Review

Authors: Michał Wiciński, Anna Fajkiel-Madajczyk, Zuzanna Kurant...

, also known as Ashwagandha, has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Due to the wide range of its activities, there has been interest in its possible beneficial effects on the human body. It is proved that, among others, Ashwagandha has anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, and hypolipidemic properties. Particularly interesting are its properties reported in the field of psychiatry and neurology: in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, bipolar disorder, insomnia, anxiety disorders and many others. The aim of this review is to find and summarize the effect that Ashwagandha root extract has on the endocrine system and hormones. The multitude of active substances and the wide hormonal problems faced by modern society sparked our interest in the topic of Ashwagandha's impact on this system. In this work, we also attempted to draw conclusions as to whether can help normalize the functions of the human endocrine system in the future. The search mainly included research published in the years 2010-2023. The results of the research show that Ashwagandha can have a positive effect on the functioning of the endocrine system, including improving the secretory function of the thyroid gland, normalizing adrenal activity, and multidirectional improvement on functioning of the reproductive system. The main mechanism of action in the latter appears to be based on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, as a decrease in cortisol levels and an increase in hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in men were found, which results in stress level reduction and improvement in fertility. In turn, other studies prove that active substances from , acting on the body, cause an increase in the secretion of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) by the thyroid gland and a subsequent decrease in the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in accordance with the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. In light of these findings, it is clear that Ashwagandha holds significant promise as a natural remedy for various health concerns, especially those related to the endocrine system. Future research may provide new insights into its mechanisms of action and expand its applications in both traditional and modern medicine. The safety and toxicity of Ashwagandha also remain important issues, which may affect its potential use in specific patient groups.

Topics: Male; Humans; Withania; Plant Extracts; Thyroid Gland; Luteinizing Hormone

PubMed: 38003702
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216513

Review

Authors: Xinyu Qi, Chuyu Yun, Yanli Pang...

As the gut microbiota exerts various effects on the intestinal milieu which influences distant organs and pathways, it is considered to be a full-fledged endocrine organ. The microbiota plays a major role in the reproductive endocrine system throughout a woman's lifetime by interacting with estrogen, androgens, insulin, and other hormones. Imbalance of the gut microbiota composition can lead to several diseases and conditions, such as pregnancy complications, adverse pregnancy outcomes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and cancer; however, research on the mechanisms is limited. More effort should be concentrated on exploring the potential causes and underlying the mechanisms of microbiota-hormone-mediated disease, and providing novel therapeutic and preventive strategies.As the gut microbiota exerts various effects on the intestinal milieu which influences distant organs and pathways, it is considered to be a full-fledged endocrine organ. The microbiota plays a major role in the reproductive endocrine system throughout a woman's lifetime by interacting with estrogen, androgens, insulin, and other hormones. Imbalance of the gut microbiota composition can lead to several diseases and conditions, such as pregnancy complications, adverse pregnancy outcomes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and cancer; however, research on the mechanisms is limited. More effort should be concentrated on exploring the potential causes and underlying the mechanisms of microbiota-hormone-mediated disease, and providing novel therapeutic and preventive strategies.

Topics: Androgens; Endocrine System; Estrogens; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Genital Diseases, Female; Genitalia, Female; Hormones; Humans; Insulin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications

PubMed: 33722164
DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1894070

Review

Authors: Yvonne M Ulrich-Lai, James P Herman

The survival and well-being of all species requires appropriate physiological responses to environmental and homeostatic challenges. The re- establishment and maintenance of homeostasis entails the coordinated activation and control of neuroendocrine and autonomic stress systems. These collective stress responses are mediated by largely overlapping circuits in the limbic forebrain, the hypothalamus and the brainstem, so that the respective contributions of the neuroendocrine and autonomic systems are tuned in accordance with stressor modality and intensity. Limbic regions that are responsible for regulating stress responses intersect with circuits that are responsible for memory and reward, providing a means to tailor the stress response with respect to prior experience and anticipated outcomes.

Topics: Animals; Autonomic Nervous System; Brain; Endocrine System; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Neural Pathways; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Stress, Physiological

PubMed: 19469025
DOI: 10.1038/nrn2647

Review

Authors: Annewieke W van den Beld, Jean-Marc Kaufman, M Carola Zillikens...

During ageing, the secretory patterns of the hormones produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis change, as does the sensitivity of the axis to negative feedback by end hormones. Additionally, glucose homoeostasis tends towards disequilibrium with increasing age. Along with these endocrine alterations, a loss of bone and muscle mass and strength occurs, coupled with an increase in fat mass. In addition, ageing-induced effects are difficult to disentangle from the influence of other factors that are common in older people, such as chronic diseases, inflammation, and low nutritional status, all of which can also affect endocrine systems. Traditionally, the decrease in hormone activity during the ageing process has been considered to be detrimental because of the related decline in bodily functions. The concept of hormone replacement therapy was suggested as a therapeutic intervention to stop or reverse this decline. However, clearly some of these changes are a beneficial adaptation to ageing, whereas hormonal intervention often causes important adverse effects. In this paper, we discuss the effects of age on the different hypothalamic-pituitary-hormonal organ axes, as well as age-related changes in calcium and bone metabolism and glucose homoeostasis.

Topics: Aging; Endocrine System; Hormones; Humans

PubMed: 30017799
DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(18)30026-3

Review

Authors: Karen L Gamble, Ryan Berry, Stuart J Frank...

Organisms experience dramatic fluctuations in demands and stresses over the course of the day. In order to maintain biological processes within physiological boundaries, mechanisms have evolved for anticipation of, and adaptation to, these daily fluctuations. Endocrine factors have an integral role in homeostasis. Not only do circulating levels of various endocrine factors oscillate over the 24 h period, but so too does responsiveness of target tissues to these signals or stimuli. Emerging evidence suggests that these daily endocrine oscillations do not occur solely in response to behavioural fluctuations associated with sleep-wake and feeding-fasting cycles, but are orchestrated by an intrinsic timekeeping mechanism known as the circadian clock. Disruption of circadian clocks by genetic and/or environmental factors seems to precipitate numerous common disorders, including the metabolic syndrome and cancer. Collectively, these observations suggest that strategies designed to realign normal circadian rhythmicities hold potential for the treatment of various endocrine-related disorders.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adult; Animals; Child; Circadian Clocks; Circadian Rhythm; Endocrine System; Female; Homeostasis; Hormones; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Male; Melatonin; Metabolic Syndrome; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Sleep

PubMed: 24863387
DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2014.78

Authors: Andile Khathi, Sam Dagogo-Jack

Topics: Humans; Prediabetic State; Endocrine System

PubMed: 37664837
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1268552

Review

Authors: Adriana S Dusso, Alex J Brown, Eduardo Slatopolsky...

The vitamin D endocrine system plays an essential role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, but research during the past two decades has revealed a diverse range of biological actions that include induction of cell differentiation, inhibition of cell growth, immunomodulation, and control of other hormonal systems. Vitamin D itself is a prohormone that is metabolically converted to the active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D]. This vitamin D hormone activates its cellular receptor (vitamin D receptor or VDR), which alters the transcription rates of target genes responsible for the biological responses. This review focuses on several recent developments that extend our understanding of the complexities of vitamin D metabolism and actions: the final step in the activation of vitamin D, conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D to 1,25(OH)(2)D in renal proximal tubules, is now known to involve facilitated uptake and intracellular delivery of the precursor to 1alpha-hydroxylase. Emerging evidence using mice lacking the VDR and/or 1alpha-hydroxylase indicates both 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-dependent and -independent actions of the VDR as well as VDR-dependent and -independent actions of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). Thus the vitamin D system may involve more than a single receptor and ligand. The presence of 1alpha-hydroxylase in many target cells indicates autocrine/paracrine functions for 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in the control of cell proliferation and differentiation. This local production of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) is dependent on circulating precursor levels, providing a potential explanation for the association of vitamin D deficiency with various cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Topics: Animals; Biological Transport, Active; Endocrine System; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Models, Chemical; Molecular Structure; Receptors, Calcitriol; Signal Transduction; Vitamin D

PubMed: 15951480
DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00336.2004

Review

Authors: Filippo Egalini, Lorenzo Marinelli, Mattia Rossi...

BACKGROUND

In recent years, scientific research has increasingly focused on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and demonstrated their relevant role in the functional impairment of endocrine glands. This induced regulatory authorities to ban some of these compounds and to carefully investigate others in order to prevent EDCs-related conditions. As a result, we witnessed a growing awareness and interest on this topic.

AIMS

This paper aims to summarize current evidence regarding the detrimental effects of EDCs on pivotal endocrine glands like pituitary, thyroid and adrenal ones. Particularly, we directed our attention on the known and the hypothesized mechanisms of endocrine dysfunction brought by EDCs. We also gave a glimpse on recent findings from pioneering studies that could in the future shed a light on the pathophysiology of well-known, but poorly understood, endocrine diseases like hormone-producing adenomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Although intriguing, studies on endocrine dysfunctions brought by EDCs are challenging, in particular when investigating long-term effects of EDCs on humans. However, undoubtedly, it represents a new intriguing field of science research.

Topics: Humans; Endocrine Disruptors; Thyroid Gland; Endocrine System Diseases; Pituitary Gland; Pituitary Diseases; Adrenal Glands

PubMed: 35604630
DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03076-x

Review

Authors: F Giorgini, G Di Dalmazi, S Diciotti...

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising technology in the field of endocrinology, offering significant potential to revolutionize the diagnosis, treatment, and management of endocrine disorders. This comprehensive review aims to provide a concise overview of the current landscape of AI applications in endocrinology and metabolism, focusing on the fundamental concepts of AI, including machine learning algorithms and deep learning models.

METHODS

The review explores various areas of endocrinology where AI has demonstrated its value, encompassing screening and diagnosis, risk prediction, translational research, and "pre-emptive medicine". Within each domain, relevant studies are discussed, offering insights into the methodology and main findings of AI in the treatment of different pathologies, such as diabetes mellitus and related disorders, thyroid disorders, adrenal tumors, and bone and mineral disorders.

RESULTS

Collectively, these studies show the valuable contributions of AI in optimizing healthcare outcomes and unveiling new understandings of the intricate mechanisms underlying endocrine disorders. Furthermore, AI-driven approaches facilitate the development of precision medicine strategies, enabling tailored interventions for patients based on their individual characteristics and needs.

CONCLUSIONS

By embracing AI in endocrinology, a future can be envisioned where medical professionals and AI systems synergistically collaborate, ultimately enhancing the lives of individuals affected by endocrine disorders.

Topics: Humans; Artificial Intelligence; Endocrinology; Endocrine System Diseases; Machine Learning; Precision Medicine

PubMed: 37971630
DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02235-9

Review

Authors: N Ogarek, P Oboza, M Olszanecka-Glinianowicz...

Several receptors for the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), essential for the penetration of SARS-CoV-2 into cells, are located in the tissues of the endocrine glands. Therefore, it has been suggested that SARS-CoV-2 infection results in the development of hormonal disturbances. To date, several cases of endocrine disturbances related to the dysfunction of all endocrine glands during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection have been described. In this review, we discuss the endocrine system disturbances in patients with COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome. Based on the case reports described in the literature, patients with COVID-19 may develop endocrine disturbances that are immediately life-threatening. In addition, patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome may develop chronic endocrine disturbances. In summary, the diagnostics of endocrine system disturbances based on clinical symptoms should be taken into account in both patients with COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Topics: COVID-19; Endocrine System; Humans; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Renin-Angiotensin System; SARS-CoV-2; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

PubMed: 35363367
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202203_28365