N-acetylcysteine and zinc sulphate abate di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate-mediated reproductive dysfunction in rats:Focus on oxidative and sex hormone receptors mechanisms

Objective:To investigate the potential of N-acetylcysteine(NAC)and zinc sulphate(ZnSO_(4))in mitigating reproductive dysfunction caused by di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate(DEHP)in rats and to understand the underlying mechanisms,specifically oxidative stress and sex hormone receptor activity.Methods:Thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five equal groups(n=7 per group).Group 1 was administered 0.5 mL of distilled water and served as the control group.Group 2 was given only DEHP(750 mg/kg/day),while group 3,4 and 5 were given DEHP(750 mg/kg/day)plus NAC(100 mg/kg/day),DEHP(750 mg/kg/day)plus ZnSO_(4)(0.5 mg/kg/day),and DEHP(750 mg/kg/day)plus NAC(100 mg/kg/day)as well as ZnSO_(4)(0.5 mg/kg/day),respectively.All treatments lasted for 21 days.Samples were obtained after the rats were sacrificed,and hormones levels in the serum and markers of oxidative stress in the testicles were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The amount of androgen receptors in the testicles was determined by immunohistochemistry,and the susceptibility of testosterone and DEHP to bind to androgen receptor and 5α-reductase was determined by molecular docking studies.Results:DEHP decreased reproductive hormones,testicular antioxidant enzymes,increased malondialdehyde levels,and negatively impacted histology of the pituitary and testes.NAC or ZnSO_(4) treatment showed a marked improvement in testicular antioxidant status and hormone levels,as well as a positive effect on the histology of the pituitary and testes.The combination of both treatments appeared to be more effective.The affinity of DEHP to bind to androgen receptors may lead to disruption of androgen receptor signaling,which can further result in dysfunction of hormones related to androgen.However,NAC is more likely to form stronger binding interactions with follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone receptors,as well as gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors,when compared to DEHP.Conclusions:The possibility that NAC and ZnSO_(4) could downregulate DEHP-induced sex hormone changes is suggested by their potential to reduce toxicity.

Influence of leptin on luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone secreted from cultured rat anterior pituitary cells

BACKGROUND： Leptin may regulate reproductive function via release of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y. However, it is unknown whether this regulatory effect is limited to the hypothalamus. OBJECTIVE： To detect the effect of different dosages of leptin on luteinizing hormone （LH） and follicle stimulating hormone （FSH） secretion from in vitro cultured rat anterior pituitary cells. DESIGN： Contrast study based on cells. SETTING： This study was performed in the Basic Institute of Chengde Medical College, Chengde City, Hebei Province, China from March to June 2007. MATERIALS： Eighteen female Wistar rats of three months of age, weighing 200-220 g, and of clean grade were used. Leptin was provided by Peprotech Company, DMEM culture medium by Invitrogen Company, and the radioimmunological kit by Beijing Zhongshan Jinqiao Biotechnology Co., Ltd. METHODS： Three glandular organs were regarded as one group for culture of anterior pituitary cells. In the control group, saline was added to the culture medium instead of leptin. In the leptin group, leptin was prepared into different concentrations of 1×10^-12, 1×10^-11, 1×10^-9, 1×10^-7, and 1×10^-6 mol/L for stimulation of cultured cells. The culture supernatant was obtained at three hours after additional of saline/leptin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Contents of LH and FSH were detected by radioimmunology. RESULTS： Following leptin stimulation, LH release increased with increasing concentrations of leptin up to 1×10^-9 mol/L, where LH release peaked. LH release then progressively decreased with increasing leptin concentrations （P 〈 0.01）. LH release in the leptin （1×10^-12, 1×10^-11, 1×10^-7, and 1×10^-6 mol/L） groups was significantly higher than that in the control group （P 〈 0.01）. FSH content in the leptin （1×10^-11, 1×10^-9, and 1×10^-7 mol/L） groups was significantly higher than that in the control group （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Leptin can directly affect pituitary tissue to promote the secretion of LH and FSH in a dose-dependent manner.

Combination immunotherapy with Survivin and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone fusion protein in murine breast cancer model

AIM To investigate the therapeutic potential of two recombinant proteins, Survivin and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) fusion protein [LHRH(6 leu)-LTB] for immunotherapy of breast cancer.METHODS Murine 4 T-1 breast cancer model was used to evaluate the efficacy of recombinant proteins in vivo. Twenty four Balb/c mice were divided into 4 groups of 6 mice each. Recombinant Survivin and LHRH fusion protein, alone or in combination, were administered along with immunomodulator Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP) in Balb/c mice. Unimmunized or control group mice were administered with phosphate buffer saline. Each group was then challenged with syngeneic 4 T-1 cells to induce the growth of breast tumor. Tumor growth was monitored to evaluate the efficacy of immune-response in preventing the growth of cancer cells.RESULTS Preventive immunization with 20 μg recombinant Survivin and MIP was effective in suppressing growth of 4 T-1 mouse model of breast cancer (P = 0.04) but 50 μg dose was ineffective in suppressing tumor growth. However, combination of Survivin and LHRH fusion protein was more effective in suppressing tumor growth (P = 0.02) as well as metastasis in vivo in comparison to LHRH fusion protein as vaccine antigen alone.CONCLUSION Recombinant Survivin and MIP suppress tumor growth significantly. Combining LHRH fusion protein with Survivin and MIP enhances tumor suppressive effects marginally which provides evidence for recombinant Survivin and LHRH fusion protein as candidates for translating the combination cancer immunotherapy approaches.

Long-term effectiveness of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist or antiandrogen monotherapy in elderly men with localizect prostate cancer （T1-2） ： a retrospective study

Aim： To evaluate the long-term effectiveness, side effects and compliance rates of two types of drugs （luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone [LHRH] agonist and antiandrogen） that were used individually to treat patients with localized prostate cancer （T1-2） at our institution. Methods： Ninety-seven patients who were diagnosed in the period from April 1997 to January 2000 as having clinically localized prostate cancer （T1-2） received either LHRH agonist （leuprolide acetate 7.5 mg/month） monotherapy （group 1, n = 62） or antiandrogen monotherapy （group 2, n = 35; 18 received bicalutamide 50 mg q.d., 13 received nilutamide 150 mg t.i.d, and 4 received flutamide 250 mg t.i.d.）. The mean age in both groups was 76 years. Results： The mean follow-up time was （50.8 ±8.5） months in group 1 and （43.1 ± 2.2） months in group 2. Prostate-specific antigen （PSA） levels rose in only 1 of the 62 patients （1.6%） in group 1, and in 20 of the 35 patients （57.1%） in group 2. In group 2, 10 of the 20 patients （50 %） with increasing PSA levels were treated with LHRH salvage therapy, and eight （80%） responded. Hot flashes （54.8%） and lethargy （41.9%） were the most common side effects in group 1. In contrast, nipple-tenderness （40%） and light-dark adaptation （17.1%） were more often seen in group 2. Only 1 of the 62 patients （1.6%） in group 1 switched to another medication because of adverse side effects; whereas 8 of the 35 patients （22.9%） in group 2 did so. Conclusion： Unlike antiandrogen monotherapy, LHRH agonist monotherapy provided long-term durable control of localized prostate cancer （T1-2）. It can also be an effective treatment option for patients whose disease failed to respond to antiandrogen monotherapy. The limitations of our study are the lack of health outcomes analysis and a small sample size.

Effect of Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Analogue on the Sexual Behavior of Sacalia quadriocellata

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone(LHRH) is known to influence sexual behavior in many vertebrate taxa, but there have been no systematic studies on the role of LHRH in sexual behavior of turtles. We tested the hypotheses that exogenous LHRH analogues would induce sexual behavior of male Four-eyed turtle, Sacalia quadriocellata. We examined this by challenging males with intramuscular injections of mammalian luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue(LHRH-A), human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG), or a combination of the two, and subsequently exposing them to sexually receptive females for behavioral observation. Our data show that the injection of only HCG could not, while that of only LHRH-A could, facilitate sexual behavior along with testicular recrudescence and spermatogenesis in S. quadriocellata. The injection of both LHRH-A and HCG would induce more drastic sexual behavior of the animals than that of LHRH-A alone, indicating HCG enhances the effects of LHRH-A induced sexual behavior. However, different pharmacological dosages of LHRH-A(0.5 μg, 1 μg, 2 μg per 100 g bodyweight) did not correspond to different activity levels. Though the mechanism of LHRH effect was not determined, this study may support that the sexual behavior of S. quadriocellata which occurs at the beginning of the injection despite regression of the gonads. This is the first report on the exogenous LHRH-A induced sexual behavior for this species.

Beneficial effects of a decreased meal frequency on nutrient utilization,secretion of luteinizing hormones and ovarian follicular development in gilts

Background:Replacement gilts are typically fed ad libitum,whereas emerging evidence from human and rodent studies has revealed that time-restricted access to food has health benefits.The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of meal frequency on the metabolic status and ovarian follicular development in gilts.Methods:A total of 36 gilts(Landrace×Yorkshire)with an age of 150±3 d and a body weight of 77.6±3.8 kg were randomly allocated into one of three groups(n=12 in each group),and based on the group allocation,the gilts were fed at a frequency of one meal(T1),two meals(T2),or six meals per day(T6)for 14 consecutive weeks.The effects of the meal frequency on growth preference,nutrient utilization,short-chain fatty acid production by gut microbial,the post-meal dynamics in the metabolic status,reproductive hormone secretions,and ovarian follicular development in the gilts were measured.Results:The gilts in the T1 group presented a higher average daily gain(+48 g/d,P<0.05)and a higher body weight(+4.9 kg,P<0.05)than those in the T6 group.The meal frequency had no effect on the apparent digestibility of dry matter,crude protein,ether extract,ash,and gross energy,with the exception that the T1 gilts exhibited a greater NDF digestibility than the T6 gilts(P<0.05).The nitrogen balance analysis revealed that the T1 gilts presented decreased urine excretion of nitrogen(−8.17 g/d,P<0.05)and higher nitrogen retention(+9.81 g/d,P<0.05),and thus exhibited higher nitrogen utilization than the T6 gilts.The time-course dynamics of glucose,α-amino nitrogen,urea,lactate,and insulin levels in serum revealed that the T1 group exhibited higher utilization of nutrients after a meal than the T2 or T6 gilts.The T1 gilts also had a higher acetate content and SCFAs in feces than the T6 gilts(P<0.05).The age,body weight and backfat thickness of the gilts at first estrous expression were not affected by the meal frequency,but the gilts in the T1 group had higher levels of serum luteinizing hormone on the 18th day of the 3rd estrus cycle and 17β-estradiol,a larger number of growing follicles and corpora lutea,and higher mRNA expression levels of genes related to follicular development on the 19th day of the 3rd estrus cycle.Conclusions:The current findings revealed the benefits of a lower meal frequency equal feed intake on nutrient utilization and reproductive function in replacement gilts,and thus provide new insights into the nutritional strategy for replacement gilts,and the dietary pattern for other mammals,such as humans.

Immunohistochemical observation on luteinizing hormone in rat testes before and after testicular capsulotomy

Aim: In the testicular capsulotomized rats, although there was a significant increase in the luteinizing hormone (LH)levels, the secretion of testosterone remained low. In order to clarify the mechanisms of this phenomenon, the bindingof endogenous LH to the testes were observed before and after testicular capsulotomy. Methods; Peroxidase-anti-peroxidase (PAP) method was used to detect the binding of LH to the testes in rats. Results; An intense positivestaining of LH was found in the Leydig cells of both the normal and sham-operated control testes. However, at 40 d af-ter operation, the LH immunoreactivity was decreased in the Leydig cells of the capsulotomized testis. By d 60, onlyvery weak positive staining could be observed in these cells. Conclusion; A progressive reduction of endogenousLH binding to the testis occurred in the capsulotomized rat. (Asian J Androl 2001 Sep; 3 : 227 - 230)

Effect of Kisspeptin on Regulation of Growth Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone in Lactating Dairy Cows

Kisspeptin （KP） , a neuroendocrine regulator of reproduction,is hypothesized to be an integrator of metabolism and hormones critical to the regulation of reproduction. Lactation is associated with enhanced growth hormone （GH） responsiveness and reduced fertility. Our study was designed to determine the effects of lactation on KP-stimulated GH and luteinizing hormone （LH） secretion. Five non-lactating and five lactating dairy cows were used in the study. Experiments were conducted with lactating cows at weeks 1,5 and 11 after parturition. The experimental treatments （saline and KP [100 and 400 pmol / kg body weight]） were given intravenously and blood was collected and plasma was stored until later assay to determine concentrations of GH,LH,progesterone and nonesterified fatty acids. We found that neither dose of KP stimulated an increase in GH secretion. The low dose ofKP increased （P 〈0. 05） LH concentrations only in lactating cows. The higher dose of KP elicited an increase in circulating LH concentrations in both lactating and non-lactating cows. The lower dose of KP increased （P 〈 0. 05） the area under the curve for LH only in cows during week 5 of lactation,and the area under the curve of LH following the highest dose of KP was greater （P 〈 0. 05） in cows during week 5 of lactation than that for the other groups of cows. In summary,lactation status and stage of lactation did not change the sensitivity of the GH system to KP. However,an effect of stage of lactation on KP-stimulated LH secretion was detected in the dairy cows. Study of the KP system during lactation in dairy cows may provide critical insights into the mechanisms for lactation-associated changes in the reproductive axis.

Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone and prolactin in relation to double brooding in Great Tit(Parus major)

The reproductive behaviors of birds are mainly controlled by the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis.Many studies have shown that reproductive hormones are tightly linked to the breeding sub-stages.However,only a few studies have examined the temporal trend of hormone levels among different reproductive stages in multiple brooded species.We investigated the changes in plasma luteinizing hormone(LH)and prolactin(PRL)concentrations during different reproductive stages of the facultative double-brooded Great Tit(Parus major).We found that the concentrations of LH and PRL in females were significantly higher than those in males.Females had significantly higher LH and lower PRL concentrations in the pre-breeding period than in the first/second brooding periods,and there were no significant changes between the first and second brooding periods.The concentrations of LH and PRL in males had no significant difference between the pre-breeding period and the first brooding periods,while LH and PRL concentrations in the second brooding period were significantly higher than those in the first brooding period.We conclude that there are sex-based differences between LH and PRL at different stages of reproduction.The changes in LH and PRL in both males and females should be related to their physiological functions.Especially for males,individuals with higher levels of LH and PRL are more likely to maintain second clutches.

Effects of Environmental Lead Pollution on Blood Lead and Sex Hormone Levels among Occupationally Exposed Group in An E-waste Dismantling Area

Objective To study the effects of environmental multi-media lead pollution on blood lead and sex hormone levels among lead exposed males engaged in E-waste dismantling, and the correlation between confounding factors and sex hormone levels. Methods An E-waste dismantling area in Taizhou of Zhejiang Province was selected as the research site. One hundred and fifty two samples were collected from the groundwater, soil, rice, corn, chicken, and pork in the dismantling area. The effects of the multi-media lead pollution on the male blood lead and sex hormone levels of FSH, LH, and T, as well as the correlation with confounding factors, were studied. Results The blood lead concentrations in the males aged under 31, from 31 to 45 and from 46 to 60 were 98.55, 100.23, and 101.45 I~/L, respectively. Of all the environmental media lead exposures, the groundwater, rice and soil were main contributing factors to the lead accumulation in humans. FSH and LH levels increased with the age while the T levels decreased with the age instead. There was a significant correlation between the FSH and LH levels and wearing masks. Conclusion There was correlation between the FSH, LH, and T levels, and the mean values of lead concentrations in environmental media, and the sex hormone levels were correlated with the confounding factor of wearing masks.

The effect of the ratio of standardized ileal digestible lysine to metabolizable energy on growth performance,blood metabolites and hormones of lactating sows

A total of 335 lactating sows （Landrace x Large White） were used in two experiments to determine the optimum ratio of standardized ileal digestible lysine （SID-Lys） to metabolizable energy （ME） for mixed parity sows during lactation. In Exp. 1, 185 sows （weighing an average of 256.2 ± 6.5 kg and having an average parity of 3.4 ± 0.3） were allocated to one of six experimental diets in a completely randomized block design within parity groups （1, 2, and 3＋）. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 3.06, 3.16, 3.20, 3.25, 3.30 or 3.40 Mcal/kg of ME and each diet was fed to the sows throughout a 28 day lactation. All diets provided a similar SID-lysine level （0.86%）. As a result, the diets provided a SID-Lys：ME ratio of 2.81, 2.72, 2.69, 2.65, 2.61 or 2.53 g/Mcal ME. Sow feed intake was significantly （P 〈 0.01） affected by the energy content of the diet as well as by sow parity. Using regression analysis, feed intake was shown to be maximized at 3.25, 3.21, 3.21 and 3.21 Mcal/kg of ME for parity 1, 2, 3＋ sows and the entire cohort of sows respectively （quadratic; P 〈 0.01）. In addition, the result of feed intake can be expressed as 2.65, 2.69, 2.69 and 2.68 g/Mcal based on analysis of SID-Lys：ME ratio. Litter weight gain was affected by dietary treatment for parity 3＋ sows and the entire cohort （P 〈 0.01）. Based on regression analysis, litter weight gain was maximized at 3.25 and 3.24 Mcal/kg of ME for parity 3＋ （quadratic; P 〈 0.01） and the entire cohort （quadratic; P 〈 0.01）. Similarly, the result of litter weight gain could be expressed as 2.65 and 2.66 g/Mcal of SID- Lys：ME ratio. Therefore, 3.25 Mcal/kg of ME was selected for Exp. 2 in which 150 sows （weighing 254.6 ± 7.3 kg and having an average parity of 3.4 ± 0.4） were allocated to one of five treatments in a completely randomized block design within parity （1, 2, and 3＋）. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 2.1, 2.4, 2.7, 3.0 or 3.3 g/Mcal of SID-Lys：ME ratio with all diets providing 3.25 Mcal/kg of ME. The diets were fed to the sows throughout a 28 day lactation. Sow body weight loss was affected by dietary treatment （parity 3＋ sows, P = 0.02; entire cohort, P 〈 0.01） and by sow parity （P 〈 0.01）. Litter weight at weaning and litter weight gain were affected by dietary treatment for parity 1, 2, 3＋ sows and the entire cohort （P 〈 0.01） as well as by sow parity （P 〈 0.01）. Plasma urea nitrogen （P 〈 0.01）, creatinine （P 〈 0.01） and non-esterifide fatty acids （P = 0.04） were decreased as the SID-Lys：ME ratio of the diet increased. Insulin-like growth factor-1 （P = 0.02）, estradiol （P 〈 0.01） and luteinizing hormone （P = 0.02） were increased as the SID-Lys：ME ratio in diet increased. Based on a broken-line model, the estimated SID-Lys： ME ratio to maximize litter weight gain was estimated to be 3.05 g/Mcal.

The effects of consumption of raw garlic on serum lipid level, blood sugar and a number of effective hormones on lipid and sugar metabolism in hyperglycemic and/or hyperlipidemic individuals ——Benefit of raw garlic consumption

Diabetes mellitus is one of the worldwide largest growing metabolic diseases. In this study the effects of consumption of raw garlic on serum lipid level, blood sugar and a number of effective hormones on lipid and sugar metabolism (thyroid hormones and insulin) in individuals either with high level of blood sugar or lipid were investigated. Eighty five volunteers having following clinical history enrolled in the study: Group 1: having blood sugar more than 126 mg/dl (30 vo-lunteers);Group 2: having cholesterol higher than 245 mg/dl (30 volunteers);Group 3: having blood sugar over 126 mg/dl and cholesterol more than 245 mg/dl (25 volunteers). In group 1, there wasn’t a sig-nificant differences between biochemical factors be-fore and after garlic consumption, whereas, in the second group after 6 weeks of garlic consumption a decline in cholesterol (P < 0.001), FBS and TG (P < 0.01) was observed but HDL-C (P < 0.001) was in-creased. Six weeks after termination of garlic con-sumption, cholesterol (P < 0.001), FBS and TG (P < 0.05) were in- creased and HDL-C (P < 0.01) was de-creased. In the third group, total cholesterol (P < 0.001), FBS (P < 0.01) and HbA1c decreased while HDL-C was in- creased. Other factors, including thy-roid hormones (T3, T4), TSH and insulin showed no significant alte- ration. In conclusion our results shown that raw garlic consumption can reduce the FBS and Lipid in hyperglycemic and/or hyperlipidemic individuals.

Association between luteinizing hormone level decrease on the triggering day and pregnancy outcome for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients following gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol: a retrospective cohor

Objective:Optimal luteinizing hormone(LH)levels forin vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection(IVF/ICSI)patients following the gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)antagonist protocol remain controversial.This study aimed to estimate the association between serum LH levels on the triggering day(LHLOT)and clinical pregnancy outcomes in IVF/ICSI patients following the GnRH antagonist protocol.Methods:We enrolled 4743 IVF/ICSI cycles using flexible or fixed GnRH antagonist protocols between January 2017 and June 2021.The patients were stratified into four groups according to the LHLOT quartiles(Q1–Q4).Each group was further divided into two subgroups according to the median basal LH/LHLOT.The main outcomes were clinical pregnancy,birth,and miscarriage rates.Secondary outcomes were oocyte yield,number of MII,fertilized oocytes(2PN),and high-quality embryos.Results:Serum LHLOT levels were negatively correlated with oocyte yield and the numbers of MII,2PN,and high-quality embryos.Reproductive outcomes were compared among the different quartiles and subgroups.The absolute difference in the clinical pregnancy rates between the Q4 and Q1 groups was 6.4%(47.2%vs.40.8%,P<0.05).Clinical pregnancy rates between the subgroups with basal LH/LHLOT>3.04 and≤3.04 were 32.7%and 48.6%(P<0.01),respectively,in Q1.Within Q3,the clinical pregnancy rates between the subgroups with basal LH/LHLOT>2.14 and≤2.14 were 50.2%and 41.9%,respectively(P<0.05).The greater the decrease in LH levels,the lower the oocyte maturation rate across all quartiles.Conclusions:According to the LHLOT quartiles,the Q1 of serum LHLOT<1.43 IU/L may result in a higher number of oocytes but reduced oocyte maturation and lower clinical pregnancy rates.A decrease in LH levels by approximately 2.14 to 3.04 times compared to basal LH levels may lead to higher clinical pregnancy rates in IVF/ICSI patients following the GnRH antagonist protocol.

The effects of long-term low-dose hormone replacement therapy on blood pressure and vasoactive factors in postmenopausal women

Objective:To investigate the effects of long-term low-dose hormone replacement therapy(HRT)on blood pressure,the plasma renin activity(PRA),plasma angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ)leveland serum nitric oxide(NO)concentration in postmenopausal women.Methods:A total of 140 postmenopausal women were selected from the medical staff of thePeking Union Medical College Hospital.Of these,63 subjects who had been treated with low-dose sex hormone for over 5(5-32)years were set up as HRT group,and 77 age-matched sub-jects who had never received HRT were designed as control group.The levels of serum estradiol(E_2),follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)and nitric oxide(NO),the concentration of plasma an-giotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ),plasma rennin activity(PRA)and the blood pressure were evaluated inthese two groups.Results:The serum level of estradiol in HRT group was significantly higher than that in con-trol group(median,interquartile range;124.0 pmol/L,113.4 vs.78.2 pmol/L,121.8)(P<0.05)and systolic blood pressure in HRT groups was significantly lower than that in control group[(126.7±14.4)mmHg vs.(132.4+19.8)mmHg](P<0.05).Diastolic blood pressure[(79.7±7.9)mmHg vs.(79.6±10.4)mmHg],the serum level of FSH[(54.4±18.9)IU/L vs.(60.4±24.4)IU/L],the plasma level of PRA(median,interquartile range;0.14 pg/L/hr,0.11vs.0.12 pg/L/hr,0.10),AngⅡ(median,interquartile range;46.0,31.1 pg/ml vs.44.4,33.0pg/ml)and serum level of NO(median,interquartile range;63.8 μmol/L,58.9 vs.56.0 μmol/L,94.8)showed no significant difference between HRT and control groups(P>0.05).Conclusions:Long-term low-dose HRT decreased the systolic blood pressure,but showed noeffects on the diastolic blood pressure,plasma level of AngⅡ,PRA,and serum level of NO inpostmenopausal women.

Alteration of Sex and Non-Sex Hormones and Distribution Features of Blood ABO System Groups among the Women with Uterine Body Tumors

Objectives: The aim of the investigation was to study the hormonal status (sex hormones: estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T);non-sex gonadotropic hormones-luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)) of women with benign and malignant tumors of uterine body in the reproductive, menopause and postmenopause periods. Also the distribution features of the blood ABO system phenotype groups and their link to the development of uterine body tumors have been studied. Methods: The determination of hormones was made by the enzyme analysis method (ELAIZA), provided by the proper ELAIZA kits. For the study of blood ABO system antigens, internationally recognized immunoserology methods were used. Results: Investigations revealed the increased level of E2 and T on the background of the reduced P in the blood of the women with uterine tumors in the reproductive, menopause and post-menopause period. As for gonadotropic hormones, the decreased levels of LH and FSH have also been detected. From the ABO system phenotype groups A(II) group had the highest frequency between the women with malignant uterine tumor in the reproductive age. O (I) phenotype group was the most frequent in case of menopause and post-menopause women with uterine malignant tumors. Conclusions: Hormonal imbalance creates good conditions for the proliferation of uterine tissues and hence causes the development of benign and malignant uterine tumors. The imbalance of the sex steroid and gonadotropic hormones in the blood of post-menopause women indicates on the genotoxic mechanism of cancer development on the background of age-related changes. A(II) group had the highest frequency between the reproductive age women with uterine malignant tumor, while O (I) group was the most frequent in case of menopause and post-menopause patients.

The Effect of Glucose Added to the Dialysis Fluid on Blood Pressure, Vasoactive Hormones and Energy Transfer during Hemodialysis in Chronic Renal Failure

Background: Previous studies showed that blood pressure was reduced in patients with chronic renal failure during hemodialysis with glucose added to the dialysis fluid. We wanted to test the hypotheses that blood pressure is reduced in non-diabetic and diabetic dialysis patients, when glucose is added to the dialysis fluid, and that blood pressure changes are caused by changes in plasma concentrations of vasoactive hormones or to vasodilation secondary to an increase in body temperature. Methods: The effect of dialysis with glucose added to the dialysis fluid was measured in three randomized, placebo-controlled, un-blinded and cross-over studies with periods of one week duration. In non-diabetic nephropathy (Study 1, n = 19) and diabetic nephropathy (Study 2, n = 15), we measured blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate (PR), plasma concentrations of glucose (p-Glucose), renin (PRC), angiotensin II (p-AngII), endothelin (p-Endot), insulin (p-Ins), glucagon (p-Glu), and human growth hormone (p-hGH). In non-diabetic nephropathy (Study 3, n = 24), we measured the effect of dialysis with glucose added to the dialysis fluid on energy transport from form the body using body temperature control. Results: Study 1 and 2 showed that BP, PRC, p-AngII, and p-Ins were unchanged, whereas P-Endot increased and P-hGH decreased, in dialysis patients with or without glucose added to the dialysis fluid. In diabetics, a marginal increase in p-Glu was measured during dialysis with glucose, but not without glucose. Study 3 showed that SBP increased significantly using dialysis with temperature control of dialysis fluid compared with no temperature control (145 versus 138 mm Hg). In parallel with the increase in SBP, the energy flux from the patients was significantly higher with temperature control than without. Conclusion: In non-diabetics and diabetics, blood pressure was unchanged during dialysis with glucose added to the dialysis fluid in a short-term study. Vasoactive hormones in plasma were changed in the same way independently of glucose in the dialysis fluid. Systolic blood pressure increased using dialysis with temperature control of dialysis fluid, presumably due to vasoconstriction to prevent or antagonize a fall in body temperature.

EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE ON THE HIGH HEMAGGLUTINATION STATE, BLOOD-SUGAR-RAISING HORMONE AND IMMUNOCYTE FACTOR LEVELS IN TYPE-II DIABETES PATIENTS

Objective: To investigate the effect of acupuncture on high hemagglutination state, blood sugar raising hormone and immunocyte factor levels in type II diabetes patients. Methods: A total of 120 inpatients and outpatients were randomly divided into acupuncture plus medication group (n=52) and medication group (n=50). In addition, 18 type II diabetes patients formed acupuncture group for comparing their therapeutic effects. Main acupoints used were Pishu (BL 20), Geshu (BL 17), Yishu, Shenshu (BL 23), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc.. combined with other acupoints according to different sydroms. These acupoints were stimulated by manipulaing the filiform needles with uniform reinforcing and reducing method for 15 min and then stimulated electrically for 15 min with an electroacupuncture therapeutic apparatus. Western medicines used were Glipizide, Dimethyldiguanide Hydrochloride, etc.. The treatment was given once daily, with 10 sessions being a therapeutic course, 2～3 courses altogether. Indexes of external thrombosis length (ETL), platelet agglutination rate (PAgR), fibrinogen (FG), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fasting blood glucose (FBG), prothrombin time(PT), adrenocoticortropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol (CS), growth hormone (GH), glucagon (GL), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF α), interleukin 6 (IL 6), insulin (INS) and C peptide (C P) were determined using radioimmunoassay. Results: After 2～3 courses of treatment, both acupuncture group and medication plus acupuncture group could significantly improve high hemagglutination state, lower blood sugar raising hormone level, regulate immunocyte factor level and raise the sensitivity of insulin, which were apparently superior to those of medication group (P<0.05～0.01). Conclusion: Acupuncture therapy can effectively regulate plasma blood sugar raising hormone, immunocyte factor levels, increase the sensitivity of insulin to target cells, resist blood coagulation and improve microcirculation.

The Relation between Thyroid Hormone and Blood Lipid in the Healthy Elderly

Objectives To observe the relationship between Thyroid Hormone (TH) level and blood lipid level in the healthy elderly with therapy of small dose of TH. Methods A total of 120 healthy old persons were randomly divided into two groups: 60 old persons as treatment group and other 60 persons as control group. Each person in the treatment group took a thyroid tablet 10 mg daily continuously for six months while the control group took VitB1 30 mg daily instead of thyroid tablet. The level of TH, M -TSH, FT3, FT4, TT4, rT3, TC, TG, LDL - C, HDL-C, ApoA1 were measured in two groups before and after receiving TH or Vit. B1 treatment. Results In the treatment group the level of TH increased obviously. And TC, TG, LDL - C levels decreased also to some extent while HDL - C, ApoAl levels increased slightly which was significant when compared with the control group and pre - treatment group. Conclusions To use small dose of TH as supplement treatment can increase the TH level of healthy old persons and decrease their blood lipid level. It would be a benefit for treating hyperlipidemia in the elderly.

Gastric emptying and plasma levels of gastrointestinal hormones in patients with peptic ulcer

IM To study the plasma level of gastrointestinal hormones and gastric emptying in patients with peptic ulcer. METHODS Thirty patients with gastric ulcer (GU), and 29 duodenal ulcer (DU) and 12 controls were studied. Plasma levels of SS, VIP and SP were measured by radioimmunoassay, and gastric emptying half time (GET1/2) was determined with TC99mresin solid meal method. RESULTS GET1/2(min) was significantly longer in GU than that in controls (659±148 vs 533±43, P<001) and plasma VIP levels (ng/L) were significantly higher than in controls (375±107 vs 184±59, P<005). There was a significant positive correlation between GET1/2 and plasma VIP levels (r=055,P<001). No significant changes were found in SS and SP in GU compared with controls (P>005). GET1/2 in DU was markedly shorter than the control group (417±102 vs 533±43, P<001), and plasma SS levels (ng/L) significantly lower than those in controls (64±25 vs 119±34,P<001), there was a significant positive correlation between GET1/2 and SS levels (r=056,P<001). Plasma SP levels (ng/L) in DU were significantly higher than the controls (544±127 vs 416±58,P<001),there was a significant negative correlation between GET1/2 and SP levels (r=-068,P<001). No significant difference was found in the plasma VIP levels between DU and controls (P>005).CONCLUSION VIP elevation may contribute to the GET1/2 delay and the occurrence of GU. The increased SP and lowered SS may play important roles in the GET1/2 acceleration and the pathogensis of DU.

The Effects of Lei Gong Teng on Reproductive Hormones

The serum reproductive hormone levels were examined with radioimmunoassay in women of child-bearing age before and after treatment with the prescriptions containing Lei Gong Teng ([symbol: see text] Radix Tripterygii Wilfordii). The results showed that Lei Gong Teng could induce amenorrhea, but it was reversible.