GDF15 linked to maternal risk of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

GDF15, a hormone acting on the brainstem, has been implicated in the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, including its most severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), but a full mechanistic understanding is lacking1-4. Here we report that fetal production of GDF15 and maternal sensitivity to it both contribute substantially to the risk of HG. We confirmed that higher GDF15 levels in maternal blood are associated with vomiting in pregnancy and HG. Using mass spectrometry to detect a naturally labelled GDF15 variant, we demonstrate that the vast majority of GDF15 in the maternal plasma is derived from the feto-placental unit. By studying carriers of rare and common genetic variants, we found that low levels of GDF15 in the non-pregnant state increase the risk of developing HG. Conversely, women with ß-thalassaemia, a condition in which GDF15 levels are chronically high5, report very low levels of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. In mice, the acute food intake response to a bolus of GDF15 is influenced bi-directionally by prior levels of circulating GDF15 in a manner suggesting that this system is susceptible to desensitization. Our findings support a putative causal role for fetally derived GDF15 in the nausea and vomiting of human pregnancy, with maternal sensitivity, at least partly determined by prepregnancy exposure to the hormone, being a major influence on its severity. They also suggest mechanism-based approaches to the treatment and prevention of HG.

Amisulpride steady-state plasma concentration and adverse reactions in patients with schizophrenia: a study based on therapeutic drug monitoring data.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the reference range of amisulpride for Chinese patients with schizophrenia and to assess its possible influencing factors based on therapeutic drug monitoring information. The relative adverse reactions of patients induced by amisulpride were also systematically investigated. A total of 425 patients with schizophrenia were assessed, including Positive and Negative Syndrome Scales, Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale, blood routine examination, hepatorenal function, lipids, hormones, as well as myocardial enzymes at baseline, and following treatment with amisulpride for 8 weeks. The steady-state plasma concentration of amisulpride was assayed using two-dimensional liquid chromatography. At the same dose, the amisulpride plasma concentration of patients combined with clozapine was higher than that without clozapine. The therapeutic reference range of amisulpride can be defined as 230.3-527.1 ng/ml for Chinese patients with schizophrenia. The potential side effects appear to be associated with significantly increased levels of LDH, CK, creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), TC and decreased level of E 2 , relative to the amisulpride plasma concentration. These findings could provide individualized medication and reduce the adverse effects of amisulpride for Chinese patients with schizophrenia.

The effect of reproductive, hormonal, nutritional and lifestyle on breast cancer risk among black Tanzanian women: A case control study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the effect of reproductive, hormonal, lifestyle and nutritional factors on breast cancer development among Tanzanian black women. METHODOLOGY: We undertook a case-control study age-matched to ±5years in 2018 at Muhimbili National Hospital. The study recruited 105 BC patients and 190 controls giving it 80% power to detect an odds ratio of ≥2 at the alpha error of <5% for exposure with a prevalence of 30% in the control group with 95% confidence. Controls were recruited from in patients being treated for non-cancer related conditions. Information regarding hormonal, reproductive, nutritional and lifestyle risk for breast cancer and demography was collected by interviews using a predefined data set. Conditional multinomial logistic regression used to determine the adjusted odds ratio for variables that had significant p-value in the binomial logistic regression model with 5% allowed error at 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The study recruited 105 cases and 190 controls. Only old age at menopause had a significant risk, a 2.6 fold increase. Adolescent obesity, family history of breast cancer, cigarette smoking and alcohol intake had increased odds for breast cancer but failed to reach significant levels. The rural residency had 61% reduced odds for developing breast cancer though it failed to reach significant levels. CONCLUSION: Older age at menopause is a significant risk factor for the development of breast cancer among Tanzanian women. This study has shed light on the potential role of modifiable risk factors for breast cancer which need to be studied further for appropriate preventive strategies in similar settings.

Clinical, hormonal, and genetic characteristics of 25 Chinese patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a type of congenital disease caused by a variety of gene variants leading to dysfunction in the secretion of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRHs). Clinically, IHH can be divided into Kallmann syndrome (KS) with dysosmia and normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nIHH) according to the presence or absence of an olfactory disorder. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 25 IHH patients (8 KS and 17 nIHH) who were diagnosed at the Department of Endocrinology of Shanghai Children's Hospital from 2015 to 2021. We analysed the patients' clinical data, including their hormone levels and gene sequences. RESULTS: All male patients exhibited small phalli, and 35% of them exhibited cryptorchidism. A significant difference was observed in the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) after human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) stimulation (P = 0.028) between the KS group and the nIHH group. Missense variants were the major cause of IHH, and the main pathogenic genes were FGFR1, PROKR2/PROK2, and KAl1. Nine reported and 13 novel variants of six genes were identified. De novo variants were detected in 16 IHH patients; eight patients inherited the variants from their mothers, while only three patients inherited variants from their fathers. One patient had both KAl1 and PROKR2 gene variants, and another patient had two different PROKR2 gene variants. These two patients both had the hot spot variant c.533G > C (p. Trp178Ser) of the PROKR2 gene. CONCLUSION: IHH should be highly suspected in patients with a small phallus and cryptorchidism. Compared with nIHH patients, KS patients exhibited a higher level of DHT after HCG stimulation. Missense variants were the major cause of IHH, and most of the inherited variants were from their mothers who exhibited no obvious clinical symptoms. We identified 9 reported variants and 13 novel variants that led to IHH. A small proportion of patients were at risk of inheriting either the oligogenic variant or the compound heterozygous variant. The hot spot variant c.533G > C (p. Trp178Ser) of PROKR2 might be involved in oligogenic inheritance and compound heterozygous inheritance. These findings provide deeper insight into the diagnosis and classification of IHH and will contribute to its clinical assessment.

Ginseng alleviates folliculogenesis disorders via induction of cell proliferation and downregulation of apoptotic markers in nicotine-treated mice.

BACKGROUND: Ginseng is a powerful phytoestrogen with high antioxidant properties. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Panax Ginseng (PG) on folliculogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis in the ovary impaired by nicotine. METHODS: Forty adult mice were divided into five groups. Control, sham, and nicotine groups, and co-treated groups of nicotine and ginseng in doses of 0.5 and 1 g/kg. Folliculogenesis was assessed via histopathology and serum evaluation of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) by ELISA. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities both in homogenate tissue and serum were assayed by colorimetric analysis. Apoptotic markers of cytochrome c (Cyt c), Bax, and Bcl-2 were evaluated by RT-PCR. Proliferative index was studied by the Ki-67 immunostaining procedure. RESULTS: In comparison to the control or sham groups, nicotine significantly reduced the levels of FSH, LH, and estradiol hormones. An insignificant reduction was observed in the progesterone hormone. Nicotine reduced all healthy follicle numbers, except primordial (P = 0.001). Malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased in tissue and serum in the nicotine group (P = 0.01). Serum catalase (CAT) and enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) both were reduced in tissue and the serum, in the nicotine group. Nicotine induced a reduction in the proliferative indexes of granulosa and theca cells in pre-antral and antral follicles (P = 0.001). However, its effect on the proliferative index of stroma cells was not significant. Apoptotic markers were elevated in the nicotine group (P = 0.001). Co-treatment with ginseng elevated all sex hormones, increased healthy follicles, and reduced tissue or serum lipid peroxidation, compared with the nicotine group (p < 0.05). Co-Treatment with ginseng also reduced the expression of apoptotic markers and increased the proliferative indexes in granulosa and theca cells in pre-antral and antral follicles and also in stroma cells, in comparison to the nicotine group (P = 0.001). All above-mentioned alterations following treatment with ginseng were remarkable, especially in the dose of 1 g/kg. CONCLUSION: This study showed ginseng protects folliculogenesis via alteration of hypothalamic- pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, induction of proliferation in ovarian somatic cells, reduction of lipid peroxidation, and downregulation of apoptotic markers in the mouse ovary, treated with nicotine.

Pleurotus eryngii improves postprandial glycaemia, hunger and fullness perception, and enhances ghrelin suppression in people with metabolically unhealthy obesity.

The aim of this study was to examine potential postprandial benefits of Pleurotus eryngii in nineteen volunteers with metabolically unhealthy obesity. An acute, randomized, crossover-designed trial comparing a meal with Pleurotus eryngii and a control meal was performed. The two meals matched in macronutrient and caloric content. Participants consumed both meals in random order after an overnight fast. Blood samples were drawn before and 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min after meal consumption (in total 266 samples) to determine glucose, insulin, ghrelin, peptide YY, glucagon-like peptide-1 and glicentin. Visual analog scales measuring the subjective perception of hunger and fullness were completed at the same time points. The test meal resulted in lower glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC). Additionally, the iAUC of the ghrelin response over time was substantially lower after the test meal (p = 0.033). Lower desire to eat and higher fullness was reflected by significantly lower hunger iAUC (p = 0.046) and higher fullness iAUC (p = 0.042) after the test meal. No differences in insulin, PYY, GLP-1 and glicentin were observed. Pleurotus eryngii can ameliorate postprandial glycaemia, appetite and regulate ghrelin levels at the postprandial state. This effect is attributed to the bioactive polysaccharides that inhibit the activity of enzymes catalysing carbohydrate hydrolysis, cause a delayed gastric emptying and glucose absorption.

Effects of Combined Strength and Endurance Training on Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Serum Hormones During a 6-Month Crisis Management Operation.

ABSTRACT: Pihlainen, K, Kyröläinen, H, Santtila, M, Ojanen, T, Raitanen, J, and Häkkinen, K. Effects of combined strength and endurance training on body composition, physical fitness, and serum hormones during a 6-month crisis management operation. J Strength Cond Res 36(9): 2361-2370, 2022-Very few studies have examined the impact of training interventions on soldier readiness during an international military operation. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of combined strength and endurance training on body composition, physical performance, and hormonal status during a 6-month international military deployment consisting of typical peacekeeping tasks, e.g., patrolling, observation, and on-base duties. Soldiers ( n = 78) were randomly allocated to a control group (C) or one of 3 combined whole-body strength and endurance training groups with varying strength-to-endurance training emphasis (Es = 25/75%, SE = 50/50% or Se = 75/25% of strength/endurance training). Body composition, physical performance (3000-m run, standing long jump [SLJ], isometric maximal voluntary contraction of the lower [MVC lower] and upper extremities [MVC upper ], muscle endurance tests), and selected serum hormone concentrations were determined prior to training (PRE), and after 9 (MID) and 19 (POST) weeks of training. Within- and between-group changes were analyzed using linear regression models. The average combined strength and endurance training frequency of the total subject group was 3 ± 2 training sessions per week. No changes were observed in physical performance variables in the intervention groups, whereas SLJ decreased by 1.9% in C ( p < 0.05). Maximal voluntary contraction lower increased by 12.8% in the combined intervention group ( p < 0.05), and this was significantly different to C ( p < 0.05). Testosterone-to-cortisol ratio increased in SE and Se ( p < 0.05), whereas no change was observed in C. The intervention groups maintained or improved their physical performance during deployment, which is beneficial for operational readiness. However, the high interindividual variation observed in training adaptations highlights the importance of training individualization during prolonged military operations.

Hormonal tumor mapping for liver metastases of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: a novel therapeutic strategy.

PURPOSE: In patients with metastatic functional gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs), it is unknown what degree of tumor reduction is required to eliminate hormonal symptoms. We aimed to reduce hormonal symptoms derived from advanced GEP-NENs by efficient minimal intervention, constructing a hormonal tumor map of liver metastases. METHODS: Between 2013 and 2019, we treated 12 insulinoma or gastrinoma patients with liver metastases. Liver segments containing hormone-producing tumors were identified by injecting calcium gluconate via the hepatic arteries and monitoring the change in serum hormone concentration in the three hepatic veins. A greater-than-twofold increase in hormone concentration indicated a tumor-feeding vessel. RESULTS: Cases included eight insulinomas and four gastrinomas. Primary lesions were functional in three patients and nonfunctional in 9. Nine patients showed hormonal step-up indicating the presence of functional lesions; eight showed step-up in tumor-bearing liver segments, while one with synchronous liver metastases showed step-up only in the pancreatic region. Five patients underwent surgery. Serum hormone concentration decreased markedly after removing the culprit lesions in 3; immediate improvement in hormonal symptoms was achieved in all patients. Three patients with previous surgical treatment who showed step-up underwent transcatheter arterial embolization, achieving temporary improvement of hormonal symptoms. Four patients showed unclear localization of the hormone-producing tumors; treatment options were limited, resulting in poor outcomes. CONCLUSION: Hormonal tumor mapping demonstrated heterogeneity in hormone production among primary and metastatic tumors of GEP-NENs. Minimally invasive treatment based on hormonal mapping may be a viable alternative to conventional cytoreduction.

Prevalence of Triad-RED-S symptoms in high-level Kenyan male and female distance runners and corresponding control groups.

PURPOSE: This study examined and compared select Triad-RED-S components/risk factors in high-level Kenyan male and female distance runners to corresponding control groups; focusing on examining energy intake (EI), bone indices, and hormonal markers. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational design was used in which Kenyan male and female (n = 30 and n = 26, respectively) middle- and long-distance runners and corresponding male and female control groups (n = 29 and n = 29, respectively) were examined. The participant's bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, right femur, and total body were measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry analysis. Complete blood counts (CBC) were done on the whole blood specimens and hormonal measurements were performed on plasma specimens. In addition, athletes completed metabolic testing to determine maximal oxygen uptakes and 7-day dietary diaries. RESULTS: Overall daily EI across runners and controls within each sex were low, but not significantly different (p > 0.05). Prevalence of low BMD values (Z score < - 2.0) was comparable across groups in each sex (p > 0.05). CBC measures suggested that both runners and controls were healthy. Finally, slight hormonal differences between runners and their respective controls existed (p < 0.05), but were not clinically meaningful or observed in typical Triad-RED-S-related parameters. CONCLUSION: High-level Kenyan male and female runners had low daily EI, but no tendency toward a higher prevalence of low BMD, or Triad-RED-S-related hormonal abnormalities. The occurrence of low EI was not a major risk factor in our athletes; this calls into question whether the current criteria for Triad-RED-S are entirely applicable for athletes of African ethnicity.

Photoperiodic modulation of ovarian metabolic, survival, proliferation and gap junction markers in adult golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus.

Female reproductive physiology is greatly dependent on tight regulation of metabolic and survival factors. Photoperiod regulates female reproductive rhythms but very less information exists explaining whether photoperiod could modulate thyroid hormone homeostasis, metabolic/energy parameters along with survival, proliferation and gap junction proteins in the ovary of a long-day breeder, Mesocricetus auratus. Adult female hamsters were exposed to different photoperiodic regimes i.e., critical photoperiod (CP; 12.5L:11.5D), short photoperiod (SP; 8L:16D) and long photoperiod (LP; 16L:8D) for 12 weeks. LP upregulated thyroidal and gonadal activity as apparent by histoarchitecture, thyroid hormone profile [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)], luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels when compared with SP exposed hamsters. Further, LP increased thyroid hormone receptor-α/deiodinase-2 (TRα/Dio-2), estrogen receptor-α (ERα)/aromatase and insulin receptor/glucose transporter-4 (IR/GLUT-4) expressions in ovary. Interestingly, ovarian sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1) expression was also upregulated under LP condition along with cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen or PCNA), survival (B cell lymphoma-2 or Bcl-2) and gap junction (connexin-43) markers when compared to SP exposed hamsters. We also noted elevated levels of circulatory leptin, insulin along with melatonin and its receptor (MT-1) in ovary under SP condition. Thus, we suggest that photoperiod plays a vital role in regulation of thyroid and reproductive hormone homeostasis along with key metabolic and survival markers in the ovary of adult golden hamsters, M. auratus providing further insight into the regulation of female reproductive seasonality in a long-day breeder.

Characteristics of the vaginal microbiome in women with premature ovarian insufficiency.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between vaginal microbial community structure and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). METHODS: Twenty-eight women with POI and 12 healthy women were recruited at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital between August and September 2020. Blood samples were collected for glucose tests and detection of sex hormone levels and vaginal secretions were collected for microbial group determination. Vaginal microbial community profiles were analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq system (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). RESULTS: Compared to the controls, the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and the follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone ratio, significantly increased, and oestradiol and anti-Müllerian hormone levels significantly decreased in women with POI. Higher weighted UniFrac values were observed in women with POI than in healthy women. Bacteria in the genera Lactobacillus, Brevundimonas, and Odoribacter were more abundant in the microbiomes of healthy women, while the quantity of bacteria in the genus Streptococcus was significantly increased in the microbiomes of women with POI. Moreover, these differences in microbes in women with POI were closely related to follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestradiol, and anti-Müllerian hormone levels and to the follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Women with POI had altered vaginal microbial profiles compared to healthy controls. The alterations in their microbiomes were associated with serum hormone levels. These results will improve our understanding of the vaginal microbial community structure in women with POI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CHICTR, ChiCTR2000029576 . Registered 3 August 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=48844 .

Body Composition and Its Impact on the Hormonal Disturbances in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

We investigated the relationship between selected body composition (BC) parameters and included 55 women diagnosed with PCOS and 29 women in which PCOS was excluded. Hormone concentration and BC parameters were assessed during hospitalization. Women with PCOS had higher concentration of luteinizing hormones, total testosterone, androstenedione, and Anti-Müllerian hormones compared to women that were not diagnosed with PCOS. We did not observe any significant differences in the BC parameters between both groups as well as between four PCOS phenotype subgroups. Only in the group of women with PCOS was the concentration of sex hormone binding globulin and free testosterone correlated with all investigated BC parameters. Correspondence analysis did not confirm unambiguously associations between phenotypes of PCOS and the value of BC parameters, while logistic regression revealed that increased Anti-Müllerian hormone concentration and the value of body mass index could be useful parameters in differentiating women with PCOS and women with other disorders. The ROC analysis performed on the entire group of women also confirmed that the concentration of Anti-Müllerian hormones could be a powerful parameter to categorize women as suffering from PCOS.

Effect of Metformin on Anthropometric Measurements and Hormonal and Biochemical Profile in Patients with Prediabetes.

OBJECTIVES: Metformin is the most widely preferred first-line oral antidiabetic agent that results in clear benefits in blood sugar regulation and diabetes-related complications. This study is aimed at assessing the effect of metformin on anthropometric, hormonal, and biochemical parameters in patients with prediabetes or insulin resistance. METHODS: A prepoststudy was conducted among 52 patients with prediabetes or insulin resistance who met the inclusion criteria. Weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference were measured before and 12 months after metformin treatment. Serum concentrations of sex steroids, gonadotropins, and lipids were also assessed. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index and quantitative sensitivity check (QUICKI) index scores were calculated before metformin treatment and after 12 months of use. RESULTS: After 12 months of metformin treatment, female patients had significant reduction in weight, BMI, and waist circumference after adjusting for age. Metformin use for 12 months resulted in significant reduction in mean fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in females only. Total cholesterol decreased significantly among men only and serum HDL-C showed a significant rise among females only. Serum LDL-C and triglycerides did not change significantly in females and males. Our study did now significant changes in ACTH and cortisol levels in both females and males after metformin treatment. Metformin use resulted in significant increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone levels in males, while it was associated with significant increase in prolactin, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), and dehydroepiandrostenedione-sulphate (DHEA-S) levels and significant decrease in total testosterone level in females. CONCLUSION: Metformin treatment in females with prediabetes reduces BMI, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c. The changes in the studied parameters differed significantly according to sex.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Laying Hens Revealed the Role of Aging-Related Genes during Forced Molting.

Molting in birds provides us with an ideal genetic model for understanding aging and rejuvenation since birds present younger characteristics for reproduction and appearance after molting. Forced molting (FM) by fasting in chickens causes aging of their reproductive system and then promotes cell redevelopment by providing water and feed again. To reveal the genetic mechanism of rejuvenation, we detected blood hormone indexes and gene expression levels in the hypothalamus and ovary of hens from five different periods during FM. Three hormones were identified as participating in FM. Furthermore, the variation trends of gene expression levels in the hypothalamus and ovary at five different stages were found to be basically similar using transcriptome analysis. Among them, 45 genes were found to regulate cell aging during fasting stress and 12 genes were found to promote cell development during the recovery period in the hypothalamus. In addition, five hub genes (INO80D, HELZ, AGO4, ROCK2, and RFX7) were identified by WGCNA. FM can restart the reproductive function of aged hens by regulating expression levels of genes associated with aging and development. Our study not only enriches the theoretical basis of FM but also provides insights for the study of antiaging in humans and the conception mechanism in elderly women.

Anabolic Bone Stimulus Requires a Pre-Exercise Meal and 45-Minute Walking Impulse of Suprathreshold Speed-Enhanced Momentum to Prevent or Mitigate Postmenopausal Osteoporosis within Circadian Constraints.

Osteoporosis currently afflicts 8 million postmenopausal women in the US, increasing the risk of bone fractures and morbidity, and reducing overall quality of life. We sought to define moderate exercise protocols that can prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Our previous findings singled out higher walking speed and pre-exercise meals as necessary for suppression of bone resorption and increasing of markers of bone formation. Since both studies were amenable to alternate biomechanical, nutritional, and circadian interpretations, we sought to determine the relative importance of higher speed, momentum, speed-enhanced load, duration of impulse, and meal timing on osteogenic response. We hypothesized that: (1) 20 min of exercise one hour after eating is sufficient to suppress bone resorption as much as a 40-min impulse and that two 20 min exercise bouts separated by 7 h would double the anabolic effect; (2) early morning exercise performed after eating will be as effective as mid-day exercise for anabolic outcome; and (3) the 08:00 h 40-min. exercise uphill would be as osteogenic as the 40-min exercise downhill. Healthy postmenopausal women, 8 each, were assigned to a no-exercise condition (SED) or to 40- or 20-min exercise bouts, spaced 7 h apart, for walking uphill (40 Up and 20 Up) or downhill (40 Down and 20 Down) to produce differences in biomechanical variables. Exercise was initiated at 08:00 h one hour after eating in 40-min groups, and also 7 h later, two hours after the midday meal, in 20-min groups. Measurements were made of CICP (c-terminal peptide of type I collagen), osteocalcin (OC), and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), markers of bone formation, and of the bone resorptive marker CTX (c-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen). The osteogenic ratios CICP/CTX, OC/CTX, and BALP/CTX were calculated. Only the 40-min downhill exercise of suprathreshold speed-enhanced momentum, increased the three osteogenic ratios, demonstrating the necessity of a 40-min, and inadequacy of a 20-min, exercise impulse. The failure of anabolic outcome in 40-min uphill exercise was attributed to a sustained elevation of PTH concentration, as its high morning elevation enhances the CTX circadian rhythm. We conclude that postmenopausal osteoporosis can be prevented or mitigated in sedentary women by 45 min of morning exercise of suprathreshold speed-enhanced increased momentum performed shortly after a meal while walking on level ground, or by 40-min downhill, but not 40-min uphill, exercise to avoid circadian PTH oversecretion. The principal stimulus for the anabolic effect is exercise, but the prerequisite for a pre-exercise meal demonstrates the requirement for nutrient facilitation.

The Effects of 6 Weeks of Tribulus terrestris L. Supplementation on Body Composition, Hormonal Response, Perceived Exertion, and CrossFit® Performance: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) supplementation have been shown to enhance sports performance in many but not all studies. Moreover, data regarding the potential impact of TT supplementation on CrossFit® endurance is limited. This study aimed to determine whether TT supplementation improve body composition, hormonal response, and performance among CrossFit® athletes. In a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a total of 30 healthy CrossFit®-trained males were randomly allocated to receive either 770 mg of TT supplementation or a placebo daily for 6 weeks. Body mass, fat mass, fat composition, testosterone and cortisol levels, and CrossFit® performance (5 common Workouts of the Day: back squat, bench press, dead lift, Grace, and CrossFit® Total) were assessed before and after intervention. There were no significant group x time interactions for the outcomes of the study except for testosterone levels and bench press performance (p < 0.05). TT supplementation did not impact enhance performance or body composition in CrossFit® male athletes. However, TT supplementation may act as a testosterone booster helping the recovery after physical loads and mitigating fatigue.

Altered brown fat thermoregulation and enhanced cold-induced thermogenesis in young, healthy, winter-swimming men.

The Scandinavian winter-swimming culture combines brief dips in cold water with hot sauna sessions, with conceivable effects on body temperature. We study thermogenic brown adipose tissue (BAT) in experienced winter-swimming men performing this activity 2-3 times per week. Our data suggest a lower thermal comfort state in the winter swimmers compared with controls, with a lower core temperature and absence of BAT activity. In response to cold, we observe greater increases in cold-induced thermogenesis and supraclavicular skin temperature in the winter swimmers, whereas BAT glucose uptake and muscle activity increase similarly to those of the controls. All subjects demonstrate nocturnal reduction in supraclavicular skin temperature, whereas a distinct peak occurs at 4:30-5:30 a.m. in the winter swimmers. Our data leverage understanding of BAT in adult human thermoregulation, suggest both heat and cold acclimation in winter swimmers, and propose winter swimming as a potential strategy for increasing energy expenditure.

Changes in metabolic and hormonal profiles during transition period in dairy cattle - the role of spexin.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate spexin as a novel blood marker and to describe the relationship of this peptide with selected biochemical metabolites measured during the transition period in dairy cows. Additionally, mRNA expression of the spexin gene as well as spexin receptors - galanin receptor type 2 and galanin receptor type 3, was investigated in several bovine tissues. Blood samples were collected at weekly intervals starting at 21 days before the estimated parturition day until 21 days in milk to determine concentrations of spexin, nonesterified fatty acids, ß-hydroxybutyrate acid, total and active ghrelin, progesterone, glucose, insulin, IGF-I, triglycerides, cholesterol, leptin, corticosterone and 17-ß-estradiol as well as the activity of aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase. RESULTS: Spexin concentration decreased from 21 d before parturition to calving day and next it rose during the first 14 d of lactation. The lowest concentration of spexin was recorded on the calving day and it differed from the mean level of this peptide before parturition as well as postpartum. Moreover, differences were observed between mean spexin concentrations before and after calving. Spexin levels were moderately negatively correlated with NEFA (r = - 0.39) and total ghrelin contents (r = - 0.41), weakly correlated with BHBA (r = - 0.35) while they showed a moderate positive relationship with progesterone concentrations (r = 0.42). Moreover, we detected that mRNA expression of GALR2, GALR3 and SPX is present in various bovine tissues (kidney, bowel, rumen, spinal cord, lung, skeletal muscle, liver, heart, fat and spleen). CONCLUSION: A negative correlation between spexin concentration and NEFA, BHBA and total ghrelin contents as well as a positive relationship with levels of progesterone, metabolites and hormones, which are key players in the dairy cow transition period, may confirm an important function of this peptide in metabolism regulation. Thus measurement of spexin concentration could provide useful supplementary information for dairy cow herd health monitoring.

Gestational Hormone Concentrations Are Associated With Timing of Delivery in a Fetal Sex-Dependent Manner.

Background: Early delivery remains a significant public health problem that has long-lasting impacts on mother and child. Understanding biological mechanisms underlying timing of labor, including endocrine disruption, can inform prevention efforts. Methods: Gestational hormones were measured among 976 women in PROTECT, a longitudinal birth cohort in Puerto Rico. We evaluated associations between hormone concentrations at 18 and 26 weeks gestation and gestational age at birth, while assessing effect modification by fetal sex. Exploratory analyses assessed binary outcomes of overall preterm birth (PTB, <37 weeks gestation) and the spontaneous PTB subtype, defined as preterm premature rupture of membranes, spontaneous preterm labor, or both. Multivariable logistic and linear regressions were fit using visit-specific hormone concentrations, and fetal sex-specific effects were estimated using interaction terms. Main outcome models were adjusted for maternal age, education, marital status, alcohol consumption, environmental tobacco smoke exposure, and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Exploratory models adjusted for maternal age and education. Results: We observed reduced gestational age at birth with higher circulating CRH (ß: -2.73 days, 95% CI: -4.97, -0.42), progesterone (ß: -4.90 days, 95% CI: -7.07, -2.73), and fT4 concentrations (ß: -2.73 days, 95% CI: -4.76, -0.70) at 18 weeks specifically among male fetuses. Greater odds of overall and spontaneous PTB were observed among males with higher CRH, estriol, progesterone, total triiodothyronine (T3), and free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations. Greater odds of PTB among females was observed with higher testosterone concentrations. Conclusions: Various associations between hormones and timing of delivery were modified by fetal sex and timing of hormone measurement. Future studies are needed to understand differential mechanisms involved with timing of labor between fetal sexes.