Associations Between Dietary Inflammatory Index and Sex Hormones Among 6- to 19-Year-Old Children and Adolescents in NHANES 2015–2016

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and sex steroids in children (6-11 years old) and adolescents (12-19 years old) in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2015–2016.MethodsParticipants between the ages of 6-19 have 24-hour dietary intake data, serum sex hormones [total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2)], and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) available data (n = 1382). The free androgen index (FAI) is calculated as TT divided by SHBG and the ratio of TT to E2 (TT/E2). The constructed puberty state is defined as high levels of steroid hormones (TT≥50 ng/dL in men, E2≥20 pg/ml in women) or onset of menarche. Multiple linear regression analysis was stratified by gender-age and gender-pubertal status groups to evaluate the association between DII and sex hormone levels.ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, the association between consecutive DII and sex hormone indicators by gender and age group. In male adolescents, DII was always negatively associated with TT (P-trend = 0.09), FAI (P-trend = 0.03) and E2 (P-trend = 0.01), and monotonically positively associated with SHBG (P-trend = 0.02).In female adolescents, with the increase of DII, a significant positive correlation with SHBG was observed (β 0.017, 95%CI: 0.009,0.053) (Table 3). Among female adolescents, a significant negative association between DII and TT and a significant positive association between SHBG were observed in this group. Moreover, DII was positively associated with SHBG of prepubertal males and negatively associated with FAI of prepubertal females.ConclusionsDII was associated with decreased levels of certain sex steroid hormones (TT, FAI, and E2) and increased levels of SHBG in adolescents or pubertal individuals, with the associations presenting somewhat sex-dependent pattern. However, there is little evidence that there is a significant association in children or prepubertal children. Further research needs to be carried out to verify our results.

Effects of Eight-Week Combined Resistance and Endurance Training on Serum Levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), and Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) in Men with Prostate Cancer

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most prevalent cancer and the sixth cancer leading to death in men worldwide. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of eight weeks of combined training on specific markers of prostate cancer in older adults. Methods: Twenty older adults (62 ± 7 years) with prostate cancer were divided randomly into the control (n = 10) and training (n = 10) groups. The training group performed exercise training in three sessions a week for eight weeks. Resistance training included two sets of 10 repetitions at 60 - 75% of one-repetition maximum, and endurance training contained treadmill running for 20 - 35 min at 60 - 75% of maximum heart rate. Bruce test, one-repetition maximum, and ELISA technique were used respectively to measure the aerobic performance, strength performance, and serum levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and testosterone (TS). A two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to specify the differences. Results: Weight, fat percentage, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), glucose, insulin, and PSA were significantly lower in the training group than the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, strength performance, aerobic performance, SHBG, TS, and PTEN were significantly higher in the training group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Combined training can have an influential role in physical condition improvement through decreasing the PSA serum level and increasing SHBG, TS, and PETEN serum levels, which helps patients with prostate cancer to be cured.

Novel lipidomic signature associated with metabolic risk in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome

Background Dyslipidaemia is a feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and may augment metabolic dysfunction in this population. Objective Using comprehensive lipidomic profiling and gold-standard metabolic measures, we examined whether distinct lipid biomarkers were associated with metabolic risk in women with and without PCOS. Methods Using pre-existing data and bio-banked samples from 76 women (n=42 with PCOS), we profiled &gt;700 lipid species by mass spectrometry. Lipids were compared between women with and without PCOS and correlated with direct measures of adiposity (dual X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography) and insulin sensitivity (hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp), as well as fasting insulin, HbA1c, and hormonal parameters (luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones; total and free testosterone; sex hormone-binding globulin [SHBG]; and free androgen index [FAI]). Multivariable linear regression was used with correction for multiple testing. Results Despite finding no differences by PCOS status, lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) species esterified with an 18:0 fatty acid were the strongest lipid species associated with all the metabolic risk factors measured in women with and without PCOS. Across the cohort, higher concentrations of LPI(18:0) and lower concentrations of lipids containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were associated with higher adiposity, insulin resistance, fasting insulin, HbA1c and FAI, and lower SHBG. Conclusions Our data indicate that a distinct lipidomic signature comprising high LPI(18:0) and low DHA-containing lipids are associated with key metabolic risk factors that cluster in PCOS, independent of PCOS status. Prospective studies are needed to corroborate these findings in larger cohorts of women with varying PCOS phenotypes.

Association of Macronutrients Composition, Physical Activity and Serum Androgen Concentration in Young Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The roles of dietary macronutrients and physical activity (PA) in patients with PCOS have not been sufficiently reported, especially in adolescent girls. To address this knowledge gap, we evaluated the associations between serum concentrations of total testosterone (tT), free testosterone (fT), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and dietary macronutrients intake as well as different types and levels of PA. The study population consisted of 96 girls of Caucasian ancestry, aged 14–18 years: 61 participants with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 35 healthy controls. Serum tT, fT, A, DHEA-S, and SHBG were determined in fasting blood. Macronutrient intake and PA levels were assessed by using the three-day food record method and the Beliefs and Eating Habits Questionnaire (KomPAN), respectively. We found several positive correlations between dietary macronutrients such as total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and hormonal parameters across the entire cohort and in healthy girls. A positive correlation between SHBG and total protein consumption as well as an inverse correlation between SHBG and carbohydrate intake could be determined. No correlation between androgens and macronutrients was found in the PCOS group. In contrast, we observed an inverse correlation between androgen concentrations (except of DHEA-S) and “work/school” and/or “leisure time” PA only in PCOS patients. Moreover, the hormone levels differed according to PA intensity. In conclusion, the impact of diet and PA was strikingly different in adolescents with and without PCOS. These findings indicate that disturbed hormonal homeostasis in PCOS, at least in the youngest patients, likely “overtrump” dietary influences, and otherwise, PA offers a therapeutic potential that requires further evaluation of the long-term effects in randomized studies. (ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT04738409.)

Early Identification of the Maternal, Placental, and Fetal Dialog in Gestational Diabetes and Its Prevention

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) complicates between 5 and 12% of pregnancies, with associated maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications. The ideal screening and diagnostic criteria to diagnose and treat GDM have not been established and, currently, diagnostic use with an oral glucose tolerance test occurs late in pregnancy and produces poor reproducibility. Therefore, in recent years, significant research has been undertaken to identify a first-trimester biomarker that can predict GDM later in pregnancy, enable early intervention, and reduce GDM-related adverse pregnancy outcomes. Possible biomarkers include glycemic markers (fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c), adipocyte-derived markers (adiponectin and leptin), pregnancy-related markers (pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and the placental growth factor), inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α), insulin resistance markers (sex hormone-binding globulin), and others. This review summarizes current data on first-trimester biomarkers, the advantages, and the limitations. Large multi-ethnic clinical trials and cost-effectiveness analyses are needed not only to build effective prediction models but also to validate their clinical use.

Effects of Exercise Training on Anabolic and Catabolic Hormones with Advanced Age: A Systematic Review

Background Ageing is accompanied by decreases in physical capacity and physiological regulatory mechanisms including altered hormonal regulation compared with age-matched sedentary people. The potential benefits of exercise in restoring such altered hormone production and secretion compared to age-matched physically inactive individuals who are ageing remains unclear. Objectives The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the findings of exercise training in modulating levels of ostensibly anabolic and catabolic hormones in adults aged > 40 years. Methods We searched the following electronic databases (to July 2021) without a period limit: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science. Additionally, a manual search for published studies in Google Scholar was conducted for analysis of the ‘grey literature’ (information produced outside of traditional commercial or academic publishing and distribution channels). The initial search used the terms ‘ageing’ OR ‘advanced age’ OR ‘old people’ OR ‘older’ OR elderly’ AND ‘anabolic hormones’ OR ‘catabolic hormones’ OR ‘steroid hormones’ OR ‘sex hormones’ OR ‘testosterone’ OR ‘cortisol’ OR ‘insulin’ OR ‘insulin-like growth factor-1’ OR ‘IGF-1’ OR ‘sex hormone-binding globulin’ OR ‘SHBG’ OR ‘growth hormone’ OR ‘hGH’ OR ‘dehydroepiandrosterone’ OR ‘DHEA’ OR ‘dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S)’ AND ‘exercise training’ OR ‘endurance training’ OR ‘resistance training’ OR ‘ strength training’ OR ‘weight-lifting’ OR ‘high-intensity interval training’ OR ‘high-intensity interval exercise’ OR ‘high-intensity intermittent training’ OR ‘high-intensity intermittent exercise’ OR ‘interval aerobic training’ OR ‘interval aerobic exercise’ OR ‘intermittent aerobic training’ OR ‘intermittent aerobic exercise’ OR ‘high-intensity training’ OR ‘high-intensity exercise’ OR ‘sprint interval training’ OR ‘sprint interval exercise’ OR ‘combined exercise training’ OR ‘anaerobic training’. Only eligible full texts in English or French were considered for analysis. Results Our search identified 484 records, which led to 33 studies for inclusion in the analysis. Different exercise training programs were used with nine studies using endurance training programs, ten studies examining the effects of high-intensity interval training, and 14 studies investigating the effects of resistance training. Most training programs lasted ≥ 2 weeks. Studies, regardless of the design, duration or intensity of exercise training, reported increases in testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), human growth hormone (hGH) or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (effect size: 0.19 < d < 3.37, small to very large) in both older males and females. However, there was no consensus on the effects of exercise on changes in cortisol and insulin in older adults. Conclusion In conclusion, findings from this systematic review suggest that exercise training increases basal levels of testosterone, IGF-1, SHBG, hGH and DHEA in both male and females over 40 years of age. The increases in blood levels of these hormones were independent of the mode, duration and intensity of the training programs. However, the effects of long-term exercise training on cortisol and insulin levels in elderly people are less clear.

The Association Between Dietary Inflammatory Index and Sex Hormones Among Postmenopausal Women in the US

AimsDiet has been found to have an important effect on sex hormones. The effect of diet-induced inflammation on sex hormones has not been studied in detail among women. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) and sex hormones among postmenopausal women.MethodsThis study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016 waves. A total of 1183 postmenopausal women who provided information on two 24-hour dietary intake recalls, sex hormones including total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), TT/E2, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free estradiol (FE2) and free testosterone (FT), as well as selected covariates were included. Linear regression and restricted cubic spline evaluated the association between E-DII and sex hormones. Effect modification by body mass index (BMI) and type of menopause was then examined in stratified analysis.ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, linear regression showed that E-DII was positively associated with TT (P=0.035), FT (P=0.026) and TT/E2 (P=0.065). TT (P-nonlinear = 0.037) and TT/E2 (P-nonlinear = 0.035) had significant nonlinear association with E-DII. E2 (P-nonlinear = 0.046) and FE2 (P-nonlinear = 0.027) depicted a nonlinear U-shaped significant association with E-DII, the two inflection points were found at the E-DII score of -0.22 and 0.07, respectively, the associations in natural menopausal women were more pronounced.ConclusionsOur study indicates that several indicators of androgen and estrogen were associated with E-DII in postmenopausal women. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.

How Much Obesity and Diabetes Do Impair Male Fertility?

BackgroundSubfertility in obese and diabetic men during the reproductive age is evident, but the mechanisms by which obesity and diabetes mellitus cause male infertility are not entirely understood. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects and potential mechanisms of obesity and diabetes on male fertilityMethodsWe enrolled control=40, obese=40, Lean-DM=35, and Obese-DM=35 individuals. The obesity-associated markers, diabetic markers, hormonal and lipid profile, inflammatory indices, and semen analysis were assessed in four experimental groups.ResultsOur finding showed that diabetic markers were significantly increased in two diabetic groups, while obesity indices were markedly increased in two obese groups. Conventional sperm parameters were significantly lower in three groups compared with the control. Serum levels of total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin were significantly lower in men with obesity and DM compared with the control. There was a significant difference in the concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein among four experimental groups. Moreover, serum leptin was significantly increased in obese DM, lean DM, and obese groups. Serum insulin levels had a positive correlation with metabolic-associated indices and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, whereas it had a negative correlation with count, motility, and morphology. ConclusionsOur findings showed the metabolic changes, hormonal dysfunction and inflammatory disturbance might be suspected mechanisms of subfertility in obese and diabetic subfertile men.