Analytical Methods for the Determination of Neuroactive Steroids

Neuroactive steroids are a family of all steroid-based compounds, of both natural and synthetic origin, which can affect the nervous system functions. Their biosynthesis occurs directly in the nervous system (so-called neurosteroids) or in peripheral endocrine tissues (hormonal steroids). Steroid hormone levels may fluctuate due to physiological changes during life and various pathological conditions affecting individuals. A deeper understanding of neuroactive steroids’ production, in addition to reliable monitoring of their levels in various biological matrices, may be useful in the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of some neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. The aim of this review is to highlight the most relevant methods currently available for analysis of neuroactive steroids, with an emphasis on immunoanalytical methods and gas, or liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry.

Association of thyroid dysfunction with abnormal uterine bleeding

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common complaint for women being referred to the gynaecologist and is associated with an array of symptoms. The objective of this study was to detect association of thyroid dysfunction in patients with menstrual irregularitiesMethods: This non-interventional prospective study was done over a period of one and half years in a private medical college in Mangalore. All patients in age group of 15-55 years who presented with history of menstrual disturbances were enrolled and evaluated in the study. Patients with structural causes of AUB or using IUCDs or hormonal steroids were excluded. Total of 85 patients were hence evaluated. These 85 patients were subjected to routine investigations like Hb, BT, CT and platelets (to rule out coagulation defects) along with TSH, T3, T4 estimation. Ultrasound abdomen and pelvis with endometrial thickness was done to rule out structural causes.Results: The most common menstrual disturbance was menorrhagia (47 patients: 55.3%). Thyroid abnormalities were found in 29 of the 85 patients with AUB (34.11%). Of the 29 patients with thyroid dysfunction, 24 were hypothyroid and 5 patients were found to be hyperthyroid.Conclusions: Thyroid abnormalities are frequently associated with menstrual irregularities. Hence Thyroid Function Tests are extremely valuable in patients with provisional diagnosis of AUB and should be made mandatory to avoid unnecessary hormonal or surgical treatment in such patients.

Steroids, spinal cord and pain sensation

During the whole life, the nervous system is continuously submitted to the actions of different categories of hormones, including steroids. Therefore, the interactions between hormonal compounds and neural tissues are subjected to intense investigations. While a majority of studies focus on the brain, the spinal cord (SC) has received little attention, although this structure is also an important part of the central nervous system, controlling motor and sensory functions. To point out the importance of interactions between hormones and the SC in the regulation of neurobiological activities, we recapitulated and discussed herein various key data, revealing that the pivotal role played by the SC in nociception and pain modulation, directly depends on the SC ability to metabolize and synthesize steroidal molecules. The paper suggests that future investigations aiming to develop effective strategies against chronic pain, must integrate regulatory effects exerted by hormonal steroids on the SC activity, as well as the actions of endogenous neurosteroids locally synthesized in spinal neural networks.

Association of HSD3B1 and HSD3B2 gene polymorphisms with essential hypertension, aldosterone level, and left ventricular structure

BackgroundHSD3B1 and HSD3B2 are crucial enzymes for the synthesis of hormonal steroids, including aldosterone. Therefore, HSD3B gene variations could possibly influence blood pressure (BP) by affecting the aldosterone level.MethodsWe performed a haplotype- and diplotype-based case–control study to investigate the association between the HSD3B gene variations and essential hypertension (EH), aldosterone level, and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). A total of 275 EH patients and 286 controls were genotyped for four SNPs of the HSD3B1 gene (rs3765945, rs3088283, rs6203, and rs1047303) and for two SNPs of the HSD3B2 gene (rs2854964 and rs1819698). Aldosterone and LVH were investigated in 240 and 110 subjects respectively.ResultsSignificant differences were noted for the total and the male subject groups for the recessive model (CC versus TC+TT) of rs6203 between the controls and EH patients (P=0.030 and P=0.008 respectively). The frequency of the T-C haplotype established by rs3088283-rs1047303 was significantly higher for EH patients compared with the controls (P=0.014). Even though the polymorphism of HSB3B1 was not associated with LVH, the diplotype established by rs3088283-rs1047303 in the total subject group, along with the systolic BP, diastolic BP, and aldosterone level were significantly higher for those subjects who had the T-C haplotype versus those who did not (P=0.025, P=0.014, and P=0.006 respectively).Conclusionrs6203 and rs1047303 in the HSD3B1 gene are useful genetic markers for EH, while polymorphisms of HSD3B1 are associated with the BP and aldosterone level.