scholarly journals The effects of estrogens on neural circuits that control temperature

Endocrinology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi Zhang ◽  
Johnathon R DiVittorio ◽  
Alexia M Joseph ◽  
Stephanie M Correa
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Molecular Targets ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Vasomotor Symptoms ◽  
Control Temperature ◽  
Night Sweats ◽  
Temperature Homeostasis ◽  
Negative Side Effects

Abstract Declining and variable levels of estrogens around the time of menopause are associated with a suite of metabolic, vascular, and neuroendocrine changes. The archetypal adverse effects of peri-menopause are vasomotor symptoms, which include hot flashes and night sweats. Although vasomotor symptoms are routinely treated with hormone therapy, the risks associated with these treatments encourage us to seek alternative treatment avenues. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the effects of estrogens on temperature regulation is a first step toward identifying novel therapeutic targets. Here we outline findings in rodents that reveal neural and molecular targets of estrogens within brain regions that control distinct components of temperature homeostasis. These insights suggest that estrogens may alter the function of multiple specialized neural circuits to coordinate the suite of changes after menopause. Thus, defining the precise cells and neural circuits that mediate the effects of estrogens on temperature has promise to identify strategies that would selectively counteract hot flashes or other negative side effects without the health risks that accompany systemic hormone therapies.

scholarly journals Comparative Efficacy of Zolpidem and Nigella Sativa in Treatment of Sleep Disorder and Vasomotor Symptoms in Menopausal Women of Women’s General Hospital

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mojgan Asadi ◽  
Fatemeh Molavi ◽  
Mostafa Qorbani ◽  
Fatemeh Davari Tanha
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Nigella Sativa ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Vasomotor Symptoms ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Menopausal Women ◽  
Night Sweats ◽  
Group B

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Zolpidem and Nigella sativa compared to placebo in treatment of sleep disturbance in healthy postmenopausal women. Menopause is a period that diagnosed after 12 months of amenorrhea and is characterized by a group of symptoms that include irregular menses; vasomotor and urogenital symptoms. The effects of non-hormonal therapies are being widely researched on menopause symptoms. There has been no study to compare Zolpidem and Nigella sativa versus placebo. Materials and methods: In this double-blind, placebo controlled trial, we compared the effect of Zolpidem with Nigella sativa and placebo in reducing sleep quality in 60 menopausal women. The prior and the later results were compared. We divided the patients into three groups after history taking and physical examination and filling the Pittsburgh questionnaire. Each group received their medication as the following order: Group A: Zolpidem, Group B: Nigella sativa, Group C: placebo. The first group received Zolpidem with the dose of 5 mg for 8 weeks. The second group received Nigella sativa with the dose of 600 mg for 8 weeks. The third group received placebo for 8 weeks. After two months, the Pittsburg questionnaire was filled again. Results: In the nigella sativa group, we had not significant improvement in sleep quality (p =0.07), hot flashes (p =0.15), palpitation (p =0.56) and night sweets (p =0.08).  In zolpidem group, we have seen lack of improvement of hot flashes (p =0.73), and palpitation (p =0.36), which are nonsignificant statistically according to p values, but in zolpidem group, we had significant improvement in sleep quality (p =0.01), and night sweats (p =0.049). Conclusion: It seems that zolpidem has some effect on improving the quality of sleep in postmenopausal women. zolpidem also is good for night sweats. Nigella sativa was not effective in vasomotor symptoms and sleep quality.

Hormone Therapy for the Management of Menopausal Symptoms

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 540-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Brock Woodis
Keyword(s):  
Hormone Therapy ◽  
Dosage Form ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Menopausal Symptoms ◽  
Vasomotor Symptoms ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Patient Evaluation ◽  
Health Initiative ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Night Sweats

Nearly 50 million women each year are projected to reach menopause by 2030. Many of these women will experience vasomotor symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes as they enter the menopausal transition. Up until the release of the findings of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) studies, women were frequently prescribed hormone therapy (HT) to alleviate bothersome and sometimes debilitating menopausal symptoms as well as to prevent osteoporosis and coronary heart disease (CHD). Although the WHI studies were the first large, randomized, controlled trials that contradicted what was historically believed about the benefits of HT in postmenopausal women, important limitations including baseline demographics of WHI participants and investigation of only one HT strength/dosage form exist. HT may be a reasonable pharmacotherapy option for the management of menopausal symptoms following complete patient evaluation by experienced clinicians. Updated recommendations addressing management of menopausal symptoms, a new HT product containing the spironolactone-analogue drospirenone (DRSP), and discontinuation methods of HT are also discussed in this review.

scholarly journals Comparing the Effect of Face-to-Face with Phone Counselling Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Vasomotor Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasim Sadeghi Joola ◽  
Pourandokht Afshari ◽  
Maryam Gholamzadeh Jefreh ◽  
Mitra Tadayon ◽  
Mohammad Hossein Haghighizadeh
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Night Sweat ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Vasomotor Symptoms ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Night Sweats ◽  
Phone Counseling

Abstract Background: Hot flash and night sweat (HF/NS) are the most common complication in menopause that affects the quality of life of women. The present study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effectiveness of the phone with face-to-face counseling based on cognitive-behavioral therapy for vasomotor symptoms of postmenopausal women.Methods: The present study was a randomized clinical trial. In this study, 40 eligible postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to one of face-to-face or phone counseling methods using the block randomization. Six counseling sessions were weekly held for each person and women requested to record their hot flashes and night sweat in a diary. Data were analyzed using chi-square, ANCOVA, and independent t-test.Results: Thirty- six women completed the study. Women in two groups showed a significant improvement in the frequency, severity, and duration of hot flashes and the frequency and severity of night sweats after the intervention (P <0.001). Weekly means of hot flashes and night sweats, decreased after the intervention in both groups (face-to-face group: HF frequency from 31.92±7.98 to 18.83±7.35, HF severity from 2.24±0.28 to 1.21±0.23, HF duration from 4.22±1.17 min to 2.79±0.91min, NS frequency from 2.34±0.31 to 1.21±0.24 and NS severity from 1.70±0.34 to 1.03±0.29 and also in phone counseling group: HF frequency from 33.32±7.77 to 19.53±7.7, HF severity from 2.23±0.24 to 1.20±0.18, HF duration from 4.29±1.23 min to 2.68±0.95min, NS frequency from 2.33±0.31 to 1.14±0.16 and NS severity from 1.59±0.34 to 1.01±0.30). There was no significant difference between groups after the intervention in terms of HF frequency, severity, and duration, as well as NS frequency, and severity (p>0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, using of face-to-face and phone counseling methods based on cognitive-behavioral therapy had a similar effect on the reducing of frequency, severity and duration of hot flashes as well as the frequency and severity of night sweats. Using phone counseling in women who have difficulty to attend the clinic is recommended.Trial registration number: IRCT20180918041065N1 Website: https://www.irct.ir/login

scholarly journals Menopausal symptoms in epithelial ovarian cancer survivors: The GINECO VIVROVAIRE2 study.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 5555-5555
Author(s):  
Florence Joly ◽  
Patricia Pautier ◽  
Elsa Kalbacher ◽  
François Gernier ◽  
Raffaele Fauvet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Hormone Replacement Therapy ◽  
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Clear Cell ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Vasomotor Symptoms ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Night Sweats ◽  
Surgically Induced

5555 Background: We have previously shown that Epithelial Ovarian Cancer and its treatments have significant negative effects on Quality of Life (QoL) and long term fatigue. The aim of the present multicentric VIVROVAIRE2 study was to report the main menopausal, VasoMotor Symptoms (VMS) of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer survivors (EOCS). Methods: 166 patients of the 322 EOCS without relapse ≥3 years after first line of treatment accepted to participate to a gynecological consultation carried out by a gynecologist, including a questionnaire related to menopausal symptoms, a clinical examination, and an osteodensitometry. VMS (hot flashes and/or night sweats) were described according to natural menopause (NM) or surgically induced menopause (SIM). QoL and Fatigue were measured with the validated questionnaires FACT-G and FACT Fatigue. Results: Median age was 62 years [20-83], FIGO stage III/IV (48%) and < 10% BRCA1&2 mutated. Histological subtypes were: high grade serous 31%, low grade serous 23%, endometrioid G2-3 (14%) endometriod G1( 4%), clear-cell 21%, mucinous 5%. All EOCS had surgery, 97% of patients received platinum and taxane chemotherapy, median delay from treatment was 5 years [3-24] and 59 (36%) had SIM. 14% of EOCS had osteoporosis; this rate was similar to the general population. 52% of patients (85) reported either hot flashes (47%) or night sweats (32%). 72% with SIM had VMS compared to 41% with NM (p < 0.001). VMS were not associated with poor global QoL or fatigue. At the time of the survey, only 8 (5 SIM & 3 NM) EOCS received hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Among the 85 EOCS with VMS, 80 (94%) (38 SIM (93%) 42 NM (95%)) did not benefit from HRT after cancer treatment. Among 80 EOCS with VMS and no HRT, 25 (66%) with SIM and 34 (81%) of NM had high grade serous, endometriod G2-3, clear cell and mucinous histology. Conclusions: Vasomotor symptoms are frequently reported by EOCS, particularly among surgically induced menopause patients. A majority of EOCS with these symptoms might have beneficiated from hormone replacement therapy.

scholarly journals On the Role of Bilateral Brain Hypofunction and Abnormal Lateralization of Cortical Information Flow as Neural Underpinnings of Conventional Metaphor Processing Impairment in Schizophrenia: An fMRI and EEG Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Przemysław Adamczyk ◽  
Martin Jáni ◽  
Tomasz S. Ligeza ◽  
Olga Płonka ◽  
Piotr Błądziński ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Flow ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Figurative Language ◽  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Effective Connectivity ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Blood Oxygenation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Metaphor Processing

AbstractFigurative language processing (e.g. metaphors) is commonly impaired in schizophrenia. In the present study, we investigated the neural activity and propagation of information within neural circuits related to the figurative speech, as a neural substrate of impaired conventional metaphor processing in schizophrenia. The study included 30 schizophrenia outpatients and 30 healthy controls, all of whom were assessed with a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) punchline-based metaphor comprehension task including literal (neutral), figurative (metaphorical) and nonsense (absurd) endings. The blood oxygenation level-dependent signal was recorded with 3T MRI scanner and direction and strength of cortical information flow in the time course of task processing was estimated with a 64-channel EEG input for directed transfer function. The presented results revealed that the behavioral manifestation of impaired figurative language in schizophrenia is related to the hypofunction in the bilateral fronto-temporo-parietal brain regions (fMRI) and various differences in effective connectivity in the fronto-temporo-parietal circuit (EEG). Schizophrenia outpatients showed an abnormal pattern of connectivity during metaphor processing which was related to bilateral (but more pronounced at the left hemisphere) hypoactivation of the brain. Moreover, we found reversed lateralization patterns, i.e. a rightward-shifted pattern during metaphor processing in schizophrenia compared to the control group. In conclusion, the presented findings revealed that the impairment of the conventional metaphor processing in schizophrenia is related to the bilateral brain hypofunction, which supports the evidence on reversed lateralization of the language neural network and the existence of compensatory recruitment of alternative neural circuits in schizophrenia.

scholarly journals The G Protein-Coupled Glutamate Receptors as Novel Molecular Targets in Schizophrenia Treatment—A Narrative Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1475
Author(s):  
Waldemar Kryszkowski ◽  
Tomasz Boczek
Keyword(s):  
Glutamate Receptors ◽  
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors ◽  
Glutamate Release ◽  
Molecular Targets ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Metabotropic Glutamate ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Schizophrenia is a severe neuropsychiatric disease with an unknown etiology. The research into the neurobiology of this disease led to several models aimed at explaining the link between perturbations in brain function and the manifestation of psychotic symptoms. The glutamatergic hypothesis postulates that disrupted glutamate neurotransmission may mediate cognitive and psychosocial impairments by affecting the connections between the cortex and the thalamus. In this regard, the greatest attention has been given to ionotropic NMDA receptor hypofunction. However, converging data indicates metabotropic glutamate receptors as crucial for cognitive and psychomotor function. The distribution of these receptors in the brain regions related to schizophrenia and their regulatory role in glutamate release make them promising molecular targets for novel antipsychotics. This article reviews the progress in the research on the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in schizophrenia etiopathology.

Acupuncture Versus Venlafaxine for the Management of Vasomotor Symptoms in Patients With Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 634-640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor M. Walker ◽  
Alba I. Rodriguez ◽  
Beth Kohn ◽  
Ronald M. Ball ◽  
Jan Pegg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Acupuncture Group ◽  
Vasomotor Symptoms ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Purpose Vasomotor symptoms are common adverse effects of antiestrogen hormone treatment in conventional breast cancer care. Hormone replacement therapy is contraindicated in patients with breast cancer. Venlafaxine (Effexor), the therapy of choice for these symptoms, has numerous adverse effects. Recent studies suggest acupuncture may be effective in reducing vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women. This randomized controlled trial tested whether acupuncture reduces vasomotor symptoms and produces fewer adverse effects than venlafaxine. Patients and Methods Fifty patients were randomly assigned to receive 12 weeks of acupuncture (n = 25) or venlafaxine (n = 25) treatment. Health outcomes were measured for up to 1 year post-treatment. Results Both groups exhibited significant decreases in hot flashes, depressive symptoms, and other quality-of-life symptoms, including significant improvements in mental health from pre- to post-treatment. These changes were similar in both groups, indicating that acupuncture was as effective as venlafaxine. By 2 weeks post-treatment, the venlafaxine group experienced significant increases in hot flashes, whereas hot flashes in the acupuncture group remained at low levels. The venlafaxine group experienced 18 incidences of adverse effects (eg, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, anxiety), whereas the acupuncture group experienced no negative adverse effects. Acupuncture had the additional benefit of increased sex drive in some women, and most reported an improvement in their energy, clarity of thought, and sense of well-being. Conclusion Acupuncture appears to be equivalent to drug therapy in these patients. It is a safe, effective and durable treatment for vasomotor symptoms secondary to long-term antiestrogen hormone use in patients with breast cancer.

Abstract P724: Perimenopausal Women With Migraine Present With Stroke at a Younger Age and With Less Comorbid Diabetes

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgan Figurelle ◽  
Dawn M Meyer ◽  
Emily Perrinez ◽  
Karen Rapp ◽  
Rebecca Wells ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Native American ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Menopausal Status ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Perimenopausal Women ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Night Sweats ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center

Introduction: Migraine is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke. Frequency and severity increases in the perimenopausal period accompanied by marked vasomotor symptoms (VMS) such as hot flashes, flushing and night sweats. There is emerging evidence that VMS increases the risk of vascular disease including stroke. The purpose of this study was describe the demographics and co-morbidities of perimenopausal females with and without migraine that experience acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: In this IRB approved study, electronic health record (EHR) data was obtained from a large, academic, comprehensive stroke center from 1/1/2015 to 1/1/2020. Inclusion criteria included female sex, age 42-65 years, and hospital diagnosis code of AIS. Hemorrhagic stroke, TIA, vasculopathy, and endocarditis associated strokes were excluded. Perimenopause was defined as age ≥42 and ≤65 years. Hormonal and menopausal status was not available in the EHR. We compared the baseline demographics and co-morbidities by ICD10 codes of subjects with and without migraine. Chi squared was used to compare categorical data and t test for continuous. Spearman rho was used to assess correlations. Results: We identified 660 subjects who met study criteria (n=83 with migraine; n=577 without migraine). Migraine positive subjects were significantly younger (mean age 58 vs 66 years, p=0.03) at time of AIS. Migraine positive subjects identified significantly more often as White (47%) compared to Black (10%), Asian (7%), Pacific Islander (1%), Native American/Alaskan (1%), Other/Mixed Race (31%), and unknown (3%), p=0.001. There was no significant difference in Hispanic ethnicity (p=0.87), hypertension (p=0.66), hyperlipidemia (p=0.12), or atrial fibrillation (p=0.84). Comorbid diabetes was significantly higher in the non-migraine group (94% vs 6%, p<0.001). Conclusion: Perimenopausal women with concomitant history of migraine present with AIS at younger ages and with lower rates of diabetes than those without a migraine history. Future research must be done to assess the correlation of menopausal symptom severity, hormone levels at time of AIS, and stroke characteristics to further understand the role of menopause in stroke risk.

Using Traditional Acupuncture for Breast Cancer-Related Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 1047-1057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beverley A. de Valois ◽  
Teresa E. Young ◽  
Nicola Robinson ◽  
Christine McCourt ◽  
Elizabeth J. Maher
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Night Sweats

scholarly journals Essential Oil-Based Bioherbicides: Human Health Risks Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (17) ◽  
pp. 9396
Author(s):  
Chloë Maes ◽  
Jeroen Meersmans ◽  
Laurence Lins ◽  
Sandrine Bouquillon ◽  
Marie-Laure Fauconnier
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Essential Oil ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Good Alternative ◽  
Aquatic Systems ◽  
Air Transport ◽  
Human Health Risks ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Negative Side Effects

In recent years, the development of new bio-based products for biocontrol has been gaining importance as it contributes to reducing the use of synthetic herbicides in agriculture. Conventional herbicides (i.e., the ones with synthetic molecules) can lead to adverse effects such as human diseases (cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, reproductive perturbations, etc.) but also to disturbing the environment because of their drift in the air, transport throughout aquatic systems and persistence across different environments. The use of natural molecules seems to be a very good alternative for maintaining productive agriculture but without the negative side effects of synthetic herbicides. In this context, essential oils and their components are increasingly studied in order to produce several categories of biopesticides thanks to their well-known biocidal activities. However, these molecules can also be potentially hazardous to humans and the environment. This article reviews the state of the literature and regulations with regard to the potential risks related to the use of essential oils as bioherbicides in agricultural and horticultural applications.

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