Radical scavenging activity of fruit extracts Tribulus Terrestris with natural antioxidant Ascorbic acid: A comparative study

The main aim of this work was to analyze through a systematic review the ability of Tribulusterrestris to promote the increase of hormonal levels as a mechanism for the relief of menopausal symptoms. The criteria used for the selection were: studies involving menopausal women and use of Tribulusterrestris as a treatment for sexual dysfunction and / or other menopausal symptoms. The survey of literature shows that women who used Tribulusterrestris had drastic improvement in symptoms such as vaginal lubrication, sensation in the genitals during intercourse and other constructive activities. In this study, we have found a significant increase in bioavailable testosterone after the use of the plant extracts which has great potential in the treatment of sexual intercourse and unique symptoms of menopause.

Discriminative capacity of volumetry by CT scan to identify autonomous cortisol secretion in incidental adrenal adenomas

Context Incidentally discovered adrenal adenomas are common. Assessment for possible autonomous cortisol excess (ACS) is warranted for all adrenal adenomas given the association with increased cardiometabolic disease. Objective To evaluate the discriminatory capacity of three-dimensional volumetry on computed tomography (CT) to identify ACS. Design, Setting, Patients Two radiologists, blinded to hormonal levels, prospectively analyzed CT images on 149 adult patients with unilateral, incidentally-discovered, adrenal adenomas. Main Outcome Measures Diameter and volumetry of the adenoma, volumetry of the contralateral adrenal gland, and the adenoma volume-to-contralateral gland volume (AV/CV) ratio were measured. ACS was defined as cortisol≥1.8 mcg/dL after 1mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and a morning ACTH ≤15 pg/mL. Results We observed that ACS was diagnosed in 35 (23.4%) patients. Cortisol post-DST was positively correlated with adenoma diameter and volume, and inversely correlated with contralateral adrenal gland volume. Cortisol post-DST was positively correlated with the AV/CV ratio (r=0.46, p<0.001) and ACTH was inversely correlated (r=-0.28, p<0.001). The AV/CV ratio displayed the highest Odds Ratio (1.40 CI 95% 1.18-1.65) and area under curve (0.91 CI 95% 0.86-0.96) for predicting ACS. An AV/CV ratio ≥1 (48% of the cohort) had a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 70% to identify ACS. Conclusions CT volumetry of adrenal adenomas and contralateral adrenal glands has a high discriminatory capacity to identify ACS. The combination of this simple and low-cost radiological phenotyping can supplement biochemical testing to substantially improve the identification of ACS.

Modulatory effects of R10 fraction of garlic (Allium sativum L.) on hormonal levels, T cell polarization, and fertility-related genes in mice model of polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an inflammatory endocrine-metabolic disorder related to reproductive system characterized by polycystic ovarian morphology, androgen excess, and chronic anovulation. Current treatments haven’t been very successful in PCOS treatment and the problem still remains as a challenge. Therefore, new approaches should be applied to overcome the disease. Previous studies demonstrated immunomodulatory effects of R10 fraction of garlic in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as cancer. Considering previous studies suggesting immunomodulatory therapy for PCOS, therapeutic effects of R10 fraction was evaluated in a mouse model of PCOS. To do so, PCOS was developed by intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate. Treatment with R10 fraction, isolated from garlic, was performed and the alterations in hormonal levels (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone), T cell polarization markers (IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17), and expression of fertility-related genes (Gpx3 and Ptx3) were evaluated. The results showed that hormonal levels were elevated in PCOS model comparing to normal animals but were markedly modulated after treatment with R10 fraction. Moreover, a severe disturbance in T cell polarization with a significant reduction of fertility-related genes expression were detected in PCOS-induced ovaries. Treatment with R10 fraction also represented modulatory effects on T cell polarization by increasing IL-4 and decreasing IL-17 and IFN-γ levels. Accordingly, fertility-related genes were also modulated following treatment with R10 fraction in PCOS. Our study elucidated that R10 fraction of garlic possess immunomodulatory effects alleviating PCOS symptoms. This approach could be adjusted to give rise the optimum therapeutic results and considered as a candidate therapeutic approach for PCOS.

The features of changes in adrenal hormones content in mariners during a voyage to different climatic and geographical areas

The hard-working conditions of mariners require a high degree of adaptation of the regulatory systems of the organism. In ensuring adaptation, one of the leading ones is the endocrine system (especially the pituitary-adrenal axis.The aim of the study is to investigate changes in hormonal parameters in mariners during a voyage to various climatic and geographical regions.Materials and methods: Russian seamen were examined during the dynamics of the voyage to various climatogeographic regions. They have determined the levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol four times (before the voyage, at the beginning, in the middle and at the end).The results of the study and their discussion: at the beginning of the voyage, the level of ACTH and cortisol were increased; by the middle of the voyage, ACTH decreased but cortisol remained at the same values; by the end of the voyage, the levels of both hormones decreased and reached values much lower than before the voyage. Considering the dynamics of hormonal levels, the normal course of the general adaptation process occurs in the first half of the voyage. A significant decrease in ACTH and cortisol levels in the second half of the voyage may be a sign of breakdown of adaptive capacity.

A Case of Unilateral Neonatal Mastauxe

<p>Enlargement of breast tissue in neonates is a condition seen as a physiological response to the decline in maternal hormonal levels postnatal. It is commonly seen in the initial weeks, but can progress in size within two months of life. We herein report a case diagnosed as neonatal mastauxe in a two months old female, which was followed up without any medical or surgical intervention. Neonatal mastauxe means enlargement of breast tissue in newborn, which is sometimes essential to be differentiated from breast abscess and mastitis in babies.</p>

Portulaca oleracea shows no ameliorative potential on ovariectomy-induced hormonal and estrous cycle dysregulation in normal cyclic rats: An experimental study

Background: Portulaca oleracea (PO) is a widely known plant utilized for its medicinal attributes in the treatment of different illnesses. Objective: To investigate the effect of methanolic extract of PO (MEPO) on ovariectomy-induced reproductive toxicity in normal cyclic rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty 10-wk-old normal cyclic rats weighing 110-200 g were randomly divided into four groups (n = 5/group). Group A served as the control and received distilled water only. Group B was ovariectomized without treatment, while groups C and D were ovariectomized but treated with 400 and 800 mg/kg of MEPO, respectively, for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, body weight, serum hormonal levels, and estrous cycles were monitored across the groups. Results: Groups B, C, and D showed estrous cycle dysregulation and specific phase arrest when compared with the control. While a significant decrease in estradiol (p ≤ 0.001) and testosterone levels (p ≤ 0.001) were observed in groups B, C, and D, only groups C and D showed a significant increase in progesterone level when compared with the control (p ≤ 0.001, p = 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: The administration of 400 and 800 mg/kg MEPO is ineffective in ameliorating estrous cycle disruption and hormonal changes seen in ovariectomized normal cyclic adult Wistar rats. Key words: Portulaca oleracea, Wistar rat, Ovariectomy, Estrous cycle, Hormones.

A review of the reasons for high prevalence and rapid progression of COVID-19 in men

Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between gender and COVID-19 outcomes. In addition, this is confirmed that men have more danger of progressing an acute type of the illness than women, specifies the significance of miscellaneous data related to male and female patients with COVID-19. In other words, some factors like hormonal levels and immune function may interact with each other. A perception of the fundamental reasons for gender diversities in COVID-19 patients can beget a chance for disease prevention and faster treatment. The present study evaluates the role of gender in the incidence and progression of the COVID-19 disease. It has been explained that how gender affects angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is a basic factor for the COVID-19 pathogenesis introducing the sex diversities in platelet function, immune reactions and how sex hormones affect immune functions, also the effect of androgens on transmembrane protein serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) receptor in COVID-19 patients was investigated.

Human Drug Pollution in the Aquatic System: The Biochemical Responses of Danio rerio Adults

To date, drug pollution in aquatic systems is an urgent issue, and Danio rerio is a model organism to study the toxicological effects of environmental pollutants. The scientific literature has analyzed the effect of human drug pollution on the biochemical responses in the tissues of D. rerio adults. However, the information is still scarce and conflicting, making it difficult to understand its real impact. The scientific studies are not consistent with each other and, until now, no one has grouped their results to create a baseline of knowledge of the possible impacts. In this review, the analysis of literature data highlights that the effects of drugs on adult zebrafishes depend on various factors, such as the tissue analyzed, the drug concentration and the sex of the individuals. Furthermore, the most influenced biochemical responses concern enzymes (e.g., antioxidants and hydrolase enzymes) and total protein and hormonal levels. Pinpointing the situation to date would improve the understanding of the chronic effects of human drug pollution, helping both to reduce it in the aquatic systems and then to draw up regulations to control this type of pollution.

PSVI-17 Dissimilarities in thyroid profiles and pregnancy rates in dairy cows with different polymorphic variants of the DIO1 gene

Thyroid hormones are implicated in regulation of the reproductive function in cattle. In turn, thyroid metabolism is determined by the activity of different types deiodinases. Our research was aimed to compare post-insemination thyroid profiles and pregnancy rates in dairy cows with different SNP genotypes in the deiodinase gene of the first type (DIO1). Thirty lactating Russian Black Pied cows were synchronized using the Ovsynch protocol and artificially inseminated (AI). Blood samples from the cows were collected on Days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 33 after AI. Hormonal levels in the serum were measured by ELISA. Pregnancy was confirmed by progesterone concentrations and ultrasonography. Genetic variants for the DIO1 gene were tested by RT-PCR and polymorphism at position 13149 (NC_037330) was found. The occurrence frequency of cows with genotypes CC, CG, and GG was 43.3, 33.3, and 23.3 %, respectively. A proportion of pregnant cows in the CC group was higher than in the CG group (84.6 vs. 40.0%, P &lt; 0.05) and tended to be higher than in the GG group (42.9%). The concentration of triiodothyronine (T3) in the blood of CC animals did not change during the studied period, whereas that in CG animals decreased between Days 0 and 14 (from 1.60±0.21 to 1.10±0.22 nmol/L, P &lt; 0.05). Concurrently, the T3 concentration on Day 0 was 1.4 times lower (P &lt; 0.05) in the CC group than in the CG group. Furthermore, the level of reverse T3 on Day 7 in the GG group was 1.3 times higher (P &lt; 0.05) than in the CC or CG groups. Thus, cows with DIO1 gene CC genotype have a higher reproductive ability than cows with CG or GG genotypes, which may be due to peculiarities of thyroid profiles during the first two weeks of pregnancy. The study was supported by Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education (0445-2021-0004).

Effect of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids on Semen Parameters and Serum Sex Hormonal Levels in Egyptian Male Bodybuilders

Background First identified in 1935, testosterone is the principal hormone controlling the development of androgenic-masculinizing effects in the male body, along with its anabolic properties that increase lean muscle mass. Objectives We aim at studying the influence of anabolic androgenic steroids on the semen parameters and serum sex hormonal levels in Egyptian male bodybuilders. Patients and Methods The type of study was cross sectional study. Study setting was conducted in Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department, Ain Shams University Hospitals. The study included 20 male body builders using AAS as the study group and 20 body builders who exercise only and not using AAS. 20 subjects who exercise only without androgenic anabolic steroids use. Results In the present study, there were statistical significant differences between ASS group and control group as regard semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm agglutination and rounded cells. Bodybuilders in ASS group had significantly lower semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count; and higher liquefaction, sperm agglutination, and rounded cells. Conclusion AAS has a negative impact on semen quality and sex hormone levels among male bodybuilders. In the present study, AAS users exhibited significantly lower plasma testosterone levels and increase FSH and decrease LH hormone higher frequencies of abnormal semen parameters than healthy control participants. These results should provoke concern, particularly because the use of anabolic steroids by exercising men for muscle building is based on self-designed personal schemes or is suggested by a partner, by field magazines, or by trainers at the gyms. Further, large-scale, studies are still needed to confirm our findings.