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The European Journal of Contraception &... Jun 2024To evaluate the initial impact of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing norgestimate (NGM) on female sexuality and on circulating androgen levels in users.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the initial impact of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing norgestimate (NGM) on female sexuality and on circulating androgen levels in users.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Six months modification in the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ) and testosterone (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) serum levels in women starting a monophasic pill containing ethinyl-estradiol (EE) 35 µg and NGM 0.250 mg.
RESULTS
The study was completed by 36 subjects. There was a significant increase in MFSQ during treatment ( < 0.0001) (and its domains with the exclusion of vaginal lubrication domain) with concomitant decreases in T (-4.45%, < 0.0001) and DHEAS (-19.41%, < 0.0001) serum levels.
CONCLUSIONS
Contraception with EE/NGM was associated with a short term non-deteriorating effect on sexuality despite the evident decrease in androgen levels. Female sexuality during COC use is a complex topic and is not only linked with changes in serum androgen levels.
PubMed: 38940613
DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2024.2369833 -
Clinical Endocrinology Jun 2024To investigate the clinical, laboratory findings and signal intensity index (SII) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with bilateral and unilateral...
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical, laboratory findings and signal intensity index (SII) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with bilateral and unilateral macronodular mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS).
PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS
Clinical and laboratory findings of 81 patients with MACS were examined from retrospective records. SII of adenomas and internodular areas were evaluated by MRI. The unilateral group included patients with an adrenal macronodule (≥1 cm) in a single adrenal gland, while the bilateral group included patients with at least one macronodule in both adrenal glands.
RESULTS
In total, 46 patients were in the unilateral (57%), while 35 (43%) patients were in the bilateral groups. The dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) level was lower in the unilateral than in the bilateral group (p < .001). The presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations were higher in the bilateral group (p < .05). However, no significant difference was detected in terms of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) between the two groups (p > .05). There was no difference in SII between adenomas within the same patient, as well as between the unilateral and bilateral groups (p > .05). Logistic regression analysis based on the differentiation between unilateral and bilateral macronodular MACS demonstrated that DHEA-S, HbA1c and LDL concentrations were associated factors.
CONCLUSION
DHEA-S levels may not be as suppressed in patients with bilateral macronodular MACS as compared to those with unilateral adenoma. T2DM and hypercholesterolaemia have a higher frequency in bilateral patients. However, ACTH, overnight 1 mg DST and SII may not provide additional information for differentiation of bilaterality and unilaterality.
PubMed: 38935859
DOI: 10.1111/cen.15109 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024To examine the potential association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hyperuricemia and to elucidate the underlying contributory factors.
PURPOSE
To examine the potential association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hyperuricemia and to elucidate the underlying contributory factors.
METHODS
Retrospective study on 603 women with PCOS and 604 women without PCOS. Anthropometric features, reproductive hormone profiles, and metabolic parameters were measured and compared between two groups of patients. Examinations of correlations between SUA levels and other parameters were conducted to discern potential correlations.
RESULTS
Both serum uric acid levels and the incidence of hyperuricemia exhibited statistically significant elevations in women with PCOS when compared to their counterparts without PCOS. Nonetheless, this statistical difference was not found between the obese subgroup after stratifying study subjects by body mass index (BMI). Pearson's correlation analysis underscored the prominence of BMI as a robust factor influencing SUA levels in women, regardless of their PCOS status. Furthermore, multivariable linear regression model demonstrated significant positive associations between SUA levels and several variables, namely dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), free androgen index (FAI), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), free fatty acids (FFA), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), area under the curve for insulin (AUC-I), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Additionally, it is noteworthy that the prevalence of hyperuricemia exhibited a positive association with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, while conversely, it displayed a negative association with estradiol (E2) levels.
CONCLUSIONS
PCOS is associated with a significant elevation of SUA level and hyperuricemia prevalence. HA, IR, and dyslipidemia may be the mediators in the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia in women with PCOS.
Topics: Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Female; Hyperuricemia; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Uric Acid; Insulin Resistance; Body Mass Index; Young Adult
PubMed: 38933825
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1356859 -
Brain Sciences Jun 2024This study was designed to examine the relationships among the impulsivity construct as a personality trait, the dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and...
This study was designed to examine the relationships among the impulsivity construct as a personality trait, the dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and testosterone in a sample of 120 healthy middle-aged males (M = 44.39; = 12.88). The sum of the three BIS-11 scales, the SR, and the five UPPS-P scales correlated with DHEA-S 0.23 ( < 0.006) and testosterone 0.19 ( < 0.04), controlling for age. Partial correlations showed that DHEA-S was significantly related to motor impulsivity (0.24; < 0.008), Sensitivity to Reward (0.29; < 0.002), Lack of Premeditation (0.26; < 0.05), and, to a lesser extent, Sensation Seeking (0.19; < 0.04) and Positive Urgency (0.19; < 0.04). Testosterone correlated with attention impulsivity (0.18; < 0.04), Sensation Seeking (0.18; < 0.04), and Positive Urgency (0.22; < 0.01). Sensitivity to Reward, Negative Urgency, and Positive Urgency were significant predictors of DHEA-S (R = 0.28), and Positive Urgency for testosterone (R = 0.09). Non-parametric LOESS graphical analyses for local regression allowed us to visualize the non-linear relationships between the impulsivity scales with the two androgens, including non-significant trends. We discuss the implications of these results for impulsive biological personality traits, the limitations of our analyses, and the possible development of future research.
PubMed: 38928569
DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060569 -
Reproduction in Domestic Animals =... Jun 2024Artificial insemination (AI) centres select bulls as calves according to their genetic breeding values and raise them until the first semen collection; yet, a high...
Artificial insemination (AI) centres select bulls as calves according to their genetic breeding values and raise them until the first semen collection; yet, a high dropout rate of reared bulls is a problem for AI centres. Potential hormonal indicators of bull sexual maturation (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone, oestradiol, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)) were observed and evaluated in relation to the performance parameters to perhaps identify candidate biomarkers allowing an early selection of bulls as suitable sires. Blood samples from 102 German Holstein calves at 4 ± 1, 8 ± 1 and 12 ± 2 months of age from six AI centres were analysed using validated immunoassays for cortisol, DHEA, testosterone, oestradiol and IGF-1. Semen analyses included native and thawed diluted semen. Bulls were classified at the first semen collection into groups with good versus poor performance (GP vs. LP). After 2 years, the subsequent differentiation was done in high (HPP), medium (MPP) and low performance persistency (LPP). Age at first semen collection was an important factor for sperm quality. Cortisol concentrations decreased with age, but the cortisol/DHEA ratio decreased with age only in GP bulls (p < .05). Oestradiol and testosterone concentrations both correlated with libido behaviour (p < .05). Testosterone and IGF-1 concentrations were higher at the time of first semen collection in GP bulls and increased with age (p < .05). In conclusion, testosterone and IGF-1 concentrations at first semen collection are associated with performance at first semen collection and future performance persistency, and might be useful early biomarkers for consistent sperm producing bulls on AI centres.
Topics: Animals; Male; Cattle; Insemination, Artificial; Biomarkers; Semen Analysis; Estradiol; Testosterone; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Hydrocortisone; Sexual Maturation; Semen; Dehydroepiandrosterone
PubMed: 38923114
DOI: 10.1111/rda.14646 -
Reproductive Biomedicine Online Mar 2024What impact does dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have on ovarian angiogenesis and function in a rat model of with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and what are the...
Dehydroepiandrosterone promotes ovarian angiogenesis and improves ovarian function in a rat model of premature ovarian insufficiency by up-regulating HIF-1α/VEGF signalling.
RESEARCH QUESTION
What impact does dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have on ovarian angiogenesis and function in a rat model of with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and what are the potential mechanisms of action?
DESIGN
DHEA was added to a culture of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) to investigate its effects on cell proliferation, migration and tube formation. A rat model of POI was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide, followed by continuous oral administration of DHEA or vehicle for 28 days. Ovarian angiogenesis, follicular growth and granulosa cell survival in ovarian tissues were assessed through haematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry and TdT (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase)-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL). The effect of DHEA on the fertility of rats with POI was evaluated in pregnant animals. The expression levels of characteristic genes and proteins in the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway was determined using quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blotting.
RESULTS
In-vitro experiments revealed that DHEA stimulated the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HMEC-1. In in-vivo studies, DHEA treatment improved the disruption of the oestrous cycle and hormone imbalances in POI rats. Key genes in the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway exhibited up-regulated expression, promoting ovarian angiogenesis in POI rats, and enhancing follicular development and granulosa cell survival, thereby restoring fertility in rats.
CONCLUSIONS
DHEA can potentially restore ovarian function in rats with cyclophosphamide-induced POI by up-regulating HIF-1α/VEGF signalling, which promotes the growth of blood vessels in the ovaries.
PubMed: 38917774
DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.103914 -
Gynecological Endocrinology : the... Dec 2024To investigate the association between female sexual function and metabolic features among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during reproductive age.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between female sexual function and metabolic features among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during reproductive age.
METHOD
This was a cross-sectional study in which 288 women with PCOS and 180 women without PCOS between the ages of 20 and 40 years were evaluated. All women had serum total testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA-S, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels analyzed. The McCoy Female Sexual Questionnaire (MFSQ) was applied to all studied women. Exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis were done after data collection. The factor loadings of MFSQ domains were compared between women with PCOS and controls.
RESULTS
Average factor loadings of the MFSQ sexuality domain and MFSQ sexual partner domain were significantly lower in the PCOS group when compared to controls. There was no correlation between the two sexual function domains of the MFSQ and the PCOS features either in the PCOS group or the controls.
CONCLUSION
PCOS is a heterogeneous disease with different metabolic components, such as insulin resistance, obesity, and hyperandrogenism. Although sexual function among women with PCOS was lower than controls, no differences were found in metabolic features of the PCOS and non-PCOS groups with relation to sexual function determined by the MFSQ.
Topics: Humans; Female; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Turkey; Young Adult; Insulin Resistance; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Testosterone; Surveys and Questionnaires; Case-Control Studies; Hyperandrogenism; Sexual Behavior; Androstenedione; Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; Obesity
PubMed: 38913084
DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2024.2362249 -
Iranian Journal of Basic Medical... 2024Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the main causes of infertility in women. This study was conducted to uncover the effects of lupeol as an anti-androgenic...
OBJECTIVES
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the main causes of infertility in women. This study was conducted to uncover the effects of lupeol as an anti-androgenic triterpene on experimentally-induced PCOS in mice.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eighty immature female mice were divided into 4 groups: Control (C), PCOS (P), Lupeol (L), and Flutamide (F). PCOS was induced in test groups by injection of Dehydroepiandrosterone (60 mg/kg/day, IP) for twenty days. Following the PCOS induction, the two groups of L and F were treated with lupeol (40 mg/kg/day) and/or flutamide (10 mg/kg/day) respectively and the two groups of C and P received sesame oil (0.1 ml/mouse/day) for 15 days. After the treatment period, ten animals in each group were selected for collecting blood and ovary samples. fertilization assessment was carried out on 10 remaining mice in each group. The hormonal assays and oxidative stress biomarker determination were performed on serum and tissue samples. Moreover, histopathological analyses were conducted on the ovaries.
RESULTS
PCOS-elevated concentration of LH and Testosterone was significantly (<0.05) lowered in lupeol and flutamide-received animals. Lupeol and flutamide both reduced PCOS-induced fibrosis and the number of atretic follicles. Both compounds declined the PCOS-increased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in serum and the ovaries. Lupeol increased the PCOS-reduced fertility rate and decreased the number of arrested embryos by 12%.
CONCLUSION
These findings indicate that lupeol could be a novel compound in the treatment of PCOS as it reduced PCOS-induced structural and also functional disorders.
PubMed: 38911242
DOI: 10.22038/IJBMS.2024.77602.16783 -
International Immunopharmacology Jun 2024Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and complex endocrine disease in women, with a prevalence of 5% to 18% worldwide. HeQi San (HQS) is a Chinese medicine...
Chinese medicine compound prescription HeQi San ameliorates chronic inflammatory states and modulates gut flora in dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovary syndrome mouse model.
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and complex endocrine disease in women, with a prevalence of 5% to 18% worldwide. HeQi San (HQS) is a Chinese medicine compound prescription, which has been applied to treat various endocrine and metabolic diseases.
OBJECTIVE
The study was intended to investigate the effect of HQS on PCOS, and clarify the potential mechanism via in vivo and in vitro experiments.
METHODS
The PCOS mouse model was established by injecting the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) subcutaneously and fading high-fat diet for 3 weeks. After making model, PCOS mice were treated with HQS (8.75 g/kg and 17.5 g/kg, ig.) for 4 weeks. Firstly, we assessed the histopathological changes in ovary tissues and detected the hormone level. Subsequently, the study evaluated the capability of anti-inflammatory and regulating macrophage polarization of HQS in vivo and in vitro. The secretion of inflammation indicators was measured with Elisa kits, and the expression level of phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa-B (P-NFκB) and B-lymphocyte activation antigen B7 (CD80) was measured by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Meanwhile, the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells was detected via tunel staining and Western blot. The co-culture model in vitro was utilized to assess the effect between macrophage polarization and human ovarian granulosa cells (KGN cells) apoptosis. Furthermore, 16S rDNA sequencing was utilized to elevate gut microbiota change in PCOS mice.
RESULTS
HQS reversed the abnormal hormone increase, ameliorated insulin resistance, and improved histopathological changes of the ovary tissue to exert the therapeutic effect. HQS inhibited the expression of P-NF-κB and decreased the production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to further prohibit the macrophage M1 polarization in ovary tissues and macrophages. The apoptosis-positive cells, Bcl-2 Assaciated X protein (BAX), and cleaved-caspase 3 expression were also decreased in the treatment group. The B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl2) expression was enhanced after HQS treatment in vivo. The co-culture experiments also verified that HQS could prevent the apoptosis of KGN cells. Furthermore, HQS mediated the abundance of gut flora. The abundance of bifldobacterium and parasutterella was increased and the abundance of lachnoclostridium was decreased.
CONCLUSION
The study verified that HQS has the effect of anti-inflammation and inhibits macrophage M1 polarization. Besides, HQS could mediate the abundance of gut microbiota in mice with PCOS. Thus, this study would provide more reasonable basis of HQS for clinical use. In conclusion, HQS might be a potential candidate for PCOS treatment.
PubMed: 38909499
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112491 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Veratramine and cyclopamine, two of the most representative members of the isosteroidal alkaloids, are valuable molecules in agricultural and medicinal chemistry. While...
Veratramine and cyclopamine, two of the most representative members of the isosteroidal alkaloids, are valuable molecules in agricultural and medicinal chemistry. While plant extraction of these compounds suffers from uncertain supply, efficient chemical synthesis approaches are in high demand. Here, we present concise, divergent, and scalable syntheses of veratramine and cyclopamine with 11% and 6.2% overall yield, respectively, from inexpensive dehydro-epi-androsterone. Our synthesis readily provides gram quantities of both target natural products by utilizing a biomimetic rearrangement to form the C-nor-D-homo steroid core and a stereoselective reductive coupling/(bis-)cyclization sequence to establish the (E)/F-ring moiety.
Topics: Veratrum Alkaloids; Stereoisomerism; Cyclization; Biological Products; Molecular Structure
PubMed: 38909052
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49748-2