Search Results

You are looking at 51 - 60 of 477 items for

  • Abstract: adrenarche x
  • Abstract: amenorrhoea x
  • Abstract: fertility x
  • Abstract: Gender x
  • Abstract: Hypogonadism x
  • Abstract: infertility x
  • Abstract: Kallmann x
  • Abstract: Klinefelter x
  • Abstract: menarche x
  • Abstract: menopause x
  • Abstract: puberty x
  • Abstract: testes x
  • Abstract: Turner x
  • Abstract: ovary x
  • Abstract: follicles x
Clear All Modify Search
Christian Trummer Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Christian Trummer in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Stefan Pilz Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Stefan Pilz in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Verena Schwetz Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Verena Schwetz in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Elisabeth Lerchbaum Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria

Search for other papers by Elisabeth Lerchbaum in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Background

Accumulating evidence from animal and human studies suggests that vitamin D is involved in many functions of the reproductive system in both genders.

Aim

The aim of this review was to provide an overview on the effects of vitamin D on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women and androgen metabolism in men.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed for relevant English language publications published from January 2012 until September 2017.

Results and discussion

The vitamin D receptor and vitamin D-metabolizing enzymes are found in reproductive tissues of women and men. In women, vitamin D status has been associated with several features of PCOS. In detail, cross-sectional data suggest a regulatory role of vitamin D in PCOS-related aspects such as ovulatory dysfunction, insulin resistance as well as hyperandrogenism. Moreover, results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial for metabolic, endocrine and fertility aspects in PCOS. In men, vitamin D status has been associated with androgen levels and hypogonadism. Further, there is some evidence for a favorable effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone concentrations, although others failed to show a significant effect on testosterone levels.

Conclusion

In summary, vitamin D deficiency is associated with adverse fertility outcomes including PCOS and hypogonadism, but the evidence is insufficient to establish causality. High-quality RCTs are needed to further evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation in PCOS women as well as on androgen levels in men.

Open access
Signe Kirkegaard Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark

Search for other papers by Signe Kirkegaard in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Nanna Maria Uldall Torp Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark

Search for other papers by Nanna Maria Uldall Torp in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Stig Andersen Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
Department of Geriatrics, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark

Search for other papers by Stig Andersen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Stine Linding Andersen Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark

Search for other papers by Stine Linding Andersen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are common gynecological disorders that constitute a significant burden of disease in women of fertile age. The disorders share a link to female reproduction and infertility; however, divergent effects on menstrual cycle, related hormones, and body composition have been proposed. Disorders of the thyroid gland including abnormal thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) and/or markers of thyroid autoimmunity similarly show a female predominance and onset in younger age groups. We reviewed the literature on the association between endometriosis, PCOS, and thyroid disease up until July 1, 2023, and identified 8 original studies on endometriosis and thyroid disease and 30 original studies on PCOS and thyroid disease. The studies were observational and heterogeneous regarding the design, sample size, and definitions of exposure and outcome; however, a tendency was seen toward an association between hyperthyroidism and endometriosis. Especially an association between endometriosis and slightly elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies has been found and corroborated in studies from different populations. On the other hand, the literature review turned a focus toward an association between hypothyroidism and PCOS, however, with uncertainties as to whether the association is caused by hypothyroidism per se and/or the thyroid autoantibodies (thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies). More evidence is needed to substantiate an association between endometriosis, PCOS, and thyroid disease, and to differentiate between the role of thyroid function and thyroid autoimmunity. Furthermore, studies are warranted to extend knowledge on the different disease characteristics and underlying mechanisms.

Open access
Valentina Guarnotta Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza ‘G. D’Alessandro’ (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy

Search for other papers by Valentina Guarnotta in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Silvia Lucchese Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza ‘G. D’Alessandro’ (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy

Search for other papers by Silvia Lucchese in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Mariagrazia Irene Mineo Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza ‘G. D’Alessandro’ (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy

Search for other papers by Mariagrazia Irene Mineo in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Donatella Mangione Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza ‘G. D’Alessandro’ (PROMISE), Sezione di Ostetricia e Ginecologia, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy

Search for other papers by Donatella Mangione in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Renato Venezia Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza ‘G. D’Alessandro’ (PROMISE), Sezione di Ostetricia e Ginecologia, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy

Search for other papers by Renato Venezia in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Piero Luigi Almasio Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza ‘G. D’Alessandro’ (PROMISE), Sezione di Gastroenterologia ed Epatologia, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy

Search for other papers by Piero Luigi Almasio in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Carla Giordano Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza ‘G. D’Alessandro’ (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy

Search for other papers by Carla Giordano in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Objective

The aim of this study is to clarify, in girls with premature pubarche (PP), the influence of premature androgenization on the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design and patients

Ninety-nine PP girls, 63 who developed PCOS and 36 who did not develop PCOS, were retrospectively included. Clinical, anthropometric, and metabolic parameters were evaluated at the time of diagnosis of PP and after 10 years from menarche to find predictive factors of PCOS.

Results

Young females with PP showed a PCOS prevalence of 64% and showed a higher prevalence of familial history of diabetes (P = 0.004) and a lower prevalence of underweight (P = 0.025) than PP-NO-PCOS. In addition, girls with PP-PCOS showed higher BMI (P < 0.001), waist circumference (P < 0.001), total testosterone (P = 0.026), visceral adiposity index (VAI) (P = 0.013), total cholesterol (P < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (P < 0.001), non-HDL cholesterol (P < 0.001) and lower age of menarche (P = 0.015), ISI-Matsuda (P < 0.001), DIo (P = 0.002), HDL cholesterol (P = 0.026) than PP-NO-PCOS. Multivariate analysis showed that WC (P = 0.049), ISI-Matsuda (P < 0.001), oral disposition index (DIo) (P < 0.001), VAI (P < 0.001), total testosterone (P < 0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (P < 0.001) are independent predictive factors for PCOS in girls with PP.

Conclusions

Our study established a strong association between multiple risk factors and development of PCOS in PP girls. These risk factors are predominantly related to the regulation of glucose, lipid, and androgen metabolism. Among these factors, WC, ISI-Matsuda, DIo, VAI, total testosterone, and LDL-cholesterol predict PCOS.

Open access
Renata C Scalco Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica, Laboratorio de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM/25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratorio de Hormonios e Genetica Molecular LIM/42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Search for other papers by Renata C Scalco in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ericka B Trarbach Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica, Laboratorio de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM/25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Search for other papers by Ericka B Trarbach in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Edoarda V A Albuquerque Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica, Laboratorio de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM/25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Search for other papers by Edoarda V A Albuquerque in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Thais K Homma Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica, Laboratorio de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM/25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Search for other papers by Thais K Homma in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Thais H Inoue-Lima Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica, Laboratorio de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM/25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Search for other papers by Thais H Inoue-Lima in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Mirian Y Nishi Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratorio de Hormonios e Genetica Molecular LIM/42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Search for other papers by Mirian Y Nishi in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Berenice B Mendonca Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratorio de Hormonios e Genetica Molecular LIM/42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Search for other papers by Berenice B Mendonca in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Alexander A L Jorge Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica, Laboratorio de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM/25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Search for other papers by Alexander A L Jorge in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Most patients with Turner syndrome (TS) need hormone replacement therapy because of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism; individual outcomes, however, are highly variable. Our objective was to assess the influence of five estrogen receptor 1 gene (ESR1) polymorphisms (rs543650, rs1038304, rs2046210, rs2234693 and rs9340799) on adult height, breast development, uterine volume and bone mineral density (BMD). We studied 91 TS patients from a tertiary hospital using adult estrogen dose. In our group, ESR1 rs2234693 was associated with femoral neck and total hip BMD, and it accounted for around 10% of BMD variability in both sites (P < 0.01). Patients homozygous for C allele in this polymorphism had significantly lower femoral neck BMD (0.699 ± 0.065 g/cm2 vs 0.822 ± 0.113 g/cm2, P = 0.008) and total hip BMD (0.777 ± 0.118 g/cm2 vs 0.903 ± 0.098 g/cm2, P = 0.009) than patients homozygous for T allele. The other four ESR1 polymorphisms were not able to predict any of the above estrogen therapy outcomes in an isolated manner. Patients homozygous for the haplotype GCG formed by polymorphisms rs543650, rs2234693 and rs9340799 had an even more significantly lower femoral neck BMD (0.666 ± 0.049 vs 0.820 ± 0.105 g/cm2, P = 0.0047) and total hip BMD (0.752 ± 0.093 vs 0.908 ± 0.097 g/cm2, P = 0.0029) than patients homozygous for haplotypes with a T allele in rs2234693. In conclusion, homozygosity for C allele in ESR1 rs2234693 and/or for GCG haplotype appears to be associated with lower femoral neck and total hip BMD. We believe that the identification of polymorphisms related to estrogen outcomes may contribute to individualization of treatment in TS.

Open access
M von Wolff Division of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women’s Hospital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

Search for other papers by M von Wolff in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
C T Nakas University Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Laboratory of Biometry, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece

Search for other papers by C T Nakas in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
M Tobler Division of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women’s Hospital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Division of Pneumology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

Search for other papers by M Tobler in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
T M Merz Division of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

Search for other papers by T M Merz in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
M P Hilty Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland

Search for other papers by M P Hilty in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
J D Veldhuis Endocrine Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Centre for Translational Science Activities, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, New York, USA

Search for other papers by J D Veldhuis in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
A R Huber Centre for Laboratory Medicine, Cantonal Hospital, Aarau, Switzerland

Search for other papers by A R Huber in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
J Pichler Hefti Division of Pneumology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

Search for other papers by J Pichler Hefti in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Humans cannot live at very high altitude for reasons, which are not completely understood. Since these reasons are not restricted to cardiorespiratory changes alone, changes in the endocrine system might also be involved. Therefore, hormonal changes during prolonged hypobaric hypoxia were comprehensively assessed to determine effects of altitude and hypoxia on stress, thyroid and gonadal hypothalamus–pituitary hormone axes. Twenty-one male and 19 female participants were examined repetitively during a high-altitude expedition. Cortisol, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), fT4 and fT3 and in males follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and total testosterone were analysed as well as parameters of hypoxemia, such as SaO2 and paO2 at 550 m (baseline) (n = 40), during ascent at 4844 m (n = 38), 6022 m (n = 31) and 7050 m (n = 13), at 4844 m (n = 29) after acclimatization and after the expedition (n = 38). Correlation analysis of hormone concentrations with oxygen parameters and with altitude revealed statistical association in most cases only with altitude. Adrenal, thyroid and gonadal axes were affected by increasing altitude. Adrenal axis and prolactin were first supressed at 4844 m and then activated with increasing altitude; thyroid and gonadal axes were directly activated or suppressed respectively with increasing altitude. Acclimatisation at 4844 m led to normalization of adrenal and gonadal but not of thyroid axes. In conclusion, acclimatization partly leads to a normalization of the adrenal, thyroid and gonadal axes at around 5000 m. However, at higher altitude, endocrine dysregulation is pronounced and might contribute to the physical degradation found at high altitude.

Open access
M Boering Isala, Diabetes Centre, Zwolle, The Netherlands

Search for other papers by M Boering in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
P R van Dijk Isala, Diabetes Centre, Zwolle, The Netherlands
Isala, Department of Internal Medicine, Zwolle, The Netherlands

Search for other papers by P R van Dijk in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
S J J Logtenberg Diakonessenhuis, Department of Internal Medicine, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Langerhans Medical Research group, Zwolle, The Netherlands

Search for other papers by S J J Logtenberg in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
K H Groenier Isala, Diabetes Centre, Zwolle, The Netherlands
Department of General Practice, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

Search for other papers by K H Groenier in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
B H R Wolffenbuttel Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

Search for other papers by B H R Wolffenbuttel in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
R O B Gans Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

Search for other papers by R O B Gans in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
N Kleefstra Isala, Diabetes Centre, Zwolle, The Netherlands
Langerhans Medical Research group, Zwolle, The Netherlands
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

Search for other papers by N Kleefstra in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
H J G Bilo Isala, Diabetes Centre, Zwolle, The Netherlands
Isala, Department of Internal Medicine, Zwolle, The Netherlands
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

Search for other papers by H J G Bilo in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Aims

Elevated sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations have been described in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), probably due to low portal insulin concentrations. We aimed to investigate whether the route of insulin administration, continuous intraperitoneal insulin infusion (CIPII), or subcutaneous (SC), influences SHBG concentrations among T1DM patients.

Methods

Post hoc analysis of SHBG in samples derived from a randomized, open-labeled crossover trial was carried out in 20 T1DM patients: 50% males, mean age 43 (±13) years, diabetes duration 23 (±11) years, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 8.7 (±1.1) (72 (±12) mmol/mol). As secondary outcomes, testosterone, 17-β-estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were analyzed.

Results

Estimated mean change in SHBG was −10.3nmol/L (95% CI: −17.4, −3.2) during CIPII and 3.7nmol/L (95% CI: −12.0, 4.6) during SC insulin treatment. Taking the effect of treatment order into account, the difference in SHBG between therapies was −6.6nmol/L (95% CI: −17.5, 4.3); −12.7nmol/L (95% CI: −25.1, −0.4) for males and −1.7nmol/L (95% CI: −24.6, 21.1) for females, respectively. Among males, SHBG and testosterone concentrations changed significantly during CIPII; −15.8nmol/L (95% CI: −24.2, −7.5) and −8.3nmol/L (95% CI: −14.4, −2.2), respectively. The difference between CIPII and SC insulin treatment was also significant for change in FSH 1.2U/L (95% CI: 0.1, 2.2) among males.

Conclusions

SHBG concentrations decreased significantly during CIPII treatment. Moreover, the difference in change between CIPII and SC insulin therapy was significant for SHBG and FSH among males. These findings support the hypothesis that portal insulin administration influences circulating SHBG and sex steroids.

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

Search for other papers by Liza Haqq in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
James McFarlane School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia

Search for other papers by James McFarlane in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Gudrun Dieberg School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia

Search for other papers by Gudrun Dieberg in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Neil Smart School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia

Search for other papers by Neil Smart in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

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.

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

Search for other papers by Tao Mei in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Jianhe Zhang Department of Neurosurgery, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, China

Search for other papers by Jianhe Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Liangfeng Wei Department of Neurosurgery, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, China

Search for other papers by Liangfeng Wei in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Xingfeng Qi Department of Pathology, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, China

Search for other papers by Xingfeng Qi in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yiming Ma Department of Neurosurgery, Liuzhou General Hospital, Liuzhou, China

Search for other papers by Yiming Ma in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Xianhua Liu Department of Pathology, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, China

Search for other papers by Xianhua Liu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Shaohua Chen Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China

Search for other papers by Shaohua Chen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Songyuan Li Department of Neurosurgery, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, China

Search for other papers by Songyuan Li in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Jianwu Wu Department of Neurosurgery, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, China

Search for other papers by Jianwu Wu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Shousen Wang Department of Neurosurgery, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, China

Search for other papers by Shousen Wang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

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.

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

Search for other papers by Mikkel Andreassen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Anders Juul Department of Growth and Reproduction, Faculty of Health Science, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Search for other papers by Anders Juul in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Health Science, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Search for other papers by Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Niels Jørgensen Department of Growth and Reproduction, Faculty of Health Science, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Search for other papers by Niels Jørgensen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

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.

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

Search for other papers by Yunting Lin in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Endi Song Department of Internal Medicine, Ningbo Yinzhou No.2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China

Search for other papers by Endi Song in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Han Jin Department of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China

Search for other papers by Han Jin in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Yong Jin Department of Internal Medicine, Ningbo Yinzhou No.2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China

Search for other papers by Yong Jin in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

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.

Open access