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Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are major causes for visual loss in adults. Nearly half of the world's population with diabetes has some... (Review)
Review
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are major causes for visual loss in adults. Nearly half of the world's population with diabetes has some degree of DR, and DME is a major cause of visual impairment in these patients. Severe vision loss occurs because of tractional retinal detachment due to retinal neovascularization, but the most common cause of moderate vision loss occurs in DME where excessive vascular permeability leads to the exudation and accumulation of extracellular fluid and proteins in the macula. Metabolic control stands as an effective mean for controlling retinal vascular alterations in some but not all patients with diabetes, and the search of other modifiable factors affecting the risk for diabetic microvascular complications is warranted. Prolactin (PRL) and its proteolytic fragment, vasoinhibin, have emerged as endogenous regulators of retinal blood vessels. PRL acquires antiangiogenic and anti-vasopermeability properties after undergoing proteolytic cleavage to vasoinhibin, which helps restrict the vascularization of ocular organs and, upon disruption, promotes retinal vascular alterations characteristic of DR and DME. Evidence is linking PRL (and other pituitary hormones) and vasoinhibin to DR and recent preclinical and clinical evidence supports their translation into novel therapeutic approaches.
Topics: Adult; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Retinopathy; Humans; Macula Lutea; Macular Edema; Prolactin; Retina; Vision Disorders
PubMed: 36157442
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.994898 -
Neuroendocrinology 2022Converging evidence indicates prolactin (PRL) and diabetes play an important role in the pathophysiology of cognitive impairment. However, little is known about the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Converging evidence indicates prolactin (PRL) and diabetes play an important role in the pathophysiology of cognitive impairment. However, little is known about the mechanisms responsible for the effects of PRL and diabetes on cognitive impairment.
SUMMARY
We summarize and review the available literature and current knowledge of the association between PRL and diabetes on aspects of cognitive impairment.
KEY MESSAGES
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway is central to the molecular mechanisms underlying how PRL and diabetes interact in cognitive impairment. Further work is needed to identify the interaction between PRL and diabetes, especially in the molecular aspects of cognitive impairment, which can suggest novel strategies for cognitive dysfunction treatment.
Topics: Cognitive Dysfunction; Diabetes Mellitus; Humans; Prolactin; Receptors, Prolactin
PubMed: 34963126
DOI: 10.1159/000521653 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2022Most liver diseases, including acute liver injury, drug-induced liver injury, viral hepatitis, metabolic liver diseases, and end-stage liver diseases, are strongly... (Review)
Review
Most liver diseases, including acute liver injury, drug-induced liver injury, viral hepatitis, metabolic liver diseases, and end-stage liver diseases, are strongly linked with hormonal influences. Thus, delineating the clinical manifestation and underlying mechanisms of the "sexual dimorphism" is critical for providing hints for the prevention, management, and treatment of those diseases. Whether the sex hormones (androgen, estrogen, and progesterone) and sex-related hormones (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin) play protective or toxic roles in the liver depends on the biological sex, disease stage, precipitating factor, and even the psychiatric status. Lifestyle factors, such as obesity, alcohol drinking, and smoking, also drastically affect the involving mechanisms of those hormones in liver diseases. Hormones deliver their hepatic regulatory signals primarily classical and non-classical receptors in different liver cell types. Exogenous sex/sex-related hormone therapy may serve as a novel strategy for metabolic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. However, the undesired hormone-induced liver injury should be carefully studied in pre-clinical models and monitored in clinical applications. This issue is particularly important for menopause females with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and transgender populations who want to receive gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). In conclusion, basic and clinical studies are warranted to depict the detailed hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic mechanisms of sex/sex-related hormones in liver disease. Prolactin holds a promising perspective in treating metabolic and advanced liver diseases.
Topics: Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Luteinizing Hormone; Prolactin
PubMed: 35860276
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.939631 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Multiple studies have shown associations between exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and reduced fertility in women. However, little is known about the...
Multiple studies have shown associations between exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and reduced fertility in women. However, little is known about the target organs of chemical disruption of female fertility. Here, we focus on the hormone-sensitive uterine lining, the endometrium, as a potential target. Decidualization is the morphological and functional change that endometrial stromal cells undergo to support endometrial receptivity, which is crucial for successful implantation, placentation, and pregnancy. We investigated the effect of nine selected EDCs on primary human endometrial stromal cell decidualization The cells were exposed to a decidualization-inducing mixture in the presence or absence of 1 μM of nine different EDCs for nine days. Extent of decidualization was assessed by measuring the activity of cAMP dependent protein kinase, Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase, and protein kinase B in lysates using photoluminescent probes, and secretion of prolactin into the media by using ELISA. Decidualization-inducing mixture upregulated activity of protein kinases and prolactin secretion in cells derived from all women. Of the tested chemicals, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) significantly reduced decidualization as judged by the kinase markers and prolactin secretion. In addition, bisphenol A (BPA) reduced prolactin secretion but did not significantly affect activity of the kinases. None of the EDCs was cytotoxic, based on the assessment of total protein content or activity of the viability marker casein kinase 2 in lysates. These results indicate that EDCs commonly present in the blood circulation of reproductive-aged women can reduce decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells . Future studies should focus on detailed hazard assessment to define possible risks of EDC exposure to endometrial dysfunction and implantation failure in women.
Topics: Adult; Cells, Cultured; Decidua; Endocrine Disruptors; Female; Humans; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; Pregnancy; Prolactin; Stromal Cells
PubMed: 36060944
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.903505 -
Reviews in the Neurosciences Apr 2021Prolactin has been shown to favor both the activation and suppression of the microglia and astrocytes, as well as the release of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory... (Review)
Review
Prolactin has been shown to favor both the activation and suppression of the microglia and astrocytes, as well as the release of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Prolactin has also been associated with neuronal damage in diseases such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and in experimental models of these diseases. However, studies show that prolactin has neuroprotective effects in conditions of neuronal damage and inflammation and may be used as neuroprotector factor. In this review, we first discuss general information about prolactin, then we summarize recent findings of prolactin function in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes and factors involved in the possible dual role of prolactin are described. Finally, we review the function of prolactin specifically in the central nervous system and how it promotes a neuroprotective effect, or that of neuronal damage, particularly in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and during excitotoxicity. The overall studies indicated that prolactin may be a promising molecule for the treatment of some neurological diseases.
Topics: Animals; Central Nervous System; Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental; Humans; Inflammation; Multiple Sclerosis; Prolactin
PubMed: 33661585
DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0082 -
Psychoneuroendocrinology Apr 2023Alterations in prolactin and cortisol levels have been reported in antipsychotic naïve patients with first episode psychosis (FEP). However, it has been studied in very... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
IMPORTANCE
Alterations in prolactin and cortisol levels have been reported in antipsychotic naïve patients with first episode psychosis (FEP). However, it has been studied in very small samples, and inter-group variability has never been studied before.
OBJECTIVE
To provide estimates of standardized mean differences (SMD) and inter-group variability for prolactin, cortisol awakening response (CAR) and morning cortisol concentrations in antipsychotic naïve FEP (AN-FEP) patients and healthy controls (HC).
DATA SOURCES
BIOSIS, KCI, MEDLINE, Russian Science Citation Index, SciELO, Cochrane, PsycINFO, Web of Science were searched from inception to February 28, 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
Peer-reviewed cohort studies that reported on prolactin or cortisol blood concentrations in AN- FEP patients and HC were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Study characteristics, means and standard deviations (SD) were extracted from each article. Inter group differences in magnitude of effect were estimated using Hedges g. Inter-group variability was estimated with the coefficient of variation ratio (CVR). In both cases estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Differences by study-level characteristics were estimated using meta-regression. PRISMA guideline was followed (No. CRD42022303555).
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Prolactin, CAR and morning cortisol blood concentrations in AN-FEP group in relation to HC group.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies for prolactin (N = 761 for AN-FEP group, N = 687 for HC group) and twelve studies for morning cortisol (N = 434 for AN-FEP group, N = 528 for HC group) were included. No studies were found in CAR in AN-FEP patients. Mean SMD for prolactin blood concentration was 0.88 (95% CI 0.57, 1.20) for male and 0.56 (95% CI 0.26, 0.87) for female. As a group, AN-FEP presented greater inter-group variability for prolactin levels than HC (CVR=1.28, 95% CI 1.02, 1.62). SMD for morning cortisol concentrations was non-significant: 0.34 (95% CI -0.01, 0.69) and no inter-group variability significant differences were detected: CVR= 1.05 (95% CI 0.91, 1.20). Meta-regression analyses for age and quality were non-significant. Funnel plots did not suggest a publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Increased prolactin levels were found in AN-FEP patients. A greater inter-group variability in the AN-FEP group suggests the existence of patient subgroups with different prolactin levels. No significant abnormalities were found in morning cortisol levels. Further research is needed to clarify whether prolactin concentrations could be used as an illness biomarker.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Prolactin; Schizophrenia; Antipsychotic Agents; Hydrocortisone; Psychotic Disorders
PubMed: 36758330
DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106049 -
Medical Hypotheses Oct 2021
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Prolactin; Protein Transport; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34425453
DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2021.110662 -
Human & Experimental Toxicology 2022Styrene is widely used in industrial applications. Inhalation exposure occurs in the industry. Some studies indicated that serum prolactin concentrations increased after... (Review)
Review
Styrene is widely used in industrial applications. Inhalation exposure occurs in the industry. Some studies indicated that serum prolactin concentrations increased after exposure to styrene, while other studies found no change. In this systematic review, the search was done with the keywords styrene and prolactin in the PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science and Scopus databases, regardless of the publication period. 118 studies were obtained and only seven articles were finally selected according to exclusion and inclusion criteria. The effect of styrene on prolactin secretion was selected in both human and animal studies. The increased response was seen in inhalation exposures. Subcutaneous exposure has no significant effect on prolactin levels. The observed responses were both dose-dependent and gender-dependent. Changes in serum prolactin were more frequent in women compared to exposed men. Dopamine depletion was not observed in all studies, so more tests on laboratory animals are necessary to clarify the possible mechanism.
Topics: Animals; Male; Humans; Female; Styrene; Prolactin; Dopamine; Inhalation Exposure
PubMed: 36321261
DOI: 10.1177/09603271221133538 -
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks,... Sep 2022Uterine leiomyomas are benign, estrogen-sensitive, fibrotic smooth muscle cell tumors occurring in the uterine myometrium. Leiomyomas are a considerable health burden,...
Uterine leiomyomas are benign, estrogen-sensitive, fibrotic smooth muscle cell tumors occurring in the uterine myometrium. Leiomyomas are a considerable health burden, with a lifetime prevalence of 80% and limited treatment options. Estrogen and progesterone have positive effects on leiomyoma growth, but little is known about the roles of other hormones. One hormone of interest is prolactin, as it has been described to be present and functional in leiomyomas. The current study investigates prolactin production within leiomyomas and its effects on myometrial cells. RNA isolation and quantitative-PCR of human leiomyoma samples relative to matched adjacent myometrium confirms significant expression of prolactin and dopamine receptor D2, a known regulator of prolactin production and release in the pituitary, with no difference in prolactin receptor expression. Immunohistochemistry confirms increased prolactin in leiomyomas compared to adjacent myometrium and uteri from women without leiomyomas. These results suggest that leiomyomas contain cells that produce prolactin, which may then promote signaling in leiomyoma cells to regulate leiomyoma development/growth. Accordingly, we find that prolactin robustly activates STAT5 and MAPK signaling in rat and human myometrial cell lines. Furthermore, prolactin stimulates expression of myofibroblast markers in rat myometrial cells. Our findings suggest that local prolactin production in leiomyomas may stimulate trans-differentiation of myometrial cells to myofibroblasts, which in turn contributes to the fibrotic nature of leiomyomas.
Topics: Animals; Estrogens; Female; Fibrosis; Humans; Leiomyoma; Myometrium; Prolactin; Rats; Uterine Neoplasms
PubMed: 34724171
DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00741-w -
Neuropharmacology May 2020Mammalian pregnancy and lactation is accompanied by a period of infertility that takes place in the midst of a sustained increase in food intake. Indeed, successful... (Review)
Review
Mammalian pregnancy and lactation is accompanied by a period of infertility that takes place in the midst of a sustained increase in food intake. Indeed, successful reproduction in females is dependent on co-ordination of the distinct systems that regulate reproduction and metabolism. Rather than arising from different mechanisms during pregnancy and lactation, we propose that elevations in lactogenic hormones (predominant among these being prolactin and the placental lactogens), are ideally placed to influence both of these systems at the appropriate time. We review the literature examining the impacts of lactogens on fertility and energy homeostasis in the virgin state, during pregnancy and lactation and potential long-term impacts of reproductive experience. Taken together, the literature indicates that duration and pattern of lactogen exposure is a vital factor in the ability of these hormones to alter reproduction and food intake. Transient increases in prolactin, as typically seen in healthy virgin females and males, are unable to exert lasting impacts. Importantly, both suppression of fertility and increased food intake are only observed following exposure to chronically-elevated levels of lactogens. Physiologically, the only time this pattern of lactogenic secretion is maintained in the healthy female is during pregnancy and lactation, when co-ordination between these regulatory systems emerges. This article is part of the special issue on 'Neuropeptides'.
Topics: Animals; Appetite Regulation; Energy Metabolism; Female; Fertility; Humans; Lactation; Male; Placental Lactogen; Pregnancy; Prolactin; Reproduction
PubMed: 32058177
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107911