Metabolic and hormonal assessment of adolescent and young adult women with prior premature adrenarche

OBJECTIVE: Follow-up studies of girls with premature adrenarche have reported the development of polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia and a propensity to cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of these conditions in patients previously treated at the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro. METHODS: A total of 130 medical records reported premature adrenarche. One hundred and twenty-two patients were invited to participate, of whom 54 accepted; 34 patients were selected, as they had reached their final height. Anthropometric, blood glucose, insulin, and lipid and hormonal profile (LH, FSH, estradiol, 17α-OH-progesterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone) data were obtained, the HOMA-IR index was calculated, and pelvic ultrasonography was performed. To characterize polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome, the Rotterdam and International Diabetes Federation criteria, respectively, were used. Data were analyzed according to measures of dispersion, frequency and correlations of interest. RESULTS: The age of the participants ranged from 15.2 to 28.2 years/months; 23.5% of the patients were overweight, 11.8% were obese, 29.4% had a large waist circumference, and 8.8% were hypertensive. None of the patients had altered glucose levels, and insulin levels and HOMA-IR were elevated in 29.4% and 38.2% of the participants, respectively; 14.7% of the patients exhibited acanthosis nigricans. The lipid profiles of the participants were variable, and one patient (2.9%) had metabolic syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome was found in 41.2% of patients. CONCLUSION: The percentage of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome who also had overweight, obesity and insulin resistance corroborates the literature data about the need for follow-up aiming at interventions, especially for conditions associated with cardiometabolic risk.

Gonadotrophic, prolactin, corticosterone, and gonadal hormones levels over 15 months in Giant Amazon River Turtles - Podocnemis expansa (Schweigger, 1812) (Testudines: Podocnemididae), in captive conditions / Gonadotrofinas, prolactina, corticosterona, e as hormonas sexuais durante 15 meses de Tartarugas da Amazônia - Podocnemis expansa (Schweigger, 1812) (Testudines: Podocnemididae), em condições de cativeiro

Abstract In order to achieve successful captive breeding the Podocnemis expansa, it is necessary to study their reproductive endocrinology. The purpose of this research was to evaluate and characterize plasma concentrations in gonadotrophic, gonadic, corticosterone and prolactin hormones from Giant Amazon Turtles under captive conditions. Blood samples were collected over a 15 month period. The samples were assayed by the use of radioimmunoassay, prolactin, corticosterone, LH, FSH, testosterone, 17β-estradiol and progesterone. We verified significant seasonal pattern increase in 17β-estradiol levels and decrease in progesterone levels in the course of a year, which indicates vitellogenesis. This is related to normal ovarian cycles and possibly to the functional integrity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis of captive females. There were negative correlations between testosterone and corticosterone in the male samples, suggestive of stress (management stress) on the reproductive system. The plasma concentrations of gonadotrophic, gonadic, prolactin and corticosterone hormones may be used as a reference for further research and possible therapeutic approaches. The data collected during this research are unprecedented for this species and may serve as a reference for future research regarding the reproductive cycle of this turtle, also allowing reproductive management while in captivity. Information about these hormones must be gathered from wild populations during different periods of the year for better clarification of the reproductive physiology of this species.

Resumo Com o objetivo de obter reprodução em cativeiro de Podocnemis expansa, é necessário reunir o conhecimento a respeito de sua endocrinologia reprodutiva. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar e caracterizar as concentrações plasmáticas de hormônios gonadotróficos, gonadais, corticosterona e prolactina em Tartarugas da Amazônia em condições de cativeiro. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas durante 15 meses. As amostras foram ensaiadas pelo uso de um radioimunoensáio, prolactina, corticosterona, LH, FSH, testosterona, 17β-estradiol e progesterona. Verificou-se aumento de padrão sazonal significativo nos níveis de 17β-estradiol e diminuição dos níveis de progesterona ao longo do ano, o que indica o recrutamento folicular. Isto está relacionado com ciclos ovarianos normais e possivelmente para a integridade funcional do eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-gônadas de fêmeas em cativeiro. Houve correlação negativa entre testosterona e corticosterona nas amostras do sexo masculino, sugestivos de efeito do estresse de manejo sobre o sistema reprodutivo. As concentrações plasmáticas de hormônios gonadotrofinas, gonadais, prolactina e hormônios corticosterona pode ser usado como referência para futuras pesquisas e possíveis abordagens terapêuticas. Os dados médios coletados durante a pesquisa são inéditos para a espécie e pode servir como referência para futuras pesquisas sobre o sistema reprodutivo da tartaruga, também permitindo manejo reprodutivo em cativeiro. Informações sobre esses hormônios devem ser recolhidas a partir de natureza selvagem em diferentes períodos do ano para melhor esclarecimento da fisiologia da reprodução desta espécie.

Assessment of hormonal activity in patients with premature ejaculation

ABSTRACT Purpose Premature ejaculation is considered the most common type of male sexual dysfunction. Hormonal controls of ejaculation have not been exactly elucidated. The aim of our study is to investigate the role of hormonal factors in patients with premature ejaculation. Materials and Methods Sixty-three participants who consulted our outpatient clinics with complaints of premature ejaculation and 39 healthy men as a control group selected from volunteers were included in the study. A total of 102 sexual active men aged between 21 and 76 years were included. Premature ejaculation diagnostic tool questionnaires were used to assessment of premature ejaculation. Serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, total and free testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine and thyroxine were measured. Results Thyroid-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin levels were significantly lower in men with premature ejaculation according to premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (p=0.017, 0.007 and 0.007, respectively). Luteinizing hormone level (OR, 1.293; p=0.014) was found to be an independent risk factor for premature ejaculation. Conclusions Luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are associated with premature ejaculation which was diagnosed by premature ejaculation diagnostic tool questionnaires. The relationship between these findings have to be determined by more extensive studies.

therapeutic effects of stem cell enhancer on changes of some physiological parameters in male albino rats treated with mixture of food additives [food preservative, food coloring agent, and flavor enhancer]

Background: food additives are substances intentionally added to food to change its characteristics, to maintain and improve safety, to improve or maintain the nutrient value and to improve taste, texture, and appearance. Sodium nitrite is an inorganic salt with widespread applications in the food industry as a food preservative in meat and fish. However, Annatto is used as a dyeing agent in the food industry in coloring butter, cheese, and ice-cream whereas Monosodium Glutamate [MSG] is one of the most used flavorenhancers which is ingested as part of commercially processed foods. Stem cell enhancer is a natural stem cell mobilizer that can trigger the release of millions of adult stem cells from bone marrow into the circulation, and its considerable safety allows for a sustained oral daily intake over long periods of time

Aim of the work: this study was aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of Stem Cell Enhancer [SCE] against the hazardous effects of sodium nitrite, annatto and monosodium glutamate on some physiological parameters in male albino rats

Materials and methods: this study had been done on thirty male albino rats with an average body weight 120-140 g. The animals were divided into three groups; Group 1: control [untreated group], Group 2:rats treated with food additives mixture [sodium nitrite, annatto, and monosodium glutamate]; Group 3: rats treated with food additives mixture, in addition to Stem Cell Enhancer. Blood samples were collected, and the separated sera were used for estimation of some biochemical parameters [liver enzymes, kidney functions, glucose, protein profile and lipid profile] and hormonal levels [testosterone,triiodothyronine [T3] and thyroxine [T4]

Results: the biochemical results showed an increase in the activities of liver enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]], and the levels of glucose, kidney functions [urea, and creatinine], lipid profile [total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein [LDL-c], high-density lipoprotein [HDL-c] and risk factors 1and 2] and thyroid hormones [T3 and T4]in the mixture accompanied by a significant decrease in protein profile [total protein, albumin and globulin], HDL-and testosterone hormone levels as compared to the control rats. On the other hand, these results turned back to nearly to the normal values after receiving the Stem cell Enhancer

Conclusion: the present study clearly revealed thetherapeutic capability of SCE to fight the grievous effects of food additives mixture on major physiological parameters

The vascular and neurogenic factors associated with erectile dysfunction in patients after pelvic fractures

ABSTRACT Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication of pelvic fractures. To identify the vascular and neurogenic factors associated with ED, 120 patients admitted with ED after traumatic pelvic fracture between January 2009 and June 2013 were enrolled in this study. All patients answered the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) testing confirmed the occurrence of ED in 96 (80%) patients on whom penile duplex ultrasound and neurophysiological testing were further performed. Of these ED patients 29 (30%) were demonstrated only with vascular abnormality, 41 (42.7%) were detected only with neural abnormality, 26 (27.1%) revealed mixed abnormalities. Of the 55 patients (29+26) with vascular problems, 7 patients (12.7%) with abnormal arterial response to intracavernous injection of Bimix (15mg papaverine and 1mg phentolamine), 31 (56.4%) with corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction and 17 (30.9%) had both problems. Of the 67 (41+26) patients with abnormal neurophysiological outcomes, 51 (76.1%) with abnormal bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR), 20 (29.9%) with pathological pudendal nerve evoked potentials (PDEPs) and 25 (37.3%) with abnormal posterior tibial somatosensory nerve evoked potentials (PTSSEPs). Our observation indicated that neurogenic factors are important for the generation of ED in patients with pelvic fracture; venous impotence is more common than arteriogenic ED.

Effects of glutamine alone or in combination with zinc and vitamin A on growth, intestinal barrier function, stress and satiety-related hormones in Brazilian shantytown children

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of supplemental zinc, vitamin A, and glutamine alone or in combination on growth, intestinal barrier function, stress and satiety-related hormones among Brazilian shantytown children with low median height-for-age z-scores. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in children aged two months to nine years from the urban shanty compound community of Fortaleza, Brazil. Demographic and anthropometric information was assessed. The random treatment groups available for testing (a total of 120 children) were as follows: (1) glutamine alone, n = 38; (2) glutamine plus vitamin A plus zinc, n = 37; and a placebo (zinc plus vitamin A vehicle) plus glycine (isonitrogenous to glutamine) control treatment, n = 38. Leptin, adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and plasma levels of cortisol were measured with immune-enzymatic assays; urinary lactulose/mannitol and serum amino acids were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00133406. RESULTS: Glutamine treatment significantly improved weight-for-height z-scores compared to the placebo-glycine control treatment. Either glutamine alone or all nutrients combined prevented disruption of the intestinal barrier function, as measured by the percentage of lactulose urinary excretion and the lactulose:mannitol absorption ratio. Plasma leptin was negatively correlated with plasma glutamine (p = 0.002) and arginine (p = 0.001) levels at baseline. After glutamine treatment, leptin was correlated with weight-for-age (WAZ) and weight-for-height z-scores (WHZ) (p≤0.002) at a 4-month follow-up. In addition, glutamine and all combined nutrients (glutamine, vitamin A, and zinc) improved the intestinal barrier function in these children. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these findings reveal the benefits of glutamine alone or in combination ...

[ review on the activity of hormones and growth factors after ovarian tissue transplantation]

The majority of cancer treatments are invasive. Gonadal injuries cause reductions in fertility which results in lack of hope for conception in cancer patients and frustration for their partners. Fortunately, current advancements in cryopreservation and transplantation sciences regarding fertility preservation lead to cryostorage of gonads and preservation prior to the onset of chemo- and radiotherapy treatments. Accordingly in women, the main goal of ovarian cryopreservation is establishment of fertility and hormonal cycle restoration after auto-transplantation. Although the history of ovarian transplantation dates back to the 19[th] century, there are reports of live human births following ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation since the past 100 years. Despite this success and additional research in the field of ovarian cryopreservation and transplantation, numerous questions remain unanswered. Among these questions, growth factors and hormonal changes because of their effects on follicular function appear to be more important during ovarian tissue transplantation. This review attempts to address hormones and growth factor functions with the specifics of ovarian cryopreservation and auto-transplantation

Protective effects of Sonchus asper [L.] against KBrO[3]-induced oxidative stress in rat testis

Sonchus asper is used traditionally in the treatment of kidney inflammation, hormonal imbalance and impotency. Sonchus asper methanolic extract [SAME] was investigated for its possible preventive effect against potassium bromate [KBrO[3]] induced oxidative damages in male rats using biochemical, molecular and histopathological markers in this study. 5 groups, each group of 6 rats were taken kept under standard conditions. Group 1 remained untreated while Group II was given 20 mg/kg KBrO[3] orally [in aqueous saline] and Group III, and IV were treated with 100; 200 mg/kg b.w., of SAME after 48 h of KBrO[3] treatment. KBrO[3] administration in rats significantly altered [P<0.01] the serum level of reproductive hormones, activities of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione contents [GSH], which was significantly reversed P<0.001] by co-treatment of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg b.w., SAME. Administration of SAME in rats also significantly P<0.001] reversed the lipid peroxidation induced by KBrO[3] in rats, which could be due to the presence of some plant bioactive constituents

Clinical characteristics and follow-up of Korean patients with adrenal incidentalomas

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the clinical characteristics and follow-up findings of subjects with adrenal incidentalomas in a single, tertiary-care hospital in South Korea. METHODS: The study consisted of a retrospective analysis of 282 adrenal incidentaloma patients who underwent radiographic and endocrinological evaluations at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, between January 2004 and July 2011. RESULTS: Most (86.2%) of the subjects were found to have nonfunctioning tumors. Functioning tumors were seen in 39 patients (13.8%). Among them, 28 (9.9%) had subclinical Cushing syndrome (SCS), six (2.1%) had pheochromocytoma, and five (1.8%) had primary hyperaldosteronism. Malignant adrenal tumors were discovered in three cases: two (0.7%) were primary adrenal cancers, and one (0.4%) was a secondary metastasis from a lung cancer. Significant risk factors for functional tumors were female gender (odds ratio [OR], 3.386; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.611 to 7.117; p = 0.0013) and a noncontrast attenuation value of > 10 Hounsfield units (OR, 2.806; 95% CI, 1.231 to 6.397; p = 0.0141). During follow-up (mean, 22.5 months) of 72 of the patients, three (4.2%) developed hormonal changes due to functional tumors. One was confirmed as pheochromocytoma by histopathology, and the others were diagnosed with SCS and followed routinely without surgical intervention. No malignant transformation was found in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, initial hormonal and radiographic evaluations for adrenal incidentalomas appear to be more important than follow-up tests because functional or malignant changes are rare.

Factors Related to Decreased Bone Mineral Density in Childhood Cancer Survivors

The risk of osteoporosis or osteopenia is known to increase after childhood cancer treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patterns of bone mineral density (BMD) and to identify factors related to the decreased BMD in childhood cancer survivors. We studied 78 patients (34 boys, 44 girls) treated for childhood cancer. Twenty (25.7%) patients had lumbar BMD (LBMD) standard deviation score (SDS) lower than -2. Nineteen (24.4%) patients had femur neck BMD (FNBMD) SDS lower than -2. The patients treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation had lower LBMD SDS (-1.17 +/- 1.39 vs -0.43 +/- 1.33, P = 0.025). The risk of having LBMD SDS < -2 was higher in the patients treated with glucocorticoid (GC) for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (36.6% vs 13.5%; odds ratio [OR], 3.7; P = 0.020). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, longer duration of GC treatment for GVHD (OR, 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.20) and lower body mass index (BMI) SDS (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36-0.95) were associated with decreased LBMD SDS. These findings suggest that prolonged GC use and reduction in BMI are risk factors for decreased BMD in childhood cancer survivors. Anticipatory follow-up and appropriate treatment are necessary, especially for the patients with risk factors.

Hormonal dysfunction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Systemic response to chronic disease in COPD patients might cause hormonal imbalance which in turn affects the severity of the disease. The severity of hypoxia in COPD patients causes alterations in thyroid function tests and IGF-1 levels. This work was carried on 50 COPD patients diagnosed and classified according to GOLD criteria and 20 healthy controlled subjects. All subjected to full clinical history, examination, chest X-ray and spirometry. Levels of TT3, TT4, FT3, FT4, IGF-1 and insulin were measured. TT4, FT3, FT4, TSH, and insulin levels were normal in all COPD. Despite the TT3 hormone level were normal in all stages of COPD, there is reduction in hormone levels in stage III and stage IV than control subjects. There is also reduction in TT3/TT4 ratio in severe COPD and there is correlation between TT3/TT4 ratio and PaO2 in stage III and stage IV but no correlation between TT3/TT4 ratio and PaO2 in stage I and stage II. IGF-1 hormone levels were variable among different stages of COPD. There is was no significant difference between some hormonal levels in COPD and in controls, accordingly hormonal replacement therapy in these patients is doubtful

Comparison of the hormonal responses to exhaustive incremental exercise in adolescent and young adult males / Comparação das respostas hormonais ao exercício incremental até exaustão em adolescentes e adultos jovens do sexo masculino

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate hormonal responses to incremental-stage exercise (EX) test to exhaustion in adolescents. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Adolescents were tested at 16 years of age in Tanner Stage 4 (TS4) and at 17 years of age in Tanner Stage 5 (TS5) (n = 6). Adults were tested at 21 ± 1 y. (X ± SD) (n = 4) and served as controls. Blood samples were taken at rest, at the end of each EX stage. RESULTS: Main effects for EX in cortisol (p < 0.01, increasing with each EX stage) and for subject group for testosterone (T) occurred (p < 0.01; TS4 < TS5, adults). Interaction effect of group by EX stage occurred for GH (p < 0.05). GH increased in response to EX in all groups, however, the magnitude of increase was significantly less for TS5 and adults than TS4. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in T and GH responses for TS4 than those for TS5 and adults reflect the differing maturation levels of the endocrine system between Tanner Stages. TS5 adolescents are more similar to young adults in hormonal responses to EX than are TS4 adolescents.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as respostas hormonais ao teste de exercício em estágios incrementais (EX) até exaustão. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Foram examinados adolescentes com 16 anos de idade e índice Tanner 4 (TS4) e com 17 anos de idade e índice Tanner Stage 5 (TS5) (n = 6), e adultos com 21 ± 1 anos de idade. (X ± SD) (n = 4), estes últimos compondo o grupo controle. As amostras de sangue foram retiradas no repouso e ao final de cada estágio EX. RESULTADOS: Os principais efeitos observados no EX ocorreram no cortisol (p < 0,01, aumentou com a elevação do estágio EX) e no grupo de testosterona (p < 0,01; TS4 < TS5, adultos). Houve efeito de interação entre grupos e por estágio de EX no grupo de hormônio de crescimento (p < 0,05). O hormônio de crescimento aumentou em todos os grupos em resposta ao EX, no entanto, a magnitude dos aumentos observados foi significativamente menor em TS5 e nos adultos do que em TS4. CONCLUSÕES: As diferenças verificadas nas respostas dos grupos de testosterona e hormônio de crescimento em TS4 em relação ao TS5 e adultos refletem os diferentes níveis de maturação do sistema endócrino entre os estágios do índice de Tanner. Os adolescentes no TS5 se assimilam mais aos jovens adultos do que aos adolescentes TS4, quanto a suas respostas hormonais ao EX.

Postmenopausia: relación de las alteraciones del ritmo circadiano del cortisol en la hipertensión arterial / Postmenopause: relation of the cortisol circadian rythm in the arterial hypertension

Considerando geronte a toda persona que ha superado los 65 años de edad, un 60 por ciento de esa población presenta hipertensión arterial, definida inicialmente como el aumento de la tensión arterial sistólica por encima de 140 mm/Hg y la diastólica a partir de los 90 mm de mercurio. No obstante, por la rigidez y calcificación arterial, y porque en ellos existe una etapa subclínica o silenciosa cuyas manifestaciones son cefalea, epistaxis, mareos, es necesario que las determinaciones sean reiteradas, y, en caso de la llamada hipertensión del guardapolvo blanco, verificar mediante una presurometría la real situación clínica de estos pacientes. Estos criterios serán ampliados oportunamente. La hipertensión arterial produce modificaciones humorales y hormonales con deterioro de la función endotelial. La hipertensión arterial (en adelante HT) en la mujer posmenopáusica ha sido atribuida, entre otros factores, a la falta de estrógenos. No obstante, aunque en la literatura médica abundan las demostraciones de la incidencia de arteriopatías, no fue demostrado que la HT sea una consecuencia de la hipoestrogenemia. En este trabajo, diseñado como un análisis de corte transversal se estudiaron (de una población de 171 mujeres postmenopáusicas a las que se les aplicó criterios de inclusión y exclusión) 142 pacientes posmenopáusicas de las cuales 71 presentaron hipertensión después de su menopausia; 71 eran normotensas y continuaron siéndolo durante el seguimiento por tres años como máximo. Se estudiaron 37 variables (cronológicas, antropomórficas, humorales, metabólicas, hormonales) buscando una relación entre ellas o con el Ritmo Circadiano de secreción de cortisol.

The Use of Tenaculum During Intrauterine Insemination May Not Affect the Pregnancy Outcome

PURPOSE: The association between tenaculum application to the cervix just before embryo transfer and lower pregnancy rate has been reported. However, studies on the use of tenaculum in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles are not available. This study attempted to investigate whether the use of tenaculum affects the clinical outcomes of IUI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and thirty three CC/hMG/IUI cycles of one hundred and forty three couples were recruited at Seoul National University Hospital from October 2006 to December 2008. Mock insemination and IUI with or without tenaculum application to the cervix were also performed, and clinical pregnancy rate was compared. RESULTS: The incidence of difficult mock insemination at the beginning of cycle was higher in the tenaculum use group (p < 0.001). No significant statistical difference in the clinical pregnancy rate was observed between the groups with or without tenaculum application (12.1% vs. 18.5%; p = 0.175), which was not influenced by the difficulty of mock insemination. CONCLUSION: The use of tenaculum during IUI may not affect the pregnancy outcome. Our results need to be confirmed by a prospective study in a larger population.

Versus the effects of metformin and rosiglitazone on clinical symptoms and serum hormonal levels in overweight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

The aim of this research is to assess the effects of metformin and rosiglitazone on clinical symptoms and serum hormonal levels, in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS]. twenty overweight patients [BMI>25 kg/m2], with polycystic ovary syndrome, were included in this study which has been achieved in Damascus university [2006-2008]. patients were divided into two groups, [RO] included patients being treated with rosiglitazone 4mg/day, and [MO] included patients receiving metformin 850 mg twice a day. The following parameters were calculated and measured, respectively, before and after the treatment: Waist to Hip Ratio W/H Ratio, Body Mass Index [BMI], degree of hirsutism, which was determined by the Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system, Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR], hormonal serum levels. In MO group, it was found that BMI, W/H R, HOMA-IR, hormonal serum levels [except DHEA] were significantly reduced, FSH significantly increased. 66.66% of the patients suffering menstrual disturbance became with menstruation regular. Conversely, Rosiglitazone had no statistically significant effects in lowering laboratory values in RO group

Atención sostenida asociada con hormonas ováricas en mujeres en la premenopausia y posmenopausia / Sustained attention associated to ovarian hormones in premenopausal and posmenopausal women

El objetivo fue asociar la atención sostenida medida con la Prueba de Ejecución Continua con los niveles hormonales de LH, FSH, progesterona, estrona y estradiol en 10 mujeres en la posmenopausia y 10 en la premenopausia. Este último grupo fue evaluado en la fase menstrual, con bajos niveles hormonales y en la fase ovulatoria, con altos niveles hormonales. Se analizó el número de aciertos, errores, omisiones y tiempo de reacción en dos niveles de dificultad de la prueba. El número de aciertos en el segundo nivel de dificultad de la prueba de las mujeres premenopáusicas, en fase ovulatoria, fue mayor (p=0.019) y cometieron menos errores (p=0.019) comparadas con las mujeres en la posmenopausia. En la posmenopausia, el número de aciertos se asoció positivamente con la progesterona (p<0.0001), FSH (p<0.001) y estrona (p<0.0001) y negativamente con LH (p<0.03). En la premenopausia, en fase menstrual, los aciertos se asociaron negativamente con progesterona (p<0.0001), LH (p<0.0001) y estrona (p<0.0001). En la fase ovulatoria, los aciertos se asociaron positivamente con FSH (p<0.0001), progesterona (p<0.0001) y estrona (p<0.0001) y negativamente con LH (p<0.0001). Estos resultados sugieren que las hormonas sexuales pueden influir en la atención sostenida en mujeres en la transición hacia la menopausia.

The aim was to associate the sustained attention, measured by means of the Continuous Performance Test with hormonal levels of FSH, LH, progesterone, estradiol and estrone, in ten posmenopausal women and ten premenopausal women. This last group was evaluated in menstrual phase, with low hormonal levels, and during the ovulatory phase, with high hormonal levels. The number of correct responses, errors, omissions and reaction time during two levels of difficult of the test were obtained. The number of correct responses made by the premenopausal women in the ovulatory phase was high (p=0.019),and they committed less errors (p=0.019) during the second level of difficult of test compared with posmenopausal women. In the posmenopause, the number of correct responses was positively associated with progesterone (p<0.0001), FSH(p<0.001), and estrone (p<0.0001), and negatively associated with LH (p<0.03). In the premenopause, in menstrual phase, the correct responses were negatively associated with progesterone (p<0.0001), LH (p<0.0001) and estrone (p<0.0001). In the ovulatory phase, the correct responses were positively correlated with FSH (p<0.0001), progesterone (p<0.0001) and estrone (p<0.0001), and negatively with LH (p<0.0001). These findings suggest that the sex hormones may influence on sustained attention in women in transition to menopause.

Changes in the hormone and lipid profile of obese adolescent Saudi females with acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial disease affecting a majority of the adolescent population. The objective of this study was to test for a correlation between fasting serum lipid profiles and levels of testosterone, insulin, leptin, and interleukin 1-β (IL-1β) and the incidence of severe acne vulgaris in obese adolescent females. Four groups of adolescent females were studied: obese with acne, obese without acne, non-obese with acne, and non-obese without acne. Obese females with acne, compared to obese females without acne and non-obese subjects, had significantly higher serum triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein-B (apo-B) (mean ± SD: 197 ± 13.7 vs 171 ± 11.5, 128 ± 8.3 vs 116 ± 7.7, 96 ± 13.7 vs 85 ± 10.3 mg/dL, respectively) but significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apo-A1 levels (40 ± 3.3 vs 33 ± 3.5 and 126 ± 12 vs 147 ± 13 mg/dL). Serum testosterone, insulin and leptin levels were significantly higher in obese subjects with or without acne compared to non-obese females with or without acne (3 ± 0.5 vs 2.1 ± 0.47, 15.5 ± 3.3 vs 11.6 ± 3, 0.9 ± 0.2 vs 0.6 ± 0.15 nmol/mL, respectively). Serum IL-1b was significantly elevated in obese and non-obese subjects with acne compared to subjects without acne; in those without acne, these levels were higher in obese than non-obese subjects (2.4 ± 0.2, 1.4 ± 0.1 vs 1.8 ± 0.12 and 1.3 ± 0.11 pg/mL, respectively). Our results indicate that there is a relationship between obesity (BMI >27) and acne. By early recognition, the etiology and treatment protocol of acne may prevent unwanted conditions.