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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 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2020Anthropogenic contaminants in water can impose risks to reproductive health. Most of these compounds are known to be endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs can... (Review)
Review
Anthropogenic contaminants in water can impose risks to reproductive health. Most of these compounds are known to be endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs can impact the endocrine system and subsequently impair the development and fertility of non-human animals and humans. The source of chemical contamination in water is diverse, originating from byproducts formed during water disinfection processes, release from industry and livestock activity, or therapeutic drugs released into sewage. This review discusses the occurrence of EDCs in water such as disinfection byproducts, fluorinated compounds, bisphenol A, phthalates, pesticides, and estrogens, and it outlines their adverse reproductive effects in non-human animals and humans.
Topics: Animals; Endocrine Disruptors; Endocrine System; Environmental Pollutants; Genitalia; Humans; Reproduction; Water; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 32178293
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061929 -
Endokrynologia Polska 2018Cannabinoids are the derivatives of the cannabis plant, the most potent bioactive component of which is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The most commonly used drugs... (Review)
Review
Cannabinoids are the derivatives of the cannabis plant, the most potent bioactive component of which is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The most commonly used drugs containing cannabinoids are marijuana, hashish, and hashish oil. These compounds exert their effects via interaction with the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Type 1 receptors (CB1) are localised mostly in the central nervous system and in the adipose tissue and many visceral organs, including most endocrine organs. Type 2 cannabinoid receptors (CB2) are positioned in the peripheral nervous system (peripheral nerve endings) and on the surface of the immune system cells. Recently, more and more attention has been paid to the role that endogenous ligands play for these receptors, as well as to the role of the receptors themselves. So far, endogenous cannabinoids have been confirmed to participate in the regulation of food intake and energy homeostasis of the body, and have a significant impact on the endocrine system, including the activity of the pituitary gland, adrenal cortex, thyroid gland, pancreas, and gonads. Interrelations between the endocannabinoid system and the activity of the endocrine system may be a therapeutic target for a number of drugs that have been proved effective in the treatment of infertility, obesity, diabetes, and even prevention of diseases associated with the cardiovascular system.
Topics: Animals; Cannabinoids; Diabetes Mellitus; Endocrine System; Energy Metabolism; Humans; Obesity
PubMed: 30618031
DOI: 10.5603/EP.a2018.0072 -
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 -
Neurotherapeutics : the Journal of the... Jan 2018The complex bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain is finely orchestrated by different systems, including the endocrine, immune, autonomic, and... (Review)
Review
The complex bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain is finely orchestrated by different systems, including the endocrine, immune, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems. Moreover, increasing evidence supports the role of the microbiome and microbiota-derived molecules in regulating such interactions; however, the mechanisms underpinning such effects are only beginning to be resolved. Microbiota-gut peptide interactions are poised to be of great significance in the regulation of gut-brain signaling. Given the emerging role of the gut-brain axis in a variety of brain disorders, such as anxiety and depression, it is important to understand the contribution of bidirectional interactions between peptide hormones released from the gut and intestinal bacteria in the context of this axis. Indeed, the gastrointestinal tract is the largest endocrine organ in mammals, secreting dozens of different signaling molecules, including peptides. Gut peptides in the systemic circulation can bind cognate receptors on immune cells and vagus nerve terminals thereby enabling indirect gut-brain communication. Gut peptide concentrations are not only modulated by enteric microbiota signals, but also vary according to the composition of the intestinal microbiota. In this review, we will discuss the gut microbiota as a regulator of anxiety and depression, and explore the role of gut-derived peptides as signaling molecules in microbiome-gut-brain communication. Here, we summarize the potential interactions of the microbiota with gut hormones and endocrine peptides, including neuropeptide Y, peptide YY, pancreatic polypeptide, cholecystokinin, glucagon-like peptide, corticotropin-releasing factor, oxytocin, and ghrelin in microbiome-to-brain signaling. Together, gut peptides are important regulators of microbiota-gut-brain signaling in health and stress-related psychiatric illnesses.
Topics: Anxiety; Brain; Cholecystokinin; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Depression; Endocrine System; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Ghrelin; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Humans; Neuropeptide Y; Oxytocin; Peptide Hormones
PubMed: 29134359
DOI: 10.1007/s13311-017-0585-0 -
International Journal of Sport... Jul 2018The term Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport was introduced by the International Olympic Committee in 2014. It refers to the potential health and performance... (Review)
Review
The term Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport was introduced by the International Olympic Committee in 2014. It refers to the potential health and performance consequences of inadequate energy for sport, emphasizing that there are consequences of low energy availability (EA; typically defined as <30 kcal·kg fat-free mass·day) beyond the important and well-established female athlete triad, and that low EA affects populations other than women. As the prevalence and consequences of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport become more apparent, it is important to understand the current knowledge of the hormonal changes that occur with decreased EA. This paper highlights endocrine changes that have been observed in female and male athletes with low EA. Where studies are not available in athletes, results of studies in low EA states, such as anorexia nervosa, are included. Dietary intake/appetite-regulating hormones, insulin and other glucose-regulating hormones, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1, thyroid hormones, cortisol, and gonadal hormones are all discussed. The effects of low EA on body composition, metabolic rate, and bone in female and male athletes are presented, and we identify future directions to address knowledge gaps specific to athletes.
Topics: Athletes; Body Composition; Bone Density; Endocrine System; Energy Intake; Energy Metabolism; Female; Hormones; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Menstruation; Nutritional Requirements; Sports; Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
PubMed: 30008240
DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0127 -
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 -
Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic... Apr 2023Physical activity is an important part of human lifestyle although a large percentage of the population remains sedentary. Exercise represents a stress paradigm in which... (Review)
Review
Physical activity is an important part of human lifestyle although a large percentage of the population remains sedentary. Exercise represents a stress paradigm in which many regulatory endocrine systems are involved to achieve homeostasis. These endocrine adaptive responses may be either beneficial or harmful in case they exceed a certain threshold. The aim of this review is to examine the adaptive endocrine responses of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), catecholamines, cytokines, growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) to a single bout or regular exercise of three distinct types of exercise, namely endurance, high-intensity interval (HIIE) and resistance exercise. In summary, a single bout of endurance exercise induces cortisol increase, while regular endurance exercise-induced activation of the HPA axis results to relatively increased basal cortisolemia; single bout or regular exercise induce similar GH peak responses; regular HIIE training lowers basal cortisol concentrations, while catecholamine response is reduced in regular HIIE compared with a single bout of HIIE. HPA axis response to resistance exercise depends on the intensity and volume of the exercise. A single bout of resistance exercise is characterized by mild HPA axis stimulation while regular resistance training in elderly results in attenuated inflammatory response and decreased resting cytokine concentrations. In conclusion, it is important to consider which type of exercise and what threshold is suitable for different target groups of exercising people. This approach intends to suggest types of exercise appropriate for different target groups in health and disease and subsequently to introduce them as medical prescription models.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Hydrocortisone; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Endocrine System; Exercise; Catecholamines; Growth Hormone; Cytokines; Human Growth Hormone
PubMed: 36242699
DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09758-1