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Gut Microbes 2021As 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... (Review)
Review
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 -
The Lancet. Diabetes & Endocrinology Aug 2018During 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... (Review)
Review
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 -
Frontiers of Medicine Oct 2019Members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family play pleiotropic roles in cellular and metabolic homeostasis. During evolution, the ancestor FGF expands into... (Review)
Review
Members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family play pleiotropic roles in cellular and metabolic homeostasis. During evolution, the ancestor FGF expands into multiple members by acquiring divergent structural elements that enable functional divergence and specification. Heparan sulfate-binding FGFs, which play critical roles in embryonic development and adult tissue remodeling homeostasis, adapt to an autocrine/paracrine mode of action to promote cell proliferation and population growth. By contrast, FGF19, 21, and 23 coevolve through losing binding affinity for extracellular matrix heparan sulfate while acquiring affinity for transmembrane α-Klotho (KL) or β-KL as a coreceptor, thereby adapting to an endocrine mode of action to drive interorgan crosstalk that regulates a broad spectrum of metabolic homeostasis. FGF19 metabolic axis from the ileum to liver negatively controls diurnal bile acid biosynthesis. FGF21 metabolic axes play multifaceted roles in controlling the homeostasis of lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism. FGF23 axes from the bone to kidney and parathyroid regulate metabolic homeostasis of phosphate, calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone that are important for bone health and systemic mineral balance. The significant divergence in structural elements and multiple functional specifications of FGF19, 21, and 23 in cellular and organismal metabolism instead of cell proliferation and growth sufficiently necessitate a new unified and specific term for these three endocrine FGFs. Thus, the term "FGF Metabolic Axis," which distinguishes the unique pathways and functions of endocrine FGFs from other autocrine/paracrine mitogenic FGFs, is coined.
Topics: Animals; Calcium; Cell Proliferation; Endocrine System; Fibroblast Growth Factor-23; Fibroblast Growth Factors; Homeostasis; Humans; Liver; Metabolic Diseases; Neoplasms; Phosphates; Signal Transduction; Vitamin D
PubMed: 31495905
DOI: 10.1007/s11684-019-0711-y -
Nature Reviews. Endocrinology Aug 2014Organisms experience dramatic fluctuations in demands and stresses over the course of the day. In order to maintain biological processes within physiological boundaries,... (Review)
Review
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 -
Endocrine Dec 2022In recent years, scientific research has increasingly focused on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and demonstrated their relevant role in the functional impairment... (Review)
Review
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 -
Nature Reviews. Neuroscience Jun 2009The survival and well-being of all species requires appropriate physiological responses to environmental and homeostatic challenges. The re- establishment and... (Review)
Review
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 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023
Topics: Humans; Prediabetic State; Endocrine System
PubMed: 37664837
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1268552 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) May 2014Sleep has numerous important physiological and cognitive functions that may be particularly important to elite athletes. Recent evidence, as well as anecdotal... (Review)
Review
Sleep has numerous important physiological and cognitive functions that may be particularly important to elite athletes. Recent evidence, as well as anecdotal information, suggests that athletes may experience a reduced quality and/or quantity of sleep. Sleep deprivation can have significant effects on athletic performance, especially submaximal, prolonged exercise. Compromised sleep may also influence learning, memory, cognition, pain perception, immunity and inflammation. Furthermore, changes in glucose metabolism and neuroendocrine function as a result of chronic, partial sleep deprivation may result in alterations in carbohydrate metabolism, appetite, food intake and protein synthesis. These factors can ultimately have a negative influence on an athlete's nutritional, metabolic and endocrine status and hence potentially reduce athletic performance. Research has identified a number of neurotransmitters associated with the sleep-wake cycle. These include serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid, orexin, melanin-concentrating hormone, cholinergic, galanin, noradrenaline, and histamine. Therefore, nutritional interventions that may act on these neurotransmitters in the brain may also influence sleep. Carbohydrate, tryptophan, valerian, melatonin and other nutritional interventions have been investigated as possible sleep inducers and represent promising potential interventions. In this review, the factors influencing sleep quality and quantity in athletic populations are examined and the potential impact of nutritional interventions is considered. While there is some research investigating the effects of nutritional interventions on sleep, future research may highlight the importance of nutritional and dietary interventions to enhance sleep.
Topics: Athletic Performance; Blood Glucose; Cognition; Diet; Endocrine System; Humans; Immunity; Inflammation; Insulin; Pain Perception; Sleep; Sleep Deprivation; Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
PubMed: 24791913
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-014-0147-0 -
American Journal of Physiology. Renal... Jul 2005The 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... (Review)
Review
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 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023, 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... (Review)
Review
, 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