Circulatory microRNA 23a and microRNA 23b and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): the effects of body mass index and sex hormones in an Eastern Han Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the expression of genes involved in various cellular functions related to metabolism, inflammation, and reproduction. This study evaluated the effects of sex hormones and obesity on the expression of circulating miR-23a and miR-23b in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy women. METHODS: Serum sex hormones concentrations and body mass index (BMI) were measured in 18 women with PCOS and in 30 healthy women from the East China area and these measurements were correlated with serum miR-23a/b levels. The effect of miR-23a and miR-23b risk factors on occurrence of PCOS and predisposing factors of PCOS on these miRNA expressions were evaluated. RESULTS: The expressions of miR-23a/b were significantly lower in the women with PCOS than the normal women, and the expression levels of miR-23a/b were positively correlated with each other in the normal women (p = 0.001) but not in the women with PCOS (p > 0.05). In the women with PCOS, miR-23a was positively correlated with BMI (p = 0.03). However, no correlations were found between the levels of miR-23a/b and the sex hormones in the normal and PCOS women. On the other hand, without considering the presence or absence of PCOS, increase in BMI had a positive effect on the levels of circulating miR-23b; while testosterone had negative effects on the levels of circulating miR-23a. Furthermore, the likelihood of women with PCOS decreased by 0.01-fold for every 1 fold increase of miR-23a expression. CONCLUSIONS: Both reduced levels and discordance between the expressions of miR-23a/b were observed in the women with PCOS and miR-23a/b were affected from testosterone and BMI, reversely. Therefore, miR-23a alteration in contrast with miR-23b is a better indicator for evaluation of PCOS than the miR-23b.

Aggression, impulsivity, plasma sex hormones, and biogenic amine turnover in a forensic population of rapists.

The aim of the present study was to assess androgen plasma levels and biogenic amine metabolites in a sex-offender group as well as to investigate the relationship between the biological findings and the impulsive, aggressive, and suicidal profile of the offenders. Fifty-seven males convicted for rape and 25 normal males comprised the study sample. We found that although both testosterone levels and aggression-impulsivity scores were higher in the group of rapists, testosterone levels were not associated with the aggression and impulsivity scores. Nevertheless, aggression-impulsivity scores were clearly associated with luteinizing hormone levels. This association may indicate a hyperactive hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, possibly the result of a reduced serotonergic activity.

[Relation between corpus luteum function and serum prolactin concentration in early pregnancy]. / Zusammenhang zwischen Gelbkörperfunktion und Serumprolaktinkonzentration in der Frühschwangerschaft.

In 20 patients between the 6.-8. week of pregnancy serum prolactin concentration could be decreased successful by administration of a single dose bromocriptine. Coincidentally the steroid secretion of the corpus luteum has been monitored by measurement the serum concentration of progesterone and estradiol. There are no prolactin related changes in the corpus luteum function under these conditions.

Psychoendocrinology of the menstrual cycle: II. The relationship between enjoyment of activities, moods, and reproductive hormones.

Fourteen women served as subjects in a study of the relationships between emotional states, enjoyment of activities, and reproductive hormones. Each subject was psychologically and physically healthy, had a documented history of normal and regular menstrual cycles, was not taking oral contraceptives, and was involved in an ongoing heterosexual relationship. Each woman participated for at least two complete menstrual cycles. The Profile of Mood States and the Social-Sexual Activities Log were filled out daily; other questionnaires were completed less frequently. Blood was drawn between 3 and 5 times/week and was analyzed, using radioimmunoassay methods, from plasma levels of estradiol, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone. Twenty-seven of the twenty-eight cycles appeared to be normal and ovulatory, according to accepted endocrinological criteria. Results showed that in this sample of healthy women there was no relationship between mood states or enjoyment of activities and phase of the menstrual cycle, and no relationship between these psychological states and absolute levels of the reproductive hormones estradiol and progesterone.