Chronic Stress Effects on Tumor: Pathway and Mechanism

Chronic stress is an emotional experience that occurs when people encounter something they cannot adapt to. Repeated chronic stress increases the risk of a variety of diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, depression, endocrine disease, inflammation and cancer. A growing body of research has shown that there is a link between chronic stress and tumor occurrence in both animal studies and clinical studies. Chronic stress activates the neuroendocrine system (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) and sympathetic nervous system. Stress hormones promote the occurrence and development of tumors through various mechanisms. In addition, chronic stress also affects the immune function of the body, leading to the decline of immune monitoring ability and promote the occurrence of tumors. The mechanisms of chronic stress leading to tumor include inflammation, autophagy and epigenetics. These factors increase the proliferation and invasion capacity of tumor cells and alter the tumor microenvironment. Antagonists targeting adrenergic receptors have played a beneficial role in improving antitumor activity, as well as chemotherapy resistance and radiation resistance. Here, we review how these mechanisms contribute to tumor initiation and progression, and discuss whether these molecular mechanisms might be an ideal target to treat tumor.

Knockdown of circ-FURIN suppresses the proliferation and induces apoptosis of granular cells in polycystic ovary syndrome via miR-195-5p/BCL2 axis

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disease that increases the risk of infertility. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in regulating the biological processes of PCOS. Our study was designed to explore the function of circ-FURIN in PCOS. Methods Circ-FURIN expression was detected using RT-qPCR. The protein expression of AVEN, BCL2, XIAP and AREL1 was measured using western blot. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays were applied to clarify the interaction between miR-195-5p and circ-FURIN or BCL2. Functionally, cell proliferation was assessed by MTT and colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results Circ-FURIN was upregulated in PCOS patients and granular cells (GCs). Knockdown of circ-FURIN inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of KGN cells, along with the increased expression of caspase-3 and Bax and the decreased levels of p-PI3K. Gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated circ-FURIN is associated with apoptotic signaling pathway and cell death. Subsequently, BCL2 expression was elevated in patients with PCOS and positively regulated by circ-FURIN. Furthermore, circ-FURIN was served as a sponge of miR-195-5p to directly target to BCL2. The levels of miR-195-5p were reduced in PCOS and KGN cells. Knockdown of circ-FURIN decreased the expression of BCL2, which was abolished by miR-195-5p inhibitor. At last, rescue experiments revealed that overexpression of BCL2 reversed the effects of circ-FURIN knockdown on cell proliferation and apoptosis of KGN cells. Conclusions Loss of circ-FURIN alleviated the development of PCOS via miR-195-5p/BCL2 axis. Circ-FURIN may be the novel biomarker for PCOS.

SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS WITH ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITY IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Diabetes is a long-term endocrine disease that affects people all over the world and is getting increasingly common. Because of its multisystem involvement and life-threatening effects, diabetes has become a major health concern for people of all ages in recent years. In 2019, diabetes was directly responsible for around 1.5 million fatalities. It's the primary cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and lower-limb amputations. Despite advances in pharmacological research and therapy, effective diabetes management remains a problem. Many therapeutic plants have demonstrated promising outcomes in animals in studies, and these findings can be applied to humans. This review examines the antidiabetic activity of common medicinal herbs such as Gymnema sylvestre, Swertia chirata, Momordica charantia, and others in experimental animals

Pituitary Macroadenoma: A Rare Presentation of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disease which occurs when the levels of Thyroid hormones produced by the Thyroid gland are decreased. Here we present a case of a 19-year-old female, who presented with symptoms of hyperprolactinemia, weight gain, unilateral blurring of eyes and headache. Examination findings of the patient were significant for presence of Acanthosis Nigricans and Hirsutism. Rest of the systemic examination was normal. Laboratory investigations revealed Hyperprolactinemia, Hypothyroid profile and dyslipidemia. MRI brain and pituitary done showed findings consistent with Pituitary macroadenoma. Patient was treated along the lines of hypothyroidism with Thyroxine. Follow-up after 3 months showed improvement of her symptoms and disappearance of lesion of MRI scan. This case was a rare presentation of Hypothyroidism. Such unusual and uncommon presentations should be reported and studied in detail to prevent misdiagnosis and provide the correct treatment to the patients.

Genetic testing in endocrinology

This chapter begins with describing the genetic basis of endocrine disease, and the potential utility for genetic testing (alongside consent). It then covers different types of genetic tests and their applications. There is a section on pituitary adenomas, MEN types 1 and 4, familial isolated pituitary adenoma, and various other genetic conditions related to the endocrine system.