Syndromes and Mechanisms of Depression Induced by Second Hit in Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the syndromes and mechanisms of depression induced by maternal separation （MS） combined with chronic restraint stress （RS） in mice. MethodOn postnatal day 0 （PD0）， the offspring mice were randomized into a blank group （NC） and a modeling group. The mouse model of depression was established by MS+RS for 21 days. After removal of female mice on PD21， the modeled mice were randomized into model， Wenyang， Jieyu， Wenyang Jieyu， and fluoxetine groups， with 15 mice in each group. The sucrose preference， tail suspension， and open field tests were carried out to evaluate the anxiety and depression-like behavior in mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the adrenocorticotrophic hormone （ACTH） and corticosterone （CORT） levels in mouse plasma. High performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detector was used to determine the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of genes in the 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） system， hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal （HPA） axis， and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression levels of proteins in the 5-HT system and HPA axis in the hippocampus. The Simple Western system was used to determine the protein levels of BDNF and tyrosine kinase receptor B （TrkB） in the hippocampus. ResultCompared with the NC group， the model group exhibited depression-like behavior， which was significantly relieved by Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine. Compared with the NC group， the model group showed elevated levels of CORT and ACTH in the plasma （P<0.01）， which， however， were lowered by Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the NC group， the model group showed inhibited expression of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine restored the expression of neurotransmitters （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with NC group， the model group showed inhibition of the 5-HTergic nerve and abnormal activation of the HPA axis， and Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine regulated the abnormal state of the 5-HTergic nerve and HPA axis. Compared with NC group， the modeling down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus （P<0.05， P<0.01）， which， however， were recovered in Wenyang， Jieyu， Wenyang Jieyu， and fluoxetine groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe mouse model of depression induced by MS+RS may present the syndrome of Yang deficiency and liver depression. Wenyang Jieyu prescription may increase the content of hippocampal neurotransmitters by regulating the 5-HT system and the BDNF signaling pathway mediated by the HPA axis， thereby alleviating depression-like behavior in mice.

The outcome of down-regulation+hormone replacement cycle endometrial preparation regimen in frozen-thawed embryo transfer in advanced age women / 重庆医学

Objective To analyze the effects of down-regulation+hormone replacement therapy(HRT)endometrial preparation regimen on the pregnancy outcomes of advanced age women(≥35 years old)undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer.Methods The clinical data of 329 patients with frozen-thawed em-bryo transfer in this hospital from June 2020 to June 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.Among them,149 pa-tients receiving gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue(GnRHa)down-regulation+HRT endometrial preparation were included in the group A,and the other 180 patients with HRT endometrial preparation were included in the group B.The basic situation,endometrial transformation day situation and clinical outcome were compared between the two groups.The group A and group B were further divided into the two sub-groups according to age:group A1(35-＜40 years old,n=101),group A2(≥40 years old,n=48),group B1(35-＜40 years old,n=99)and group B2(≥40 years old,n=81).The effects of two endometrial prepara-tion regimens were compared among the different age groups.Results There were no significant differences in the age,infertility years,BMI,anti-Mullerian hormone level,as well as basal hormones levels such as estra-diol,progesterone,follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone(LH),prolactin and testosterone between the two groups(P＞0.05).The levels of estradiol and LH on the endometrial transformation day in the group A were significantly lower than those in the group B(P＜0.05),the endometrial thickness,proportion of the patients with endometrial thickness ≥8 mm and proportion of the patients with type Ⅲ blood intima in the group A were significantly higher than those in the group B(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in the number of transplanted embryos and the number of transplanted excellent embryos between the two groups(P＞0.05).The clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate in the group A were significantly higher than those in the group B(46.31％vs.35.56％;33.33％vs.25.18％,P＜0.05),and there was no significant difference in the early miscarriage rate between the two groups(P＞0.05).The further subgroup analysis showed that the clinical pregnancy rate and embryoimplantation rate in the group A2 were significant-ly higher than those in the group B2(35.42％vs.18.52％;21.43％vs.12.40％,P＜0.05),while there was no significant difference between the group A1 and group B1(P＞0.05).Conclusion The advanced age pa-tients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer could select GnRHa down-regulation+HRT regimen to a-chieve better pregnancy outcomes,especially for those age ≥40 years old.

The effect of growth hormone on invasion and migration of colon cancer cells / 重庆医学

Objective To explore the effects of growth hormone(GH)on the proliferation,cycle,inva-sion,and migration of colon cancer cells and its possible mechanism.Methods GH3 cells with growth hor-mone-type pituitary adenoma were cultured in vitro,and the secretion of growth hormone in the supernatant of GH3 cells was detected by ELISA.Colon cancer LoVo cells in logarithmic growth phase were randomly divid-ed into the control group and the experimental group.PBS was added to the control group,while high concen-trations of recombinant GH were added to the experimental group.The two groups of cells were cultured in vitro under the same conditions.CCK-8 method was used to detect the proliferation of the cells.Flow cytome-try was used to detect the cell cycle.Transwell assay was used to detect the effect of growth hormone on the invasion and migration of the cells.Western blot was used to detect the expressions levels of E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Vimentin,and Snail-1 proteins in the cells.Results The results of ELISA showed that GH3 cells could secrete a large amount of GH,and the concentration of GH in the supernatant was(1 208±9)ng/mL.GH promoted cell growth in a dose-dependent manner within a certain concentration range,and GH 200 ng/mL was the optimal intervention concentration for subsequent experiments.Compared with the control group,the cell cycle in the experimental group changed from G1 phase to S phase and G2 phase,the ratio of G1 phase cells decreased,and the ratio of S phase cells and G2 phase cells increased(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the number of the cell invasion and migration increased in the experimental group(P<0.05),the expression levels of N-cadherin,Vimentin,and Snail-1 was up-regulated,while the expression level of E-cadherin was down-regulated(P<0.05).Conclusion High concentration of GH promotes the prolifera-tion,invasion and migration of colon cancer cells,and induces the transition of cell cycle from G1 to S and G2 phases.The mechanism may be related to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of colon cancer cells promoted by high concentration of GH.

Protective effect of LW-AFC against fear sensitization induced by traumatic stress / 军事医学

Objective To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Liuwei Dihuang Glucoside(LW-AFC)against fear sensitization induced by traumatic stress.Methods Mice were divided into naive,control,stressed and LW-AFC administration groups.The LW-AFC treated group received LW-AFC(1.6 g/kg daily)via oral gavage for two weeks following exposure to traumatic stress.The non-associative memory dependent fear sensitization responses in mice subjected to trauma were investigated,including behavior in novel environments,social interaction,and observational fear tests.Z-score normalization method was employed to integrate and assess multiple behavioral variables such as travel distance,freezing time,and corner time,and comprehensively examined fear sensitization behaviors across the groups.Additionally,serum concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone,corticosterone,aldosterone,renin,angiotensin Ⅱ,and aldosterone were measured using ELISA.Results Compared to the control group,stressed mice exhibited significantly reduced travel distance(P<0.0001)and increased freezing time(P<0.0001)in the new context test.Integrated Z-scores indicated a significant increase in fear behavior among stressed mice during the new context test(P<0.0001).In the social interaction test,stressed mice demonstrated significantly reduced travel distance(P<0.0001),increased freezing time(P<0.0001),increased corner time(P<0.05),and higher integrated Z-scores(P<0.0001).In the observational fear test,stressed mice showed significantly reduced travel distance(P<0.05),increased freezing time(P<0.001),increased corner time(P<0.05),and higher integrated Z-scores(P<0.0001).Compared to the stressed group,mice in the LW-AFC treated group displayed trends toward improvement in travel distance,freezing time,corner time,and integrated Z-scores in the new context tests,albeit without statistical significance.In the social interaction test,the LW-AFC treated group exhibited a significant reduction in freezing time(P<0.05)and integrated Z-scores(P<0.05).In the observational fear test,the LW-AFC treated group showed a significant reduction in freezing time(P<0.05)and integrated Z-scores(P<0.01).Compared to the naive group,control and stressed groups exhibited an increased trend in renin and aldosterone levels after the fear sensitization test.Although there were no significant differences between stressed and control groups,renin and aldosterone levels significantly increased between stressed and naive groups(P<0.05,P<0.05).Following LW-AFC treatment,serum renin levels showed no significant change,while aldosterone levels significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion Stressed mice exhibited significant fear sensitization behavior in new context,social interaction,and observational fear tests,possibly associated with partial activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system(RAAS)system.LW-AFC treatment significantly mitigated fear sensitization behavior of stressed mice in social interaction and observational fear test,potentially due to its regulatory effects on the RAAS system in mice subjected to traumatic stress.

Mechanism of Electroacupuncture in Functional Dyspepsia Rats Based on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

Objective We aimed to explore the therapeutic mechanism of electroacupuncture at Yintang(EX-HN3),Neiguan(PC6)and Zusanli(ST36)on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis(HPA)of functional dyspepsia(FD)rats.Methods Forty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group and EA group.The FD model was replicated by tail clamping,irregular diet,and filling the stomach with ice of Saline Solution.After modeling,the EA group received acupuncture treatment for 1 time day,30 minutes time,for 14 days.Recording the general state of the rat.Detection of locomotion and catatonia in rats by open field test.HE staining to observe the morphology and inflammation of gastric mucosa in rats.PCR detection of mRNA expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor and corticotropin-releasing hormone in rat hypothalamus.Detection of corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor-2 and NOD-like receptor protein 6 inflammasome protein expression in rat duodenum by Western blotting.Alcian blue staining was used to detect the expression of rat duodenum goblet cells.Results Compared with the blank group,the general state,distance,speed,duodenum CRHR2 and NLRP6 proteins in the model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the hypothalamic 5-HT3R and CRH mRNA were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the general state,distance,speed,expression of CRHR2,NLRP6 protein and goblet cells in the duodenum of rats in the EA group were significantly increased(P<0.05),the 5-HT3R and CRH mRNA in the hypothalamus were significantly decreased(P<0.05).In the model group,the connective tissue of the gastric mucosa was loosely arranged,the submucosa had mild edema,and there were some lymphocytes.The connective tissue of the gastric mucosa of the rats in the blank group and the electroacupuncture group was closely arranged,and there was no obvious proliferation of interstitial cells and no inflammatory cells.Conclusion EA can increase the expression of CRHR2,NLRP6 protein and goblet cells in the duodenum,and inhibit the expression of 5-HT3R and CRH in the hypothalamus.EA can improve gastrointestinal motility and locomotion,relieve anxiety,repair the mucosal barrier of the defective intestine,and restore the function of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis.

Risk factors of depression and anxiety in epilepsy patients and their relationship with quality of life / 实用医学杂志

Objective To explore the risk factors of depression and anxiety in adult patients with epilepsy and their relationship with quality of life.Methods From May 2022 to January 2023,patients diagnosed with epilepsy(aged≥18 years)in the department of neurology of our hospital were collected.General demographic data and disease-related information were recorded.Quality of life,depression and anxiety scales were measured in all patients.SPSS26.0 software was used for multiple linear regression analysis,multiple ordered Logistic regression analysis,rank sum test,Pearson correlation analysis,etc.Results Among the 111 patients,49.5%had depression and 43.2%had anxiety.Depression score and anxiety score were correlated with attack type,attack frequency,quality of life and right temporal lobe,and there was a significant negative correlation between life quality score and anxiety and depression score(P<0.01).Seizure frequency,seizure type and right temporal lobe were common risk factors for depression and anxiety in patients with epilepsy(P<0.05).Conclusion Epileptic depression and anxiety were affected by seizure frequency and seizure type,and this bad mood further affected the quality of life of patients.No clear link has been found between the lateralization of seizures and the presence of depression and anxiety states,and further research is needed.

Culture,identification,and differentiation of rabbit pituitary stem cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The pituitary gland is an important endocrine organ in the body.Certain diseases can cause damage to the pituitary gland,such as pituitary adenoma and abnormal hormone secretion.Pituitary stem cells,due to their self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation potential,are expected to become a new therapeutic approach for repairing damaged pituitary glands. OBJECTIVE:To isolate and culture pituitary stem cells using the suspension cell ball culture method and identify their proliferation and differentiation ability. METHODS:Pituitary stem cells were isolated and cultured from the pituitary gland of newborn New Zealand white rabbits using the suspension cell ball culture method,and their morphological characteristics were observed.Immunofluorescence cytochemistry was used to detect the expression of pituitary stem cell markers SOX2 and Nestin.EdU labeling method was utilized to detect the proliferative ability of pituitary stem cells.After adherent and induced differentiation,the hormone levels in the culture medium were detected by ELISA. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Pituitary stem cell spheres could be successfully isolated by the suspension cell ball culture method,with strong proliferative ability.Positive expression of stem cell-specific markers SOX2 and Nestin was found in the cultured cells.After induction and differentiation,adrenocorticotropic hormone,thyroid hormone,growth hormone,luteinizing hormone,follicle-stimulating hormone,and prolactin levels significantly increased in the medium(P<0.001),with strong differentiation ability.

A case of pituitary crisis caused by cadonilimab treatment of advanced gastric cancer / 药物流行病学杂志

A 75-year-old female patient with gastric cancer received cadonilimab(500 mg,iv,d1)combined with albumin-bound paclitaxel(300 mg,iv,d2)and tegafur,gimeracil and oteracil potassium(40 mg,po,bid,d2-15)and 21 days was a cycle.Admission examination at the end of 4 cycles of treatment,laboratory tests showed adrenocorticotropic hormone＜1.00 pg,mL-1,cortisol 0.42 μg·dL-1 and serum sodium 131 mmol·L-1.Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related hypophysitis was diagnosed,and pituitary crisis was developed on the 4th day.The diagnosis of hypophysitis concurrent with pituitary crisis was considered to be related to cadonilimab.High-dose glucocorticoids replacement and symptomatic treatment such as rehydration to maintain electrolyte imbalance were given.On the 9th day after admission,the patient was basically in remission.The administration of cadonilimab may cause pituitary crisis,which is relatively rare in clinical practice.This case reminds that the possibility of hypophysitis when patients emerge with the symptom of fatigue and anorexia along with hyponatremia.Assessment of endocrine gland function,correct diagnosis and proper therapy are of significant clinical value to improve the patients'prognosis.

Expression and Clinical Significance of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 in Pituitary Adenomas / 医学研究杂志

Objective To analyze the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)in the serum of patients with pituitary adenomas and compare them according to different standards,investigating the expression of IGF-1 in pituitary adenoma and its clinical significance.Methods A total of 156 cases of pituitary adenomas admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical Univer-sity from January 2019 to June 2021 were selected as the experimental group,and a total of 22healthy subjects during the same period were selected as the control group.To determinate the IGF-1 level by magnetic particle chemical luminescence immunoassay.The tumor di-ameter was obtained by combining the diameter measured on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)with the diameter of postoperative tumor pathological specimen.The experimental group were divided into groups according to different clinical characteristics,and to compare the differences in IGF-1 levels between each subgroup and the control group.Results The levels of IGF-1 in patients with somatotroph adenoma,dual hormone and multihormone adenoma were higher than those in the control group and other types,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05);the level of IGF-1 in giant adenoma patients was higher than those in the control group and other types,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05);the level of IGF-1 in patients with invasive pituitary adenoma was higher than that in non-invasive patients and controls,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05);Logistic regression a-nalysis showed that IGF-1 level and tumor diameter were risk factors for invasiveness of pituitary adenomas,the higher the IGF-1 level and the larger the tumor diameter,the higher the invasiveness risk;the level of IGF-1 in patients with pituitary adenoma within one month after surgery was significantly lower than that before surgery,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclu-sion IGF-1 has a certain value in the diagnosis of different functional types of pituitary adenomas and the early invasiveness judgment of pituitary adenomas,and is expected to be used as a reliable indicator for postoperative follow-up.

Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of thyrotropin: Differential diagnosis / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:Through comprehensive analysis of symptoms and signs, biochemistry, imaging, and dynamic tests, to explore the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma(TSH adenoma) and syndrome of resistance to thyroid hormone(RTH).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 14 patients who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from July 2016 to September 2022, exhibiting elevated levels of free thyroxine(FT4) and free triiodothyronine(FT3) in the presence of increased TSH.Results:There were 7 cases of TSH adenoma and 7 cases of RTH, with the average age of diagnosis at 40.0 years and 26.6 years, respectively. Thirteen patients showed thyrotoxicosis or occasional palpitation, some with pituitary occupancy manifestations or abnormal growth and development; One patient presented with neck thickening. Sex hormone binding globulin was elevated in 3 cases of TSH adenoma. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging showed that all 7 cases of TSH adenoma were macroadenomas and 1 case of RTH was microadenoma. The octreotide suppression test in 13 patients was inhibited, but there was a significant difference in the inhibition rate of 24 h/2 h TSH inhibition rate of TSH adenoma and RTH, ranging from 46.6% to 83.9% and 4.6% to 28.8% respectively. Six cases of RTH had thyroid hormone receptor β mutation.Conclusion:Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of thyrotropin is a rare condition, mainly including TSH adenoma and RTH. The diagnosis and differentiation of the two conditions require comprehensive assessment incorporating family history, symptoms and signs, laboratory tests, dynamic test, and genetic test. Among these, the 24 h/2 h TSH inhibition rate of octreotide suppression test can effectively distinguish TSH adenoma from RTH.

A Case Report of Marfan Syndrome with Pituitary Tumor Which Could be Misdiagnosed as Gigantism / 罕见病研究

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant disorder that is prone to fibrodysplasia, lens dislocation and rapid height growth, which needs to be distinguished from gigantism. This article reports a 14-year-old patient with MFS who had a typical binocular lens subluxation in both eyes, with visual impairment and rapid height growth. MRI with contrast to the pituitary suggested a pituitary microadenoma, but growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 were in the normal range, thus excluding gigantism or acromegaly. Non-functional pituitary adenoma was considered. MFS patients need long-term follow-up and multidisciplinary collaboration, and attention should be paid to cardiovascular system monitoring and genetic testing, which can be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of patients and risk prevention and control.

Relationship between oral diseases and depression / 口腔疾病防治

@#Oral health is an integral component of overall well-being, with the oral cavity serving as a channel for external communication and expression of emotions such as stress and pessimism. Oral diseases can intensify feelings of depression, whereas depression can worsen oral health conditions. As a crucial part of the human microbiome, an imbalance in oral microbiota can release oral pathogenic microbes, which, through pathways including the circulation, nervous, and immune systems, can reach the brain and significantly affect the central nervous system. This can lead to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, further intensifying the development of depression. Similarly, an imbalance in oral microbiota in individuals with depression can intensify the occurrence of oral diseases. The relationship between depression and oral diseases is not isolated but rather a complex interplay in which they mutually influence and act as causative factors. To elucidate the causal relationship between oral diseases and depression and devise strategies for the prevention and treatment of both conditions, we explore the interaction mechanisms between oral diseases and depression from the perspective of oral microbiota. The occurrence of dental caries, periapical periodontitis, and periodontal diseases is closely associated with the excessive proliferation of specific bacteria in the oral cavity, such as Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. These bacteria can directly invade the brain through the compromised blood-brain barrier, activating pro-inflammatory cytokines and worsening depressive symptoms. Inflammatory conditions and ulcers in the oral mucosa are caused by various factors, including infection and immune abnormalities. Because of compromised immune function in individuals with depression, these inflammatory responses are often more severe and difficult to control. Malocclusion, trigeminal neuralgia, and temporomandibular joint disorders increase the risk of depression because of psychological stress and changes in the immune system. We also outline the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for oral diseases in patients with depression, emphasizing the importance of early intervention for disease management. Future research will explore the therapeutic potential of oral microbiota in individuals with depression, with the aim to improve symptoms and treatment outcomes by adjusting oral microbiota, thus providing novel avenues for the prevention and treatment of depression.

Establishment and Evaluation of Mouse Model of Pregnancy Pain-depression Comorbidity Induced by Chronic Unpredictable Stress, Complete Freund's Adjuvant and Formalin / 实验动物与比较医学

Objective To establish a mouse model of pregnancy pain-depression comorbidity induced by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS), complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), and formalin, and to systematically evaluate the associated phenotypes and preliminarily explore the pathological basis of the comorbidity.Methods Eight-week-old C57BL/6J female mice were randomly strarified divided into a control group (no intervention before pregnancy) and a CUS model group (CUS intervention before pregnancy) based on sucrose preference test (SPT) data. After completing the CUS treatment, female and male mice were paired and mated. Pain was induced by injecting 50% CFA and 5% formalin in the right hind foot during pregnancy to create a model of pregnancy pain-depression comorbidity. The experiment was divided into 8 subgroups: control-blank group, CUS-blank group, control-CFA group, CUS-CFA group, control-formalin group, CUS-formalin group, control-CFA+formalin group, and CUS-CFA+formalin group, with 10 mice in each group. The mice in each group were subject to behavioral tests, including the SPT, forced swimming test, tail suspension test, and open field test before and after CUS intervention, during pregnancy, and after delivery. Pain sensitivity changes were measured using mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia tests. Mice were then euthanized. Levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in hippocampus, as well as cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in serum, were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsCompared with the control-blank group, the CUS-blank group showed a significant depression-like behavior with reduced pain threshold (P<0.001). The control-CFA+formalin group showed a decrease in pain threshold after both CFA injection and formalin injection (P<0.01). Compared with the control-blank and control-formalin groups, the pain threshold was significantly lower in the CUS-formalin group (P<0.01), with a sequential decrease among the three. Compared with the control-blank and control-CFA groups, the pain threshold was significantly lower in the CUS-CFA group (P<0.001), with a sequential decrease among the three. Compared with the control-blank and control-CFA+formalin groups, the mechanical pain threshold of mice in the CUS-CFA+formalin group was significantly lower (P<0.001) and the thermal radiation tolerance time was shorter (P<0.01), both with sequential decreases among the three. Compared with the control-CFA+formalin and the CUS-blank groups, the CUS-CFA+formalin group had a significantly lower percentage of sucrose preference (P<0.001), longer immobility time during the forced swimming test (P<0.001) and tail suspension test (P<0.001), reduced central exploration time in the open field test (P<0.001), reduced total exploration distance (P<0.001), and reduced percentage of distance traveled for central exploration (P<0.001). Compared with the control-CFA+formalin and CUS-blank groups, the serum cortisol and ACTH levels of the CUS-CFA+formalin group were significantly higher (P<0.01), and the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the hippocampus were higher (P<0.05).Conclusion The combination of CUS+CFA+formalin injections is an ideal method for establishing a C57BL/6J mouse model of pregnancy pain-depression comorbidity. The behavioral changes in model mice may be attributed to the regulation of inflammatory response in hippocampus and hormone levels in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Changes of macular retinal structure and microcirculation in patients with pituitary adenoma observed by optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To observe the changes of macular retinal structure and microcirculation in patients with pituitary adenoma(PA)by optical coherence tomography(OCT)and optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA).METHODS: Cross-sectional study. A total of 40 PA patients treated at the department of neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University from September 2021 to March 2023 were included as PA group, and 42 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers were selected as normal control group. All patients underwent visual field, OCT and OCTA examinations, and the correlation of ocular parameters in PA patients was analyzed.RESULTS:The vessel density(VD)of each retinal layer in the macular area of the PA group was lower than that of the normal control group, and the superficial vascular complex(SVC)-VD in the macular area was positively correlated with the thickness of the macular ganglion cell complex(mGCC)(except the nasal side of the inner ring and the lower part of the outer ring; P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The thickness of mGCC in each quadrant of the macular area and the thickness of the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer(CP-RNFL)in each quadrant were negatively correlated with the mean defect(MD)value of the visual field(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05), and the area of the foveal avascular zone(FAZ)was positively correlated with the MD value(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION:The combination of OCT and OCTA can fully understand the microscopic changes of retinal structure and microcirculation function in PA patients, which is of great value in evaluating the preoperative visual function of PA patients.

Pseudo-pituitary macroadenoma due to primary hypothyriodism: one case report and literature review / 中国基层医药

Objective:To explore the clinical manifestations and differential diagnosis of pituitary hyperplasia caused by primary hypothyroidism in children.Methods:A patient with pseudo-pituitary macroadenoma caused by hypothyroidism who received treatment in Hetian District People's Hospital, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China was reported. Meanwhile, relevant literature was searched in Pubmed to sort out the clinical and imaging manifestations of pituitary hyperplasia caused by primary hypothyroidism and the differences from pituitary tumors.Results:This patient almost had to be surgically treated. After thyroid hormone replacement therapy, the growth and development of the patient recovered, and the pituitary gland was reduced.Conclusion:For patients with enlarged thyroid and pituitary glands, a comprehensive assessment and thyroid hormone replacement therapy are required. After follow-up for 3 months, re-evaluation is performed to determine whether there are indications for surgery to avoid permanent hypophyseal hypofunction caused by surgical resection.

Evaluation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis during the post-COVID-19 period in patients treated with steroids during the illness

ABSTRACT Objective: COVID-19 is a multisystem immunoinflammatory disorder, and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may be affected by SARS-CoV-2 as well as by steroid treatment during the illness. Information on the HPA axis after recovering from COVID-19, especially in those treated with steroids, is sparse. Hence, this study was performed to evaluate the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis during the post-COVID-19 period in patients treated with steroids during the illness. Subject and methods: This prospective study involved 60 patients aged 18-60 years who had recovered from moderate or severe COVID-19 and had received steroid treatment during the illness. The HPA axis was assessed with a low-dose (1 mcg) adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test at 3, 6 and 9 months in the post-COVID period. Results: The HPA axis was suppressed in 31.66% of the patients at 3 months and 5% at 6 months; however, all patients recovered at 9 months. Cumulative steroid use during the illness was inversely correlated with stimulated cortisol at 3 months in the post-COVID period. Fatigue was present in 58.33% of the patients at 3 months and was more prevalent in those with HPA axis suppression. Conclusion: Nearly one-third of the patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 who were treated with steroids had suppressed HPA axis at 3 months, with gradual recovery over a period of 9 months. Cumulative steroid equivalent dose, but not disease severity, was predictive of HPA axis suppression at 3 months.

Genetic diagnosis of congenital hypopituitarism in Turkish patients by a target gene panel: novel pathogenic variants in GHRHR, GLI2, LHX4 and POU1F1 genes

ABSTRACT Objective: Congenital hypopituitarism (CH) is a rare disease characterized by one or more hormone deficiencies of the pituitary gland. To date, many genes have been associated with CH. In this study, we identified the allelic variant spectrum of 11 causative genes in Turkish patients with CH. Materials and methods: This study included 47 patients [21 girls (44.6%) and 26 boys (55.4%)] from 45 families. To identify the genetic etiology, we screened 11 candidate genes associated with CH using next-generation sequencing. To confirm and detect the status of the specific familial variant in relatives, Sanger sequencing was also performed. Results: We identified 12 possible pathogenic variants in GHRHR, GH1, GLI2, PROP-1, POU1F1, and LHX4 in 11 patients (23.4%), of which six were novel variants: two in GHRHR, two in POU1F1, one in GLI2, and one in LHX4. In all patients, these variants were most frequently found in GLI2, followed by PROP-1 and GHRHR. Conclusion: Genetic causes were determined in only 23.4% of all patients with CH and 63% of molecularly diagnosed patients (7/11) from consanguineous families. Despite advances in genetics, we were unable to identify the genetic etiology of most patients with CH, suggesting the effect of unknown genes or environmental factors. More genetic studies are necessary to understand the etiology of CH.

Diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia in women: A Position Statement from the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (Febrasgo) and the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM)

ABSTRACT Hyperprolactinemia is a frequent cause of menstrual irregularity, galactorrhea, hypogonadism, and infertility. The most common etiologies of hyperprolactinemia can be classified as physiological, pharmacological, and pathological. Among pathological conditions, it is essential to distinguish prolactinomas from other tumors and pituitary lesions presenting with hyperprolactinemia due to pituitary stalk disconnection. Proper investigation considering clinical data, laboratory tests, and, if necessary, imaging evaluation, is important to identify the correct cause of hyperprolactinemia and manage the patient properly. This position statement by the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (Febrasgo) and Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) addresses the recommendations for measurement of serum prolactin levels and the investigations of symptomatic and asymptomatic hyperprolactinemia and medication-induced hyperprolactinemia in women.

Cryptococcoma hipofisiario: un extraño caso de hipofisitis granulomatosa secundaria / Pituitary cryptococcoma: a strange case of secondary granulomatous hypophysitis

Resumen La hipofisitis es una afección con baja incidencia y prevalencia. Asimismo, las infecciones profundas por hongos en pacientes inmunocompetentes también re presentan un fenómeno infrecuente. Más raro aún es el caso que se describe a continuación, en donde se conjugan estos dos elementos mencionados, a saber: cryptococcoma hipofisario o hipofisitis granulomatosa causado por dicho patógeno en un huésped sin altera ción de la respuesta inmune. Luego de una búsqueda realizada en PubMed, existen limitados casos en la literatura médica de hipofisitis granulomatosa por Cryptococcus spp., que simuló por manifestaciones clínicas e imagenológicas un macro adenoma hipofisario. No encontramos informes en los que no haya evidencia de afectación del tejido meníngeo. La etiología micótica está escasamente descrita en las guías de referencia para hipofisitis y creemos que Cryp tococcus spp. debe ser tenido en cuenta en el diagnóstico diferencial de las hipofisitis granulomatosas secundarias dado que es un patógeno ubicuo y el tratamiento es sustancialmente diferente a otras entidades. Cobra mayor relevancia ante la tendencia actual al uso de glucocorticoides sistémicos a altas dosis para el tratamiento de la hipofisitis, que podría haber gene rado mayor daño de no haberse hecho el diagnóstico correcto.

Abstract Hypophysitis is a pathology with low incidence and prevalence. Likewise, deep fungal infections in immuno competent patients also represent a rare phenomenon. Even rarer is the case described below, where these two mentioned elements are combined, namely: pituitary cryptococcoma or granulomatous hypophysitis caused by said pathogen in a host without altered immune response. After research in PubMed, there are limited cases in the medical literature of granulomatous hypophysitis caused by Cryptococcus spp., which simulated a pituitary macroadenoma by clinical and imaging manifestations. We did not find reports in which there is no evidence of involvement of the meningeal tissue. The fungal etiology is scarcely described in the reference guidelines for hypophysitis and we believe that Cryptococcus spp. it should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of secondary granuloma tous hypophysitis since it is a ubiquitous pathogen and the treatment is substantially different from other entities. It becomes more relevant given the current trend towards the use of high-dose systemic glucocorticoids for the treatment of hypophysitis, which could have generated greater damage if the correct diagnosis had not been made.

Hipofisitis primaria: diagnóstico y tratamiento. estudio multicéntrico / Primary hypophysitis: diagnosis and treatment multi-center study

Resumen Introducción : La hipofisitis es una enfermedad in frecuente que plantea un desafío en el diagnóstico y tratamiento. El objetivo de este estudio multicéntrico y retrospectivo fue describir: a) características de pa cientes con hipofisitis primaria (HP), b) métodos diag nósticos, y c) tratamientos realizados. Además, evaluar: a) presentación clínica, b) bioquímica, c) radiológica, d) oftalmológica al diagnóstico y evolución según el tratamiento recibido. Métodos : Estudio retrospectivo donde se estudiaron 28 pacientes (23 mujeres/5 varones) con HP, edad pro medio de 38±11.1 años. Resultados . Los síntomas fueron: cefalea: 68%, po liuria-polidipsia: 50% y alteraciones visuales: 48%. El examen de laboratorio inicial informó disfunción ade nohipofisaria en 71% de los pacientes, siendo el eje gonadal el más afectado. Los hallazgos radiológicos más frecuentes fueron: lesión simétrica:78.5%, aumento homogéneo post contraste: 78.5% y engrosamiento de tallo:70%. En 4/23 mujeres (17%) se relacionó con em barazos o puerperio La conducta inicial fue expectante (CE) en 14 pacientes, cirugía de resección/descompresión en 8 y tratamiento con inmunosupresores en 6. Quince pacientes tuvieron confirmación histológica, 9 resulta ron hipofisitis linfocitaria, 5 hipofisitis por IgG4 y una xantomatosa. Trece fueron diagnosticados por criterios clínicos establecidos. El tamaño de la lesión disminuyó en 43% de pacientes con CE, 62.5% con cirugía y 50% con inmunosupresores. Los síntomas compresivos mejora ron en los 3 grupos, con escaso efecto sobre la función adenohipofisaria, sin resolución de la diabetes insípida. Discusión : En pacientes sin síntomas compresivos adoptamos CE. En aquellos pacientes sin certeza diag nóstica o con síntomas compresivos graves, se optó por cirugía transesfenoidal.

Abstract Introduction : Primary hypophysitis (PH) is a rare disease that represents a challenge among differential diagnosis and management. Our aim was to describe clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria and different treatment outcomes in patients with PH. Multicentric, retrospective study. Clinical presentation, endocrine function, magnetic resonance imaging findings, visual field defects at diagnosis and treatment outcomes were recorded. Methods : Twenty-eight patients (23 women), with PH were included. Median age: 37. Results : The most frequent symptoms: headache: 68%, polyuria-polydipsia: 50% and visual disturbances: 48%. At diagnosis, anterior pituitary deficiency was present in 71%, being hypogonadotrophic hypogonad ism the most frequent manifestation. The radiological findings: symmetric lesion: 78.5%, homogeneous en hancement: 78.5% and pituitary stalk thickening: 70%. Association with pregnancy or puerperium was found in 4/23 women (17%). Fourteen patients did not receive any treatment ("wait and see" group), 8 underwent surgery for mass reduction or resection and 6 were treated with immunosuppression therapy. Among 15 patients with histopathological diagnosis, 9 were lymphocytic hypophysitis, 5 IgG4 related hypophysitis and 1 xanthomatous hypophysitis. Thirteen were di agnosed by established clinical criteria. Mass reduction was observed in 43% of "wait and see group" patients, 62.5% of operated patients and 50% with immuno suppression therapy. Compressive symptoms showed improvement in the 3 groups, with modest effect on anterior pituitary function, diabetes insipidus did not resolve in any patients. Discussion : In patients without severe compressive symptoms, we adopted a "wait and see" approach. In patients with uncertain diagnosis of PH or severe com pressive symptoms, transsphenoidal surgery was the best option.