Acciones óseas de las hormonas de la neurohipófisis / Bone actions of neuro hypophyseal hormones

La oxitocina (OXT) como la arginina-vasopresina (AVP) son dos hormonas primitivas secretadas por la hipófisis posterior. Sus receptores están mucho más ampliamente distribuidos en el organismo de lo que se pensaba originalmente, incluido el hueso. En los estudios preclínicos, la OXT ha mostrado ser anabólica para el hueso, promoviendo la osteogénesis sobre la adipogénesis y favoreciendo la actividad osteoblástica sobre la osteoclástica. Tanto los osteoblastos como los osteoclastos tienen receptores para la OXT, y los efectos de los estrógenos sobre la masa ósea en ratones está mediada por lo menos en parte por la OXT. El mecanismo preciso por el cual la activación de los receptores de oxitocina (OXTR) se traduce en un incremento de la formación ósea permanece poco claro. La AVP también podría afectar el esqueleto en forma directa. Dos de los receptores de la AVP, V1a y V2 están expresados en osteoblastos y osteoclastos. La inyección de AVP en ratones de tipo salvaje aumenta la formación osteoclastos que producen resorción y reduce los osteoblastos formadores de hueso. En forma opuesta, la exposición de precursores osteoblásticos a antagonistas de los receptores V1a o V2, incrementan la osteoblastogénesis, como también lo hace la deleción genética del receptor V1a. (AU)

Both oxytocin (OXT) and argininevasopressin (AVP) are primitive hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. OXT receptors are much more widely distributed in the body than originally thought, including in bone. In preclinical studies, OXT has been shown to be anabolic for bone, promoting osteogenesis over adipogenesis and favoring osteoblastic over osteoclastic activity. Both osteoblasts and osteoclasts have receptors for OXT, and the effects of estrogen on bone mass in mice is mediated at least in part by OXT. The precise mechanism by which the activation of oxytocin receptors (OXTRs) results in an increase in bone formation remains unclear. AVP could also have direct actions on the skeleton. The two AVP receptors, V1a and V2, are expressed in osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Injection of AVP in wild-type mice increases the formation of osteoclasts increasing bone resorption, and reduces bone-forming osteoblasts. On the contrary, the exposure of osteoblastic precursors to V1a and V2 antagonists increase osteoblastogenesis, the same as the genetic deletion of the V1a receptor. (AU)

Relação entre o estrogênio e as disfunções temporomandibulares: uma revisão de literatura / Relationship between estrogen and temporomandibular disorders: a review of literature

Objetivo: realizar uma revisão da literatura a fim de traçar um panorama atual sobre o papel do estrogênio nas disfunções temporomandibulares. Metodologia: foram realizadas buscas nas plataformas digitais Pub- Med, SciELO e Google Acadêmico, durante os meses de setembro de 2018 a maio de 2019, sem filtros para determinar período de tempo, sendo excluídos aqueles trabalhos em que não foi possível identificar relação com o tema. Resultados: na análise dos estudos encontrados, foi observada a relação entre o estrogênio e a prevalência de disfunções temporomandibulares em mulheres. O estrogênio atua central e perifericamente no sistema nervoso central, influenciando no processamento dos receptores pró e antinoceptivos da articulação temporomandibular. Considerações finais: a modulação estrogênica da dor é um mecanismo complexo. Diversos estudos associam o hormônio estrogênio às disfunções temporomandibulares. Embora não haja um consenso entre os autores do papel exato deste hormônio, há evidências comprovadas de que as mulheres possuem uma susceptibilidade a dores em geral, com prevalência tanto em frequência quanto em intensidade.(AU)

Objective: to carry out an integrative review of the literature in order to outline the role of estrogen in temporomandibular disorders. Methodology: the study searched studies in the digital platforms PubMed, SciELO and Google Acadêmico, from September 2018 to May 2019, without filters to determine the time period, excluding those works in which it was not possible to identify relation with the theme. Results: among the analysis of the studies found, the relationship between estrogen and the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in women was observed. Estrogen acts centrally and peripherally in the central nervous system, influencing the processing of the pro and antinoceptive receptors of the temporomandibular joint. Final considerations: estrogenic modulation of pain is a complex mechanism. Several studies associate the estrogen hormone with temporomandibular disorders. Although there is no consensus among authors of the exact role of this hormone, there is proven evidence that women have a susceptibility to pain in general, with prevalence both in frequency and intensity.(AU)

Análise das internações por osteoartrite em mulheres em idade menopausal / Analysis of hospitalizations for osteoarthritis of women in menopausal

OBJETIVO: Identificar e avaliar dados epidemiológicos referentes à osteoartrite em mulheres em idade menopausal. MÉ- TODOS: Pesquisa e análise de informações de saúde disponibilizadas pelo Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS), utilizando-se as variáveis artrose, sexo feminino, faixa etária de 40 a 59 anos, período de janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2016. RESULTADOS: Nos 5 anos estudados, notificaram-se 13.077 internações por osteoartrite em mulheres em idade menopausal, 2.180 delas (16,67%) em 2012, 2.557 (19,55%) em 2013, 2.686 (20,53%) em 2014, 2.792 (21,35%) em 2015 e 2.862 (21,88%) em 2016. A Região Sudeste se destacou, com 54,84% do total de internações, das quais 1.983 se deram de 40 a 49 anos e 5.313, de 50 a 59 anos. Nas outras regiões, o número de internações, de 40 a 49 anos, foi de 94 pacientes no Norte, 370 no Nordeste, 955 no Sul e 214 no Centro-Oeste; já de 50 a 59 anos, o Norte notificou 182 internações; Nordeste, 684; Sul, 2.827; e Centro-Oeste, 455. O Nordeste apresentou maior média de permanência hospitalar (5,9 dias), porém teve o segundo menor gasto por internação (R$2.836,00); já o Sudeste foi responsável pelo montante de R$22.640.928,14 em gastos totais. CONCLUSÃO: De 2012 a 2016, o índice de internações por osteoartrite em mulheres de 40 a 59 anos no território brasileiro mostrou ligeiro aumento. Isso é um dado preocupante, pois esta é uma afecção de manejo predominantemente ambulatorial; logo, infere-se que são necessárias mais ações de prevenção, tratamento e reabilitação, principalmente, na Região Sudeste, que detém mais de 50% das internações. (AU)

OBJECTIVE: To identify and evaluate epidemiological data regarding osteoarthritis in menopausal women. METHODS: Research and analysis of health information provided by the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), using the variables osteoarthritis, female gender, age range of 40-59 years, from January 2012 to December 2016. RESULTS: In the 5 years studied, 13,077 hospitalizations for osteoarthritis were reported in menopausal women, 2180 of them (16.67%) in 2012; 2557 (19.55%) in 2013; 2686 (20.53%) in 2014; 2792 (21.35%) in 2015; and 2862 (21.88%) in 2016. The Southeast region stands out with 54.84% of the total hospitalizations, of which 1983 were reported between 40-49 years old, and 5313, from 50 to 59 years. In the other regions, the number of hospitalizations between 40-49 years old was of 94 patients in the North, 370 in the Northeast, 955 in the South, and 214 in the Midwest; from 50-59 years old, the North reported 182 hospitalizations; Northeast, 684; South, 2827; and Center-West, 455. The Northeast had the highest average hospital stay (5.9 days), but had the second lowest hospitalization cost (R$ 2,836); on the other hand, the Southeast accounted for the amount of R$22,640,928.14 in total expenses. CONCLUSION: From 2012 to 2016, the rate of hospitalizations for osteoarthritis in women aged 40-59 years in Brazil showed a slight increase. These data are worrying, because it is predominantly a condition for outpatient management; therefore, it is inferred that more actions of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation are necessary, mainly in the Southeast, which is responsible for >50% of hospitalizations. (AU)

Serum interleukin-17 levels are associated with nephritis in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVES: To determine the serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) levels in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients and to evaluate the association between IL-17 and clinical manifestations, disease activity, laboratory findings and treatment. METHODS: We included 67 consecutive childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients [61 women; median age 18 years (range 11-31)], 55 first-degree relatives [50 women; median age 40 years (range 29-52)] and 47 age- and sex-matched healthy controls [42 women; median age 19 years (range 6-30)]. The childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients were assessed for clinical and laboratory systemic lupus erythematosus manifestations, disease activity [Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)], cumulative damage [Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Damage Index] and current drug use. Serum IL-17 levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using commercial kits. RESULTS: The median serum IL-17 level was 36.3 (range 17.36-105.92) pg/mL in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients and 29.47 (15.16-62.17) pg/mL in healthy controls (p=0.009). We observed an association between serum IL-17 levels and active nephritis (p=0.01) and migraines (p=0.03). Serum IL-17 levels were not associated with disease activity (p=0.32), cumulative damage (p=0.34), or medication use (p=0.63). CONCLUSION: IL-17 is increased in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus and may play a role in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric and renal manifestations. Longitudinal studies are necessary to determine the role of IL-17 in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus. .

Effects of ovariectomy on the secretory apparatus in the right atrial cardiomyocytes of middle-aged mice

OBJECTIVE : The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ovariectomy on the secretory apparatus of natriuretic peptides in right atrial cardiomyocytes. METHODS: Nine-month-old mice underwent bilateral ovariectomy or sham surgery. The blood exam of the ovariectomized mice showed results consistent with castrated females. Systolic blood pressure was measured after ovariectomy (9 mo of age) and at the moment of sacrifice (12 mo of age). Fragments of the right atrium were collected and prepared for electron microscopy examination. The following variables were quantified: the quantitative density and area of the natriuretic peptide granules, the relative volume of euchromatin in the nucleus, the number of pores per 10 μm of the nuclear membrane and the relative volumes of the mitochondria and Golgi complex. RESULTS: The cardiomyocytes obtained from ovariectomized mice indicated that the quantitative density and the area of secretory granules of natriuretic peptides were significantly lower compared with the sham-operated mice. Furthermore, there was a decrease in the relative volume of euchromatin, a lower density of nuclear pores, and lower relative volumes of the mitochondria and Golgi complex in the ovariectomized mice compared with the sham-operated mice. These findings suggest a pool with a low turnover rate, i.e., low synthesis and elimination of natriuretic peptides. CONCLUSION: A lack of estrogen caused hypotrophy of the secretory apparatus in right atrial cardiomyocytes that could explain the weak synthesis of natriuretic peptides in mice. Furthermore, one of the mechanisms of blood pressure control was lost, which may explain, in part, the elevated blood pressure in ovariectomized mice. .

Regulación del flujo sanguíneo uterino: I. funciones de estrógeno y receptores estrogénicos alfa/beta en el endotelio vascular uterino durante el embarazo / Regulation of uterine blood flow: I. functions of estrogen and estrogen receptor alpha/beta in the uterine vascular endothelium during pregnancy", "_i": "en

El estrógeno y los receptores estrogénicos clásicos (REs), RE- alfa y RE-beta, han demostrado ser parcialmente responsable por las adaptaciones endoteliales uterinas durante el embarazo al corto y largo plazo. Las diferencias moleculares y estructurales, junto con los diferentes efectos causados por estos receptores en las células y los tejidos, sugieren que su función varía dependiendo de la manera en la cual el estrógeno se comunica con sus receptores. En ésta revisión bibliográfica se discuten la función del estrógeno y sus receptores clásicos en las adaptaciones cardiovasculares durante el embarazo y la expresión de los Res in vivo e in vitro en el endotelio de la arteria uterina durante el ciclo ovárico y el embarazo, a la vez comparado con la expresión en endotelio arterial de tejidos reproductivos y no reproductivos. Estos temas integran el conocimiento actual de este amplio campo científico con interpretaciones e hipótesis diversas relacionadas con los efectos estrogénicos mediados bien sea por uno o los dos REs. Esta revisión también incluye la relación con las adaptaciones vasodilatadoras y angiogénicas requeridas para modular el dramático incremento fisiológico en la perfusión útero-placentaria observada durante un embarazo normal.

Estrogen and classical estrogen receptors (ERs), ER- alpha and ER- beta, have been shown to be partially responsible for short and long term uterine endothelial adaptations during pregnancy. The molecular and structural differences, together with the various effects caused by these receptors in cells and tissues, suggest that their function varies depending upon estrogen and estrogen receptor signaling. In this review, we discuss the role of estrogen and its classic receptors in the cardiovascular adaptations during pregnancy and the expression of ERs in vivo and in vitro in the uterine artery endothelium during the ovarian cycle and pregnancy, while comparing their expression in arterial endothelium from reproductive and non-reproductive tissues. These themes integrate current knowledge of this broad scientific field with various interpretations and hypothesis that related estrogenic effects by either one or both ERs. This review also includes the relationship with vasodilator and angiogenic adaptations required to modulate the dramatic physiological increase to the uteroplacental perfusion observed during normal pregnancy.

Roles of estrogen and progesterone in modulating renal nerve function in the rat kidney

The maintenance of extracellular Na+ and Cl- concentrations in mammals depends, at least in part, on renal function. It has been shown that neural and endocrine mechanisms regulate extracellular fluid volume and transport of electrolytes along nephrons. Studies of sex hormones and renal nerves suggested that sex hormones modulate renal function, although this relationship is not well understood in the kidney. To better understand the role of these hormones on the effects that renal nerves have on Na+ and Cl- reabsorption, we studied the effects of renal denervation and oophorectomy in female rats. Oophorectomized (OVX) rats received 17β-estradiol benzoate (OVE, 2.0 mg·kg-1·day-1, sc) and progesterone (OVP, 1.7 mg·kg-1·day-1, sc). We assessed Na+ and Cl- fractional excretion (FENa+ and FECl- , respectively) and renal and plasma catecholamine release concentrations. FENa+ , FECl- , water intake, urinary flow, and renal and plasma catecholamine release levels increased in OVX vs control rats. These effects were reversed by 17β-estradiol benzoate but not by progesterone. Renal denervation did not alter FENa+ , FECl- , water intake, or urinary flow values vs controls. However, the renal catecholamine release level was decreased in the OVP (236.6±36.1 ng/g) and denervated rat groups (D: 102.1±15.7; ODE: 108.7±23.2; ODP: 101.1±22.1 ng/g). Furthermore, combining OVX + D (OD: 111.9±25.4) decreased renal catecholamine release levels compared to either treatment alone. OVE normalized and OVP reduced renal catecholamine release levels, and the effects on plasma catecholamine release levels were reversed by ODE and ODP replacement in OD. These data suggest that progesterone may influence catecholamine release levels by renal innervation and that there are complex interactions among renal nerves, estrogen, and progesterone in the modulation of renal function.

Las hormonas sexuales femeninas como factor etiológico de los signos y síntomas de los desórdenes temporomandibulares (DTM) / Female sex hormones as an etiological factor of signs and symptoms in temporomandibular disorders (TMD)

La alta prevalencia de las diversas patologías incluidas dentro de los desórdenes temporomandibulares (DTM) en las mujeres, ha sido objeto de estudio desde hace muchos años. Entre las diversas hipótesis planteadas, la influencia de los altos valores de estrógenos parecería tener un sustento científico considerable. A continuación se describen las características y los efectos de dichas hormonas y su posible asociación con las patologías disfuncionales y el dolor orofacial.

Esquizofrenia después de los 40 y su relación con los estrógenos: una revisión / [Schizophrenia after forty and its relation with estrogens].

There has been a lot of interest in the many aspects of women’s mental health especially after Kraepelin’s description of gender differences in 1896 and the implication of gonad hormones in explaining these differences. Studies on the effects of hormonal changes in mental health have mainly been focused on the various phases of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and postpartum period; however, there is little research regarding menopause. During this period women are at risk of developing a new schizophrenic illness the so-called ’second peak’. Research has shown that estrogen acts as a protective factor due to its anti-dopaminergic properties, thus providing an explanation for the risk increase of a new psychotic disorder during menopause. This review article highlights the importance of a clear understanding of this phase of life in patients suffering from or who present a risk of developing schizophrenia.

Aspectos moleculares dos esteroides sexuais sobre a cartilagem e os ossos / Molecular features of sexual steroids on cartilage and bone

No Brasil, o crescimento dos casos registrados de doenças degenerativas das cartilagens articulares por ano é de 20%, o que representa, anualmente, que mais de 200 mil brasileiros desenvolvem doenças degenerativas das articulações e, com repercussões negativas sobre a massa óssea. Este trabalho mostra evidências que a produção hormonal de esteroides sexuais (estrogênios, progestagênios e androgênios) têm influência na qualidade da cartilagem, bem como na massa óssea. Portanto, o objetivo dessa revisão foi o de analisar os dados da literatura sobre a ação molecular e gênica dos esteroides sexuais na fisiologia da cartilagem hialina e do osso, bem como a interferência da osteoartrite na qualidade dessas estruturas.

In Brazil, the increase in the reported cases of degenerative diseases of articular cartilage is 20% per year, meaning that 200,000 Brazilians develop degenerative joint diseases every year, which have a negative impact on bone mass. This study shows evidence that hormone production of sexual steroids (estrogens, progestogens, and androgens) have an influence on cartilage quality, as well as on bone mass. Therefore, this review aimed to analyze literature data on the molecular and genic action of sexual steroids on hyaline cartilage and bone physiology, as well as osteoarthritis interference on the quality of these structures.

Gender-dependent effects of aging on the kidney

It is well known that the kidney plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. The normal aging process leads to changes in kidney morphology, hemodynamics and function, which increase the incidence of cardiovascular events in the elderly population. These disturbances are influenced by several factors, including gender. In general, females are protected by the effects of estrogens on the cardiorenal system. Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of estrogens on renal function in the elderly; however, the relationships between androgens and kidney health during one’s lifetime are not well understood. Sex steroids have many complex actions, and the decline in their levels during aging clearly influences kidney function, decreases the renal reserve and facilitates the development of cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the cellular, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms by which sex hormones may influence renal function during the aging process.

Localización extra nuclear de receptores esteroides y activación de mecanismos no genómicos / Extra nuclear localization of steroid receptors and non genomic activation mechanisms

Los receptores de hormonas esteroides han sido considerados históricamente como factores de transcripción nucleares. Sin embargo, en los últimos años surgieron evidencias que indican que su activación desencadena eventos rápidos, independientes de la transcripción y que involucran a diferentes segundos mensajeros; muchos de estos receptores han sido localizados en la membrana celular. Por otra parte, se han caracterizado varios receptores de hormonas esteroides noveles, de estructura molecular diferente al receptor clásico, localizados principalmente en la membrana celular. Esta revisión enfoca los diferentes efectos iniciados por los glucocorticoides, mineralocorticoides, andrógenos, estrógenos y progesterona, y los posibles receptores involucrados en los mismos.

Steroid hormone receptors have been historically considered as nuclear transcription factors. Nevertheless, in the last years, many of them have been detected in the cellular membrane. It has been postulated that their activation can induce transcription independent rapid events involving different second messengers. In addition, several novel steroid hormone receptors, showing a different molecular structure than the classical ones, have also been characterized and most of them are also located in the plasmatic membrane. This review focuses on the variety of effects initiated by glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, androgens, estrogens and progesterone, and the possible receptors involved mediating these effects.

Modulação androgênica e estrogênica na próstata: uma abordagem em modelos experimentais de roedores com enfoque na biologia estrutural: [revisão] / Androgenic and estrogenic modulation in the prostate: an approach in rodent experimental models with emphasis on structural biology: [review]

O sistema endócrino é uma complexa rede de glândulas e hormônios que regulam muitas das funções do corpo, incluindo crescimento, desenvolvimento e maturação, como as vias de ação de muitos órgãos. A próstata é um importante alvo dos hormônios e sua maturidade funcional e seu desenvolvimento são influenciados pelos níveis de esteroides. O presente grupo de pesquisa tem estudado os potenciais efeitos dos agentes esteroides sobre a próstata masculina e feminina do gerbilo da Mongólia (Meriones unguiculatus), utilizando métodos morfológicos e imuno-histoquímicos. Os resultados têm revelado a próstata do gerbilo da Mongólia como uma importante ferramenta para estudos da ação dos hormônios esteroides e seus antagonistas.

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and hormones that regulates many of the body's functions; including growth, development and maturation, as well as the way several organs operate. The prostate is an important target of hormones and its functional maturity and development are influenced by steroids levels. Our research group has been evaluating the potential effects of the steroidal agents on the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) male and female prostate using different morphological and immunohistochemical methods. Our results have revealed the Mongolian gerbil prostate as an important tool for the morphofunctional studies of steroid hormones and its antagonist actions.

Histomorphometrical study of the cervix during the oestrous cycle in adult Azarbaijan buffalo

In this study, genital tracts of 20 healthy non-pregnant buffaloes were collected from Urmia abattoir. These genital tracts were selected based on their ovaries conditions, half of them were in follicular phase and the other half were in luteal phase. The samples were taken from anterior, middle and posterior regions of the cervix and fixed in 10% buffer formalin. Then, histological sections of 5-7 micro m thickness were prepared and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for histomorphometrical study and toluidine blue for study of mast cells. Histomorphometrical study was accomplished by graded and latticed objective lens device. The results revealed that the thickness of epithelium significantly [P < 0.05] increased in the luteal phase. Mean thickness of mucosa-submucosa layers in the middle [290.4 +/- 12.69 micro m] and posterior [283.14 +/- 16.49 micro m] regions of the cervix in the follicular phase was significantly more than the luteal phase [P<0.05]. Mean thickness of tunica muscularis increased significantly [P<0.05] during the follicular phase in the anterior region of the cervix [3325.28 +/- 286.69 micro m]. This study also revealed that the mean distribution of mast cells in the luteal phase [0.53 +/- 0.02] was significantly more than the follicular phase [P < 0.001]. Generally, this study showed that the histomorphometrical changes in the cervix of buffalo occur in the follicular and luteal phases of oestrous cycle. These changes may be related to the fluctuation of oestrogen and progesterone hormones and distribution of mast cells

Factores reproductivos y cáncer de mama: principales hallazgos en américa latina y el mundo / Reproductive factors and breast cancer: principal findings in latin america and the world

La edad temprana de la menarca y tardía de la menopausia, la nuliparidad y la edad tardía de la madre en el primer embarazo se han relacionado con un incremento del riesgo de cáncer de mama (CaMa). Por el contrario, la paridad y el aumento del tiempo en meses de lactancia, en particular la que se ofrece al primer hijo, se han vinculado con un riesgo menor. La hipótesis de que la función ovárica, a través de sus hormonas, desempeña una función importante en el origen del cáncer de mama se ha sustentado en diversos estudios durante mucho tiempo. Aunque la mayor parte de los factores de riesgo relacionados con las características reproductivas es difícil de modificar, incrementar los meses de lactancia y evitar la exposición a los carcinógenos conocidos durante los periodos de desarrollo de la glándula mamaria son medidas para reducir el riesgo de esta enfermedad.

Early age at menarche and late age at menopause, nulliparity, and late age at first pregnancy have been associated with an increased risk of BC. In contrast, parity and the increase in time breastfeeding, particularly during the first child have been associated with a decreased risk. The hypothesis that ovarian function, through their hormones, plays an important role in the etiology of breast cancer has been supported by various studies for a long time. Although most of the risk factors associated with reproductive characteristics are difficult to modify, to increase the breastfeeding time and to avoid exposure to known carcinogens during periods of development of the mammary gland are good strategies to reduce the risk of this disease.

Hipertensión arterial sistémica en la mujer / Hypertension in women

The cardiovascular disease is a crucial cause of morbidity and mortality in the woman mainly when they arrive at menopause. The pathophysiology and neurohormonal mechanisms widely vary with respect to the man. This finding has given the support to think that the estrogens may be playing a protector role in cardiovascular disease. However, the associated risk factors like obesity, diabetes, dislipidemia, smoking and sedentary life are increasing in an exponential form. In Mexico the population age distribution establishes that 60% of the women with hypertension are aged < 54 years old. This is reason why as factor of independent cardiovascular risk is commonest. Nevertheless, after the menopause cardiovascular mortality is greater in the woman than in the man. In this review, the importance of the new pathophysiological mechanisms and the clinical-therapeutic approach are analyzed, making emphasis in the importance of the change in the life style and also in the nutritional aspects. In Mexico the woman still have a unique role in the nutritional culture.

Efeitos da melatonina no sistema genital feminino: breve revisão / Melatonin effects on the female genital system: a brief review

A melatonina é um hormônio produzido pela glândula pineal, cuja secreção está diretamente relacionada ao ciclo claro-escuro. É um poderoso antioxidante e tem papel fundamental na regulação do estado sono/vigília, do ritmo de vários processos fisiológicos, participando do controle do relógio biológico, inclusive nos seres humanos. Ressalta-se que há evidências da sua ação no sistema genital feminino, influenciando a função ovariana e a fertilidade. De fato, este hormônio interage com esteróides sexuais, como o estrogênio, modificando a sinalização celular e a resposta no tecido alvo. Estudos clínicos sugerem que o tratamento com a melatonina interviria com a evolução de neoplasia-dependente do estrogênio. O objetivo dessa revisão é analisar as principais ações da melatonina no sistema neuroendócrino, no ciclo sono-vigília, no sistema imunológico, no sistema cardiovascular, bem como no sistema reprodutor.

Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland and this is linked to the day/night cycle. It is an antioxidant and plays a fundamental role in the regulation of the jet-lag stage, in several physiological reactions and in control of the biologic rhythm. Human melatonin has an important influence on the female genital system. In fact, melatonin may influence production and action of steroids, modifying cellular signalization on the target tissue. There are many evidences that the melatonin therapy may be interfering with neoplasia development, mainly of the estrogen-dependent tumor. This paper aims to analyze the actions of melatonin on the neuroendocrine, immunological and cardiovascular systems, as well as on the reproductive function.

Manejo farmacológico da baixa estatura: o papel dos inibidores da aromatase / Pharmacological management of children with short stature: the role of aromatase inhibitors

OBJETIVO: Revisão sobre o uso de inibidores de aromatase, uma nova modalidade terapêutica em pacientes com baixa estatura, numa tentativa de evitar o avanço rápido da idade óssea, dependente da produção estrogênica, mesmo no sexo masculino. FONTES DOS DADOS: MEDLINE, com levantamento dos últimos 10 anos, com os termos inibidor de aromatase, baixa estatura e puberdade precoce, selecionando os textos mais informativos a respeito das indicações, uso, esquemas de tratamento e efeitos colaterais dos inibidores de aromatase. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Tem se tornado evidente que o avanço da idade óssea depende da produção estrogênica e da ação desse hormônio sobre a placa de crescimento. Nos meninos, a conversão testosterona para estradiol ocorre pela ação da enzima P450 aromatase. O uso de bloqueadores desta enzima tem se mostrado efetivo em prolongar o tempo de crescimento em crianças com baixa estatura idiopática, atraso constitucional de crescimento e puberdade e mesmo na deficiência de hormônio de crescimento, em que o avanço da idade óssea coloca em risco os resultados da terapia com reposição hormonal com hormônio de crescimento. Não tem havido problemas com efeitos adversos, e os resultados são animadores em termos de melhora efetiva da altura final sempre que a indicação tenha sido pertinente. CONCLUSÕES: Dentre as opções do manejo farmacológico da baixa estatura, os inibidores de aromatase encontram uma indicação em casos em que o avanço da idade óssea pode se constituir em obstáculo para se atingir uma altura final dentro dos padrões familiais do paciente.

OBJECTIVE:To review the use of aromatase inhibitors, a novel treatment strategy for patients with short stature, which aims at delaying bone age advancement. Skeletal maturation is estrogen-dependent even in male children. SOURCES: We performed a MEDLINE search of studies published in the last 10 years, including aromatase, short stature, and early puberty as keywords. The most informative articles on indications, dosages, treatment schedules, and side effects of aromatase inhibitors were included in the review. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: It has become increasingly clear that bone age advancement depends on the production of estrogen and its effect on the growth plate. In boys, testosterone is converted to estradiol by the cytochrome P450 enzyme aromatase. The use of aromatase inhibitors has been shown to be effective in prolonging the length of the growth phase in children with idiopathic short stature, constitutional growth delay, delayed puberty, as well as in children with growth hormone deficiency, in which bone age advancement jeopardizes the results of hormonal replacement therapy with growth hormones. As yet, significant adverse effects have not been reported, and results are encouraging in terms of effective increase in height, whenever the indication for the drug is appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: Among the pharmacological treatments for short stature, aromatase inhibitors are indicated in cases in which bone age advancement may constitute an obstacle for reaching a final height that is in keeping with the family's target height.

Chronic hepatitis C and fibrosis: evidences for possible estrogen benefits

The main injury caused by hepatitis C virus is the hepatic fibrosis, as a result of a chronic inflammatory process in the liver characterized by the deposit of components from the extracellular matrix. The fibrosis development leads to the modification of the hepatic architecture, of the hepatocellular function and to irregularities in the microcirculation. The tissue remodeling process observed in fibrosis has stellate cells, located at the space of Disse, as main acting agents. These cells, in response to a harmful stimulus, undergo phenotypic changes from non-proliferating cells to proliferating cells that express a- smooth-muscle actin (a-SMA), a process called as transdifferentiation. There are evidences that the oxidative stress is involved in the chronic liver disease and serves as bond between the injury and the hepatic fibrosis. A number of studies suggest that the estrogen, at physiological levels, presents an antifibrogenic action probably through an antioxidant effect, decreasing the levels of lipid peroxidation products in the liver and blood, thus inhibiting the myofibroblastic transformation of stellate cells and contributing for gender-associated differences in relation to the fibrosis development. The aim of this paper was to describe data from literature concerning the interaction between chronic hepatitis C and estrogens, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, menopause and hormone reposition therapy.