scholarly journals The state of steroidogenesis in the adrenal glands and gonads in patients with polycystic ovary with inhibition of gonadotropic function

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-37
Author(s):  
A. D. Dobracheva ◽  
N. P. Goncharov ◽  
T. N. Todua ◽  
I. D. Nizharadze

Relationships between secretion of pituitary gonadotropic hormones, adrenal glucocorticoid and androgenic function, and ovarian steroid production were studied in 14 patients with the polycystic ovaries syndrome (POS) under conditions of suppressed endogenous gonadotropic secretion, which was induced by tonic administration of busereline, a GnRH agonist. The bRH/iRH ratio is not changed in POS patients under conditions of suppressed gonadotropic secretion. Inhibition of gonadotropic secretion leads to decrease of estrogen secretion in the ovaries and does not affect the adrenal glucocorticoid function. Activation of adrenal androgen production by the delta-5 pathway was observed in 57% patients under conditions of gonadotroph inhibition. Three months after busereline was discontinued, adrenal steroidogenesis normalized. The results permit a conclusion that prolonged inhibition of gonadotropic secretion with GnRH agonist does not change the bLH/iLH ratio but can lead to activation of adrenal androgen production in part of patients with POS.


2000 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 995-1000
Author(s):  
Peter L. Chang ◽  
Steven R. Lindheim ◽  
Cheri Lowre ◽  
Michel Ferin ◽  
Frank Gonzalez ◽  
...  

Abstract Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism and frequently have abnormalities in their lipid profiles and insulin/insulin-like growth factor axis that increase their lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease. Normal ovulatory women may have polycystic ovaries on ultrasonography and yet lack the clinical features of PCOS. To further explore whether ovulatory women without clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism but with polycystic appearing ovaries (ov-PAO) have subclinical features of PCOS, we prospectively characterized 26 ov-PAO women and matched them by age and body mass index to 25 ovulatory women with normal appearing ovaries (ov-NAO) and to 22 women with PCOS. After an overnight fast, all women had baseline endocrine and metabolic assessments. In addition, a subset of each group of women underwent GnRH-agonist (leuprolide acetate 1 mg sc) testing, ACTH stimulation, and an insulin tolerance test (ITT). At baseline, ov-PAO and ov-NAO women had similar endocrine profiles (LH, LH:FSH, androstenedione, and DHEAS). Compared with ov-NAO, 31% of ov-PAO women had reduced glucose responses after insulin (Kitt), suggesting mild insulin resistance, and 35% had high density lipoprotein levels below 35 mg/dL, a level considered to represent significant cardiovascular risk. After GnRH-agonist, ov-PAO women had response patterns in LH, total testosterone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) that were intermediate between ov-NAO and women with PCOS. Ovarian responses were above the normal range in 30–40% of women with ov-PAO. In ov-PAO, peak responses of LH after leuprolide correlated with triglyceride levels (P < 0.05) and peak responses of 17-OHP correlated inversely with Kitt values (P < 0.05). No significant differences were noted with ACTH testing. In conclusion, occult biochemical ovarian hyperandrogenism may be uncovered using GnRH-agonist in ovulatory women with ov-PAO, while adrenal responses remain normal. Subtle metabolic abnormalities may also be prevalent.



Author(s):  
R. C. Kaufmann ◽  
F. K. Khosho ◽  
K. S. Amankwah

Diabetes decreases the fertility of females, but the mechanisms are not completely understood. In our investigations, we have found that 13% of the female BB Wistar rats that spontaneously developed chemical diabetes had persistent estrous. In this study the ovaries of these rats were examined by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and compared to normal-cycling controls as well as to rats that had developed polycystic ovaries(PCO) by exposure to constant 1ight.



2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (43) ◽  
pp. 5609-5616
Author(s):  
Sarantis Livadas ◽  
Christina Bothou ◽  
Djuro Macut

Early activation of the adrenal zona reticularis, leading to adrenal androgen secretion, mainly dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), is called premature adrenarche (PA). The fact that adrenal hyperandrogenism in females has been linked to a cluster of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, even in prepubertal children, warrants investigation. Controversial results have been obtained in this field, probably due to genetic, constitutional, and environmental factors or differences in the characteristics of participants. In an attempt to understand, in depth, the impact of PA as a potential activator of CV risk, we critically present available data stratified according to pubertal status. It seems that prepubertally, CV risk is increased in these girls, but is somewhat attenuated during their second decade of life. Furthermore, different entities associated with PA, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, heterozygosity of CYP21A2 mutations, and the impact of DHEAS on CV risk, are reviewed. At present, firm and definitive conclusions cannot be drawn. However, it may be speculated that girls with a history of PA display a hyperandrogenic hormonal milieu that may lead to increased CV risk. Accordingly, appropriate long-term follow-up and early intervention employing a patient-oriented approach are recommended.





2008 ◽  
Vol 93 (7) ◽  
pp. 2909-2912 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark O. Goodarzi ◽  
Ning Xu ◽  
Ricardo Azziz

Abstract Context: Adrenal androgen excess is common in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and appears to be heritable. CYP3A7 metabolizes dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate (DHEAS). A promoter variant, CYP3A7*1C, which results in persistent expression in adults, was associated with reduced DHEAS levels in a previous study, which led us to consider CYP3A7*1C as a modulator of adrenal androgen excess in patients with PCOS. Objective: The objective was to replicate the association between CYP3A7*1C and reduced DHEAS levels in PCOS patients and assess its possible role in modulating testosterone levels. Design: Women with and without PCOS were genotyped for CYP3A7*1C, and this variant was tested for association with DHEAS and total and free testosterone. Setting: Subjects were recruited from the reproductive endocrinology clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham; controls were recruited from the surrounding community. Genotyping took place at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles, CA). Participants: A total of 287 white women with PCOS and 187 controls were studied. Main Measurements: CYP3A7*1C genotype, PCOS risk, and androgen levels were measured. Results: PCOS subjects who carried the CYP3A7*1C variant had lower levels of serum DHEAS and total testosterone (P = 0.0006 and 0.046, respectively). The variant was not associated with PCOS risk. Conclusion: This study replicated prior work of the association of CYP3A7*1C and decreased DHEAS in a different population of young PCOS women, providing further genetic evidence that CYP3A7 plays a potential role in modulation of DHEAS levels. Adult expression of CYP3A7 may modify the PCOS phenotype by ameliorating adrenal androgen excess.





2003 ◽  
Vol 149 (5) ◽  
pp. 439-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Cela ◽  
C Robertson ◽  
K Rush ◽  
E Kousta ◽  
DM White ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: Although androgenic alopecia is recognised to be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it is not known whether polycystic ovaries (PCO) and associated endocrine abnormalities are present in patients who present with alopecia as a primary complaint. We therefore set out to determine the strength of the association between androgenic alopecia and PCO. We examined the prevalence of ultrasound-based polycystic ovarian morphology and associated clinical and biochemical features in a large multiethnic group of women whose presenting complaint was of alopecia, and in a control group. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied 89 women of mixed ethnic origin with androgenic alopecia and compared them to 73 control women. A detailed history was taken, anthropometry was performed and assessment of body-hair distribution was made. The presence of PCO was established by pelvic ultrasound scan. Serum gonadotrophins, testosterone, androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone and sex hormone binding globulin concentrations were measured. RESULTS: Women with alopecia had a higher prevalence of PCO and hirsutism than the control population (PCO: 67% vs 27%, P<0.00001; hirsutism: 21% vs 4%, P=0.003). Women with alopecia (with or without PCO) had higher testosterone, androstenedione and free androgen index than controls, even though few had frankly abnormal androgens. CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm an association between androgenic alopecia and PCO, and other symptoms of hyperandrogenaemia. Thus most women who present with androgenic alopecia as their primary complaint also have PCO and have indices of abnormal androgen production. Since PCO is a well known risk factor for development of type 2 diabetes, this association has important implications for long-term management.



Homeopathy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suraia Parveen ◽  
Subhrasankha Das

Abstract Background and Objectives Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common heterogeneous endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. It is characterized by various clinical presentations such as ovulatory dysfunction, polycystic ovaries, and hyperandrogenism. Considering the side effects associated with conventional treatment and the patients who fail to respond to these measures, there is a demand for a complementary therapy that would alleviate symptoms of PCOS without side effects. Homeopathy is a complementary system of medicine that has been successfully used in different disease conditions, including PCOS. A case series of PCOS is hereby presented, to demonstrate some positive results of individualized homeopathic treatment. Methods Seven cases of young women with PCOS were treated with individualized homeopathic medicines. Each case was followed up with clinical and ultrasonographic evidence and was reported according to the criteria set out in the HOM-CASE guidelines. The assessment of causal attribution of homeopathic treatment effect was carried out using the Modified Naranjo Criteria. Results Marked improvement was observed in all seven cases of PCOS. The irregular menstrual cycles and other associated symptoms became normal, along with a resolution of cysts in ovaries as evidenced by ultrasonography. All cases improved within 4 to 12 months of treatment. The Modified Naranjo Criteria total score was +9/13 for each case, which indicates a positive causal attribution of homeopathy in relieving the symptoms of PCOS. Conclusion This case series suggests a significant role of individualized homeopathic medicines in PCOS by regularizing the menstrual cycle along with the resolution of cysts and associated symptoms.



2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangrong Cui ◽  
Xuan Jing ◽  
Junfen Liu ◽  
Meiqin Yan ◽  
Xingyu Bi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine metabolic disorders characterized by hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries and ovulatory dysfunction. Several studies have suggested that the aberrant expression of miRNAs serves an important role in the pathogenesis of PCOS, though the role and underling mechanism of microRNA-132 (miR-132) in the development of PCOS remain unclear. Methods: The expression of miR-132 in granulosa cells (GCs) derived from 26 PCOS patients and 30 healthy controls was detected through RT-qPCR. And the apoptosis levels of granulosa cells were measured by TUNEL.Granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN) was cultured for cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was assays after over-expression of miR-132 or knockdown TargetScan was applied to analysis the potential targets of miR-132, which was further verified by luciferase assay, RT-qPCR and western blot. Results: The expression of miR-132 was declined in granulosa cells of PCOS patients. Meanwhile, the significantly increased apoptotic nuclei were present GCs of PCOS patients. Furthermore, over-expressed of miR-132 inhibited the proliferation of KCN cells. In addition, our results verified that miR-132 directly targeted Foxa1, knockdown of which suppressed KGN cells proliferation. Conclusion: Our results revealed that miR-132 inhibits the cell viability and induces apoptosis by directly interacting with Foxa1, indicating a role of miR-132 to be a potential target in the PCOS patients.



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