-
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024The physiology of reproduction has been of interest to researchers for centuries. The purpose of this work is to review the development of our knowledge on the... (Review)
Review
The physiology of reproduction has been of interest to researchers for centuries. The purpose of this work is to review the development of our knowledge on the neuroendocrine background of the regulation of ovulation. We first describe the development of the pituitary gland, the structure of the median eminence (ME), the connection between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, the ovarian and pituitary hormones involved in ovulation, and the pituitary cell composition. We recall the pioneer physiological and morphological investigations that drove development forward. The description of the supraoptic-paraventricular magnocellular and tuberoinfundibular parvocellular systems and recognizing the role of the hypophysiotropic area were major milestones in understanding the anatomical and physiological basis of reproduction. The discovery of releasing and inhibiting hormones, the significance of pulse and surge generators, the pulsatile secretion of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and the subsequent pulsatility of luteinizing (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) in the human reproductive physiology were truly transformative. The roles of three critical neuropeptides, kisspeptin (KP), neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin (Dy), were also identified. This review also touches on the endocrine background of human infertility and assisted fertilization.
Topics: Humans; Ovulation; Female; Neurosecretory Systems; Animals; Pituitary Gland; Kisspeptins; Neurokinin B; Luteinizing Hormone; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Dynorphins; Hypothalamus
PubMed: 38928237
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126531 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024We examined whether the administration of growth hormone (GH) improves insulin resistance in females of a non-obese hyperglycemic mouse model after birth with low birth...
We examined whether the administration of growth hormone (GH) improves insulin resistance in females of a non-obese hyperglycemic mouse model after birth with low birth weight (LBW), given that GH is known to increase muscle mass. The intrauterine Ischemia group underwent uterine artery occlusion for 15 min on day 16.5 of gestation. At 4 weeks of age, female mice in the Ischemia group were divided into the GH-treated (Ischemia-GH) and non-GH-treated (Ischemia) groups. At 8 weeks of age, the glucose metabolism, muscle pathology, and metabolome of liver were assessed. The insulin resistance index improved in the Ischemia-GH group compared with the Ischemia group ( = 0.034). The percentage of type 1 muscle fibers was higher in the Ischemia-GH group than the Ischemia group ( < 0.001); the muscle fiber type was altered by GH. In the liver, oxidative stress factors were reduced, and ATP production was increased in the Ischemia-GH group compared to the Ischemia group ( = 0.014), indicating the improved mitochondrial function of liver. GH administration is effective in improving insulin resistance by increasing the content of type 1 muscle fibers and improving mitochondrial function of liver in our non-obese hyperglycemic mouse model after birth with LBW.
Topics: Animals; Female; Mice; Insulin Resistance; Disease Models, Animal; Hyperglycemia; Liver; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Pregnancy; Recombinant Proteins; Oxidative Stress; Infant, Low Birth Weight
PubMed: 38928001
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126294 -
Genes Jun 2024is a LIM-homeodomain transcription factor that affects body size in mammals by regulating the secretion of pituitary hormones. Akita, Shiba Inu, and Mame Shiba Inu dogs...
is a LIM-homeodomain transcription factor that affects body size in mammals by regulating the secretion of pituitary hormones. Akita, Shiba Inu, and Mame Shiba Inu dogs are Japanese native dog breeds that have different body sizes. To determine whether plays a role in the differing body sizes of these three dog breeds, we sequenced the gene in the three breeds, which led to the identification of an SNP in codon 280 (S280N) associated with body size. The allele frequency at this SNP differed significantly between the large Akita and the two kinds of smaller Shiba dogs. To validate the function of this SNP on body size, we introduced this change into the gene of mice. Homozygous mutant mice (S279N) were found to have significantly increased body lengths and weights compared to heterozygous mutant (S279N) and wild-type (S279N) mice several weeks after weaning. These results demonstrate that a nonsynonymous substitution in plays an important role in regulating body size in mammals.
Topics: Animals; LIM-Homeodomain Proteins; Transcription Factors; Mice; Body Size; Dogs; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Gene Frequency; Male; Female
PubMed: 38927675
DOI: 10.3390/genes15060739 -
Biomedicines Jun 2024Hypothyroidism is a frequently diagnosed endocrine disorder. Common signs and symptoms include fatigue, cold intolerance, hoarseness, dry skin, constipation, a slow...
Hypothyroidism is a frequently diagnosed endocrine disorder. Common signs and symptoms include fatigue, cold intolerance, hoarseness, dry skin, constipation, a slow relaxation phase of deep tendon reflexes, and bradycardia. However, some patients may exhibit atypical signs and symptoms, which can result in diagnostic confusion. Pituitary hyperplasia resulting from longstanding primary hypothyroidism was first described by Niepce in 1851. It is usually asymptomatic, but sometimes, in addition to symptoms of overt hypothyroidism, patients may complain of headaches, hypopituitarism, visual field impairment, and hyperprolactinemia. Furthermore, on imaging, pituitary hyperplasia can be mistaken for a pituitary adenoma. Distinguishing between the two is crucial, as their management differs; the former often responds to thyroid hormone replacement therapy, while the latter might need treatment with surgery and/or radiotherapy. Here we describe a patient who developed pituitary hyperplasia in the setting of longstanding uncompensated primary hypothyroidism due to a lack of compliance with levothyroxine replacement therapy. We also review the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings of the case reports available in the literature up to now in order to improve the knowledge and the care of the disease.
PubMed: 38927575
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061368 -
Biomolecules Jun 2024The increasing utilization of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus has raised interest regarding their impact on... (Review)
Review
The increasing utilization of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus has raised interest regarding their impact on thyroid function. In fact, while these agents are well known for their efficacy in glycemic control and weight management, their association with thyroid disorders requires clarification due to the complex interplay between thyroid hormones and metabolic pathways. Thyroid dysfunction commonly co-occurs with metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity, suggesting a profound interconnection between these systems. This review aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the interaction between GLP-1 RAs and thyroid dysfunction and to clarify the safety of GLP-1 RAs in diabetic patients with thyroid disorders. By synthesizing existing evidence, this review highlights that, despite various studies exploring this topic, current evidence is inconclusive, with conflicting results. It is important to note that these drugs are relatively recent, and longer-term studies with larger sample sizes are likely needed to draw clearer conclusions. Currently, no existing guidelines provide definitive directions on this clinical issue; however, it is advisable to include thyroid function tests in the routine screening of diabetic patients, particularly those treated with GLP-1 Ras, with the goal of optimizing patient care and management.
Topics: Humans; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; Thyroid Gland; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Thyrotropin; Hypoglycemic Agents; Neoplasms; Thyroid Neoplasms
PubMed: 38927090
DOI: 10.3390/biom14060687 -
BMC Endocrine Disorders Jun 2024Advanced maternal age may affect the intrauterine environment and increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. Thyroid hormones are critical for fetal...
BACKGROUND
Advanced maternal age may affect the intrauterine environment and increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. Thyroid hormones are critical for fetal neurological development but whether maternal age influences fetal thyroid hormone levels in euthyroid mothers is unknown.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the association between cord blood thyroid hormones and maternal age, fetal sex, maternal thyroid function, and other perinatal factors.
METHODS
The study population consisted of 203 healthy women with term singleton pregnancies who underwent elective cesarean section. Maternal levels of free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4) and TSH before delivery, and cord levels of fT3, fT4 and TSH were measured. Spearman's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the correlation between cord thyroid hormone parameters and maternal characteristics.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences in maternal serum or cord blood thyroid hormone levels between male and female births. In multivariate linear regression analysis, maternal age and maternal TSH values were negatively associated with the cord blood levels of fT3 in all births, after adjusting for confounding factors. Maternal age was more closely associated with the cord blood levels of fT3 in female than in male births.
CONCLUSION
The inverse association between maternal age and cord blood levels of fT3 in euthyroid pregnant women suggested an impact of maternal aging on offspring thyroid function.
Topics: Humans; Female; Maternal Age; Adult; Male; Pregnancy; Fetal Blood; Infant, Newborn; Triiodothyronine; Sex Factors; Thyroid Function Tests; Thyrotropin
PubMed: 38926806
DOI: 10.1186/s12902-024-01631-3 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Previously, we demonstrated the expression of visfatin in porcine reproductive tissues and its effect on pituitary endocrinology. The objective of this study was to...
Previously, we demonstrated the expression of visfatin in porcine reproductive tissues and its effect on pituitary endocrinology. The objective of this study was to examine the visfatin effect on the secretion of steroid (P, E) and prostaglandin (PGE, PGF), the mRNA and protein abundance of steroidogenic markers (STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B, CYP19A1), prostaglandin receptors (PTGER2, PTGFR), insulin receptor (INSR), and activity of kinases (MAPK/ERK1/2, AKT, AMPK) in the porcine corpus luteum. We noted that the visfatin effect strongly depends on the phase of the estrous cycle: on days 2-3 and 14-16 it reduced P, while on days 10-12 it stimulated P. Visfatin increased secretion of E on days 2-3, PGE on days 2-3 and 10-12, reduced PGF release on days 14-16, as well as stimulated the expression of steroidogenic markers on days 10-12 of the estrous cycle. Moreover, visfatin elevated PTGER mRNA expression and decreased its protein level, while we noted the opposite changes for PTGFR. Additionally, visfatin activated ERK1/2, AKT, and AMPK, while reduced INSR phosphorylation. Interestingly, after inhibition of INSR and signalling pathways visfatin action was abolished. These findings suggest a regulatory role of visfatin in the porcine corpus luteum.
Topics: Animals; Corpus Luteum; Female; Swine; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase; Estrous Cycle; Receptor, Insulin; Progesterone; Receptors, Prostaglandin; Dinoprost
PubMed: 38926439
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65102-4 -
Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi =... Jun 2024To investigate the influencing factors and reference ranges for thyroid function in preterm infants at the age of 7 days, with the aim of avoiding unnecessary clinical...
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the influencing factors and reference ranges for thyroid function in preterm infants at the age of 7 days, with the aim of avoiding unnecessary clinical reexamination and intervention.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed for the data of 685 preterm infants from January 2020 to January 2023. According to gestational age and birth weight, they were divided into a high-risk group (gestational age <34 weeks or birth weight<2 000 g; 228 infants) and a low-risk group (gestational age ≥34 weeks and birth weight ≥2 000 g;457 infants). The influencing factors for thyroid function were analyzed, and 95% reference range was calculated.
RESULTS
Gestational age, birth weight, birth season, sex, and assisted reproduction were the influencing factors for thyroid function (<0.05). For the preterm infants in the high-risk group, the reference ranges of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were 2.79-5.40 pmol/L, 8.80-25.64 pmol/L, 0.80-2.15 nmol/L, 50.06-165.09 nmol/L, and 0.80-18.57 μIU/mL, respectively. For those in the low-risk group, the reference ranges of these indicators were 3.08-5.93 pmol/L, 11.17-26.24 pmol/L, 1.02-2.27 nmol/L, 62.90-168.95 nmol/L, and 0.69-13.70 μIU/mL, respectively. FT3, FT4, TT3, and TT4 were positively correlated with gestational age (<0.05); FT3, FT4, TT3, and TT4 were positively correlated with birth weight (<0.05); TSH was negatively correlated with birth weight (<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Thyroid function in preterm infants at the age of 7 days is affected by the factors such as gestational age and birth weight, and the reference ranges of thyroid function in preterm infants at the age of 7 days should be established based on gestational age and birth weight.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Male; Female; Reference Values; Thyroid Gland; Thyrotropin; Retrospective Studies; Thyroid Function Tests; Thyroxine; Triiodothyronine; Gestational Age; Birth Weight; Hospitalization
PubMed: 38926380
DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2312151 -
Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi =... Jun 2024To investigate the value of single-phase gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test in the diagnosis of central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls with...
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the value of single-phase gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test in the diagnosis of central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls with different levels of body mass index (BMI).
METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed for the data of 760 girls with breast development before 7.5 years of age who attended the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to August 2023. According to the results of GnRH stimulation test and clinical manifestations, they were divided into a CPP group (297 girls) and a non-CPP group (463 girls). According to the values of BMI, the girls were divided into a normal weight group (540 girls), an overweight group (116 girls), and an obese group (104 girls). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to investigate the value of single-phase GnRH stimulation test in the diagnosis of CPP in girls with different levels of BMI.
RESULTS
Luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle-stimulating hormone at 30 minutes after GnRH stimulation had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.985 in the diagnosis of CPP, which was higher than the AUC at 0, 60, and 90 minutes (<0.05). LH at 30 minutes had a similar diagnostic value to LH at 60 minutes (>0.05). LH at 30 minutes was negatively correlated with BMI and BMI-Z value (<0.05).The AUC for diagnosing CPP in normal weight, overweight, and obese girls at 30 minutes LH was 0.952, 0.965, and 0.954, respectively (<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The 30-minute GnRH stimulation test has a good value in the diagnosis of CPP in girls with different levels of BMI and is expected to replace the traditional GnRH stimulation test, but the influence of BMI on LH level should be taken seriously.
Topics: Humans; Puberty, Precocious; Female; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Body Mass Index; Child; Retrospective Studies; Luteinizing Hormone; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; ROC Curve; Child, Preschool
PubMed: 38926375
DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2312011 -
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... 2024The growth hormone (GH) gene plays a vital role in regulating animal metabolism and body size, making it a potential candidate for influencing livestock performance....
The growth hormone (GH) gene plays a vital role in regulating animal metabolism and body size, making it a potential candidate for influencing livestock performance. This study aimed to investigate the polymorphisms within the GH gene and their associations with 10 biometric traits in the Sumbawa cattle population of Indonesia. Biometric trait data and blood samples were collected from 112 Sumbawa cattle individuals, and their GH gene sequences were analyzed using two sets of primers for amplification. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the GH gene: g.442C>T, g.446G>C, g.558C>T, g.649C>A, g.1492C>A, g.1510C>A, and g.1578G>A. All SNPs were located in the intronic region except for SNP g.558C>T, which was found in the coding sequence (CDS) region. The SNP g.558C>T is classified as a synonymous variant. Haplotype analysis revealed a strong linkage disequilibrium between SNPs g.558C>T and g.649C>A. Distributions of genotypes and alleles of all SNPs were in agreement with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.05, χ2 < 15.56), except for SNPs g.446G>C and g.1492C>A. The association study showed that the SNP g.442C>T significantly (p < 0.05) affected HL, BL, SH, and PH traits in Sumbawa cattle. Additionally, the g.446G>C and g.558C>T were also found to be associated with PH and CC traits, respectively. The polymorphisms detected in the GH gene could have implications for selection programs to enhance desired biometric traits in Sumbawa cattle. Improving livestock productivity can be done by understanding genetic diversity and its relationship with phenotypic characteristics.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Growth Hormone; Genotype; Indonesia; Gene Frequency; Linkage Disequilibrium; Phenotype; Haplotypes; Female; Male; Biometry
PubMed: 38922197
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.282823