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Hormonal Changes (hormonal + change)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	75%
Life Sciences	17%
2 Other Domains	8%

Selected Abstracts

Hormonal Changes in Menopause and Implications on Sexual Health

THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 2007
Anneliese Schwenkhagen MD
ABSTRACT Introduction., The menopause is characterized by an array of changes to the female body caused by modulations which occur in the production of estrogens and androgens. The ovaries are important sites of testosterone production in the peri- and postmenopausal women, but the contribution of testosterone pro-hormones from the adrenal glands falls precipitously to the extent where the ovaries cannot correct the deficit. This results in a net decline in circulating testosterone levels. Aims., This paper gives an overview of this interesting subject area. Researchers have cogitated on the relationship between the physical effects of the menopause and the observed declines in testosterone levels, but it is now much clearer that falling testosterone levels cannot explain all of these changes. Main Outcome Measures., The cessation of follicular functioning results in a steep decline in the production of estrogens. This modulation is responsible for the physical manifestations of the menopause,hot flushes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, bleeding problems, local urogenital problems, vaginal changes, etc. Methods., A review of the pertinent literature was conducted to investigate hormonal changes around the menopause. A précis of the salient information is presented here. Results., Although the most obvious and well-known effects of the menopause are due to the decline of estrogen levels, the effects of falling testosterone levels are subtle, but by no means less significant. Reductions in sexual motivation, sexual arousal, vaginal lubrication, etc. are all associated with plummeting androgen levels. Conclusions., Today, several options exist for the treatment of the endocrinological changes associated with the menopause. Estrogen deficiency can be corrected with hormone replacement therapy and topical preparations for the genitalia. A new transdermal system for the administration of testosterone shows a great deal of potential for the treatment of androgen deficiency. Schwenkhagen A. Hormonal changes in menopause and implications on sexual health. J Sex Med 2007;4(suppl 3):220,226. [source]

Evaluation of the relationship between smoking during pregnancy and subgingival microbiota

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 1 2005
Nurcan Buduneli
Abstract Background: Numerous studies have shown that smoking negatively affects periodontal health. Hormonal changes, which occur during pregnancy have also been reported to have adverse effects on the periodontal tissues or indirectly through alterations in the subgingival bacterial flora. At present, no knowledge exists concerning possible effects of smoking on the composition of subgingival plaque in pregnancy. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of smoking during pregnancy on the subgingival plaque bacteria most commonly associated with periodontal disease. Methods: A total number of 181 women were examined within 72 h post-partum. Smoking status was recorded by means of a self-reported questionnaire and the study population was divided into three groups; non-smokers, light smokers, and heavy smokers. In each woman, two subgingival plaque samples were obtained from mesio- or disto-buccal aspect of randomly selected one molar and one incisor tooth by sterile paperpoints. Clinical periodontal recordings comprising presence of dental plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing pocket depth (PPD) were performed at six sites per each tooth at all teeth. Plaque samples were analysed by checkerboard DNA,DNA hybridization with respect to 12 bacterial species. In all analyses, the individual subject was the computational unit. Thus, mean values for all clinical parameters were calculated and bacterial scores from each individual sample were averaged. Statistical methods included ,2 test, Kruskal,Wallis test and Mann,Whitney U -test. Results: Mean ages were similar in the study groups. Plaque, BOP and PPD recordings were lower in the heavy-smoker group, but the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The detection rates and bacterial loads of the specific subgingival bacteria exhibited no significant differences between the groups. No correlation could be found between smoking status and detection rates and bacterial loads of various bacterial species. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that smoking during pregnancy does not have a significant effect on the composition of subgingival plaque bacteria. [source]

Hormonal Changes in Menopause and Implications on Sexual Health

Effect of angiotensin II and endothelin-1 receptor blockade on the haemodynamic and hormonal changes after acute blood loss and after retransfusion in conscious dogs

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 4 2004
R. C. E. Francis
Abstract Aim:, This study investigates angiotensin II and endothelin-1 mediated mechanisms involved in the haemodynamic, hormonal, and renal response towards acute hypotensive haemorrhage. Methods:, Conscious dogs were pre-treated with angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) and/or endothelin-A (ETA) receptor blockers or not. Protocol 1: After a 60-min baseline period, 25% of the dog's blood was rapidly withdrawn. The blood was retransfused 60 min later and data recorded for another hour. Protocol 2: Likewise, but preceded by AT1 blockade with i.v. Losartan. Protocol 3: Likewise, but preceded by ETA blockade with i.v. ABT-627. Protocol 4: Likewise, but with combined AT1plus ETAblockade. Results:, In controls, haemorrhage decreased mean arterial pressure (MAP) by approximately 25%, cardiac output by approximately 40%, and urine volume by approximately 60%, increased angiotensin II (3.1-fold), endothelin-1 (1.13-fold), vasopressin (116-fold), and adrenaline concentrations (3.2-fold). Glomerular filtration rate and noradrenaline concentrations remained unchanged. During AT1 blockade, the MAP decrease was exaggerated (,40%) and glomerular filtration rate fell. During ETA blockade, noradrenaline increased after haemorrhage instead of adrenaline, and the MAP recovery after retransfusion was blunted. The decrease in cardiac output was similar in all protocols. Conclusions:, Angiotensin II is more important than endothelin-1 for the short-term regulation of MAP and glomerular filtration rate after haemorrhage, whereas endothelin-1 seems necessary for complete MAP recovery after retransfusion. After haemorrhage, endothelin-1 seems to facilitate adrenaline release and to blunt noradrenaline release. Haemorrhage-induced compensatory mechanisms maintain blood flow more effectively than blood pressure, as the decrease in cardiac output , but not MAP , was similar in all protocols. [source]

Reproductive hormonal changes and catamenial pattern in adolescent females with epilepsy

EPILEPSIA, Issue 9 2008
Hamed A. El-Khayat
Summary Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effect of epilepsy on the reproductive hormones levels among female patients, and to investigate the frequency of catamenial pattern of seizures. Methods: A total of 42 female patients with epilepsy and 21 healthy females (control group) were included. Subjects were at least 2 years postmenarche with regular cycles. Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were assessed using calendar of premenstrual experience scoring. Patients were evaluated for catamenial pattern of seizures. Levels of FSH, LH, estradiol (E), and progesterone (P) were assessed for all subjects in the three phases of the cycles. Pelvi-abdominal ultrasound was performed near time of ovulation, to follow up size of mature follicle. Results: Symptoms of PMS were not different in patients and controls, or in patients with and those without catamenial tendency. In both perimenstrual (M) and midluteal phases, FSH and P levels were lower and E/P ratio higher in patients group. There was a catamenial pattern of seizures in 31% of patients (53.8% M C1; 46.15% inadequate luteal phase C3pattern). Patients with C3pattern showed lower P levels in the midluteal phase compared to patients with noncatamenial pattern, to those with C1pattern or to controls. Patients with C1pattern had lower P levels than controls in the M phase. Conclusion: There was evident disruption in the reproductive hormones in female patients with epilepsy with lower FSH and P levels and higher E/P ratio. A total of 31% of patients showed catamenial pattern of seizures (C1and C3patterns) that was significantly related to P withdrawal. [source]

Role of insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, hyperglycaemic food and milk consumption in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris

EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 10 2009
Bodo C. Melnik
Abstract:, It is the purpose of this viewpoint article to delineate the regulatory network of growth hormone (GH), insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signalling during puberty, associated hormonal changes in adrenal and gonadal androgen metabolism, and the impact of dietary factors and smoking involved in the pathogenesis of acne. The key regulator IGF-1 rises during puberty by the action of increased GH secretion and correlates well with the clinical course of acne. In acne patients, associations between serum levels of IGF-1, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, dihydrotestosterone, acne lesion counts and facial sebum secretion rate have been reported. IGF-1 stimulates 5,-reductase, adrenal and gonadal androgen synthesis, androgen receptor signal transduction, sebocyte proliferation and lipogenesis. Milk consumption results in a significant increase in insulin and IGF-1 serum levels comparable with high glycaemic food. Insulin induces hepatic IGF-1 secretion, and both hormones amplify the stimulatory effect of GH on sebocytes and augment mitogenic downstream signalling pathways of insulin receptors, IGF-1 receptor and fibroblast growth factor receptor-2b. Acne is proposed to be an IGF-1-mediated disease, modified by diets and smoking increasing insulin/IGF1-signalling. Metformin treatment, and diets low in milk protein content and glycaemic index reduce increased IGF-1 signalling. Persistent acne in adulthood with high IGF-1 levels may be considered as an indicator for increased risk of cancer, which may require appropriate dietary intervention as well as treatment with insulin-sensitizing agents. [source]

Epidemiology and Biology of Menstrual Migraine

HEADACHE, Issue 2008
Vincent T. Martin MD
Migraine is frequently associated with menstruation in female migraineurs, and consequently it is commonly referred to as menstrually associated migraine. The trigger thought to be partially responsible for menstrually associated migraine is a significant drop in circulating estrogen that is noted during 2-3 days prior to onset of menses. It is estimated that approximately 50% of women have an increased risk of experiencing migraine during the premenstrual phase of decreasing estrogen levels. Understanding the biological basis of migraine associated with menses will facilitate an accurate diagnosis and help patients recognize time susceptible to migraine exacerbations. This paper will review the biological bases for the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle and review the prevalence and burden of menstrual migraine among female headache sufferers. [source]

Menstrual Migraine: Case Studies of Women with Estrogen-Related Headaches

HEADACHE, Issue 2008
Susan L. Hutchinson MD
This paper presents 2 case scenarios that illustrate the complexity of diagnosing and managing migraine associated with hormonal changes. Migraine is commonly associated with comorbidies such as depression, anxiety, obesity, cardiovascular disease, as well as other conditions, thereby making management more challenging for the physician and the patient. The first case is a 35-year-old woman who has migraine almost exclusively during menstruation. She is under a physician's care for long-term management of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Achieving a differential diagnosis of pure menstrual migraine is illustrated, and a detailed treatment plan including use of a migraine miniprophylaxis protocol, management of her PMDD, and prescription of acute treatment medications is reviewed. The second case scenario describes the diagnosis of menstrually associated migraine in a woman who suffers from a frequent disabling migraine along with work-related anxiety and depression. This paper reviews her differential diagnosis, laboratory testing, treatment plan, including management of her comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms. [source]

Orthodontic considerations for gingival health during pregnancy: a review

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DENTAL HYGIENE, Issue 1 2010
PM Mukherjee
Abstract:, Gingivitis is caused by several known systemic and local factors. Among systemic factors, the role of hormonal changes during pregnancy is well established. While presence of fixed orthodontic appliances alone may not cause gingivitis, factors such as pregnancy and poor oral hygiene combined together could precipitate acute gingival inflammation that may progress to a periodontal condition in a patient receiving orthodontic therapy. There has been an increase in the number of adult patients who are receiving orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic appliances could act as a potential plaque retentive source and aggravate inflammatory reactions that are seen during pregnancy. There is a lack of awareness regarding oral healthcare issues among patients who are pregnant and choose to seek orthodontic treatment. In addition, there is a need in the literature to outline management guidelines for patients who want to receive orthodontic treatment during pregnancy, with or without pre-existing gingival conditions. This review focuses on the aetiology of pregnancy gingivitis and the management of orthodontic patients during pregnancy. Our emphasis is on patient education, oral hygiene maintenance, preventive and treatment strategies for the management of gingival health in orthodontic patients during pregnancy. We also highlight some of the possible complications of initiating orthodontic treatment during pregnancy. [source]

Ultrasonographic changes of the female bladder neck during development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 12 2002
KIMIO SUGAYA
Abstract Background: Our previous study showed that the anteroposterior vesical wall angle (APVA) at the bladder neck on transabdominal ultrasonography varied widely between women. The present study examines whether the APVA changes during development in girls with a normal bladder. Methods: Seventy-four females aged 0,29 years with normal bladders were examined by transabdominal ultrasonography. They were divided into six age groups and their APVA was measured in the supine position by sagittal ultrasonography. Intravenous urography was conducted to examine bladder neck descent and bladder neck opening. Results: The APVA ranged from 85 to 200°. The mean APVA in girls aged 0,4 years was 129 ± 30° (±SD) and the mean APVA in girls aged 5,9 years was 135 ± 25°. The mean APVA at ages 10,14 years was 161 ± 26°; at 15,19 years, 164 ± 33°; at 20,24 years, 164 ± 18°; and at 25,29 years, 163 ± 16°. The APVA values of these four groups were significantly larger (P < 0.05) than those of the two younger groups. No bladder abnormalities were found on intravenous urography. Conclusion: The APVA was small in some girls under 10 years of age, but the APVA of girls aged over 10 years was similar to that in young adults. The APVA may reflect bladder base plate tone and be partially related to hormonal changes in females during development. [source]

Sex Hormones and Sexual Desire

JOURNAL FOR THE THEORY OF SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, Issue 1 2008
JAMES GILES
ABSTRACT Some scholars attempt to explain sexual desire biologically by claiming that sex hormones play a necessary causal role in sexual desire. This can be claimed even if sexual desire is seen to be an experience. Yet the evidence for such biological essentialism is inadequate. With males the loss of sexual desire following hormonal changes can easily be explained in terms of social stigmas that are attached to the physiological situation. Concerning females, the relevance of sex hormones here is even more unclear. Although some women seem to have fluctuations in sexual desire during hormonal changes, other women do not. Even where there are such fluctuations these can be explained by responses to other physiological changes or the meanings that are attached to the situation. Research with non-human primates supports this view of the non-essential relation of sex hormones to sexual desire. A phenomenology of sex hormones is given that shows a possible non-essential relation between sex hormones and sexual desire. Here hormone induced excitations in the genitals may or may not lead to sexual desire depending on the meaning they are given within awareness. This suggests that sexual desire has its origin in the meanings we give our biology and not in our biology itself. [source]

Intestinal Calcium Transporter Genes Are Upregulated by Estrogens and the Reproductive Cycle Through Vitamin D Receptor-Independent Mechanisms,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 10 2003
SJ Van Cromphaut
Abstract 1,,25(OH)2 -vitamin D strongly regulates the expression of the epithelial calcium channel CaT1. CaT1 expression is reduced in ERKO, mice and induced by estrogen treatment, pregnancy, or lactation in VDR WT and KO mice. Estrogens and vitamin D are thus independent potent regulators of the expression of this calcium influx mechanism, which is involved in active intestinal calcium absorption. Introduction: Active duodenal calcium absorption consists of three major steps: calcium influx into, transfer through, and extrusion out of the enterocyte. These steps are carried out by the calcium transport protein 1 (CaT1), calbindin-D9K, and the plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA1b), respectively. We investigated whether estrogens or hormonal changes during the female reproductive cycle influence the expression of these genes, and if so, whether these effects are vitamin D-vitamin D receptor (VDR) dependent. Materials and Methods: We evaluated duodenal expression patterns in estrogen receptor (ER), and -, knockout (KO) mice, as well as in ovariectomized, estrogen-treated, pregnant, and lactating VDR wild-type (WT) and VDR KO mice. Results: Expression of calcium transporter genes was not altered in ERKO, mice. CaT1 mRNA expression was reduced by 55% in ERKO, mice, while the two other calcium transporter genes were not affected. Ovariectomy caused no change in duodenal expression pattern of VDR WT and KO mice, whereas treatment with a pharmacologic dose of estrogens induced CaT1 mRNA expression in VDR WT (4-fold) and KO (8-fold) mice. Pregnancy enhanced CaT1 expression equally in VDR WT and KO mice (12-fold). Calbindin-D9K and PMCA1b expression increased to a lesser extent and solely in pregnant VDR WT animals. In lactating VDR WT and KO mice, CaT1 mRNA expression increased 13 times, which was associated with a smaller increase in calbindin-D9K protein content and PMCA1b mRNA expression. Conclusions: Estrogens or hormonal changes during pregnancy or lactation have distinct, vitamin D-independent effects at the genomic level on active duodenal calcium absorption mechanisms, mainly through a major upregulation of the calcium influx channel CaT1. The estrogen effects seem to be mediated solely by ER,. [source]

Does caloric restriction extend life in wild mice?

AGING CELL, Issue 6 2006
James M. Harper
Summary To investigate whether mice genetically unaltered by many generations of laboratory selection exhibit similar hormonal and demographic responses to caloric restriction (CR) as laboratory rodents, we performed CR on cohorts of genetically heterogeneous male mice which were grandoffspring of wild-caught ancestors. Although hormonal changes, specifically an increase in corticosterone and decrease in testosterone, mimicked those seen in laboratory-adapted rodents, we found no difference in mean longevity between ad libitum (AL) and CR dietary groups, although a maximum likelihood fitted Gompertz mortality model indicated a significantly shallower slope and higher intercept for the CR group. This result was due to higher mortality in CR animals early in life, but lower mortality late in life. A subset of animals may have exhibited the standard demographic response to CR in that the longest-lived 8.1% of our animals were all from the CR group. Despite the lack of a robust mean longevity difference between groups, we did note a strong anticancer effect of CR as seen in laboratory rodents. Three plausible interpretations of our results are the following: (1) animals not selected under laboratory conditions do not show the typical CR effect; (2) because wild-derived animals eat less when fed AL, our restriction regime was too severe to see the CR effect; or (3) there is genetic variation for the CR effect in wild populations; variants that respond to CR with extended life are inadvertently selected for under conditions of laboratory domestication. [source]

Morphometric and hormonal changes during the Chimpanzee menstrual cycle

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2006
Ivo H. Machatschke
Abstract Background, Sex steroids affect many peripheral tissue sites in female mammals. Receptors for these hormones have been found in skin, fat, and bone. In women, these tissues can show morphological changes during the menstrual cycle that may be directly related to steroid secretion. Methods The present study was done on chimpanzees to document morphometric markers associated with these tissues (anogenital swelling volume, skin fold thickness as indicator of subcutaneous fat, bony diameters of mandible, wrist, and elbow) and to compare them with cyclic patterns of estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, gonadotropins, and prolactin. Results, Swelling volume changed significantly over the menstrual cycle. All other morphometric parameters showed variation without statistical significance. Skin folds were thickest during the luteal phase. Bony diameters displayed similar but less distinctive changes. Testosterone correlated positively with diameter sites, inversely with subcutaneous fat. No relationships with either estradiol or progesterone were found. We assume that subcutaneous fat and morphometric bone parameters exhibit cycle-dependent changes that may be caused by changes in steroid secretion. [source]

Kisspeptin and the Preovulatory Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone/Luteinising Hormone Surge in the Ewe: Basic Aspects and Potential Applications in the Control of Ovulation

JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 7 2010
A. Caraty
The identification of the neural mechanisms controlling ovulation in mammals has long been a ,holy grail' over recent decades, although the recent discovery of the kisspeptin systems has totally changed our views on this subject. Kisspeptin cells are the major link between gonadal steroids and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones. In the female rodent, kisspeptin cells of the preoptic area are involved in the positive-feedback action of oestrogen on GnRH secretion, although the picture appears more complicated in the ewe. As in rodents, activation of preoptic kisspeptin neurones accompanies the GnRH surge in the ewe but an active role for arcuate kisspeptin neurones has also been proposed. Experimentally, kisspeptin is able to restore reproductive function when the hypothalamic-hypophyseal ovarian axis is quiescent. For example, i.v. infusion of a low dose of peptide in anoestrous ewes induces an immediate and sustained release of gonadotrophin, which subsides and then provokes a luteinising hormone (LH) surge a few hours later. This pharmacological intervention induces the same hormonal changes normally observed during the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle, including the secretion of oestrogen and its negative- and positive-feedback actions on the secretion of LH and follicle-stimulating hormone. Accordingly, a high percentage of kisspeptin-infused animals ovulated. Although the multiple facets of how the kisspeptin systems modulate GnRH secretion are not totally understood, the demonstration that exogenous kisspeptin administration can induce ovulation in anovulatory animals paves the way for future therapeutic applications aiming to control reproduction. [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]

Gender and Age at Drinking Onset Affect Voluntary Alcohol Consumption but Neither the Alcohol Deprivation Effect nor the Response to Stress in Mice

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 12 2008
Sophie Tambour
Background:, Epidemiological studies suggest that initiation of alcohol drinking at an early age is associated with an increased risk of developing an alcohol use disorder later in life. Nevertheless, relatively few studies using animal models have investigated the relationship between age of onset of drinking and ethanol drinking patterns in adulthood. Besides age at drinking onset, other factors such as gender could also affect the pattern of development of alcohol consumption. In rodents, many studies have shown that females drink more than males. However, even if it is assumed that hormonal changes occurring at puberty could explain these differences, only one study performed in rats has investigated the emergence of sex-specific alcohol drinking patterns in adolescence and the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The aim of the present study was to compare the acquisition of voluntary alcohol consumption, relapse-like drinking (the Alcohol Deprivation Effect,ADE) and stress-induced alcohol drinking in male and female outbred mice that acquired alcohol consumption during adolescence or adulthood. Methods:, Separate groups of naïve female and male WSC-1 mice aged ± 28 days (adolescents) or ±70 days (adults) were given ad libitum access to water and 6% ethanol solution for 8 weeks (1st to 8th week) before undergoing a 2-week deprivation phase (9th and 10th week). After the deprivation period, 2-bottle preference testing (ethanol vs. water) resumed for 3 weeks (11th to 13th). During the 13th week, all animals were subjected to restraint stress for 2 consecutive days. Results:, Over the entire time course of the experiment, ethanol intake and preference increased in females (both adults and adolescents). Adolescent animals (both females and males) showed a transient increase in alcohol consumption and preference compared to adults. However, by the end of continuous alcohol exposure (when all mice were adults), ethanol intake was not affected by age at drinking onset. A deprivation phase was followed by a rise in ethanol intake (ADE) that was not affected by sex or age. Finally, stress did not alter alcohol self-administration either during or after its occurrence. Conclusions:, Emergence of greater alcohol consumption in adult females does not seem to be limited to a specific developmental period (i.e., puberty). Age of voluntary drinking onset (adolescence vs. adulthood) does not affect eventual alcohol intake in adult WSC-1 mice and does not modify the transient increase in ethanol consumption after alcohol deprivation. [source]

Biochemical and hormonal changes during acute fasting and re-feeding in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2010
Rudy M. Ortiz
First page of article [source]

Medical and legal considerations of brain death

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2004
T. T. Randell
Brain death was first defined in 1968, and since then laws on determining death have been implemented in all countries with active organ transplantation programs. As a prerequisite, the aetiology of brain death has to be known, and all reversible causes of coma have to be excluded. The regulations for the diagnosis of brain death are most commonly given by the national medical associations, and they vary between countries. Thus, the guidelines given in the medical textbooks are not universally applicable. The diagnosis is based on clinical examination, but confirmatory tests, such as angiography or EEG, are allowed on most occasions. Brain death is followed by cardiovascular and hormonal changes, which have implications in the management of a potential organ donor. Spinal reflexes are preserved, and motor and haemodynamic responses are frequently observed in brain dead patients. [source]

Assessing reproductive profiles in female brown mouse lemurs (Microcebus rufus) from Ranomafana National Park, southeast Madagascar, using fecal hormone analysis

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2009
Marina B. Blanco
Abstract Studies on reproductive endocrinology in wild primate populations have greatly increased in the last decades owing to the development of noninvasive techniques that can be applied under field conditions. However, small-bodied nocturnal species are not well represented on the long list of primates surveyed in the wild, and reproductive inferences regarding these animals in their natural habitats have not benefited from direct observations of hormonal changes. We collected fecal samples from female brown mouse lemurs (Microcebus rufus) in a southeastern rainforest of Madagascar in order to determine whether or not fecally excreted steroid levels show a consistent pattern of change during the reproductive season and are a useful complement to reproductive observations in wild-trapped individuals. Initial data show variation in reproductive hormone levels before and after estrus and estimated day of parturition. Elevated levels of excreted estradiol (E2) were observed around the time of estrus, whereas high levels of fecal progesterone (P) were seen during later stages of pregnancy and around parturition. A more complete picture of reproductive profiles in female mouse lemurs, and how they may change over the life span, can be obtained if hormone analyses are used to supplement field observations. Am. J. Primatol. 71:439,446, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

The Impairment of Sexual Function Is Less Distressing for Menopausal than for Premenopausal Women

THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2010
Marta Berra MD
ABSTRACT Introduction., Menopause requires psychological and physical adjustments because of the occurring significant hormonal changes. Sexuality is one of the aspects that undergoes the most profound modifications. Preliminary data suggest that sometimes women do not regard sexual changes as problematic and often readjust their life and relationship according to their new physical status. Aim., The aim of our study was to evaluate sexual function and the way women feel by comparing healthy postmenopausal and premenopausal women. Methods., One hundred menopausal (M) and 100 premenopausal (pM) healthy women were asked to complete anonymous questionnaires to assess sexual function and stress related to sexual activity. Main Outcome Measures., Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) were completed by M and pM women. Results., Medium FSFI score was 20.5 ± 9.6 and 26.4 ± 7.7 (P < 0.0005) and medium FSDS score was 12.1 ± 11.7 (95% CI 9.7,14.4) and 11.3 ± 10.2 (P = 0.917) for M and pM women, respectively. Twenty-five of the 69 M women and 20 of the 31 pM women with a pathological score in the FSFI questionnaire scored higher than 15 in the FSDS (P < 0.0005). The overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 20% and 25% (P = 0.5) in the M and pM women. Conclusions., Our data confirm that menopause is associated with changes in sexual function that may be compatible with sexual dysfunction. However, personal distress caused by these changes in sexual life appears to be lower among menopausal women (36.2%) as compared with premenopausal women (64.5%). These data suggest that medical treatment for sexual health in menopause must be highly personalized and carefully prescribed. Berra M, De Musso F, Matteucci C, Martelli V, Perrone AM, Pelusi C, Pelusi G, and Meriggiola MC. The impairment of sexual function is less distressing for menopausal than for premenopausal women. J Sex Med 2010;7:1209,1215. [source]

Hormonal Changes in Menopause and Implications on Sexual Health

Effects of ecdysteroid agonist RH-2485 reveal interactions between ecdysteroids and juvenile hormones in the development of Sesamia nonagrioides

ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2007
Matilde Eizaguirre
Abstract Larvae of Sesamia nonagrioides developing under long day (LD) conditions pupate in the 5th or 6th instar, whereas under the short day (SD) conditions, they undergo several supernumerary larval molts and are regarded as diapausing. The development in early larval instars occurs in the LD larvae at a moderate and in the SD larvae at a high juvenile hormone (JH) titer; ecdysteroid titer cycles similarly under both conditions. The transformation to pupa is initiated by a burst of ecdysteroids at undetectable JH levels, whereas extra larval molts in the diapausing larvae are associated with moderate JH titer and irregular rises of ecdysteroids. Application of 0.2 ppm RH-2485 to the diet of the 6th instar larvae promotes hormonal changes supporting metamorphosis in the LD larvae and slightly accelerates larval molts in the diapausing SD larvae. The 0.5- and 1-ppm doses revert these patterns of endocrine regulations to a mode typical for early larval instars. Particularly dramatic is a JH titer increase provoked within 24 h in the LD larvae. After the treatment, both the LD and SD larvae undergo a series of larval molts, suggesting that hormonal programming of the larval development has been stabilized. A few insects receiving 1 ppm RH-2485, and a high proportion of those fed with 5 ppm RH-2485, deposit two cuticles within a single apolysis and die. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 65:74,84, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Gingival status, crevicular fluid tissue-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 levels in pregnancy versus post-partum

AUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 3 2010
N Buduneli
Abstract Background:, This study was conducted to evaluate a possible link between periodontal status of pregnant women and the plasminogen activator system in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Methods:, GCF samples were obtained from four interproximal sites of anterior teeth in 43 women during the second trimester and also after delivery. Full mouth dental plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD) values were recorded at six sites/tooth in each subject. GCF levels of tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and its inhibitor, plasminogen activator-inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) were determined by ELISA. Data comparisons between pregnancy and post-partum were made by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results:, The number of pockets with a PD >4 mm and total volume of GCF sampled were reduced significantly after delivery (p = 0.000 and p = 0.013, respectively). No significant differences were detected in GCF concentrations of t-PA or PAI-2 between pregnancy and post-partum. Conclusions:, Our results suggest that GCF t-PA and PAI-2 concentrations are not affected by pregnancy. Reductions in PD values and GCF volume following delivery indicate a resolution of oedema in gingival tissues, possibly related to hormonal changes due to the ending of pregnancy. [source]

The importance of hormone receptor analysis in osteosarcoma cells growth submitted to treatment with estrogen in association with thyroid hormone

CELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION, Issue 1 2008
Patricia Pinto Saraiva
Abstract Bone tumor incidence in women peaks at age 50,60, coinciding with the menopause. That estrogen (E2) and triiodothyronine (T3) interact in bone metabolism has been well established. However, few data on the action of these hormones are available. Our purpose was to determine the role of E2 and T3 in the expression of bone activity markers, namely alkaline phosphatase (AP) and receptor activator of nuclear factor ,B ligand (RANKL). Two osteosarcoma cell lines: MG-63 (which has both estrogen (ER) and thyroid hormone (TR) receptors) and SaOs-29 (ER receptors only) were treated with infraphysiological E2 associated with T3 at infraphysiological, physiological, and supraphysiological concentrations. Real-time RT-PCR was used for expression analysis. Our results show that, in MG-63 cells, infraphysiological E2 associated with supraphysiological T3 increases AP expression and decreases RANKL expression, while infraphysiological E2 associated with either physiological or supraphysiological T3 decreases both AP and RANKL expression. On the other hand, in SaOs-2 cells, the same hormone combinations had no significant effect on the markers' expression. Thus, the analysis of hormone receptors was shown to be crucial for the assessment of tumor potential growth in the face of hormonal changes. Special care should be provided to patients with T3 and E2 hormone receptors that may increase tumor growth. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

CARDIOVASCULAR AND METABOLIC EFFECTS OF OBESITY

CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
Margaret J Morris
SUMMARY 1Obesity is an important risk factor for hypertension and its incidence is increasing around the world. 2The mechanisms underlying obesity-related hypertension include sympathetic activation, altered vascular responses, hormonal changes, enhanced inflammatory markers and structural changes. 3This review summarizes recent evidence of the underlying impact of obesity on blood pressure. A number of candidate mechanisms include increased sympathetic activity, activation of the renin-angiotensin system, altered vasoconstrictor or dilator responses and the attendant systemic inflammatory state. 4While adult lifestyle factors undoubtedly contribute to the incidence of obesity and its attendant hypertension, evidence suggests that the programming of obesity may occur following over-nutrition during development. A growing body of evidence links maternal obesity, offspring obesity and hypertension. 5Finally, epigenetic modification of genes relevant to hypertension may contribute to the development of hypertension following a suboptimal intrauterine environment. To date the cardiovascular effects of early nutritional changes have been largely investigated following maternal under-nutrition or protein restriction; further work is necessary to determine the impact of maternal obesity. [source]

AGEING, OESTROGEN, PLATELETS AND THROMBOTIC RISK

CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 8 2007
Virginia M Miller
SUMMARY 1Adverse thrombotic cardiovascular events increase in women coincident with the onset of menopause. 2Age past menopause may be an important variable in defining the benefit/risk of hormone treatments. 3Few studies have examined hormonal status as a variable of ageing using a polygenomic approach of both humoral and cellular components of the coagulation system. 4Longitudinal studies of a global set of platelet functions that define procoagulant activity (i.e. adhesion, aggregation, secretion and thrombin production) in individuals with documented hormonal status are needed to better understand how hormonal changes associated with ageing impact thrombotic risk. [source]

Mechanisms of osteoporosis in spinal cord injury

CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 5 2006
Sheng-Dan Jiang
Summary Osteoporosis is a known complication of spinal cord injury (SCI), but its mechanism remains unknown. The pathogenesis of osteoporosis after SCI is generally considered disuse. However, although unloading is an important factor in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis after SCI, neural lesion and hormonal changes also seem to be involved in this process. Innervation and neuropeptides play an important role in normal bone remodelling. SCI results in denervation of the sublesional bones and the neural lesion itself may play a pivotal role in the development of osteoporosis after SCI. Although upper limbs are normally loaded and innervated, bone loss also occurs in the upper extremities in patients with paraplegia, indicating that hormonal changes may be associated with osteoporosis after SCI. SCI-mediated hormonal changes may contribute to osteoporosis after SCI by different mechanisms: (1) increased renal elimination and reduced intestinal absorption of calcium leading to a negative calcium balance; (2) vitamin D deficiency plays a role in the pathogenesis of SCI-induced osteoporosis; (3) SCI antagonizes gonadal function and inhibits the osteoanabolic action of sex steroids; (4) hyperleptinaemia after SCI may contribute to the development of osteoporosis; (5) pituitary suppression of TSH may be another contributory factor to bone loss after SCI; and (6) bone loss after SCI may be caused directly, at least in part, by insulin resistance and IGFs. Thus, oversupply of osteoclasts relative to the requirement for bone resorption and/or undersupply of osteoblasts relative to the requirement for cavity repair results in bone loss after SCI. Mechanisms for the osteoporosis following SCI include a range of systems, and osteoporosis after SCI should not be simply considered as disuse osteoporosis. Unloading, neural lesion and hormonal changes after SCI result in severe bone loss. The aim of this review is to improve understanding with regard to the mechanisms of osteoporosis after SCI. The understanding of the pathogenesis of osteoporosis after SCI can help in the consideration of new treatment strategies. Because bone resorption after SCI is very high, intravenous bisphosphonates and denosumab should be considered for the treatment of osteoporosis after SCI. [source]