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Estradiol Levels (estradiol + level)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences51%
Life Sciences44%

Kinds of Estradiol Levels

  • serum estradiol level
    		•

    Selected Abstracts

    Estradiol levels in prepubertal boys and girls , analytical challenges

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 5 2004
    Katrine Bay
    Summary Increasing evidence points at an important function of low concentrations of estradiol (E2) in prepubertal boys and girls. E2 serum levels in prepubertal children are, however, often immeasurable in conventional E2 assays. This strongly hampers further investigation of the physiological relevance of E2 in children. In addition, there is an increasing concern of the potential effect of exposure to endocrine disrupters with estrogenic or antiandrogenic activity on pubertal development. A requirement of assessing the instance for this concern, adds further to the demands for applicable methodologies for the evaluation of the sensitivity of the organism to low E2 concentrations. Traditionally, E2 is measured by use of the radioimmunoassay (RIA). As an ultrasensitive alternative to the RIA, a recombinant cell bioassay has been developed. In this review, methodological aspects for these methods of analysis are examined and their applicability for evaluation of low E2 serum concentrations in children is estimated. Furthermore, available data on E2 levels in prepubertal boys and girls are evaluated and discussed, taking into consideration the limitations of the methods of analysis. In conclusion, there is a pronounced demand for new and improved methods of analysis for accurate and sensitive evaluation of low concentrations of E2. [source]

    Cryopreservation of vascularized ovary: An evaluation of histology and function in rats

    MICROSURGERY, Issue 5 2008
    Shijie Qi M.D.
    Cryopreservation of organs has been investigated to sustain the reproductive function of patients undergoing sterilizing chemotherapy and radiotherapy or reproductive surgery. A modified protocol for whole organ cryopreservation was described and the outcome of cryopreservative ovaries was evaluated, and apoptosis of cryopreservative cells stored for different time period and the viability of cryopreserved cells stored at different temperature was examined in rats. Lewis rat ovarian grafts were perfused for 30 min at 0.35 ml/min with M2 medium containing 0.1M fructose and increasing concentrations of 0,1.5M dimethylsulfoxide, cooled to ,140°C controlled by a computerized program, and stored in liquid nitrogen (,196°C) for 24 hours. After being thawed, ovaries were transplanted to syngeneic recipients after bilateral oophorectomy. Graft functions were monitored postoperatively. The major findings were that: 1) A 100% survival rate of rat ovaries was achieved in this study. Ovarian hormone secretion recovered in 80% rats which had received cryopreservative ovarian grafts. Postoperative serum estradiol levels in the cryopreservative graft group were lower than in the sham surgery control, but much higher than in the bilateral oophorectomy group. 2) Histological examination of cryopreservative ovarian grafts showed preantral and antral follicles. Two gestations were obtained. 3) Estradiol levels remained low in ovariectomized rats while in the oophorectomized rats given cryopreservative ovarian grafts levels started to rise after 14 ± 3 days. 4) The average viability in the cells from cryopreservative ovary organ (,196°C) was about 71 ± 18% compared to 90 ± 9% of fresh cells. This success should encourage further improvement of cryopreservative techniques for large organs. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008. [source]

    Index-to-ring finger length ratio (2D:4D) predicts levels of salivary estradiol, but not progesterone, over the menstrual cycle

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
    Matthew H. McIntyre
    We tested the association between the index-to-ring finger length ratio (2D:4D) and ovarian steroid hormone concentrations measured over the course of a menstrual cycle in the saliva of 38 young women. Estradiol levels were positively associated with right-hand, but not left-hand, 2D:4D, and also with the difference between right- and left-hand 2D:4D. None of these measures predicted progesterone level.Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:434,436, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    Letrozole normalizes serum testosterone in severely obese men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

    DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 3 2005
    H. De Boer
    Background:, Morbid obesity is associated with increased estradiol production as a result of aromatase-dependent conversion of testosterone to estradiol. The elevated serum estradiol levels may inhibit pituitary LH secretion to such extent that hypogonadotropic hypogonadism can result. Normalization of the disturbed estradiol-testosterone balance may be beneficial to reverse the adverse effects of hypogonadism. Aim:, To examine whether aromatase inhibition with Letrozole can normalize serum testosterone levels in severely obese men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Patients and Methods:, Ten severely obese men, mean age 48.2 ± 2.3 (s.e.) years and body mass index 42.1 ± 2.6 kg/m2, were treated with Letrozole for 6 weeks in doses ranging from 7.5 to 17.5 mg per week. Results:, Six weeks of treatment decreased serum estradiol from 120 ± 20 to 70 ± 9 pmol/l (p = 0.006). None of the subjects developed an estradiol level of less than 40 pmol/l. LH increased from 4.5 ± 0.8 to 14.8 ± 2.3 U/l (p < 0.001). Total testosterone rose from 7.5 ± 1.0 to 23.8 ± 3.0 nmol/l (p < 0.001) without a concomitant change in sex hormone-binding globulin level. Those treated with Letrozole 17.5 mg per week had an excessive LH response. Conclusion:, Short-term Letrozole treatment normalized serum testosterone levels in all obese men. The clinical significance of this intervention remains to be established in controlled, long-term studies. [source]

    The effect of sexual hormone abnormalities on proximal femur bone mineral density in hemodialysis patients and the possible role of RANKL

    HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2008
    Konstantinos K. DOUMOUCHTSIS
    Abstract Sexual hormone concentrations are commonly affected in chronic renal failure. The contribution of sex steroids to bone turnover regulation implies that sex steroid's dysfunction may be implicated in the emergence of renal osteodystrophy. This study was conducted to evaluate sex steroids and gonadotrophins in hemodialysis (HD) patients and to investigate their role in bone homeostasis in concert with other hormones and cytokines. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the proximal femur and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), osteoprotegerin, soluble receptor activator of NF-,B ligand (sRANKL), prolactin, total testosterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured in serum samples in 42 patients, 21 men and 21 women, on maintenance HD therapy. Possible associations between clinical characteristics, biochemical parameters, and BMD values were investigated. In male HD patients, the testosterone concentration declined significantly with aging, whereas the estradiol level increased with longer duration of HD. Concurrently, testosterone correlated negatively with sRANKL concentrations (r=,0.520, p=0.016). Luteinizing hormone levels in male patients demonstrated statistically significant negative correlations with BMD values of the proximal femur. In the entire cohort of patients, FSH and LH were negatively associated with absolute values of proximal femur BMD. Gonadotrophin and sexual hormone concentrations in HD patients are associated with bone mineral status and consequently their derangements appear to contribute to the development of bone composition abnormalities in different types of renal osteodystrophy. Furthermore, testosterone's association with sRANKL levels in male HD patients suggests that RANKL may mediate the effect of testosterone on bone metabolism in these patients. [source]

    Corticosterone induces steroidogenic lesion in cultured adult rat leydig cells by reducing the expression of star protein and steroidogenic enzymes

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2008
    Srinivasan Rengarajan
    Abstract The present study was designed to investigate the dose-dependent direct effect of corticosterone on adult rat Leydig cell steroidogenesis in vitro. Leydig cells were isolated from the testis of normal adult male albino rats, purified on discontinuous Percoll gradient and plated in culture plates/flasks overnight at 34°C in a CO2 incubator under 95% air and 5% CO2 using DME/F12 medium containing 1% fetal bovine serum. After the attachment of cells, serum-containing medium was removed and cells were exposed to different doses (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 nM) of corticosterone using serum-free fresh medium for 24 h at 34°C. At the end of exposure period, cells were utilized for assessment of the activities and mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes (cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme, 3,-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17,-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and cytochrome P450 aromatase) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein gene expression. Testosterone and estradiol production were also quantified. Activities of cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme, 3,- and 17,-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases were declined significantly in a dose-dependent manner after corticosterone exposure, while their mRNA expression were significantly reduced at higher doses of corticosterone exposure. The activity and mRNA expression of cytochrome P450 aromatase registered a significant increase at 100 nM dose of corticosterone whereas at 200,800 nM doses both the activity as well as the mRNA levels was significantly reduced below the basal level. StAR protein gene expression was significantly inhibited by higher doses of corticosterone employed. At all doses employed, corticosterone significantly reduced the production of testosterone by Leydig cells, while estradiol level registered a significant increase at 50 and 100 nM doses but at higher doses, it registered a significant decrease when compared to basal level. It is concluded from the present in vitro study that the molecular mechanism by which corticosterone reduces the production of Leydig cell testosterone is by reducing the activities and mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1472,1487, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    Total estradiol levels in migrant and British-born British Pakistani women: Investigating early life influences on ovarian function

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
    Tessa M. Pollard
    The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that women who grow up in energetically stressed environments have later menarche and lower total estradiol levels during their reproductive years than do women who grow up in less energetically stressed environments. We assessed total estradiol in a serum sample taken 9,11 days after the start of the menstrual cycle in 26 women who grew up in Pakistan and migrated to the UK as adults, in 28 British-born British Pakistani women, and in 25 British-born women of European origin. Women who grew up in Pakistan reported a later menarche than women who grew up in the UK. However, we found no significant differences between the groups in total estradiol level. Thus our findings do not support the hypothesis that estradiol levels are partially determined during early life. However, having considered our findings in relation to those of other studies, we conclude that new methodological approaches are needed to provide a more definitive test of the hypothesis. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    The effect of elevated serum estradiol levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection on pregnancy outcomes in an assisted reproduction program

    AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 5 2009
    Tevfik YOLDEMIR
    Background: Women who have a high estradiol level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection are considered to have their in vitro fertilisation treatments compromised. How this really affects the pregnancy rates needs to be questioned. Aim: To determine if elevated serum estradiol levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection have a deleterious effect on clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates in an assisted reproduction program. Methods: A retrospective analysis was done of women with estradiol levels higher than 10 000 pmol/L and women with estradiol levels between 8000,10 000 pmol/L on the day of ovulation trigger undergoing in vitro fertilisation treatment at the Fertility Unit of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, Australia. Pregnancy rates were compared for those having fresh embryo transfers and those having frozen thawed embryo transfers in subsequent cycles. Results: There was no difference between the groups in terms of clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates. Conclusion:, Frozen thawed embryos obtained from controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycles resulted in similar clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates as those obtained in previous fresh embryo transfer cycles. [source]

    Effect of tributyltin on testicular development in Sebastiscus marmoratus and the mechanism involved,

    ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2009
    Jiliang Zhang
    Abstract Organotin compounds, such as tributyltin (TBT), that have been used as antifouling biocides can induce masculinization in female mollusks. However, few studies addressing the effects of TBT on fishes have been reported. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of TBT at environmentally relevant concentrations (1,10, and 100 ng/L) on testicular development in Sebastiscus marmoratus and to gain insight into its mechanism of action. After exposure for 48 d, the gonadosomatic index had decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Although the testosterone levels in the testes were elevated and the 17,-estradiol levels were decreased, spermatogenesis was suppressed. Moreover, ,-glutamyl transpeptidase activity (which is used as a Sertoli cell marker) was decreased in a dose-dependent manner after TBT exposure, and serious interstitial fibrosis was observed in the interlobular septa of the testes in the 100 ng/L TBT test group. Increases in the retinoid × receptors and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor , expression and the progressive enlargement of lipid droplets in the testes were observed after TBT exposure. Estrogen receptor , levels in the testes of the fish exposed to TBT decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The reduction of estrogen receptor , mRNA resulted from the decrease of 17,-estradiol levels, and the progressive enlargement of lipid droplets may have contributed to the dysfunction of the Sertoli cells, which then disrupted spermatogenesis. [source]

    Stimulation of reproductive growth in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following exposure to treated sewage effluent

    ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 10 2006
    Birgit Hoger
    Abstract Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were exposed to 1.5 and 15% v/v secondary treated sewage effluent for 32 weeks in flow-through mesocosms. The exposure encompassed the full period of reproductive development for rainbow trout. Trout did not show any evidence of a dose-dependent change in growth. Fish exposed to 15% effluent were the only group to show mortality (5%) over the duration of the experiment. Trout at the highest effluent concentration had significantly higher liver size than reference water fish. Both male and female trout in the 15% exposure group also exhibited significantly higher gonad weight than the reference group. In female trout, this gonad size increase could be explained by higher egg numbers. Female and male trout both displayed a significant increase in plasma 17,-estradiol levels after exposure to 15% effluent, while neither sex had dose-dependent differences in plasma testosterone. Male trout displayed elevated vitellogenin levels and reduced plasma 11-ketotestosterone concentration after exposure to 15% effluent. Chemical examination of steroidal compounds, including both estrogens and androgens, in the wastewater revealed that only estrone was detectable at a mean concentration of 4.5 ng/L. It is assumed that the effects observed in trout exposed to 15% effluent were consistent with stimulation of reproductive development due to very low levels of estrogens. Overall, long-term exposure to treated sewage effluent containing low levels of estrogen did not have significant negative implications for reproductive development in rainbow trout. [source]

    The effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (Aroclor 1242) on thyroxine, estradiol, molt, and plumage characteristics in the American kestrel (Falco sparverius)

    ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2002
    Michael J. Quinn Jr.
    Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of Aroclor 1242, a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), on plumage characteristics and molt in the American kestrel, Falco sparverius. Several characteristics of plumage, including color and molt schedule, are modulated by hormonal signals and hence may be modified by endocrine-active contaminants. If so, the functions of plumage (e.g., communication for mating or territorial defense) may be compromised by exposure to such compounds. Captive American kestrels were fed Aroclor 1242 at 0, 6.0, and 60.0 ppm (n = 6 males and 6 females per treatment) mixed in their normal diet. Concentrations of plasma estradiol and thyroxine were measured weekly from the beginning of treatment. Measured plumage characteristics included width of the black subterminal band on the tail, color (a composite index of hue and saturation), reflectance from 230 to 800 nm, pattern of feather loss and regrowth on the tail and wing, and timing of onset and duration of molt. Aroclor 1242 depressed plasma thyroxine. Plasma estradiol levels remained low due to the phase of the breeding cycle. Treatments did not disrupt the measured plumage characteristics. This may be due to timing or dose of exposure or to genetic factors. [source]

    Bone turnover markers and sex hormones in men with idiopathic osteoporosis

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 5 2001
    P. Pietschmann
    Background In contrast to osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, osteoporosis in men has received much less attention. Patients and We determined various biochemical parameters of bone metabolism and sex hormones in 31 men with idiopathic osteoporosis and 35 age matched control subjects. Results In the men with osteoporosis, a significantly increased urinary excretion of deoxypyridinoline (5·3 ± 0·2 vs. 4·6 ± 0·2 nmol mmol,1 creatinine; P = 0·033) in addition to increased serum levels of the c-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (2677 ± 230 vs. 2058 ± 153 pmol; P = 0·037) were found. While parameters of bone formation were not significantly different in the patients and controls, serum bone sialoprotein levels were significantly decreased in the patients (3·7 ± 0·8 vs. 12·4 ± 4·0 ng mL,1; P = 0·021). Moreover, in men with idiopathic osteoporosis, lower levels of estradiol (91·3 ± 5·8 vs. 114·6 ± 7·8 pmol L,1; P = 0·044), higher levels of sex hormone binding globulin (31·5 ± 3·1 vs. 24·2 ± 1·4 nmol L,1; P = 0·034) and a decreased free androgen index (42·6 ± 5·2 vs. 56·4 ± 5·9; P = 0·016) were seen. Serum estradiol levels correlated negatively with several parameters of bone resorption. Conclusions In men with idiopathic osteoporosis, bone resorption is increased and exceeds bone formation. The excessive bone resorption seen in idiopathic male osteoporosis may be due to decreased estradiol levels and low levels of bioavailable testosterone. [source]

    Endogenous Estrogen Levels and the Effects of Ultra-Low-Dose Transdermal Estradiol Therapy on Bone Turnover and BMD in Postmenopausal Women,

    JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 11 2007
    Alison J Huang
    Abstract In a randomized controlled trial of a 0.014 mg/d transdermal estradiol patch, serum bone turnover markers decreased to a greater degree in postmenopausal women with lower versus higher endogenous estradiol levels. This suggests that the protective effects of ultra-low-dose estrogen therapy on the postmenopausal skeletal health may depend critically on women's endogenous estrogen levels before treatment. Introduction: Postmenopausal women with very low or undetectable estradiol levels have lower BMD, increased bone turnover, and increased risk of hip and vertebral fracture. We assessed whether the effects of ultra-low-dose 0.014 mg/d transdermal estradiol (Menostar; Berlex, Montvale, NJ, USA) on bone turnover and BMD are influenced by endogenous estradiol levels. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from postmenopausal women (mean age, 66 yr) randomized to an 0.014-mg/d transdermal estradiol patch or placebo in the ultra-low-dose transdermal estrogen (ULTRA) trial. The free estradiol index (FEI), calculated as the ratio of total estradiol (by mass spectometry) to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG; by immunoradiometric assay) × 100, was used to estimate bioavailable estradiol at baseline. Among the 382 women who adhered to ,80% of study medication, we examined change in serum osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase levels at 12 mo and total hip and lumbar spine BMD at 24 mo in each quintile of FEI. Results: Compared with women in the highest quintile of FEI, those in the lowest quintile of FEI had a 26% greater reduction in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and 15% greater reduction in osteocalcin in response to ultra-low estradiol treatment (p for trend across quintiles < 0.05). There was a trend toward greater improvement in total hip BMD (p = 0.06) but not spine BMD (p = 0.90) in those with lower versus higher FEI levels. Conclusions: The beneficial effects of ultra-low-dose 0.014-mg/d transdermal estrogen therapy on skeletal health may depend critically on women's endogenous estrogen levels before treatment. [source]

    Difference in non-weight-bearing effects on bone mineral density between trunk and peripheral fat mass in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

    JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2010
    Yumi Yanazume
    Abstract Aim:, To investigate the difference in non-weight-bearing effects on bone mineral density (BMD) between trunk and peripheral fat mass in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods:, Subjects were 123 amenorrheic PCOS women with right side dominance. Age, height, body weight, and body mass index were recorded. Trunk, peripheral (extremities), trunk,leg fat ratio as an index of body fat distribution, left arm (non-weight-bearing site) lean mass and BMD were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum testosterone and estradiol levels were measured. Relationships of BMD with trunk, peripheral fat mass, and sex hormones levels were investigated. Results:, Trunk fat mass amount was 9.8 ± 6.7 kg and was lower than the peripheral fat mass amount (12.2 ± 4.4 kg, P < 0.01). On Pearson's correlation test, trunk fat mass and left arm lean mass were positively correlated with arm BMD (r = 0.359, P < 0.001 and r = 0.501, P < 0.0001, respectively), while peripheral fat mass and serum testosterone levels were not correlated with BMD (r = 0.083 and 0.114, respectively, NS). On multiple regression analysis, trunk fat mass was positively correlated with BMD (t -value = 3.465; P < 0.001), independent of age and height. However, this relationship disappeared after additionally adjusting for left arm lean mass. Conclusion:, Trunk fat mass, despite the smaller amount, is more associated with arm BMD than peripheral fat mass is through its non-weight-bearing effects. [source]

    Low Bone Mineral Density and Impaired Bone Metabolism in Young Alcoholic Patients Without Liver Cirrhosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

    ALCOHOLISM, Issue 2 2009
    Peter Malik
    Background:, Osteoporosis is regularly mentioned as a consequence of alcoholism. Ethanol,s direct effect on bone-modeling cells as well as alcoholism-related "life-style factors" such as malnutrition, lack of exercise, hormonal changes, and liver cirrhosis are discussed as potential causative factors. Methods:, In a cross-sectional study, we have examined 57 noncirrhotic alcoholic patients (37 male, 20 female) aged 27 to 50 years. Patients suffering from comorbid somatic diseases and with co-medication known to have an influence on bone mineral density (e.g., glucocorticoids, heparin, anticonvulsant agents, oral contraceptives) were excluded. We determined bone mineral density (BMD) by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the lumbar spine (L1,L4) and the proximal right femur (femoral neck, total hip) as well as parameters of bone metabolism. Results:, In males but not females, BMD was significantly reduced in the lumbar region, as well as in the proximal femur (femoral neck, total hip). Nine male patients (24.3% of men) and 1 female patient (5% of women) had low BMD (defined as Z -score , ,2.0). As expected, there was a positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and BMD. Alcohol-related factors (e.g., duration of abuse, consumed amount of alcohol per day) as well as smoking were not associated with a significant effect on BMD. All of the 20 women examined showed elevated estradiol levels, which may have served as a protective factor. In this study, 75.7% of the men and 90% of the women had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency (plasma levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D < 30 ng/ml). Conclusions:, Our study indicates that younger alcoholic patients without other diseases may suffer from an increased risk to develop low BMD and a disturbance of vitamin D metabolism. Nutritional factors or less exposure to sunlight may play an important role in bone loss in young alcoholic patients. BMD measurement and assessment of bone metabolism should be considered in all patients with chronic alcoholism. [source]

    Cryopreservation of vascularized ovary: An evaluation of histology and function in rats

    MICROSURGERY, Issue 5 2008
    Shijie Qi M.D.
    Cryopreservation of organs has been investigated to sustain the reproductive function of patients undergoing sterilizing chemotherapy and radiotherapy or reproductive surgery. A modified protocol for whole organ cryopreservation was described and the outcome of cryopreservative ovaries was evaluated, and apoptosis of cryopreservative cells stored for different time period and the viability of cryopreserved cells stored at different temperature was examined in rats. Lewis rat ovarian grafts were perfused for 30 min at 0.35 ml/min with M2 medium containing 0.1M fructose and increasing concentrations of 0,1.5M dimethylsulfoxide, cooled to ,140°C controlled by a computerized program, and stored in liquid nitrogen (,196°C) for 24 hours. After being thawed, ovaries were transplanted to syngeneic recipients after bilateral oophorectomy. Graft functions were monitored postoperatively. The major findings were that: 1) A 100% survival rate of rat ovaries was achieved in this study. Ovarian hormone secretion recovered in 80% rats which had received cryopreservative ovarian grafts. Postoperative serum estradiol levels in the cryopreservative graft group were lower than in the sham surgery control, but much higher than in the bilateral oophorectomy group. 2) Histological examination of cryopreservative ovarian grafts showed preantral and antral follicles. Two gestations were obtained. 3) Estradiol levels remained low in ovariectomized rats while in the oophorectomized rats given cryopreservative ovarian grafts levels started to rise after 14 ± 3 days. 4) The average viability in the cells from cryopreservative ovary organ (,196°C) was about 71 ± 18% compared to 90 ± 9% of fresh cells. This success should encourage further improvement of cryopreservative techniques for large organs. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008. [source]

    Total estradiol levels in migrant and British-born British Pakistani women: Investigating early life influences on ovarian function

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
    Tessa M. Pollard
    The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that women who grow up in energetically stressed environments have later menarche and lower total estradiol levels during their reproductive years than do women who grow up in less energetically stressed environments. We assessed total estradiol in a serum sample taken 9,11 days after the start of the menstrual cycle in 26 women who grew up in Pakistan and migrated to the UK as adults, in 28 British-born British Pakistani women, and in 25 British-born women of European origin. Women who grew up in Pakistan reported a later menarche than women who grew up in the UK. However, we found no significant differences between the groups in total estradiol level. Thus our findings do not support the hypothesis that estradiol levels are partially determined during early life. However, having considered our findings in relation to those of other studies, we conclude that new methodological approaches are needed to provide a more definitive test of the hypothesis. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    The impact of developmental conditions on adult salivary estradiol levels: Why this differs from progesterone?

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
    Alejandra Núñez-De La Mora
    Women living in energetically stressful conditions have significantly lower baseline salivary steroid levels compared to those in affluent environments. Developmental hypotheses suggest that interpopulation variation in ovarian function results from contrasting environments experienced during growth. We use a migrant study of Bangladeshi women to test this hypothesis. We compared middle-class women (19,39 years) who migrated to London, UK, at different life-stages (pre and postmenarche), with Bangladeshi sedentees, second-generation British-Bangladeshis, and white British women living in similar London neighborhoods (total n = 227). We analyzed levels of salivary estradiol for one menstrual cycle, together with data on anthropometry, diet, lifestyle, and migration and reproductive histories. Results from multiple linear regression models, controlling for anthropometric and reproductive variables, show no significant differences in baseline estradiol levels between groups whether all cycles or just ovulatory cycles are analyzed. We also found no correlation between age at migration or time since migration on estradiol levels, nor between adult estradiol levels and age at menarche. Our results differ from previous reports of significantly lower salivary estradiol levels in populations living in more extreme ecological settings. They also contrast with our previous findings of significant intergroup differences in baseline levels of salivary progesterone. However, women who spent their childhood in Sylhet have a lower proportion of ovulatory cycles compared to women who developed in Britain. These group differences in ovulation frequency indicate more qualitative effects of contrasting developmental environments. We discuss possible explanations for differences in response between progesterone and estradiol, as well as broader implications of our findings. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    High ponderal index at birth predicts high estradiol levels in adult women

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
    Grazyna Jasienska
    Inter-individual variation in levels of sex hormones results from differences in genetic, developmental, and environmental factors. We tested a hypothesis that programming of the fetal neuroendocrine axis may predispose some women to produce higher levels of steroid hormones during their menstrual cycles as adults. One hundred forty-five regularly menstruating 24- to 36- year-old women collected daily saliva samples for one menstrual cycle. Data on women's birth weights and birth lengths were obtained from medical records. A positive relationship was observed between ponderal index at birth (an indicator of nutritional status, calculated as birth weight/(birth length)3) and levels of estradiol (E2) in menstrual cycles, after controlling for potential confounding factors. Mean E2 was 16.4 pmol/l in the low ponderal index tertile, 17.3 pmol/l in the moderate ponderal index tertile, and 19.6 pmol/l in the high ponderal index tertile (the high ponderal index group had significantly higher E2 than both low and moderate ponderal index groups, P = 0.0001). This study shows a positive association between ponderal index recorded for women at birth and levels of E2 measured during their menstrual cycles as adults. This suggests that conditions during fetal life influence adult production of reproductive hormones and may contribute to inter-individual variation in reproductive function. In addition, because large size at birth is one of the factors linked with an increased risk of breast cancer, our findings provide a physiological link for the observed positive relationship between indicators of energetic conditions during fetal growth and breast cancer in women. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 18:133,140, 2006. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    Menopause Leading to Increased Vaginal Wall Thickness in Women with Genital Prolapse: Impact on Sexual Response

    THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 11 2009
    Lúcia Alves Da Silva Lara MD
    ABSTRACT Introduction., Hypoestrogenism causes structural changes in the vaginal wall that can lead to sexual dysfunction. A reduction in vaginal wall thickness has been reported to occur after menopause, although without precise morphometry. Aim., To measure vaginal wall thickness in women with genital prolapse in normal and hypoestrogenic conditions and to correlate sexual dysfunction with vaginal wall thickness and estradiol levels. Methods., Surgical vaginal specimens from 18 normoestrogenic and 13 postmenopausal women submitted to surgery for genital prolapse grades I and II were examined. Patients were evaluated for FSH, estradiol, prolactin, glycemia, and serum TSH levels. For histological analysis, samples were stained with Masson's trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin. Sexual function was assessed by the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). Main Outcome Measures., GRISS questionnaire, histological analysis, morphometric methods, Masson's trichrome. Results., The vaginal wall was thicker in the postmenopausal than premenopausal group (2.72 ± 0.72 mm and 2.16 ± 0.43, P = 0.01, and 2.63 ± 0.71 mm and 2.07 ± 0.49 mm, P = 0.01, for the anterior and posterior walls, respectively). These thicknesses seem to be due to the muscular layer, which was also thicker in the postmenopausal group (1.54 ± 0.44 and 1.09 ± 0.3 mm, P = 0.02, and 1.45 ± 0.47 and 1.07 ± 0.44 mm, P = 0.03, for the anterior and posterior wall, respectively). The vaginal epithelium was thinner in the middle segment than in the proximal one in the posterior wall (0.17 ± 0.07 mm, 0.15 ± 0.05 mm, 0.24 ± 0.09 mm, P = 0.02). There was no correlation between coital pain, vaginal wall thickness, and estradiol levels in either group. Conclusion., The vaginal wall is thicker after menopause in women with genital prolapse. In this study, vaginal thickness and estrogen levels were not related to sexual dysfunction. da Silva Lara LA, Ribeiro-Silva A, Rosa-e-Silva JC, Chaud F, Silva-de-Sá MF, Meireles e Silva AR, and Rosa-e-Silva ACJS. Menopause leading to increased vaginal wall thickness in women with genital prolapse: impact on sexual response. J Sex Med 2009;6:3097,3110. [source]

    The effect of elevated serum estradiol levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection on pregnancy outcomes in an assisted reproduction program

    AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 5 2009
    Tevfik YOLDEMIR
    Background: Women who have a high estradiol level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection are considered to have their in vitro fertilisation treatments compromised. How this really affects the pregnancy rates needs to be questioned. Aim: To determine if elevated serum estradiol levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection have a deleterious effect on clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates in an assisted reproduction program. Methods: A retrospective analysis was done of women with estradiol levels higher than 10 000 pmol/L and women with estradiol levels between 8000,10 000 pmol/L on the day of ovulation trigger undergoing in vitro fertilisation treatment at the Fertility Unit of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, Australia. Pregnancy rates were compared for those having fresh embryo transfers and those having frozen thawed embryo transfers in subsequent cycles. Results: There was no difference between the groups in terms of clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates. Conclusion:, Frozen thawed embryos obtained from controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycles resulted in similar clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates as those obtained in previous fresh embryo transfer cycles. [source]

    Differential effects of antiepileptic drugs on steroidogenesis in a human in vitro cell model

    ACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2009
    M. W. Gustavsen
    Objectives, To better understand the interaction of antiepileptic drugs and production of sex hormones, possible effects of valproate (VPA), levetiracetam (LEV) and carbamazepine (CBZ) on steroidogenesis were investigated in the human adrenal carcinoma cell line H295R. Materials and methods, H295R cells were exposed to different concentrations of VPA, LEV or CBZ for 48 h. Sex hormone concentrations and mRNA expression levels were analyzed via radioimmunoassay and quantitative real time (RT)-PCR, respectively. Results, In VPA-exposed cells estradiol levels decreased in a dose-dependent manner, while testosterone and progesterone levels were unaffected. Expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), CYP11a, CYP17, CYP21, 3,HSD2, 17,HSD1 was downregulated and expression of CYP11,2 was upregulated. No effect on sex hormone production was observed under influence of LEV or CBZ. Expression of StAR, CYP17, CYP19 and 3,HSD2 was downregulated in LEV-exposed cells, and expression of HMGR, CYP11,2 and CYP17 was downregulated in CBZ-exposed cells. Conclusions, VPA exposure resulted in a decrease in estradiol levels and a general downregulation of expression of genes encoding for enzymes early in steroidogenesis. No consistent changes were seen with LEV or CBZ exposure. [source]

    Relationship between caffeine intake and plasma sex hormone concentrations in premenopausal and postmenopausal women

    CANCER, Issue 12 2009
    Joanne Kotsopoulos PhD
    Abstract BACKGROUND: Circulating estrogens and androgens are important factors in the development of various female cancers. Caffeine intake may decrease risk of breast and ovarian cancer, although the data are not entirely consistent. Whether or not caffeine affects cancer risk by altering sex hormone levels is currently unknown. METHODS: We examined the relationship of caffeine, coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea with plasma concentrations of estrogens, androgens, progesterone, prolactin, and sex hormone,binding globulin (SHBG) in 524 premenopausal and 713 postmenopausal women from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHSII. RESULTS: In premenopausal women, caffeine intake was inversely associated with luteal total and free estradiol, and positively associated with luteal progesterone levels (P -trend = .02, .01, .03, respectively). Coffee intake was significantly associated with lower luteal total and free estradiol levels, but not luteal progesterone levels (P -trend = .007, .004, .20, respectively). Among the postmenopausal women, there was a positive association between caffeine and coffee intake and SHBG levels (P -trend = .03 and .06, respectively). No significant associations were detected with the other hormones. CONCLUSIONS: Data from this cross-sectional study suggest that caffeine may alter circulating levels of luteal estrogens and SHBG, representing possible mechanisms by which coffee or caffeine may be associated with pre- and postmenopausal malignancies, respectively. Future studies evaluating how caffeine-mediated alterations in sex hormones and binding protein levels affect the risk of female cancers are warranted. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society. [source]

    Synthesis of Aromatase Inhibitors and Dual Aromatase Steroid Sulfatase Inhibitors by Linking an Arylsulfamate Motif to 4-(4H -1,2,4-triazol-4-ylamino)benzonitrile: SAR, Crystal Structures, in,vitro and in,vivo Activities

    CHEMMEDCHEM, Issue 11 2008
    Christian Bubert Dr.
    Abstract 4-(((4-Cyanophenyl)(4H -1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)amino)methyl)phenyl sulfamate (6,a) was the first dual aromatase,sulfatase inhibitor (DASI) reported. Several series of its derivatives with various linker systems between the steroid sulfatase (STS) and the aromatase inhibitory pharmacophores were synthesised and evaluated in JEG-3 cells. The X-ray crystal structures of the aromatase inhibitors, DASI precursors 42,d and 60, and DASI 43,h were determined. Nearly all derivatives show improved in,vitro aromatase inhibition over 6,a but decreased STS inhibition. The best aromatase inhibitor is 42,e (IC50=0.26,nM) and the best DASI is 43,e (IC50,aromatase=0.45,nM, IC50,STS=1200,nM). SAR for aromatase inhibition shows that compounds containing an alkylene- and thioether-based linker system are more potent than those that are ether-, sulfone-, or sulfonamide-based, and that the length of the linker has a limited effect on aromatase inhibition beyond two methylene units. Compounds 43,d,f were studied in,vivo (10,mg,kg,1, single, p.o.). The most potent DASI is 43,e, which inhibited PMSG-induced plasma estradiol levels by 92,% and liver STS activity by 98,% 3,h after dosing. These results further strengthen the concept of designing and developing DASIs for potential treatment of hormone-related cancers. [source]