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Journal of Hazardous Materials Oct 2023Phthalates (PAEs) are widely used for their excellent ability to improve plastic products. As an essential endocrine axis that regulates the reproductive system, whether... (Review)
Review
Phthalates (PAEs) are widely used for their excellent ability to improve plastic products. As an essential endocrine axis that regulates the reproductive system, whether dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is involved in reproductive toxicity mediated by environmental endocrine disruptors PAEs has become a hot topic of widespread concern. This study systematically reviewed the adverse effects of multiple PAEs on the HPG axis in different models and objectively discussed the possible underlying mechanisms. The abnormal release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropin, dysfunction of sex hormone receptors and steroid hormone synthesis, and general damage, including cell proliferation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy have been confirmed to be involved in this process. Although it is widely established that PAEs induce HPG axis dysfunction, the specific mechanisms involved remain unclear. From a systematic review of relevant publications, it appears that the abnormal expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated, aryl hydrocarbon, and insulin receptors mediated by PAEs is key upstream event that induces these adverse outcomes; however, this inference needs to be further verified. Overall, this study aimed to provide reliable potential biomarkers for future environmental risk assessment and epidemiological investigation of PAEs.
Topics: Reproduction; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Gonads; Endocrine System; Gonadal Steroid Hormones
PubMed: 37557049
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132182 -
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica Sep 2023Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a varying group of disorders characterized by deficiency in social interaction and restrictive patterns of behavior and interests.... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a varying group of disorders characterized by deficiency in social interaction and restrictive patterns of behavior and interests. While there are several studies focusing on the neuropsychiatric pathogenesis of ASD, its etiology remains unclear. The role of gut-brain-axis in ASD has been studied increasingly and a correlation between symptoms and the composition of gut microbiota has been documented in various works. Despite this, the significance of individual microbes and their function is still widely unknown. This work aims to elucidate the current knowledge of the interrelations between ASD and the gut microbiota in children based on scientific evidence.
METHODS
This is a systematic review done by a literature search focusing on the main findings concerning the gut microbiota composition, interventions targeting the gut microbiota, and possible mechanisms explaining the results in children aged between 2 and 18 years of age.
RESULTS
Most studies in this review found significant differences between microbial communities, while there was notable variation in results regarding diversity indices or taxonomic level abundance. The most consistent results regarding taxa differences in ASD children's gut microbiota were higher levels of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Sutterella compared to controls.
CONCLUSION
These results show that the gut microbiota of children with ASD is altered compared to one of neurotypically developed children. More research is needed to discover whether some of these features could be used as potential biomarkers for ASD and how the gut microbiota could be targeted in therapeutical interventions.
Topics: Child; Humans; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Biomarkers
PubMed: 37395517
DOI: 10.1111/acps.13587 -
Psychoneuroendocrinology Dec 2015Although there is substantial evidence of differential hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in both generalized and abdominal obesity, consistent trends in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Although there is substantial evidence of differential hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in both generalized and abdominal obesity, consistent trends in obesity-related HPA axis perturbations have yet to be identified.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically review the existing literature on HPA activity in obesity, identify possible explanations for inconsistencies in the literature, and suggest methodological improvements for future study.
DATA SOURCES
Included papers used Pubmed, Google Scholar, and the University of California Library search engines with search terms body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference, sagittal diameter, abdominal versus peripheral body fat distribution, body fat percentage, DEXA, abdominal obesity, and cortisol with terms awakening response, slope, total daily output, reactivity, feedback sensitivity, long-term output, and 11β-HSD expression.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Empirical research papers were eligible provided that they included at least one type of obesity (general or abdominal), measured at least one relevant cortisol parameter, and a priori tested for a relationship between obesity and cortisol.
RESULTS
A general pattern of findings emerged where greater abdominal fat is associated with greater responsivity of the HPA axis, reflected in morning awakening and acute stress reactivity, but some studies did show underresponsiveness. When examined in adipocytes, there is a clear upregulation of cortisol output (due to greater expression of 11β-HSD1), but in hepatic tissue this cortisol is downregulated. Overall obesity (BMI) appears to also be related to a hyperresponsive HPA axis in many but not all studies, such as when acute reactivity is examined.
LIMITATIONS
The reviewed literature contains numerous inconsistencies and contradictions in research methodologies, sample characteristics, and results, which partially precluded the development of clear and reliable patterns of dysregulation in each investigated cortisol parameter.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
The literature to date is inconclusive, which may well arise from differential effects of generalized obesity vs. abdominal obesity or from modulators such as sex, sex hormones, and chronic stress. While the relationship between obesity and adipocyte cortisol seems to be clear, further research is warranted to understand how adipocyte cortisol metabolism influences circulating cortisol levels and to establish consistent patterns of perturbations in adrenal cortisol activity in both generalized and abdominal obesity.
Topics: Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Obesity; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Saliva
PubMed: 26356039
DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.08.014 -
Dermatology and Therapy Oct 2022Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin condition in which flares are commonly associated with stress. One important non-pharmacological method for managing... (Review)
Review
Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin condition in which flares are commonly associated with stress. One important non-pharmacological method for managing stress in patients with psoriasis is mindfulness and/or meditation. The objective of this review is to provide an update on research studies investigating the role of mindfulness and meditation in treating psoriasis symptoms, severity, and quality of life. Of six randomized control trials (RCTs) identified, five demonstrated improvement in self-administered psoriasis area and severity index (saPASI) after 8 or 12 weeks of guided meditation. One RCT and one non-randomized control trial reported mental health benefits in psoriasis patients following guided meditation. These results suggest that meditation can be used as a tool to improve both psoriasis skin severity and patient quality of life in the short term. More research is needed to evaluate the effect of meditation on psoriasis severity and quality of life in the long term.
PubMed: 36103011
DOI: 10.1007/s13555-022-00802-1 -
Nutritional Neuroscience Aug 2022The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a central role in the stress response. Plants, herbs, spices, and plant-based nutrients may influence HPA-axis...
INTRODUCTION
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a central role in the stress response. Plants, herbs, spices, and plant-based nutrients may influence HPA-axis activity.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate randomised controlled, human trials assessing the effects of single plants or phytonutrients on HPA-axis related hormones.
METHODS
A systematic review of PubMed, Cochrane library, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria comprised of human, randomised controlled studies with a control intervention examining the effects of a single herb, spice, plant, or extract on pre- and post-changes in blood, saliva, urine, or hair concentrations of cortisol, cortisone, corticotrophin-releasing hormone, or adrenocorticotropic hormone. Databases were searched from inception until October 2020.
RESULTS
Fifty-two studies were identified examining the effects of ashwagandha, Korean ginseng, St John's Wort, cannabidiol, Rhodiola rosea, curcumin, cherry juice, asparagus, Jiaogulan, Black cohosh, Siberian ginseng, Bacopa monnieri, blueberries, green tea, Caralluma fimbriata, cashew apple juice, melon, American ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, grape juice, grapefruit juice, rosella, hops, mangosteen, holy basil, and pomegranate juice. Due to significant variability in study designs, the effect of phytonutrients on HPA-axis activity in humans was unclear. The most consistent finding was a morning, cortisol-lowering effect from ashwagandha supplementation.
CONCLUSION
For most phytonutrients, the effects of supplementation on HPA-axis activity in humans is unclear. Before more definitive conclusions about the effects of phytonutrients on the HPA-axis can be made, further research is required.
Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Phytochemicals; Pituitary-Adrenal System
PubMed: 33650944
DOI: 10.1080/1028415X.2021.1892253 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Jan 2022Dissociative disorders (DD) and conversion disorders (CD) are frequent in general and psychiatric populations. Some evidence suggest that the hypothalamic-pituitary axis... (Review)
Review
Dissociative disorders (DD) and conversion disorders (CD) are frequent in general and psychiatric populations. Some evidence suggest that the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) are dysregulated in both disorders. We carried out a systematic review of the literature to summarize the existing knowledge on the stress response, via HPA and/or ANS, in patients with DD, CD, or dissociative symptoms. We systematically searched Medline and Web of Science using the Medical Subject Headings related to stress axis, CD, DD, and dissociative symptoms following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results suggest that in participants without psychiatric history, high cortisol secretion is related to high dissociation scores. Conversely the stress system might be blunted in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder who develop dissociative symptoms. Stress response changes seem to be associated with the emergence and persistence of dissociative and conversion disorders. Hence, monitoring the stress response and examining closely the history of stress exposure in DD and CD should be encouraged in future larger studies.
Topics: Autonomic Nervous System; Conversion Disorder; Dissociative Disorders; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 34740754
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.049 -
Cancers Apr 2021Major vascular invasion represents one of the most frequent reasons to consider pancreatic adenocarcinomas unresectable, although in the last decades, demolitive... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Major vascular invasion represents one of the most frequent reasons to consider pancreatic adenocarcinomas unresectable, although in the last decades, demolitive surgeries such as distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) have become a therapeutical option.
METHODS
A meta-analysis of studies comparing DP-CAR and standard DP in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma was conducted. Moreover, a systematic review of studies analyzing oncological, postoperative and survival outcomes of DP-CAR was conducted.
RESULTS
Twenty-four articles were selected for the systematic review, whereas eleven were selected for the meta-analysis, for a total of 1077 patients. Survival outcomes between the two groups were similar in terms of 1 year overall survival (OS) (odds ratio (OR) 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34 to 1.31, = 0.24). Patients who received DP-CAR were more likely to have T4 tumors (OR 28.45, 95% CI 10.46 to 77.37, < 0.00001) and positive margins (R+) (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.24 to 4.17, = 0.008). Overall complications (OR, 1.72, 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.58, = 0.008) were more frequent in the DP-CAR group, whereas rates of pancreatic fistula (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.65, = 0.41) were similar.
CONCLUSIONS
DP-CAR was not associated with higher mortality compared to standard DP; however, overall morbidity was higher. Celiac axis involvement should no longer be considered a strict contraindication to surgery in patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Considering the different baseline tumor characteristics, DP-CAR may need to be compared with palliative therapies instead of standard DP.
PubMed: 33921838
DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081967 -
Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology Jul 2022Differential HPA axis function has been proposed to underlie sex-differences in mental disorders; however, the impact of fluctuating sex hormones across the menstrual... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Differential HPA axis function has been proposed to underlie sex-differences in mental disorders; however, the impact of fluctuating sex hormones across the menstrual cycle on HPA axis activity is still unclear. This meta-analysis investigated basal cortisol concentrations as a marker for HPA axis activity across the menstrual cycle. Through a systematic literature search of five databases, 121 longitudinal studies were included, summarizing data of 2641 healthy, cycling participants between the ages of 18 and 45. The meta-analysis showed higher cortisol concentrations in the follicular vs. luteal phase (d = 0.12, p =.004, [0.04 - 0.20]). Comparisons between more precise cycle phases were mostly insignificant, aside from higher concentrations in the menstrual vs. premenstrual phase (d = 0.17, [0.02 - 0.33], p =.03). In all included studies, nine samples used established cortisol parameters to indicate HPA axis function, specifically diurnal profiles (k = 4) and the cortisol awakening response (CAR) (k = 5). Therefore, the meta-analysis highlights the need for more rigorous investigation of HPA axis activity and menstrual cycle phase.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Menstrual Cycle; Middle Aged; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Saliva; Young Adult
PubMed: 35597328
DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100998 -
Journal of Behavioral Medicine Aug 2017Numerous studies suggest that discrimination is associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes. Whereas the cardiovascular system has been extensively studied... (Review)
Review
Numerous studies suggest that discrimination is associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes. Whereas the cardiovascular system has been extensively studied as a potential pathway linking discrimination with disease, the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis remains understudied. We conducted a systematic review of research on discrimination and related constructs as predictors and correlates of HPA axis activity. Twenty seven studies (10 experimental, 17 observational) met inclusion criteria. Studies suggest that discrimination is associated with alterations in HPA axis activity and that the direction of this association depends on the timing and chronicity of the discrimination experience. There is also evidence of important modulating variables (race, socioeconomic status) and contextual confounders (emotional, situational) that warrant further study. Accounting for the HPA axis in addition to the cardiovascular system will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the biobehavioral pathways contributing to physical and mental health inequities related to discrimination.
Topics: Emotions; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Prejudice
PubMed: 28155003
DOI: 10.1007/s10865-017-9830-6 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jul 2023Knowledge of vascular anatomy and its possible variations is essential for performing embolization or revascularization procedures and complex surgery in the pelvis. The... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Knowledge of vascular anatomy and its possible variations is essential for performing embolization or revascularization procedures and complex surgery in the pelvis. The obturator artery (OA) is a branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery (IIA), and it has the highest frequency of variation among branches of the internal iliac artery. Possible anomalies of the origin of the obturator artery (OA) should be known when performing pelvic and groin surgery, where its control or ligation may be required. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis, based on Sanudo's classification, is to analyze the origin of the obturator artery (OA) and its variants.
METHODS
Thirteen articles published between 1952 and 2020 were included.
RESULTS
The obturator artery (OA) was present in almost all cases (99.8%): the pooled prevalence estimate for the origin from the IIA axis was 77.7% (95% CI 71.8-83.1%) vs. 22.3% (95% CI 16.9-28.2%) for the origin from EIA axis. In most cases, the obturator artery (OA) originated from the anterior division trunk of the internal iliac artery (IIA) (61.6%).
CONCLUSIONS
Performing preoperative radiological examination to determine the pelvic vascular pattern and having the awareness to evaluate possible changes in the obturator artery can reduce the risk of iatrogenic injury and complications.
PubMed: 37568334
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154932