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  • Abstract: adrenarche x
  • Abstract: amenorrhoea x
  • Abstract: fertility x
  • Abstract: Gender x
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  • Abstract: infertility x
  • Abstract: Kallmann x
  • Abstract: Klinefelter x
  • Abstract: menarche x
  • Abstract: menopause x
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  • Abstract: sperm* x
  • Abstract: ovary x
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Kaisu Luiro Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

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Kristiina Aittomäki Department of Medical Genetics, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

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Pekka Jousilahti Department of Public Health Solutions, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland

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Juha S Tapanainen Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Center, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland

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Objective

To study the use of hormone therapy (HT), morbidity and reproductive outcomes of women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) due to FSH-resistant ovaries (FSHRO).

Design

A prospective follow-up study in a university-based tertiary clinic setting.

Methods

Twenty-six women with an inactivating A189V FSH receptor mutation were investigated by means of a health questionnaire and clinical examination. Twenty-two returned the health questionnaire and 14 were clinically examined. Main outcome measures in the health questionnaire were reported as HT, morbidity, medication and infertility treatment outcomes. In the clinical study, risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) were compared to age-matched controls from a national population survey (FINRISK). Average number of controls was 326 per FSHRO subject (range 178–430). Bone mineral density and whole-body composition were analyzed with DXA. Psychological and sexual well-being was assessed with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI21), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires.

Results

HT was initiated late (median 18 years of age) compared with normal puberty and the median time of use was shorter (20–22 years) than the normal fertile period. Osteopenia was detected in 9/14 of the FSHRO women despite HT. No major risk factors for CVD or diabetes were found.

Conclusions

HT of 20 years seems to be associated with a similar cardiovascular and metabolic risk factor profile as in the population control group. However, optimal bone health may require an early-onset and longer period of HT, which would better correspond to the natural fertile period.

Open access
Teresa Vilariño-García Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology. Medical School, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain

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Antonio Pérez-Pérez Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology. Medical School, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain

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Esther Santamaría-López Valencian Infertility Institute (IVI), Seville, Spain

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Nicolás Prados Valencian Infertility Institute (IVI), Seville, Spain

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Manuel Fernández-Sánchez Valencian Infertility Institute (IVI), Seville, Spain

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Víctor Sánchez-Margalet Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology. Medical School, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain

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Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic disorder associated with ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, obesity, and insulin resistance, that leads to subfertility. Sam68 is an RNA-binding protein with signaling functions that is ubiquitously expressed, including gonads. Sam68 is recruited to leptin signaling, mediating different leptin actions.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the role of Sam68 in leptin signaling, mediating the effect on aromatase expression in granulosa cells and the posible implication of Sam68 in the leptin resistance in PCOS.

Materials and methods

Granulosa cells were from healthy donors (n = 25) and women with PCOS (n = 25), within the age range of 20 to 40 years, from Valencian Infertility Institute (IVI), Seville, Spain. Sam68 expression was inhibited by siRNA method and overexpressed by expression vector. Expression level was analysed by qPCR and immunoblot. Statistical significance was assessed by ANOVA followed by different post-hoc tests. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

We have found that leptin stimulation increases phosphorylation and expression level of Sam68 and aromatase in granulosa cells from normal donors. Downregulation of Sam68 expression resulted in a lower activation of MAPK and PI3K pathways in response to leptin, whereas overexpression of Sam68 increased leptin stimulation of signaling, enhancing aromatase expression. Granulosa cells from women with PCOS presented lower expression of Sam68 and were resistant to the leptin effect on aromatase expression.

Conclusions

These results suggest the participation of Sam68 in leptin receptor signaling, mediating the leptin effect on aromatase expression in granulosa cells, and point to a new target in leptin resistance in PCOS.

Open access
Hamidreza Mani Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK

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Yogini Chudasama Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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Michelle Hadjiconstantinou Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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Danielle H Bodicoat Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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Charlotte Edwardson Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
The Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester and Loughborough, UK

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Miles J Levy Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK

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Laura J Gray Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK

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Janette Barnett Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK

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Heather Daly Leicester Medical Group, Thurmaston Health Centre, Leicester, UK

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Trevor A Howlett Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK

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Kamlesh Khunti Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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Melanie J Davies Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured education programmes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

Single-centre, randomised controlled trial, testing a single exposure to a group-based, face-to-face, structured education programme. Inclusion criteria were women with PCOS, aged 18–49 years inclusive and body mass index ≥23 kg/m2 for black and minority ethnicities or ≥25 kg/m2 for white Europeans. Primary outcome was step-count/day at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included indices of physical activity, cardiovascular risk factors, quality of life (QoL) and illness perception (IP).

Results

161 women were included (78 control, 83 intervention); 69% white; mean age 33.4 (s.d. 7.6) years, of whom 100 (48 intervention; 52 control) attended their 12-month visit (38% attrition). 77% of the intervention arm attended the education programme. No significant change in step-count was observed at 12 months (mean difference: +351 steps/day (95% confidence interval −481, +1183); P = 0.40). No differences were found in biochemical or anthropometric outcomes. The education programme improved participants’ IP in 2 dimensions: understanding their PCOS (P < 0.001) and sense of control (P < 0.01) and improved QoL in 3 dimensions: emotions (P < 0.05), fertility (P < 0.05), weight (P < 0.01) and general mental well-being (P < 0.01).

Discussion

A single exposure to structured education programme did not increase physical activity or improve biochemical markers in overweight and obese women with PCOS. However, providing a structured education in parallel to routine medical treatment can be beneficial for participants’ understanding of their condition, reducing their anxiety and improving their QoL.

Open access
Lára Ósk Eggertsdóttir Claessen Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
Department of Emergency Medicine, Landspitali – The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland

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Hafrún Kristjánsdóttir Physical Activity, Physical Education, Sport, and Health (PAPESH) Research Centre, Sports Science Department, School of Social Sciences, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland

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María Kristín Jónsdóttir Mental Health Services, Landspitali – The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland

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Sigrún Helga Lund deCODE Genetics, Inc/Amgen Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland
School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland

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Ingunn Unnsteinsdóttir Kristensen Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland

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Helga Ágústa Sigurjónsdóttir Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
Department of Medicine, Landspitali – The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland

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Objective

Pituitary dysfunction following mild traumatic brain injury can have serious physical and psychological consequences, making correct diagnosis and treatment essential. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to study the prevalence of pituitary dysfunction following mild traumatic brain injury in an all-female population following detailed endocrinological work-up after screening for pituitary dysfunction in female athletes.

Design

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Hormone screening blood tests, including serum blood values for thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxin, insulin-like growth factor 1, prolactin, cortisol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estrogen and progesterone, were taken in 133 female athletes. Results were repeatedly outside the reference value in 88 women necessitating further endocrinological evaluation. Two of those were lost to follow-up, and further endocrinological evaluation was performed in 86 participants.

Results

Six women (4.6%, n = 131) were diagnosed with hypopituitarism, four (3.1%) with central hypothyroidism and two with growth hormone deficiency (1.5%). Ten women (7.6%) had hyperprolactinemia, and four (3.1%) of them had prolactinoma. Medical treatment was initiated in 13 (9.9%) women. Significant prognostic factors were not found.

Conclusions

As 12.2% of female athletes with a history of mild traumatic brain injury had pituitary dysfunction (hypopituitarism 4.6%, hyperprolactinemia 7.6%), we conclude that pituitary dysfunction is an important consideration in post-concussion care. Hyperprolactinemia in the absence of prolactinoma may represent pituitary or hypothalamic injury following mild traumatic brain injury.

Significance statement

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has become a growing public health concern as 50 million people worldwide sustain a traumatic brain injury annually, with mTBI being the most common (70–90%). As studies on mTBI have focused on mostly male populations this study aims to explore pituitary dysfunction (PD) in female athletes following mTBI. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first all-female study on PD following mTBI.

The study found that 12.2% of the participating women had PD after mTBI. Six (4.6%) had hypopituitarism and ten (7.6%) had hyperprolactinemia. These findings suggest that PD following mTBI is an important consideration that endocrinologists and other medical staff working with athletes need to be aware of.

Open access
Veronica Kieffer
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Kate Davies University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Grampian, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Salford Royal Hospitals Foundation Trust, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, The London Clinic, Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK

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Christine Gibson University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Grampian, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Salford Royal Hospitals Foundation Trust, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, The London Clinic, Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK

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Morag Middleton University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Grampian, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Salford Royal Hospitals Foundation Trust, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, The London Clinic, Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK

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Jean Munday University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Grampian, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Salford Royal Hospitals Foundation Trust, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, The London Clinic, Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK

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Shashana Shalet University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Grampian, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Salford Royal Hospitals Foundation Trust, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, The London Clinic, Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK

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Lisa Shepherd University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Grampian, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Salford Royal Hospitals Foundation Trust, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, The London Clinic, Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK

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Phillip Yeoh University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Grampian, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Salford Royal Hospitals Foundation Trust, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, The London Clinic, Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK

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This competency framework was developed by a working group of endocrine specialist nurses with the support of the Society for Endocrinology to enhance the clinical care that adults with an endocrine disorder receive. Nurses should be able to demonstrate that they are functioning at an optimal level in order for patients to receive appropriate care. By formulating a competency framework from which an adult endocrine nurse specialist can work, it is envisaged that their development as professional practitioners can be enhanced. This is the second edition of the Competency Framework for Adult Endocrine Nursing. It introduces four new competencies on benign adrenal tumours, hypo- and hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. The authors and the Society for Endocrinology welcome constructive feedback on the document, both nationally and internationally, in anticipation that further developments and ideas can be incorporated into future versions.

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Yao Chen Hangzhou Fuyang Women and Children Hospital, Hangzhou, China

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Shu-ying Fang Hangzhou Fuyang Women and Children Hospital, Hangzhou, China

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogenous endocrine disorder with typical symptoms of oligomenorrhoea, hyperandrogenism, hirsutism, obesity, insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Extensive evidence indicates that PCOS is a genetic disease and numerous biochemical pathways have been linked with its pathogenesis. A number of genes from these pathways have been investigated, which include those involved with steroid hormone biosynthesis and metabolism, action of gonadotropin and gonadal hormones, folliculogenesis, obesity and energy regulation, insulin secretion and action and many others. In this review, we summarize the historical and recent findings in genetic polymorphisms of PCOS from the relevant publications and outline some genetic polymorphisms that are potentially associated with the risk of PCOS. This information could uncover candidate genes associating with PCOS, which will be valuable for the development of novel diagnostic and treatment platforms for PCOS patients.

Open access
Sebastião Freitas de Medeiros Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
Tropical Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Menopause, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil

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Cinthia Marenza Ormond Tropical Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Menopause, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil

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Matheus Antônio Souto de Medeiros Tropical Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Menopause, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil

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Nayara de Souza Santos Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
Tropical Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Menopause, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil

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Camila Regis Banhara Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
Tropical Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Menopause, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil

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Márcia Marly Winck Yamamoto Tropical Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Menopause, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil

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Objective

To examine the anthropometric, and metabolic connections of 17-hydroxypregnenolone in the normo- and hyperandrogenemic polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes.

Materials and methods

This cohort study was conducted at the Julio Muller University Hospital, Cuiabá, Brazil, between January 2014 and July 2016, and 91 normal cycling healthy women, 46 normoandrogenemic and 147 hyperandrogenemic, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were enrolled according to the Rotterdam criteria. Several anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal parameters were properly verified and correlated with 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17-OHPE) concentrations.

Results

17-OHPE was higher in hyperandrogenemic PCOS than in normoandrogenemic PCOS and in control groups (P = 0.032 and P < 0.001, respectively). In healthy controls, 17-OHPE was positively associated with glucose, free estrogen index, DHEAS and negatively associated with compounds S. In normoandrogenemic PCOS patients, 17-OHPE presented positive correlations with VAI, LAP, cortisol, insulin and HOMA-IR. In the hyperandrogenemic group, 17-OHPE presented significant negative correlations with most anthropometric parameters, HOMA-IR, HOMA %B, estradiol, free estrogen index (FEI), C-peptide, and TG levels and positive correlations with HOMA-S and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), androstenedione (A4) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Regarding hyperandrogenemic PCOS, and using a stepwise multiple regression, only HOMA-S and WHR were retained in the model (R 2 = 0.294, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

17-OHPE exhibited different relationships with anthropometric, and biochemical parameters in PCOS patients, depending on the androgen levels. In PCOS subjects with high androgen concentrations, 17-OHPE was negatively associated with most anthropometric parameters, particularly with those used as markers of adipose tissue dysfunction and frequently employed as predictors of cardiovascular disease risk; otherwise, 17-OHPE was positively associated with HDL-C and HOMA-S in this patients. Future studies are required to evaluate the clinical implications of these novel findings.

Open access
Bo Zhu Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Sir Run Run ShawHospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wenzhou People’s Hospital, Wenzhou Women and Children Health, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

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Yumei Chen Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wenzhou People’s Hospital, Wenzhou Women and Children Health, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

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Fang Xu Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wenzhou People’s Hospital, Wenzhou Women and Children Health, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

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Xiaolu Shen Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wenzhou People’s Hospital, Wenzhou Women and Children Health, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

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Xuanyu Chen Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wenzhou People’s Hospital, Wenzhou Women and Children Health, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

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Jieqiang Lv Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

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Songying Zhang Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Sir Run Run ShawHospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

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Background

Androgens excess results in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which is an important cause of β cells dysfunction. Here, we investigated the molecular regulation of androgens excess, ER stress, and β-cell function in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

PCOS mouse model was established by injection of DHEA. Primary cultured mouse islets were used to detect testosterone (TE)-induced ER stress. The response of ER stress, apoptosis, and hyperinsulinemia were analyzed in INS-1 cells with or without TE exposure. Androgen receptor (AR) antagonist and ER stress inhibitor treatment was performed to evaluate the role of TE in ER stress and proinsulin secretion of PCOS mice.

Results

PCOS mice had higher ER stress in islets. TE exposure induced ER stress and apoptosis significantly through sustaining insulin overexpression in β cells, which in turn impaired proinsulin maturation and secretion. Blocking this process could significantly relieve ER stress and apoptosis and improve insulin homeostasis.

Conclusion

ER stress activated by androgens excess in PCOS contributes to β cell dysfunction and hyperinsulinemia.

Open access
Dorte Glintborg Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Magda Lambaa Altinok Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Pernille Ravn Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Kurt Bjerregaard Stage Department of Psychiatry, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Kurt Højlund Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Marianne Andersen Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Background/aims

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance, adrenal hyperactivity and decreased mental health. We aimed to investigate the changes in adrenal activity, metabolic status and mental health in PCOS during treatment with escitalopram or placebo.

Methods

Forty-two overweight premenopausal women with PCOS and no clinical depression were randomized to 12-week SSRI (20 mg escitalopram/day, n = 21) or placebo (n = 21). Patients underwent clinical examination, fasting blood samples, adrenocorticotroph hormone (ACTH) test, 3-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and filled in questionnaires regarding mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL): WHO Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Major Depression Inventory (MDI), Short Form 36 (SF-36) and PCOS questionnaire.

Results

Included women were aged 31 (6) years (mean (s.d.)) and had body mass index (BMI) 35.8 (6.5) kg/m2 and waist 102 (12) cm. Escitalopram was associated with increased waist (median (quartiles) change 1 (0; 3) cm), P = 0.005 vs change during placebo and increased cortisol levels (cortisol 0, cortisol 60, peak cortisol and area under the curve for cortisol during ACTH test), all P< 0.05 vs changes during placebo. Escitalopram had no significant effect on measures of insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, fasting lipids, mental health or HRQoL.

Conclusion

Waist circumference and cortisol levels increased during treatment with escitalopram in women with PCOS and no clinical depression, whereas metabolic risk markers, mental health and HRQol were unchanged.

Open access
Shilpa Lingaiah Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Centre, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland

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Laure Morin-Papunen Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Centre, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland

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Terhi Piltonen Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Centre, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland

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Inger Sundström-Poromaa Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

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Elisabet Stener-Victorin Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

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Juha S Tapanainen Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Centre, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

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Objective

Serum levels of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), an adipokine thought to affect systemic insulin sensitivity, were compared between women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and non-PCOS controls to evaluate the association of RBP4 with clinical, hormonal and metabolic parameters of PCOS.

Subjects and methods

Serum RBP4 levels were analysed in 278 women with PCOS (age range 18–57 years) and 191 non-PCOS controls (age 20–53 years) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Serum levels of RBP4 were increased in women with PCOS compared with control women in the whole population (45.1 ± 24.0 (s.d.) vs 33.5 ± 18.3 mg/L, P < 0.001). Age-stratified analysis showed that serum RBP4 levels were increased in women with PCOS aged ≤30 years compared with controls (47.7 ± 23.5 vs 27.1 ± 10.4 mg/L, P < 0.001), whereas no significant differences were seen in the other age groups. No significant correlations of RBP4 were seen with either steroids or indices of insulin resistance.

Conclusions

Although serum RBP4 levels were increased in younger women with PCOS compared with age-matched non-PCOS controls, RBP4 does not seem to be a good marker of insulin resistance or other metabolic derangements in women with PCOS.

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