulation of viral host factors, immunomodulatory and cardioprotective roles exerted by estrogen and progesterone may provide protection to females against COVID-19. Exploring the underlying mechanisms and beneficial effects of these hormones as an adjuvant to existing therapy may be a step towards improving the outcomes. This article aims to review studies demonstrating the role of sex steroidal hormones in modulating SARS-CoV-2 host factors and summarize plausible biological reasons for sex-based differences seen in COVID-19 mortality.

Investigation of second to fourth finger length ratio (2D:4D) in patients with bipolar disorder

Objective: The etiology of bipolar disorder has yet to be fully elucidated, but differences in sex hormones have been suggested to play a role in its pathogenesis. An easily assessed marker of prenatal androgen exposure is the second-to-fourth-digit ratio (2D:4D) of the hand. In this study, we aimed to compare the 2D:4D ratio of patients with bipolar disorder to that of healthy controls. Methods: Seventy patients with bipolar disorder and 70 healthy controls, matched for age and sex, were included in the study. Finger lengths were measured from the palmar digital crease to the tip using a digital vernier caliper. Results: Patients with bipolar disorder had considerably higher right-hand 2D:4D ratios compared to controls. Both the right and left 2D:4D ratios of male patients were significantly greater than those of males in the control group. Female patients showed no differences in right or left 2D:4D ratio compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a high 2D:4D digit ratio of right hand is associated with the presence of bipolar disorder in males. Further large-scale, prospective studies are needed to explain the validity of this marker and its relationship with bipolar disorder.

Dosages of androgenic hormones in adolescent patients with severe acne

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Acne vulgaris in female adolescents, when severe or accompanied by other signs of androgenization, may represent a sign of hyperandrogenemia often underdiagnosed, which will have harmful consequences for adult life. The objective of this cross-sectional and retrospective study was to demonstrate the incidence of hormonal changes in the cases of female adolescents with severe or extensive acne, with or without other signs of hyperandrogenism, and propose a hormonal research pattern which should be indicated in order to detect early hyperandrogenemia. METHODS The medical records of 38 female patients aged between 9 and 15 years old with grade II and/or III acne were analyzed. The dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dehydroepiandrostenedione, and androstenedione, total testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone sulfate hormones were required prior to initiation of treatment. The hormonal dosages were performed in the serum after at least 3 hours of fasting by means of radioimmunoassay tests. RESULTS Of the 38 patients included, 44.7% presented changes in androgen levels (hyperandrogenemia), and the two most frequently altered hormones were DHEA and androstenedione, with the same incidence (23.6%). CONCLUSIONS The correct and early diagnosis provides an effective and agile approach, including antiandrogen therapy, with the purpose of avoiding the reproductive and metabolic repercussions, besides controlling the inflammatory picture and avoid aesthetic complications.

RESUMO OBJETIVO A acne vulgar em adolescentes do sexo feminino, quando grave ou acompanhada de outros sinais de androgenização, pode representar um sinal de hiperandrogenemia muitas vezes subdiagnosticado, que acarretará consequências danosas para a vida adulta. O objetivo deste estudo transversal e retrospectivo foi demonstrar a incidência das alterações hormonais nos casos de adolescentes do sexo feminino com acne grave ou extensa, acompanhada ou não de outros sinais de hiperandrogenismo e propor um padrão de pesquisa hormonal que deve ser indicado com o intuito de detectar precocemente o quadro de hiperandrogenemia. MÉTODOS Foram analisados os prontuários de 38 pacientes do sexo feminino com idades entre 9 e 15 anos, portadoras de quadro de acne grau II e/ou III. Os hormônios sulfato de dehidroepiandrostenediona, dehidroepiandrostenediona, androstenediona, testosterona total e dehidrotestosterona foram solicitados antes do início do tratamento. As dosagens hormonais foram realizadas no soro após pelo menos 3 horas de jejum por meio de exames de radioimunoensaio. RESULTADOS Das 38 pacientes incluídas, 44,7% apresentaram alterações dos níveis de andrógenos (hiperandrogenemia), sendo que os dois hormônios mais frequentemente alterados foram o DHEA e androstenediona, com a mesma incidência (23,6%). CONCLUSÕES O diagnóstico correto e precoce propicia uma abordagem efetiva e ágil, incluindo a terapia antiandrogênica, com a finalidade de evitar as repercussões reprodutivas e metabólicas, além de controlar o quadro inflamatório e evitar complicações estéticas.

A cross sectional study to determine polycystic ovarian disease among students of a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: India now has highest number of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus globally and speedy rise of the incidence of obesity in children is the major reason for increasing insulin resistance, the metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia and polycystic ovarian syndrome. But proportion for PCOD is unknown in community. Objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of PCOD among students in Tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among students of aged 16-24 years in a teaching hospital in Kerala. Sample sizes of 256 students were randomly selected from various batches of medical and paramedical courses. Occurrence of hyper androgenic features and menstrual irregularities were evaluated, and they were physically examined. The diagnosis of PCOS was made based on Rotterdam’s criteria. Epi-info 7 was used for analysis.Results: Seventy-five students (30%) met the criteria to be diagnosed as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Twenty students (10%) had a history of thyroid dysfunction. The other clinical features of hyperandrogenism were like acne (25%), oily skin (13.5%), and increased hair growth (7%), male pattern thinning of hair (9.75%).Conclusions: PCOD can be assumed of as a forerunner syndrome that, if screened for, can help in early identification of risk of highly morbid conditions, in adolescent girls.

Second-to-fourth digit ratio and seborrheic dermatitis in males: a cross-sectional study*

Abstract: Background: Seborrheic dermatitis is a common disease characterized by the erythematous plaques with oily-yellow desquamation. Increased sebaceous gland activity by androgenic hormones has played a role in the etiology of the disease. The second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio is thought to be a marker of prenatal androgen exposure. Objectives: To investigate the association between 2D:4D ratios and seborrheic dermatitis in a male population. Methods: Healthy male controls and patients with seborrheic dermatitis were included in this study. One hundred seborrheic dermatitis patients and 120 healthy controls, aged 17-59, were enrolled. A digital Vernier caliper was used to measure the finger lengths. Seborrheic dermatitis severity was assessed using the Seborrheic Dermatitis Area and Severity Index (SDASI). Results: The 2D:4D ratios of the patients (x = 0.977) were significantly lower than those of the controls (x = 1.050) for right hands (t = 6.948; p = 0.000; > 0.05). No similar relationship was found between the 2D:4D ratio for left hands (t = 0.901; p = 0.368; > 0.05). Seborrheic dermatitis severity was negatively correlated with 2D:4D ratios of right hands (r = -0.391; p = 0.000-0.05). Study limitations: One of the main limitations of this study was the small sample, which got a head of us from acquiring certain findings about the 2D:4D ratio and seborrheic dermatitis. The other limitation is that the patient selection did not reflect the general population, as a single clinic was studied. Conclusion: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study examining the relationship between 2D:4D ratios and seborrheic dermatitis. The result of this study may indicate a line of investigation and can support the theory of prenatal androgen exposure.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids cycle administration decreases anxious-like behavior but does not affect long-term memory acquisition in rats

The steroid hormones are lipids in nature, which play crucial roles in several metabolic and behavioral pathways in mammals. Drug therapy uses sterol hormones for treating some disturbances linked with its deficiency; however, the illicit use of these hormones by amateur and elite athletes to enhance performance or body appearance may lead to several health issues. In this study we evaluated the anxious-like behavior and the long-term memory acquisition of male rats undergoing sedentary life-style or physical effort, with or without anabolic-androgenic steroids (ASC) treatment. The results showed a decrease in anxious-like behavioral levels in rats that received ASC treatment associated or not with physical effort, but this treatment did not affect the acquisition of long-term memory at the dose and experimental model assessed.

Supposed pituitary-production of human chorionic Gonadotropin induced by androgen deprivation therapy

ABSTRACT Introduction: The main cause of slightly elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) after successful treatment of male germ cell tumors is considered to be pituitary-derived HCG. It is well known that pituitary-derived HCG is frequently detected in postmenopausal women. We evaluated the status of serum HCG in men with elevated gonadotropins, which were induced by androgen deprivation therapy, using commercially available assays. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 44 patients with prostate cancer, who underwent luteinizing-hormone releasing hormone agonist treatment. We measured serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), serum luteinizing hormone (LH), serum total HCG, serum free HCG-β subunit, and urine total HCG 3 times per patient, on the day of treatment initiation, the next day, and 3 months after. Results: On the day after treatment initiation, serum and urine HCG was detected in 61% and 73% of patients, respectively. Markedly strong correlations were observed between serum/urine HCG and FSH/LH. In particular, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated excellent area under the curve (0.977, 95% confidence interval 0.951-1.003)) for serum HCG-detectable LH. At the cutoff value of 21.07 mIU/mL for serum HCG-detectable LH, the sensitivity and specificity were 96.7% and 95.3%, respectively. Serum HCG-β was not detectable at any times in any patients. Conclusions: Suggested pituitary-derived HCG can be frequently detected in patients with elevated gonadotropins, and there is a firm association between HCG detection and gonadotropin levels.

Stanozolol promotes osteogenic gene expression and apposition of bone mineral in vitro

Abstract Stanozolol (ST) is a synthetic androgen with high anabolic potential. Although it is known that androgens play a positive role in bone metabolism, ST action on bone cells has not been sufficiently tested to support its clinical use for bone augmentation procedures. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of ST on osteogenic activity and gene expression in SaOS-2 cells. Material and Methods: SaOS-2 deposition of mineralizing matrix in response to increasing doses of ST (0-1000 nM) was evaluated through Alizarin Red S and Calcein Green staining techniques at 6, 12 and 24 days. Gene expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), vitamin D receptor (VDR), osteopontin (SPP1) and osteonectin (ON) was analyzed by RT-PCR. Results: ST significantly influenced SaOS-2 osteogenic activity: stainings showed the presence of rounded calcified nodules, which increased both in number and in size over time and depending on ST dose. RT-PCR highlighted ST modulation of genes related to osteogenic differentiation. Conclusions: This study provided encouraging results, showing ST promoted the osteogenic commitment of SaOS-2 cells. Further studies are required to validate these data in primary osteoblasts and to investigate ST molecular pathway of action.

Pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia / 中华皮肤科杂志

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of non-cicatricial alopecia.Many researches have indicated that the pathogenesis of AGA involves genetic background,abnormal metabolism of sex hormones and follicle miniaturization,hair follicle microintlammation and environmental factors.Among them,genetic susceptibility is the most important factor for the individual difference of AGA,and follicle miniaturization induced by abnormal sex hormone metabolism and/or hair follicle microinflammation is the last step in the occurrence of AGA.