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Liza Haqq School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia

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James McFarlane School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia

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Gudrun Dieberg School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia

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Neil Smart School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects 18–22% of women at reproductive age. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the expected benefits of lifestyle (exercise plus diet) interventions on the reproductive endocrine profile in women with PCOS. Potential studies were identified by systematically searching PubMed, CINAHL and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry (1966–April 30, 2013) systematically using key concepts of PCOS. Significant improvements were seen in women receiving lifestyle intervention vs usual care in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, mean difference (MD) 0.39 IU/l (95% CI 0.09 to 0.70, P=0.01), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, MD 2.37 nmol/l (95% CI 1.27 to 3.47, P<0.0001), total testosterone levels, MD −0.13 nmol/l (95% CI −0.22 to −0.03, P=0.008), androstenedione levels, MD −0.09 ng/dl (95% CI −0.15 to −0.03, P=0.005), free androgen index (FAI) levels, MD −1.64 (95% CI −2.94 to −0.35, P=0.01) and Ferriman–Gallwey (FG) score, MD −1.01 (95% CI −1.54 to −0.48, P=0.0002). Significant improvements were also observed in women who received exercise-alone intervention vs usual care in FSH levels, MD 0.42 IU/l (95% CI 0.11 to 0.73, P=0.009), SHBG levels, MD 3.42 nmol/l (95% CI 0.11 to 6.73, P=0.04), total testosterone levels, MD −0.16 nmol/l (95% CI −0.29 to −0.04, P=0.01), androstenedione levels, MD −0.09 ng/dl (95% CI −0.16 to −0.03, P=0.004) and FG score, MD −1.13 (95% CI −1.88 to −0.38, P=0.003). Our analyses suggest that lifestyle (diet and exercise) intervention improves levels of FSH, SHBG, total testosterone, androstenedione and FAI, and FG score in women with PCOS.

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Tao Mei Department of Neurosurgery, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, China
Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

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Jianhe Zhang Department of Neurosurgery, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, China

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Liangfeng Wei Department of Neurosurgery, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, China

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Xingfeng Qi Department of Pathology, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, China

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Yiming Ma Department of Neurosurgery, Liuzhou General Hospital, Liuzhou, China

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Xianhua Liu Department of Pathology, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, China

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Shaohua Chen Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China

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Songyuan Li Department of Neurosurgery, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, China

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Jianwu Wu Department of Neurosurgery, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, China

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Shousen Wang Department of Neurosurgery, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, China

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Tumor cells require large amounts of energy to sustain growth. Through the mediated transport of glucose transporters, the uptake and utilization of glucose by tumor cells are significantly enhanced in the hypoxic microenvironment. Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors with high-energy metabolisms. We aimed to investigate the role of expression of glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in pituitary adenomas, including effects on size, cystic change and hormone type. Pituitary adenomas from 203 patients were collected from January 2013 to April 2017, and immunohistochemical analysis was used to detect the expression of GLUT3 and GLUT1 in tumor specimens. GLUT3-positive expression in the cystic change group was higher than that in the non-cystic change group (P = 0.018). Proportions of GLUT3-positive staining of microadenomas, macroadenomas, and giant adenomas were 22.7 (5/22), 50.4 (66/131) and 54.0% (27/50), respectively (P = 0.022). In cases of prolactin adenoma, GLUT3-positive staining was predominant in cell membranes (P = 0.000006), while in cases of follicle-stimulating hormone or luteotropic hormone adenoma, we found mainly paranuclear dot-like GLUT3 staining (P = 0.025). In other hormonal adenomas, GLUT3 was only partially expressed, and the intensity of cell membrane or paranuclear punctate staining was weak. In contrast to GLUT3, GLUT1 expression was not associated with pituitary adenomas. Thus, our results indicate that the expression of GLUT3 in pituitary adenomas is closely related to cystic change and hormonal type. This study is the first to report a unique paranuclear dot-like GLUT3 staining pattern in pituitary adenomas.

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Mikkel Andreassen Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Health Science, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Anders Juul Department of Growth and Reproduction, Faculty of Health Science, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Health Science, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Niels Jørgensen Department of Growth and Reproduction, Faculty of Health Science, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Objective

Gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)) are released from the pituitary gland and stimulate Leydig cells to produce testosterone and initiates spermatogenesis. Little is known about how and when the deterioration of semen quality occurs in patients with adult-onset gonadotropin insufficiency.

Design and methods

A retrospective study comprising 20 testosterone-deficient men (median age, 29 years) with acquired pituitary disease who delivered semen for cryopreservation before initiation of testosterone therapy. Semen variables and hormone concentrations were compared to those of young healthy men (n = 340).

Results

Thirteen of 20 patients (65%) and 82% of controls had total sperm counts above 39 million and progressive motile spermatozoa above 32% (P = 0.05). For the individual semen variables, there were no significant differences in semen volume (median (intraquartile range) 3.0 (1.3–6.8) vs 3.2 (2.3–4.3) mL, P = 0.47), sperm concentration 41 (11–71) vs 43 (22–73) mill/mL (P = 0.56) or total sperm counts (P = 0.66). One patient had azoospermia. Patients vs controls had lower serum testosterone 5.4 (2.2–7.6) vs 19.7 (15.5–24.5) nmol/L (P = 0.001), calculated free testosterone (cfT) 145 (56–183) vs 464 (359–574) pmol/L (P < 0.001), LH 1.5 (1.1–2.1) vs 3.1 (2.3–4.0) U/L (P = 0.002) and inhibin b (P < 0.001). Levels of FSH were similar (P = 0.63). Testosterone/LH ratio and cfT/LH ratio were reduced in patients (both P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Despite Leydig cell insufficiency in patients with acquired pituitary insufficiency, the majority presented with normal semen quality based on the determination of the number of progressively motile spermatozoa. In addition, the data suggest reduced LH bioactivity in patients with pituitary insufficiency.

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Yunting Lin Department of Surgical Medicine, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China

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Endi Song Department of Internal Medicine, Ningbo Yinzhou No.2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China

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Han Jin Department of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China

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Yong Jin Department of Internal Medicine, Ningbo Yinzhou No.2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China

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Background

Reproductive hormones may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but their influence is often underestimated. Obesity can exacerbate the progression of CVD. Arterial stiffness (AS) is correlated with the risk of CVD. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) has served as a practical tool for assessing AS with broad clinical applications. This study aimed to investigate the association between reproductive hormones and baPWV in obese male and female subjects.

Methods

A retrospective case–control design was designed. AS was assessed using baPWV, with a baPWV ≥ 1400 cm/s indicating increased AS. Between September 2018 and October 2022, 241 obese subjects with increased AS were recruited from Ningbo Yinzhou No. 2 Hospital. The control group consisted of 241 obese subjects without increased AS. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to correct potential confounders by age and sex. We additionally performed a sex-based sub-analysis.

Results

Correlation analysis demonstrated that luteinizing hormone (LH) (r = 0.214, P = 0.001) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (r = 0.328, P < 0.001) were positively correlated with baPWV in obese male subjects. In the multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis, FSH (OR = 1.407, 95% CI = 1.040–1.902, P = 0.027) rather than LH (OR = 1.210, 95% CI = 0.908–1.612, P = 0.194) was independently and positively associated with increased AS in obese male subjects. However, there was no significant correlation between reproductive hormones and baPWV in women.

Conclusions

Our study identified FSH as a potential risk factor for arteriosclerosis in obese male subjects. This provides a novel and intriguing perspective on the pathogenesis of CVD in obese subjects.

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Yanling Cai Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China

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Yan Yang Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China

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Xiao Pang Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China

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Suping Li Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China

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Purpose

The aim was to investigate the effect of radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) on male gonadal function.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, OVID, Scopus, and Wanfang databases were searched up to June 10, 2022, to identify published studies related to RAI and male gonadal function. ReviewManager version 5.4.1 software was used to calculate mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs.

Results

Initially, 1958 articles were retrieved from the databases, and 6 articles were included in the quantitative analysis. The meta-analysis results showed that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) increased when the follow-up duration was ≥12 months after RAI, but the difference was not statistically significant (MD = −2.64, 95% CI = (−5.61, 0.33), P = 0.08). But the results of the subgroup analysis showed that when the follow-up time was ≤6 months, FSH levels were significantly higher after RAI (MD = −7.65, 95% CI = (−13.95, −1.34), P = 0.02). The level of inhibin B was significantly lower at ≥12 months and ≤6 months after RAI (MD = 66.38, 95% CI = (8.39, 124.37), P = 0.02) and (MD = 116.27, 95% CI = (43.56, 188.98), P = 0.002). Additionally, luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone have similar results – that is, LH and testosterone levels were higher after RAI, but the difference was not statistically significant (MD = –0.87, 95% CI = (−2.04, 0.30), P = 0.15) and (MD = −1.69, 95% CI (−7.29, 3.90), P = 0.55).

Conclusions

Male gonadal function may be temporarily impaired within 6 months after RAI but may return to normal levels afterward.

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Zheng Chen Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China

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Haixia Zeng Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China

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Qiulan Huang Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China

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Cuiping Lin Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China

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Xuan Li Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China

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Shaohua Sun Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China

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Jian-ping Liu Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China

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The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in serum glypican 4 (GPC4) and clusterin (CLU) levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as well as their correlation with sex hormones and metabolic parameters. A total of 40 PCOS patients and 40 age-matched healthy women were selected. Serum GPC4 and CLU levels were compared between the PCOS and control groups, and binary logistic regression was used to analyze the relative risk of PCOS at different tertiles of serum GPC4 and CLU concentrations. Stepwise linear regression was used to identify the factors influencing serum GPC4 and CLU levels in PCOS patients. Serum GPC4 (1.82 ± 0.49 vs 1.30 ± 0.61 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and CLU (468.79 ± 92.85 vs 228.59 ± 82.42 µg/mL, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in PCOS patients than in healthy women after adjustment for body mass index (BMI). In the PCOS group, serum GPC4 was positively correlated with follicle-stimulating hormone, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride, and CLU (P < 0.05), whereas serum CLU was positively correlated with BMI, FPG, FINS, and HOMA-IR (P < 0.05). Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that HOMA-IR was independently associated with serum GPC4, and BMI and HOMA-IR were independently associated with CLU (P < 0.05). Serum GPC4 and CLU levels were significantly higher in PCOS patients than in healthy women, suggesting that GPC4 and CLU may be markers associated with insulin resistance in women with PCOS.

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Xinyuan Zhang Laboratory of Genetic Disease and Perinatal Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

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Suiyan Li School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

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Hongwei Liu Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

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Huai Bai Laboratory of Genetic Disease and Perinatal Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

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Qingqing Liu Laboratory of Genetic Disease and Perinatal Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

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Chunyi Yang Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

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Ping Fan Laboratory of Genetic Disease and Perinatal Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

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Oxidative stress and metabolic disorders are involved in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Heme oxygenase 2 (HMOX2) plays a critical role in preserving heme metabolism as well as in modulating glycolipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This study examined the correlation between HMOX2 G554A (rs1051308) and A-42G (rs2270363) genetic variants with the risk of PCOS and assessed the effects of these genotypes on clinical, hormonal, metabolic, and oxidative stress indices using a case–control design that included 1014 patients with PCOS and 806 control participants. We found that the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the HMOX2 G554A and A-42G polymorphisms were comparable between the PCOS and control groups in Chinese women (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, it was discovered that patients with the AA or AG genotype of A-42G polymorphism had notably elevated levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), LH/FSH ratio, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein (apo)B, and/or apoB/apoA1 ratio than those with the GG genotypes (P < 0.05). Patients with the GG or AG genotype of G554A polymorphism had elevated serum levels of LH, FSH, E2, LH/FSH ratio, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, apoB, and/or apoB/apoA1 ratio and lower 2-h glucose concentration compared with those with the AA genotype (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate a potential association between the genetic variants and endocrine abnormalities in the reproductive system and metabolic irregularities in glycolipid levels in patients, thus suggesting their potential role in the pathogenesis of PCOS.

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Clara Lundetoft Clausen Center of Research & Disruption of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital – Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital – Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark

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Trine Holm Johannsen Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Niels Erik Skakkebæk Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Hanne Frederiksen Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Camilla Koch Ryrsø Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital – Nordsjælland, Hillerød, Denmark
Centre for Physical Activity Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Arnold Matovu Dungu Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital – Nordsjælland, Hillerød, Denmark

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Maria Hein Hegelund Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital – Nordsjælland, Hillerød, Denmark

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Daniel Faurholt-Jepsen Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Rikke Krogh-Madsen Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital – Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
Centre for Physical Activity Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Birgitte Lindegaard Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital – Nordsjælland, Hillerød, Denmark
Centre for Physical Activity Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Allan Linneberg Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Copenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Line Lund Kårhus Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Copenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Anders Juul Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Thomas Benfield Center of Research & Disruption of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital – Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Aim

To explore pituitary–gonadal hormone concentrations and assess their association with inflammation, severe respiratory failure, and mortality in hospitalized men and women with COVID-19, and compare these to hormone concentrations in hospitalized patients with bacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and influenza virus CAP and to concentrations in a reference group of healthy individuals.

Methods

Serum concentrations of testosterone, estrone sulfate, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured within 4 days of admission. Associations were assessed by logistic regression analysis in patients with COVID-19, and results were reported as odds ratio with 95% CI per two-fold reduction after adjustment for age, comorbidities, days to sample collection, and IL-6 concentrations.

Results

In total, 278 patients with COVID-19, 21 with influenza virus CAP, and 76 with bacterial CAP were included. Testosterone concentrations were suppressed in men hospitalized with COVID-19, bacterial and influenza virus CAP, and moderately suppressed in women. Reductions in testosterone (OR: 3.43 (1.14–10.30), P = 0.028) and LH (OR: 2.51 (1.28–4.92), P = 0.008) were associated with higher odds of mehanical ventilation (MV) in men with COVID-19. In women with COVID-19, reductions in LH (OR: 3.34 (1.02–10-90), P = 0.046) and FSH (OR: 2.52 (1.01–6.27), P = 0.047) were associated with higher odds of MV.

Conclusion

Low testosterone and LH concentrations were predictive of severe respiratory failure in men with COVID-19, whereas low concentrations of LH and FSH were predictive of severe respiratory failure in women with COVID-19.

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Bruno Donadille Service d’Endocrinologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocrines Rares de la Croissance, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Est, AP-HP, Paris, France

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Muriel Houang Service d’Explorations Fonctionnelles Endocriniennes, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocrines Rares de la Croissance, Hôpital Trousseau, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Est, AP-HP, Paris, France

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Irène Netchine Service d’Explorations Fonctionnelles Endocriniennes, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocrines Rares de la Croissance, Hôpital Trousseau, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Est, AP-HP, Paris, France
Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France

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Jean-Pierre Siffroi Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
INSERM UMR_S933, Paris, France

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Sophie Christin-Maitre Service d’Endocrinologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocrines Rares de la Croissance, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Est, AP-HP, Paris, France
Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
INSERM UMR_S933, Paris, France

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Human 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency (3b-HSD) is a very rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia resulting from HSD3B2 gene mutations. The estimated prevalence is less than 1/1,000,000 at birth. It leads to steroidogenesis impairment in both adrenals and gonads. Few data are available concerning adult testicular function in such patients. We had the opportunity to study gonadal axis and testicular function in a 46,XY adult patient, carrying a HSD3B2 mutation. He presented at birth a neonatal salt-wasting syndrome. He had a micropenis, a perineal hypospadias and two intrascrotal testes. HSD3B2 gene sequencing revealed a 687del27 homozygous mutation. The patient achieved normal puberty at the age of 15 years. Transition from the paediatric department occurred at the age of 19 years. His hormonal profile under hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone treatments revealed normal serum levels of 17OH-pregnenolone, as well as SDHEA, ACTH, total testosterone, inhibin B and AMH. Pelvic ultrasound identified two scrotal testes of 21 mL each, without any testicular adrenal rest tumours. His adult spermatic characteristics were normal, according to WHO 2010 criteria, with a sperm concentration of 57.6 million/mL (N > 15), 21% of typical forms (N > 4%). Sperm vitality was subnormal (41%; N > 58%). This patient, in contrast to previous reports, presents subnormal sperm parameters and therefore potential male fertility in a 24-years-old patient with severe 3b-HSD deficiency. This case should improve counselling about fertility of male patients carrying HSD3B2 mutation.

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Silvia Ciancia Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

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Vanessa Dubois Basic and Translational Endocrinology (BaTE), Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

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Martine Cools Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Pediatric Endocrinology Service, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

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Both in the United States and Europe, the number of minors who present at transgender healthcare services before the onset of puberty is rapidly expanding. Many of those who will have persistent gender dysphoria at the onset of puberty will pursue long-term puberty suppression before reaching the appropriate age to start using gender-affirming hormones. Exposure to pubertal sex steroids is thus significantly deferred in these individuals. Puberty is a critical period for bone development: increasing concentrations of estrogens and androgens (directly or after aromatization to estrogens) promote progressive bone growth and mineralization and induce sexually dimorphic skeletal changes. As a consequence, safety concerns regarding bone development and increased future fracture risk in transgender youth have been raised. We here review published data on bone development in transgender adolescents, focusing in particular on differences in age and pubertal stage at the start of puberty suppression, chosen strategy to block puberty progression, duration of puberty suppression, and the timing of re-evaluation after estradiol or testosterone administration. Results consistently indicate a negative impact of long-term puberty suppression on bone mineral density, especially at the lumbar spine, which is only partially restored after sex steroid administration. Trans girls are more vulnerable than trans boys for compromised bone health. Behavioral health measures that can promote bone mineralization, such as weight-bearing exercise and calcium and vitamin D supplementation, are strongly recommended in transgender youth, during the phase of puberty suppression and thereafter.

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