-
EBioMedicine Jan 2024Endogenous steroid hormones have significant effects on inflammatory and immune processes, but the immunological activities of steroidogenesis precursors remain largely...
BACKGROUND
Endogenous steroid hormones have significant effects on inflammatory and immune processes, but the immunological activities of steroidogenesis precursors remain largely unexplored.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic approach to examine the association between steroid hormones profile and immune traits in a cohort of 534 healthy volunteers. Serum concentrations of steroid hormones and their precursors (cortisol, progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, 11-deoxycortisol and 17-OH progesterone) were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Immune traits were evaluated by quantifying cellular composition of the circulating immune system and ex vivo cytokine responses elicited by major human pathogens and microbial ligands. An independent cohort of 321 individuals was used for validation, followed by in vitro validation experiments.
FINDINGS
We observed a positive association between 11-deoxycortisol and lymphoid cellular subsets numbers and function (especially IL-17 response). The association with lymphoid cellularity was validated in an independent validation cohort. In vitro experiments showed that, as compared to androstenedione and 17-OH progesterone, 11-deoxycortisol promoted T cell proliferation and Candida-induced Th17 polarization at physiologically relevant concentrations. Functionally, 11-deoxycortisol-treated T cells displayed a more activated phenotype (PD-L1 CD25 CD62L CD127) in response to CD3/CD28 co-stimulation, and downregulated expression of T-bet nuclear transcription factor.
INTERPRETATION
Our findings suggest a positive association between 11-deoxycortisol and T-cell function under physiological conditions. Further investigation is needed to explore the potential mechanisms and clinical implications.
FUNDING
Found in acknowledgements.
Topics: Humans; Cortodoxone; Progesterone; Androstenedione; Steroids; Phenotype
PubMed: 38134621
DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104935 -
Biomedicines Feb 2024Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multisystem reproductive-metabolic disorder and the most common endocrine cause of infertility. The objective of our study was to...
The Comparative Effects of Myo-Inositol and Metformin Therapy on the Clinical and Biochemical Parameters of Women of Normal Weight Suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multisystem reproductive-metabolic disorder and the most common endocrine cause of infertility. The objective of our study was to determine the influence of myo-inositol (MI) on insulin resistance (IR), menstrual cycle regularity, and hyperandrogenism in women suffering from PCOS with normal BMI and diagnosed IR.
METHODS
We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) that included 60 participants with PCOS who had IR and a normal BMI. Two groups were formed. A group of thirty patients received MI, and thirty patients in the control group received metformin (MET).
RESULTS
A statistically significant reduction in the area under the curve (AUC) of insulin values during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was recorded in both examined groups after the applied therapy with MI and MET. The regularity of the menstrual cycle in both groups was improved in >90% of patients. A statistically significant decrease in androgenic hormones (testosterone, SHBG, free androgen index-FAI, androstenedione) was recorded in both groups and did not differ between the groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Both MI and MET can be considered very effective in the regulation of IR, menstrual cycle irregularities, and hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS.
PubMed: 38397951
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020349 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jun 202417-β-estradiol, involved in mesothelioma pathogenesis, and its precursors were explored as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of mesothelioma. Using...
DHEA-S, Androstenedione, 17-β-estradiol signature as novel biomarkers for early prediction of risk of malignant pleural mesothelioma linked to asbestos-exposure: A preliminary investigation.
17-β-estradiol, involved in mesothelioma pathogenesis, and its precursors were explored as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of mesothelioma. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) for 17-β-estradiol and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS) for 19 17-β-estradiol precursors, a comprehensive analysis of 20steroid hormones was conducted in the serum of mesothelioma patients(n=67), asbestos-exposed healthy subjects(n=39), and non-asbestos-exposed healthy subjects(n=35). Bioinformatics analysis explored three potential serum biomarkers: 17-β-estradiol, DHEA-S, and androstenedione. The results revealed significant differences in 17-β-estradiol levels between mesothelioma patients and both non-asbestos-exposed and asbestos-exposed healthy subjects. No significant variations in serum 17-β-estradiol levels were observed among mesothelioma patients at different stages, suggesting its potential as an early diagnostic marker. 17-β-estradiol levels were similar in mesothelioma patients with environmental and occupational asbestos exposure, while males with occupational asbestos exposure exhibited significantly higher levels of 17-β-estradiol compared to females. Significant reduction in androstenedione and an increase in DHEA-S were observed in asbestos-exposed individuals compared to non-asbestos-exposed individuals. The analysis of DHEA-S-androstenedione-17-β-estradiol signature score showed an increase in asbestos-exposed individuals and mesothelioma patients compared to non-asbestos-exposed individuals, and this score effectively distinguished between the groups. The Cancer Genome Atlas data was utilized to analyze the expression of 5-α-reductase1 and hydroxysteroid-17β-dehydrogenase2 genes. The findings indicated that mesothelioma patients with elevated gene values for 5-α-reductase1 and hydroxysteroid-17β-dehydrogenase2 have a worse or better prognosis on overall survival, respectively. In conclusion, this study suggests 17-β-estradiol, DHEA-S, and androstenedione as biomarkers for mesothelioma risk and early diagnosis of mesothelioma in asbestos-exposed individuals, aiding timely intervention and improved care.
Topics: Humans; Estradiol; Male; Biomarkers, Tumor; Androstenedione; Asbestos; Female; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure; Aged; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Lung Neoplasms; Mesothelioma; Pleural Neoplasms; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Case-Control Studies; Early Detection of Cancer
PubMed: 38692064
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116662 -
Endocrine Connections Dec 2023Salivary androgens represent non-invasive biomarkers of puberty that may have utility in clinical and population studies.
CONTEXT
Salivary androgens represent non-invasive biomarkers of puberty that may have utility in clinical and population studies.
OBJECTIVE
To understand normal age-related variation in salivary sex steroids and demonstrate their correlation to pubertal development in young adolescents.
DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS
School-based cohort study of 1495 adolescents at two time points for collecting saliva samples approximately 2 years apart.
OUTCOME MEASURES
The saliva samples were analyzed for five androgens (testosterone, androstenedione (A4), 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 11-ketotestosterone and 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; in addition, salivary dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and oestradiol (OE2) were analysed by ELISA. The pubertal staging was self-reported using the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS).
RESULTS
In 1236 saliva samples from 903 boys aged between 11 and 16 years, salivary androgens except DHEA exhibited an increasing trend with an advancing age (ANOVA, P < 0.001), with salivary testosterone and A4 concentration showing the strongest correlation (r = 0.55, P < 0.001 and r = 0.48, P < 0.001, respectively). In a subgroup analysis of 155 and 63 saliva samples in boys and girls, respectively, morning salivary testosterone concentrations showed the highest correlation with composite PDS scores and voice-breaking category from PDS self-report in boys (r = 0.75, r = 0.67, respectively). In girls, salivary DHEA and OE2 had negligible correlations with age or composite PDS scores.
CONCLUSION
In boys aged 11-16 years, an increase in salivary testosterone and A4 is associated with self-reported pubertal progress and represents valid non-invasive biomarkers of puberty in boys.
PubMed: 37800674
DOI: 10.1530/EC-23-0084 -
Journal of the Endocrine Society Dec 2023Altered metabolic signatures on steroidogenesis may characterize individual subtypes of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), but conventional diagnostic approaches are...
CONTEXT
Altered metabolic signatures on steroidogenesis may characterize individual subtypes of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), but conventional diagnostic approaches are limited to differentiate subtypes.
OBJECTIVE
We explored metabolic characterizations and identified multiple diagnostic biomarkers specific to individual subtypes of CAH.
METHODS
Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based profiling of 33 adrenal steroids was developed and applied to serum samples obtained from 67 CAH patients and 38 healthy volunteers.
RESULTS
Within- and between-run precisions were 95.4% to 108.3% and 94.1% to 110.0%, respectively, while all accuracies were <12% and the correlation coefficients () were > 0.910. Metabolic ratios corresponding to 21-hydroxylase characterized 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD; n = 63) from healthy controls (area under the curve = 1.0, < 1 × 10 for all) and other patients with CAH in addition to significantly increased serum 17α-hydroxyprogesterone ( < 1 × 10) and 21-deoxycortisol ( < 1 × 10) levels. Higher levels of mineralocorticoids, such as corticosterone (B) and 18-hydroxyB, were observed in 17α-hydroxylase deficiency (17α-OHD; N = 3), while metabolic ratio of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate to pregnenolone sulfate was remarkably decreased against all subjects. A patient with 11β-hydroxylase deficiency (11β-OHD) demonstrated significantly elevated 11-deoxycortisol and its metabolite tetrahydroxy-11-deoxyF, with reduced metabolic ratios of 11β-hydroxytestosterone/testosterone and 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione/androstenedione. The steroid profiles resulted in significantly decreased cortisol metabolism in both 21-OHD and 17α-OHD but not in 11β-OHD.
CONCLUSION
The metabolic signatures with specific steroids and their corresponding metabolic ratios may reveal individual CAH subtypes. Further investigations with more substantial sample sizes should be explored to enhance the clinical validity.
PubMed: 38130465
DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad155 -
Research in Veterinary Science Jun 2024Androgens are produced in both sexes. In females produced by the adrenal gland and the ovaries they play a crucial role in regulating ovarian function, estrogen...
Androgens are produced in both sexes. In females produced by the adrenal gland and the ovaries they play a crucial role in regulating ovarian function, estrogen synthesis and follicular growth. Age leads to a reduction in androgen concentrations, although, at present, these mechanisms are not elucidated in mares. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of testosterone (T), androstenedione (A) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in mares of different ages. Blood samples were drawn from seventy cyclic Spanish Purebred mares belonging to five age groups: 3-5 years, 6-9 years, 10-13 years, 14-16 years and > 16 years. The concentrations of T, A4 and DHEA were determined by EIA, validated specifically for horses. Mares aged 3-5, 6-9 and 10-13 years had higher T concentrations (P < 0.05) than mares aged >16 years, and mares aged 6-9 years had also higher concentrations than those 14-16 years old (P < 0.05). A concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in mares >16 years old when compared with those of other age groups. DHEA concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in mares 14-16 years and > 16 years old when compared with those of other age groups. DHEA was positively correlated with T (r = 0.61; P < 0.05) and A (r = 0.51; P < 0.05). Age induces reduction in androgens' synthesis in physiologically cyclic Spanish Purebred mares. These physiological variations must be duly considered for a correct and objective interpretation of the analytical data.
Topics: Animals; Horses; Female; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Testosterone; Androstenedione; Aging; Androgens; Age Factors; Estrous Cycle
PubMed: 38677075
DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105276 -
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England) Dec 2023Can in vitro maturation (IVM) and developmental competence of human oocytes be improved by co-culture with ovarian support cells (OSCs) derived from human-induced...
STUDY QUESTION
Can in vitro maturation (IVM) and developmental competence of human oocytes be improved by co-culture with ovarian support cells (OSCs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)?
SUMMARY ANSWER
OSC-IVM significantly improves the rates of metaphase II (MII) formation and euploid Day 5 or 6 blastocyst formation, when compared to a commercially available IVM system.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
IVM has historically shown highly variable performance in maturing oocytes and generating oocytes with strong developmental capacity, while limited studies have shown a positive benefit of primary granulosa cell co-culture for IVM. We recently reported the development of OSCs generated from hiPSCs that recapitulate dynamic ovarian function in vitro.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
The study was designed as a basic science study, using randomized sibling oocyte specimen allocation. Using pilot study data, a prospective sample size of 20 donors or at least 65 oocytes per condition were used for subsequent experiments. A total of 67 oocyte donors were recruited to undergo abbreviated gonadotropin stimulation with or without hCG triggers and retrieved cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were allocated between the OSC-IVM or control conditions (fetal-like OSC (FOSC)-IVM or media-only IVM) in three independent experimental design formats. The total study duration was 1 April 2022 to 1 July 2023.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Oocyte donors between the ages of 19 and 37 years were recruited for retrieval after informed consent, with assessment of anti-Mullerian hormone, antral follicle count, age, BMI and ovarian pathology used for inclusion and exclusion criteria. In experiment 1, 27 oocyte donors were recruited, in experiment 2, 23 oocyte donors were recruited, and in experiment 3, 17 oocyte donors and 3 sperm donors were recruited. The OSC-IVM culture condition was composed of 100 000 OSCs in suspension culture with hCG, recombinant FSH, androstenedione, and doxycycline supplementation. IVM controls lacked OSCs and contained either the same supplementation, FSH and hCG only (a commercial IVM control), or FOSCs with the same supplementation (Media control). Experiment 1 compared OSC-IVM, FOSC-IVM, and a Media control, while experiments 2 and 3 compared OSC-IVM and a commercial IVM control. Primary endpoints in the first two experiments were the MII formation (i.e. maturation) rate and morphological quality assessment. In the third experiment, the fertilization and embryo formation rates were assessed with genetic testing for aneuploidy and epigenetic quality in blastocysts.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
We observed a statistically significant improvement (∼1.5×) in maturation outcomes for oocytes that underwent IVM with OSCs compared to control Media-IVM and FOSC-IVM in experiment 1. More specifically, the OSC-IVM group yielded a MII formation rate of 68% ± 6.83% SEM versus 46% ± 8.51% SEM in the Media control (P = 0.02592, unpaired t-test). FOSC-IVM yielded a 51% ± 9.23% SEM MII formation rate which did not significantly differ from the media control (P = 0.77 unpaired t-test). Additionally, OSC-IVM yielded a statistically significant ∼1.6× higher average MII formation rate at 68% ± 6.74% when compared to 43% ± 7.90% in the commercially available IVM control condition (P = 0.0349, paired t-test) in experiment 2. Oocyte morphological quality between OSC-IVM and the controls did not significantly differ. In experiment 3, OSC-IVM oocytes demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in Day 5 or 6 euploid blastocyst formation per COC compared to the commercial IVM control (25% ± 7.47% vs 11% ± 3.82%, P = 0.0349 logistic regression). Also in experiment 3, the OSC-treated oocytes generated blastocysts with similar global and germline differentially methylated region epigenetic profiles compared commercial IVM controls or blastocysts after either conventional ovarian stimulation.
LARGE SCALE DATA
N/A.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
While the findings of this study are compelling, the cohort size remains limited and was powered on preliminary pilot studies, and the basic research nature of the study limits generalizability compared to randomized control trials. Additionally, use of hCG-triggered cycles results in a heterogenous oocyte cohort, and potential differences in the underlying maturation state of oocytes pre-IVM may limit or bias findings. Further research is needed to clarify and characterize the precise mechanism of action of the OSC-IVM system. Further research is also needed to establish whether these embryos are capable of implantation and further development, a key indication of their clinical utility.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Together, these findings demonstrate a novel approach to IVM with broad applicability to modern ART practice. The controls used in this study are in line with and have produced similar to findings to those in the literature, and the outcome of this study supports findings from previous co-culture studies that found benefits of primary granulosa cells on IVM outcomes. The OSC-IVM system shows promise as a highly flexible IVM approach that can complement a broad range of stimulation styles and patient populations. Particularly for patients who cannot or prefer not to undergo conventional gonadotropin stimulation, OSC-IVM may present a viable path for obtaining developmentally competent, mature oocytes.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
A.D.N., A.B.F., A.G., B.P., C.A., C.C.K., F.B., G.R., K.S.P., K.W., M.M., P.C., S.P., and M.-J.F.-G. are shareholders in the for-profit biotechnology company Gameto Inc. P.R.J.F. declares paid consultancy for Gameto Inc. P.C. also declares paid consultancy for the Scientific Advisory Board for Gameto Inc. D.H.M. has received consulting services from Granata Bio, Sanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Gameto, and Buffalo IVF, and travel support from the Upper Egypt Assisted Reproduction Society. C.C.K., S.P., M.M., A.G., B.P., K.S.P., G.R., and A.D.N. are listed on a patent covering the use of OSCs for IVM: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/492,210. Additionally, C.C.K. and K.W. are listed on three patents covering the use of OSCs for IVM: U.S. Patent Application No. 17/846,725, U.S Patent Application No. 17/846,845, and International Patent Application No.: PCT/US2023/026012. C.C.K., M.P.S., and P.C. additionally are listed on three patents for the transcription factor-directed production of granulosa-like cells from stem cells: International Patent Application No.: PCT/US2023/065140, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/326,640, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/444,108. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Young Adult; Coculture Techniques; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Gonadotropins; In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells; Oocytes; Pilot Projects; Prospective Studies; Semen
PubMed: 37815487
DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead205 -
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology... May 2024Reproduction in women is at risk due to exposure to chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system during different windows of sensitivity throughout life. Steroid...
BACKGROUND
Reproduction in women is at risk due to exposure to chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system during different windows of sensitivity throughout life. Steroid hormone levels are fundamental for the normal development and function of the human reproductive system, including the ovary. This study aims to elucidate steroidogenesis at different life-stages in human ovaries.
METHODS
We have developed a sensitive and specific LC-MS/MS method for 21 important steroid hormones and measured them at different life stages: in media from cultures of human fetal ovaries collected from elective terminations of normally progressing pregnancy and in media from adult ovaries from Caesarean section patients, and follicular fluid from women undergoing infertility treatment. Statistically significant differences in steroid hormone levels and their ratios were calculated with parametric tests. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to explore clustering of the ovarian-derived steroidogenic profiles.
RESULTS
Comparison of the 21 steroid hormones revealed clear differences between the various ovarian-derived steroid profiles. Interestingly, we found biosynthesis of both canonical and "backdoor" pathway steroid hormones and corticosteroids in first and second trimester fetal and adult ovarian tissue cultures. 17α-estradiol, a less potent naturally occurring isomer of 17β-estradiol, was detected only in follicular fluid. PCA of the ovarian-derived profiles revealed clusters from: adult ovarian tissue cultures with relatively high levels of androgens; first trimester and second trimester fetal ovarian tissue cultures with relatively low estrogen levels; follicular fluid with the lowest androgens, but highest corticosteroid, progestogen and estradiol levels. Furthermore, ratios of specific steroid hormones showed higher estradiol/ testosterone and estrone/androstenedione (indicating higher CYP19A1 activity, p < 0.01) and higher 17-hydroxyprogesterone/progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone /androstenedione (indicating higher CYP17A1 activity, p < 0.01) in fetal compared to adult ovarian tissue cultures.
CONCLUSIONS
Human ovaries demonstrate de novo synthesis of non-canonical and "backdoor" pathway steroid hormones and corticosteroids. Elucidating the steroid profiles in human ovaries improves our understanding of physiological, life-stage dependent, steroidogenic capacity of ovaries and will inform mechanistic studies to identify endocrine disrupting chemicals that affect female reproduction.
Topics: Humans; Female; Ovary; Adult; Pregnancy; Fetus; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Follicular Fluid; Estradiol; Chromatography, Liquid
PubMed: 38778396
DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01233-7 -
Nutrients Nov 2023Minipuberty is a transient phase of reproductive axis activation during the first several months of life, playing an important role in the development of reproductive...
Minipuberty is a transient phase of reproductive axis activation during the first several months of life, playing an important role in the development of reproductive organs in boys. Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of neonatal complications. An inadequate gestational vitamin D status is hypothesized to affect the postnatal activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The purpose of our study was to assess whether a low vitamin D status during pregnancy determines the course of minipuberty in boys. The study included three groups of male infants born to women with different vitamin D statuses: sons of women with vitamin D deficiency (group 1), sons of women with vitamin D insufficiency (group 2), and male offspring of females with normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (group 3 (the reference group)). Concentrations of testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estradiol, progesterone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone in saliva, as well as concentrations of gonadotropins in urine, were assayed monthly from postnatal months 1 to 6, and once every 2 months in the second half of the first year of life. Additionally, at each visit, penile length and testicular volume were assessed. Concentrations of testosterone, FSH, and LH, as well as penile length and testicular volume, were greater in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. In turn, group 2 was characterized by higher FSH levels and a greater testicular volume than group 3. Peak concentrations of LH and testosterone were observed earlier in group 1 than in the remaining groups. The obtained results suggest that a low vitamin D status during pregnancy may have a stimulatory impact on reproductive axis activity and on the early postnatal development of male genital organs, correlating with the severity of hypovitaminosis D.
Topics: Infant; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Male; Female; Pregnancy; Nuclear Family; Testosterone; Androstenedione; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Follicle Stimulating Hormone
PubMed: 38004122
DOI: 10.3390/nu15224729 -
Journal of Endocrinological... May 2024Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating disease characterized by persistent fatigue and decreased daily activity following physical...
PURPOSE
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating disease characterized by persistent fatigue and decreased daily activity following physical and/or cognitive exertion. While ME/CFS affects both sexes, there is a higher prevalence in women. However, studies evaluating this sex-related bias are limited.
METHODS
Circulating steroid hormones, including mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), glucocorticoids (cortisol, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, cortisone), androgens (androstenedione, testosterone), and progestins (progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone), were measured in plasma samples using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Samples were obtained from mild/moderate (ME/CFSmm; females, n=20; males, n=8), severely affected patients (ME/CFSsa; females, n=24; males, n=6), and healthy controls (HC, females, n=12; males, n=17).
RESULTS
After correction for multiple testing, we observed that circulating levels of 11-deoxycortisol, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone in females, and progesterone in males were significantly different between HC, ME/CFSmm, and ME/CFSsa. Comparing two independent groups, we found that female ME/CFSsa had higher levels of 11-deoxycortisol (vs. HC and ME/CFSmm) and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (vs. HC). In addition, female ME/CFSmm showed a significant increase in progesterone levels compared to HC. In contrast, our study found that male ME/CFSmm had lower circulating levels of cortisol and corticosterone, while progesterone levels were elevated compared to HC. In addition to these univariate analyses, our correlational and multivariate approaches identified differential associations between our study groups. Also, using two-component partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), we were able to discriminate ME/CFS from HC with an accuracy of 0.712 and 0.846 for females and males, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest the potential value of including steroid hormones in future studies aimed at improving stratification in ME/CFS. Additionally, our results provide new perspectives to explore the clinical relevance of these differences within specific patient subgroups.
PubMed: 38724880
DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02334-1