The dissection of a despotic society: exploration, dominance and hormonal traits.

Naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus glaber) live in large colonies with one breeding female (queen), one to three breeding males (BMs) and the remainder are non-reproductive subordinates. The animals have a linear dominance rank with the breeders at the top of the hierarchy. We investigated how dominance rank in naked mole-rats differs with exploration (the propensity to explore a novel environment) and related endocrine markers. Exploration behaviour, faecal progestagen metabolite (fPM), faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM), faecal androgen metabolite (fAM) and plasma prolactin concentrations were quantified in breeding, high-, middle- and low-ranked females and males from five naked mole-rat colonies. There were no significant differences between the dominance rank and exploration behaviour. Interestingly, the queens and high-ranking females had higher fGCM and fAM concentrations compared with middle- and low-ranked females. The queens had significantly higher fPM concentrations than all other ranked females, since they are responsible for procreation. In the males, the BMs had higher fGCM concentrations compared with high- and low-ranked males. In addition, BMs and middle-ranking males had overall higher prolactin levels than all other ranked males, which could be linked to cooperative care. Overall, the results suggest that physiological reproductive suppression is linked to high dominance rank.

Aberrant CD8+T cells drive reproductive dysfunction in female mice with elevated IFN-γ levels.

Introduction: Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is pivotal in orchestrating immune responses during healthy pregnancy. However, its dysregulation, often due to autoimmunity, infections, or chronic inflammatory conditions, is implicated in adverse reproductive outcomes such as pregnancy failure or infertility. Additionally, the underlying immunological mechanisms remain elusive. Methods: Here, we explore the impact of systemic IFN-γ elevation on cytotoxic T cell responses in female reproduction utilizing a systemic lupus-prone mouse model with impaired IFN-γ degradation. Results: Our findings reveal that heightened IFN-γ levels triggered the infiltration of CD8+T cells in the pituitary gland and female reproductive tract (FRT), resulting in prolactin deficiency and subsequent infertility. Furthermore, we demonstrate that chronic IFN-γ elevation increases effector memory CD8+T cells in the murine ovary and uterus. Discussion: These insights broaden our understanding of the role of elevated IFN-γ in female reproductive dysfunction and suggest CD8+T cells as potential immunotherapeutic targets in female reproductive disorders associated with chronic systemic IFN-γ elevation.

Reply to the Letter to the Editor on "Prolactin is a Key Factor for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Children".

Dear Editor,The authors thank the writers 1 of the letter for reviewing and assessing our article 2, "Prolactin is a Key Factor for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Children". Overall, we agree that possible selection bias must be considered. However, in clinical studies, we found that hyperprolactinemia is mainly caused by pathological and idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. The former includes hypothalamic pituitary lesions (pituitary prolactinoma and empty sella syndrome, etc.), systemic diseases (hypothyroidism, etc.), tumor secretion (ovarian teratoma, etc.), trauma (chest wall trauma, etc.), surgery (artificial abortion, etc.), and drug side effects (antipsychotics, antidepressants, etc.).

Association among abnormal glycolipids, reproductive hormones, and cognitive dysfunction in female patients with bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND: Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) show abnormalities in glucolipid metabolism and reproductive hormone levels, which are of concern in women with BD. This study was dedicated to investigating the glucolipid and reproductive hormone levels of female patients, and to preliminarily investigating their relationships with cognition. METHODS: A total of 58 unmedicated female BD patients, 61 stable-medicated female BD patients, and 63 healthy controls (HC) were recruited in this study. Serum glycolipid indexes and reproductive hormones were measured. Cognitive function was assessed using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and the Stroop Color-Word Test (Stroop test). RESULTS: Patients with BD showed significant cognitive impairment (p < 0.05), which was not affected by medication. Triglycerides (TG), luteinizing hormone (LH), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were altered in stable-medicated BD patients. In addition, regression analysis showed that progesterone (PRGE) and prolactin (PRL) were negatively associated with cognitive performance in stable-medicated BD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Female BD patients may have cognitive deficits and abnormal levels of glycolipids and reproductive hormones. And abnormal levels of glycolipids and reproductive hormones may be associated with cognitive dysfunction in female BD patients.

Effect of baseline prolactin levels on the pregnancy outcomes after fresh embryo transfer.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is clinical disagreement on whether to treat hyperprolactinemia with medication before embryo transfer. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of basal prolactin (PRL) levels on pregnancy outcomes in fresh embryo transfer cycles. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 2,648 women who underwent basal PRL level testing and fresh embryo transfer between January 2015 and December 2020 at our Hospital's Department of Assisted Reproduction. Basal PRL levels can be classified into three categories: <30 (n = 2339), 30­60 (n = 255), and ≥60 (n = 54) µg/l. Pregnancy outcome was defined as the primary outcome measure, and the live birth rate was defined as the second outcome measure. Subsequently, univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to reveal the association between basal PRL levels and pregnancy outcomes after considering several potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Elevated basal PRL levels were found not a risk factor for pregnancy outcomes in patients receiving good-quality embryo transfer (p > .05). For pregnancy or not, female age (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05), embryos transferred (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.41-0.65), and normal fertilization rate (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.48-0.97) were found to be an independent risk factor. For ongoing pregnancy or not, female age (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03-1.11), embryos transferred (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.37-0.88), and menstrual cycle (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.22-2.54) were also independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: There is no adverse impact on pregnancy outcomes during embryo transfer cycles with good-quality embryos when PRL levels are elevated.

Dopamine as a potential diagnostic biomarker in women's sexual dysfunction.

Dopamine and prolactin are the key mediators involved in sexual function in both males and females, but the role of dopamine in female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is still unclear. The aim was to investigate the possible role of dopamine and their relationship with sex steroid hormones (estrogen, progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone; DHEA) and prolactin levels in Egyptian women suffering from sexual dysfunction. This study included 84 women having sexual dysfunction (FSD group) and 84 normal sexual function (control group). All women were subjected to the questionnaire to assess their demographic and gynecological data as well as female sexual function index (FSFI). Blood samples were collected from all women for measuring serum estradiol, progesterone, DHEA, prolactin and dopamine levels. FSD patients had significantly higher serum progesterone and DHEA and prolactin levels; while significantly lower dopamine and estradiol levels versus controls (p < 0.001). In all women, dopamine level appeared as a predictor of FSD at cut-off point ≤8.8 ng/mL with sensitivity (75%), specificity (92%) and accuracy (83%) (p < 0.001). The low levels of dopamine were associated with significantly higher prevalence in patients with low estradiol (p < 0.001) and high progesterone (p < 0.001), DHEA (p < 0.001) and prolactin (p = 0.004). Also, dopamine was significantly positive correlation with arousal score (r = 0.16, p = 0.04), and negative correlation with age (r = -0.31, p < 0.001), pain score (r = -0.19, p = 0.01), DHEA (r = -0.45, p < 0.001) and prolactin (r = -0.28, p < 0.001). Low serum dopamine level is a potential diagnostic biomarker in women's sexual dysfunction and their association with high prolactin and sex steroid hormones dysfunction.

The Human Intermediate Prolactin Receptor I-tail Contributes Breast Oncogenesis by Targeting Ras/MAPK Pathway.

Prolactin and its receptor (PRLr) in humans are significantly involved in breast cancer pathogenesis. The intermediate form of human PRLr (hPRLrI) is produced by alternative splicing and has a novel 13 amino acid tail ("I-tail") gain. hPRLrI induces significant proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of normal mammary epithelia in vitro when coexpressed with the long form hPRLr (hPRLrL). hPRLrL and hPRLrI coexpression is necessary to induce the transformation of mammary epithelia in vivo. The I-tail is associated with the ubiquitin-like protein neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein 8. Treatment with the neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein 8-activating enzyme inhibitor pevonedistat resulted in increased hPRLrL and the death of breast cancer cells. The goal of this study was to determine the function of the hPRLrI I-tail in hPRLrL/hPRLrI-mediated mammary transformation. hPRLrL/hPRLrI and hPRLrL/hPRLrIΔ13 (I-tail removal mutant) were delivered to MCF10AT cells. Cell proliferation was decreased when hPRLrI I-tail was removed. I-tail deletion decreased anchorage-independent growth and attenuated cell migration. The I-tail was involved in Ras/MAPK signaling but not PI3K/Akt signaling pathway as shown by western blot. I-tail removal resulted in decreased hPRLrI stability. RNA-sequencing data revealed that I-tail removal resulted in differential gene expression induced by prolactin. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that the activity of ERK was attenuated. Treatment of breast cancer cells with ERK1/2 inhibitor ulixertinib resulted in decreased colony-forming ability and less proliferation. These studies suggest that the hPRLrI I-tail contributed to breast oncogenesis and may be a promising target for the development of new breast cancer therapies.

Laboratory Changes During Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy in Transgender Adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: Guidelines for monitoring of medications frequently used in the gender-affirming care of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) adolescents are based on studies in adults or other medical conditions. In this study, we aimed to investigate commonly screened laboratory measurements in TGD adolescents receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). METHODS: TGD adolescents were recruited from 4 study sites in the United States before beginning GAHT. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, hemoglobin A1c, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, prolactin, and potassium were abstracted from the medical record at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months after starting GAHT. RESULTS: Two-hundred and ninety-three participants (68% designated female at birth) with no previous history of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog use were included in the analysis. Hemoglobin and hematocrit decreased in adolescents prescribed estradiol (-1.4 mg/dL and -3.6%, respectively) and increased in adolescents prescribed testosterone (+1.0 mg/dL and +3.9%) by 6 months after GAHT initiation. Thirteen (6.5%) participants prescribed testosterone had hematocrit > 50% during GAHT. There were no differences in hemoglobin A1c, alanine transaminase, or aspartate aminotransferase. There was a small increase in prolactin after 6 months of estradiol therapy in transfeminine adolescents. Hyperkalemia in transfeminine adolescents taking spironolactone was infrequent and transient if present. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal laboratory results are rare in TGD adolescents prescribed GAHT and, if present, occur within 6 months of GAHT initiation. Future guidelines may not require routine screening of these laboratory parameters beyond 6 months of GAHT in otherwise healthy TGD adolescents.

How to pause fertility.

Prolactin suppresses the ovarian cycles of lactating mice by directly repressing the activity of a cell population known as kisspeptin neurons.

Analyses of mRNA Expression Levels of Pituitary Hormones, Their Hypothalamic Regulating Factors, and Receptors Involved in Metamorphosis with Special Reference to the Summer and Winter Seasons.

Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) larvae inhabiting the main island of Japan overwinter as preclimax animals, whereas the larvae that reached climax in summer complete metamorphosis. We analyzed the mRNA expression levels of the adenohypophyseal hormones, hypothalamic hormones, and their receptors that are involved in controlling metamorphosis in tadpoles at various developmental stages available in summer and winter in order to understand the hormonal mechanism regulating metamorphosis progression. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and thyrotropin ß-subunit (TSHß) mRNA expression was enhanced as they reached the climax stage in metamorphosing summer tadpoles, although type 2 CRF receptor (CRFR2) mRNA levels demonstrated a tendency of elevation, indicating the activation of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis for stimulating the release of thyroid hormone in summer. Arginine vasotocin (AVT) mRNA levels were elevated as metamorphosis progressed, but mRNA expression levels were not synchronized with those of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and V1b-type AVT receptor (V1bR). The elevation of mRNA levels of prolactin (PRL) 1A and type 3 thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR3), but not of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) precursor mRNA levels, was noted in climactic tadpoles, indicating that PRL mRNA levels are not simply dependent on the expression levels of TRH precursor mRNA. In the preclimactic larvae captured in winter, which are in metamorphic stasis, mRNA levels of pituitary hormones, hypothalamic factors, and their receptors remained low or at levels similar to those of the larvae captured in summer. These results indicate the relationship between the mRNA expression of metamorphosis-related factors and the seasonal progression/stasis of metamorphosis.

A study on the correlations of PRL levels with anxiety, depression, sleep, and self-efficacy in patients with prolactinoma.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the factors influencing PRL levels in patients with prolactinoma and to investigate the correlations between anxiety, depression, sleep, self-efficacy, and PRL levels. Methods: This retrospective study included 176 patients with prolactinoma who received outpatient treatment at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from May 2017 to August 2022. The general information questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were used for data collection. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was used to analyze the factors influencing PRL levels in patients with prolactinoma. GEE single-effect analysis was used to compare PRL levels at different time points between anxiety group and nonanxiety group, between insomnia group and normal group, and between low, medium, and high self-efficacy groups. Results: The median baseline PRL level and the PRL levels at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up were 268.50 ng/ml, 122.25 ng/ml, 21.20 ng/ml, 19.65 ng/ml, and 16.10 ng/ml, respectively. Among patients with prolactinoma, 59.10% had anxiety (HADS-A score = 7.35 ± 3.34) and 28.98% had depression (HADS-D score = 5.23 ± 3.87), 9.10% had sleep disorders (AIS score = 6.10 ± 4.31) and 54.55% had low self-efficacy (GSES score = 2.13 ± 0.83). Educational level, tumor size, number of visits, sleep quality, anxiety level, and self-efficacy level were found to be factors influencing PRL levels in patients with prolactinoma (P<0.05). Higher PRL levels were observed in the anxiety group compared to the non-anxiety group (P<0.001), in the insomnia group compared to the normal group (P<0.05), and in the low self-efficacy group compared to the medium and high self-efficacy groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: PRL levels in patients with prolactinoma are related to education level, tumor size, number of visits, anxiety, self-efficacy, and sleep but not depression. PRL levels were higher in patients with anxiety, low self-efficacy, and sleep disorders.

Behavioural and physiological responses to stressors in sheep with temperament classified by genotype or phenotype.

The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs107856856, located in the tryptophan hydroxylase-2 gene, is associated with the behavioural phenotype for sheep temperament measured at weaning. Here, we tested the association between that SNP and physiological and behavioural responses to stressors in adult sheep. Two groups of adult sheep, one with genotype A/A (calm genotype) and the other with G/G (nervous genotype) in rs107856856, were selected from 160 sheep and were exposed, twice, to an open-field arena and an isolation box test (IBT). During each repeat, the behaviour and physiological responses (cortisol, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], brain derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], characteristics of the response of body temperature, and oxidative stress) were measured. The behavioural and physiological responses of the sheep were compared between genotypes and also between groups classified on their phenotype as assessed by their initial isolation box score ("low responders" and "high responders"). The SNP rs107856856 had some effects on the behavioural phenotype (IBT score) but no effects on the physiological response to stress (cortisol, prolactin, DHEA, BDNF, oxidative stress or changes in body temperature) in the adult sheep, probably because the sheep were exposed, and therefore had adapted, to human contact during their life.

Dopamine D2 receptor antagonist counteracts hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in diet-induced obese male mice.

Obesity leads to insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes. In humans, low levels of the hormone prolactin (PRL) correlate with IR, adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction, and increased prevalence of T2D. In obese rats, PRL treatment promotes insulin sensitivity and reduces visceral AT adipocyte hypertrophy. Here, we tested whether elevating PRL levels with the prokinetic and antipsychotic drug sulpiride, an antagonist of dopamine D2 receptors, improves metabolism in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese male mice. Sulpiride treatment (30 days) reduced hyperglycemia, IR, and the serum and pancreatic levels of triglycerides in obese mice, reduced visceral and subcutaneous AT adipocyte hypertrophy, normalized markers of visceral AT function (PRL receptor, Glut4, insulin receptor and Hif-1α), and increased glycogen stores in skeletal muscle. However, the effects of sulpiride reducing hyperglycemia were also observed in obese prolactin receptor null mice. We conclude that sulpiride reduces obesity-induced hyperglycemia by mechanisms that are independent of prolactin/prolactin receptor activity. These findings support the therapeutic potential of sulpiride against metabolic dysfunction in obesity.

[Acidophil stem cell pituitary neuroendocrine tumors/adenoma: a clinicopathological analysis of five cases].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of acidophil stem cell pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET)/adenoma. Methods: Five cases of acidophil stem cell PitNET/adenoma were diagnosed between May 2022 and July 2023 at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China. The clinicopathological features of the tumor were analyzed by using histology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. The relevant literature was reviewed. Results: There were 1 male and 4 females, aged from 23 to 69 years. Patient 3 was 55 years old at the time of diagnosis and first surgery, and relapsed 5 years later. The patients' median age was 32 years. Patients 1 and 5 showed elevated blood prolactin, with various degrees of hormonal symptoms except Patient 3, who showed only tumor compression symptoms. Imaging studies showed that all cases involved the sellar floor. The tumors of Patients 1, 2 and 5 were closely related to the cavernous sinus segment of the internal carotid artery. The tumors exhibited a diffuse growth pattern with chromophobic to slightly acidophilic cytoplasm. A few of tumor cells showed chromophobic cytoplasm. The nucleoli were conspicuous. Intranuclear inclusion bodies and variably-sized clear vacuoles were observed occasionally. Under electron microscope, marked mitochondrial abnormalities were observed, including increased mitochondria number, expanded hypertrophy, and absence of mitochondrial ridge fracture. Some mitochondrial matrices were dense, while some were vacuolated. Conclusions: Acidophil stem cell PitNET/adenoma is a rare type of pituitary adenomas/PitNETs. It often has a more clinically aggressive manner with immature cells, diffuse expression of PIT1, prolactin, and varying degrees of growth hormone expression. Because of the obvious diversity of their clinical hormone status and hormone immune expression, the diagnosis of this type tumor is still a challenge.

Female-selective mechanisms promoting migraine.

Sexual dimorphism has been revealed for many neurological disorders including chronic pain. Prelicinal studies and post-mortem analyses from male and female human donors reveal sexual dimorphism of nociceptors at transcript, protein and functional levels suggesting different mechanisms that may promote pain in men and women. Migraine is a common female-prevalent neurological disorder that is characterized by painful and debilitating headache. Prolactin is a neurohormone that circulates at higher levels in females and that has been implicated clinically in migraine. Prolactin sensitizes sensory neurons from female mice, non-human primates and humans revealing a female-selective pain mechanism that is conserved evolutionarily and likely translationally relevant. Prolactin produces female-selective migraine-like pain behaviors in rodents and enhances the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a neurotransmitter that is causal in promoting migraine in many patients. CGRP, like prolactin, produces female-selective migraine-like pain behaviors. Consistent with these observations, publicly available clinical data indicate that small molecule CGRP-receptor antagonists are preferentially effective in treatment of acute migraine therapy in women. Collectively, these observations support the conclusion of qualitative sex differences promoting migraine pain providing the opportunity to tailor therapies based on patient sex for improved outcomes. Additionally, patient sex should be considered in design of clinical trials for migraine as well as for pain and reassessment of past trials may be warranted.

Diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia in women: A Position Statement from the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (Febrasgo) and the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM).

Hyperprolactinemia is a frequent cause of menstrual irregularity, galactorrhea, hypogonadism, and infertility. The most common etiologies of hyperprolactinemia can be classified as physiological, pharmacological, and pathological. Among pathological conditions, it is essential to distinguish prolactinomas from other tumors and pituitary lesions presenting with hyperprolactinemia due to pituitary stalk disconnection. Proper investigation considering clinical data, laboratory tests, and, if necessary, imaging evaluation, is important to identify the correctcause of hyperprolactinemia and manage the patient properly. This position statement by the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (Febrasgo) and Brazilian Societyof Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) addresses the recommendations for measurement of serum prolactin levels and the investigations of symptomatic and asymptomatic hyperprolactinemia and medication-induced hyperprolactinemia in women.

Treatment of hyperprolactinemia in women: A Position Statement from the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (Febrasgo) and the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM).

Dopamine agonists are the first line of treatment for patients with symptomatic hyperprolactinemia due to prolactinomas and in those with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. Treatment with these agents is effective in 80%-90% of the cases. Infertility treatment of patients with hyperprolactinemia is also carried out with dopamine agonists, aiming for the normalization of prolactin levels. The risk of symptomatic growth of prolactinomas during pregnancy is dependent on the tumor's size, duration of previous treatments, and prolactin levels. Notably, the corresponding risk is relatively low in cases of microprolactinomas (<5%). Remission of hyperprolactinemia occurs in about 30% of the patients after drug treatment and may also occur after pregnancy and menopause. The use of some drugs, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, is a frequent cause of hyperprolactinemia, and managing this occurrence involves unique considerations. This position statement by the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (Febrasgo) and Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) addresses the recommendations for measurement of serum prolactin levels and the investigations of symptomatic and asymptomatic hyperprolactinemia and drug-induced hyperprolactinemia in women.

Conjugation of sulpiride with a cell penetrating peptide to augment the antidepressant efficacy and reduce serum prolactin levels.

Depression ranks as the fourth most prevalent global disease, with suicide incidents occurring at a younger age. Sulpiride (SUL), an atypical antidepressant drug acting as a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist and possessing anti-inflammatory properties, exhibits limited ability to penetrate the blood brain barrier (BBB). This weak penetration hampers its inhibitory effect on prolactin release in the pituitary gland, consequently leading to hyperprolactinemia. In order to enhance the central nervous system efficacy of sulpiride and reduce serum prolactin levels, we covalently linked sulpiride to VPALR derived from the nuclear DNA repair protein ku70. In vivo study on depressive mice using intraperitoneal injection of VPALR-SUL demonstrated a significant increase in struggle time and total distance compared to those treated with only sulpiride while also reducing serum prolactin concentration. The pharmacokinetic study results showed that VPALR-SUL prolonged half-life and increased bioavailability. In conclusion, VPALR-SUL exhibited potential for enhancing sulpiride transport across the BBB, augmenting its antidepressant effects, and reducing serum prolactin levels. This study laid a foundation for improving sulpiride delivery and developing novel antidepressants.