Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, sex hormones and cognitive decline in male patients with schizophrenia receiving continuous antipsychotic therapy

BACKGROUND There are systematic differences in clinical features between women and men with schizophrenia(SCZ).The regulation of sex hormones may play a potential role in abnormal neurodevelopment in SCZ.Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and sex hormones have complex interacting actions that contribute to the etiology of SCZ.AIM To investigate the influence of BDNF and sex hormones on cognition and clinical symptomatology in chronic antipsychotic-treated male SCZ patients.METHODS The serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone(LH),estradiol(E2),progesterone,testosterone(T),prolactin(PRL)and BDNF were compared between chronic antipsychotic-treated male(CATM)patients with SCZ(n=120)and healthy controls(n=120).The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used to quantify SCZ symptoms,while neuropsychological tests were used to assess cognition.Neuropsychological tests,such as the Digit Cancellation Test(DCT),Semantic Verbal Fluency(SVF),Spatial Span Test(SS),Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test(PASAT),Trail Making Task(TMT-A),and Block Design Test(BDT),were used to assess executive functions(BDT),attention(DCT,TMT-A),memory(SS,PASAT),and verbal proficiency(SVF).RESULTS Although E2 levels were significantly lower in the patient group compared to the healthy controls,T,PRL,and LH levels were all significantly higher.Additionally,the analysis revealed that across the entire sample,there were positive correlations between E2 Levels and BDNF levels as well as BDNF levels and the digital cancellation time.In CATM patients with SCZ,a significant correlation between the negative symptoms score and PRL levels was observed.CONCLUSION Sex hormones and BDNF levels may also be linked to cognitive function in patients with chronic SCZ.

Role of sex hormones in gastrointestinal motility in pregnant and non-pregnant rats

AIM: To correlate gastric contractility, gastrointestinal transit, and hormone levels in non-pregnant(estrous cycle) and pregnant rats using noninvasive techniques. METHODS: Female rats(n = 23) were randomly divided into(1) non-pregnant,(contractility, n =6; transit, n = 6); and(2) pregnant(contractility, n = 5; transit, n = 6). In each estrous cycle phase or at 0, 7, 14, and 20 d after the confirmation of pregnancy, gastrointestinal transit was recorded by AC biosusceptometry(ACB), and gastric contractility was recorded by ACB and electromyography. After each recording, blood samples were obtained for progesterone and estradiol determination. RESULTS: In the estrous cycle, despite fluctuations of sex hormone levels, no significant changes in gastrointestinal motility were observed. Days 7 and 14 of pregnancy were characterized by significant changes in the frequency of contractions(3.90 ± 0.42 cpm and 3.60 ± 0.36 cpm vs 4.33 ± 0.25 cpm) and gastric emptying(168 ± 17 min and 165 ± 15 min vs 113 ± 15 min) compared with day 0. On these same days, progesterone levels significantly increased compared with control(54.23 ± 15.14 ng/m L and 129.96 ± 30.52 ng/mL vs 13.25 ± 6.31 ng/mL). On day 14, we observed the highest level of progesterone and the lowest level of estradiol compared with day 0(44.3 ± 15.18 pg/mL vs 24.96 ± 5.96 pg/mL). CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal motility was unaffected by the estrous cycle. In our data, high progesterone and low estradiol levels can be associated with decreased contraction frequency and slow gastric emptying.

Research on the Effects of the Extract of Polygala fallax Hemsl on Sex Hormones andβ-EP in Perimenopausal Rat Models

Objective:To study the effects of the ethnic medicine Polygala fallax Hemsl with Guangxi characteristics on the sex hormones andβ-EP in research objective perimenopausal rat models.Methods:40 female SPF rats were randomly divided into 4 groups,including the normal,model,high-dose and lowdose groups.Rats of three groups except for the normal one were treated with perimenopausal modelling through the method of subcutaneous injection of compound 4-VCD for 15 consecutive days.Rats of the normal and model group were normally fed without any treatment.Rats of the high-dose and low-dose groups were administered by high-and low-dose intragastric administration of the extract of Polygala fallax Hemsl.According to the menstrual cycle of the vaginal smear of the rat,each menstrual cycle is a course of treatment and 6 consecutive courses of treatment would be given.The indexes of serum sex hormones(E2,FSH,LH)andβ-EP of rats in each group were observed after treatment.Results:After the treatment of 6 cycles,for the levels ofβ-EP and E2,the model group was lowest(P<0.05),the normal group was highest(P<0.05);and the high-dose group was higher than the low-dose group;For the levels of FSH and LH,the normal group was lowest(P<0.05),the model group was highest(P<0.05),and the high-dose group was lower than the low-dose group.Conclusion:Guangxi characteristic national medicine Polygala fallax Hemsl can effectively improve the levels of serum sex hormones andβ-EP in perimenopausal rat models and relieve the related symptoms with a certain dose-effect relationship.

Sex Hormones Affect Aging Process by Influencing Lipid Profiles, Cellular Immunological Function and Lipid Peroxides and Oxidation System

Objectives To investigate the correlation between sex hormones(SH) and aging. Methods Through epidemiological investigation in our country, the levels of SH were measured by radioimmunoassy; lipid profile, glucose and apolipoprotein by automatic biochemic analytical instrument; T cell subsets by flow cytometer; and MDA, SOD were evaluated by the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test and the nitrite method modified by Oyanagui respectively using spectrophotometry. Results In men, the serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone ( FSH)、luteinizing hormone(LH) increased significantly with aging, but serum prolactin(PRL) and progesterone(P) levels remained unchanged in all life; Both testosterone (T) and free testosterone (FT) all decreased greatly with aging, but 17β - estradiol( 17β - E_2) was reverse ; E_2 was negatively correlated with T and E_2/T increased with aging. The level of serum total cholesterol (TC) increased with aging, but triglycerides (TG) remain unchanged; compared with young group, high - density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL - C) ; HDL - C/TC of other groups decreased significantly, but low - density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL - C ) changed inversely; HDL- C/LDL- C reduced slightly with aging and showed no difference between groups. Apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) and apoB all enhanced greatly with aging; meanwhile the ratio of apoA1/apoB decreased. The concentration of serum glucose (GLU) was unchanged in all life. To compare with those in the young group, CD3 + , CD4 + in other groups reduced greatly, CD4 + remained unchanged. Meanwhile, CD8 + increased significantly with aging. Compared with the young group, serum malondialdehyde(MDA) value of the old ones increased obviously, but the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) was reverse. By partial correlation analysis (controlling BMI, FSH, LH and PRL), TC、 LDL-C、apoA1、apoB、CD8 + 、MDA of men all presented a positive correlation with E_2/T respectively, their correlation coefficients (γ) were 0. 262、0. 136、 0. 532、0. 379、0. 394、0. 234 (P < 0. 001 ) ; HDL - C、 HDL- C/TC、HDL- C/LDL- C、CD3 + 、CD4 +/CD8 + 、SOD showed a negatively correlation with E_2/T respectively, γequaled - 0.563、- 0.332、- 0.654、- 0.1530、-0.4140、-0.236(P<0.001). In women, the serum concentrations of FSH、LH increased significantly after menopause; PRL increased little with aging; compared with young group, E_2 and P in postmenopausal groups reduced obviously, E_2/P revealed significant reduce with aging. T enhanced significantly after menopause, but nor did FT. E_2, P and the ratio of E_2/P were negatively correlated with age respectively by bivariate correlation analysis, and a positive relation between T and age. After 70 years old, the level of TC increased obviously, and so did that of TG after menopause; HDL decreased with aging, but LDL increased after 70, with the result that the ratios of HDL- C/TC and HDL- C/LDL- C all reduced with aging; apoA1 decreased gently after 70, but apoB increased signifi- cantly after menopause; correspondingly, the ratio of apoA1/apoB declined obviously. The concentration of GLU increased with aging. CD3 + and CD4 + didn't change until 60, but reduced after 60. Compared with the young groups, CD8 + remained unchanged, CD4 +/CD8 + reduced greatly with aging, CD4 + and CD8 + presented a negatively correlation with age respectively. The value of MDA in serum of women increased notably after 70 years old, but SOD activity already decreased significantly from 60. By partial correlation analysis (controlling BMI, FSH, LH and PRL), HDL-C、CD4 +、CD4 +/CD8 + showed a certain correlation with E_2/P respectively; γ were 0. 245、 0.157、0. 154 ( P <0.05 ) ; TG、 LDL、 apoB、 apoA1/ apoB、SOD presented a negatively correlation with E_2/P respectively, γ were 0. 452、 0. 236、 0.321、 0. 135、 0.156、0.154、0.426 ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusions The Disequilibrium of SH had correlations with lipid profile, cellular immunological function and lipid peroxides and oxidation system; these suggested SH took an important role in the process of aging.

Study on two steroidal sex hormones in rice

Steroidal sex hormones including androgensand estrogens are important in the reproduc-tive development of mammals. A number ofstudies suggested that these steroids mighthave similar functions in plants. A latest re-search on Nongken 58s, a photoperiod-sensi-tire genie male-sterile rice (PGMR), showed

Relationship between serum sex hormones levels and degree of benign prostate hyperplasia in Chinese aging men

Benign prostatic hyperplasia （BPH） is one of the most common medical conditions in middle aged and older men. This study investigated the relationship between serum levels of sex hormones and measures of BPH in the aging male population of China. Prostate symptoms were assessed as part of a free health screening program for men ~40 years of age. The examination included digital rectal examination, determination of serum prostate-specific antigen levels, International Prostate Symptom Score （IPSS） and transrectal ultrasonography. Serum levels of total testosterone （TT）, sex hormone binding globulin （SHBG）, free testosterone （FT）, luteinizing hormone （LH）, follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）, prolactin （PRL） and estradiol （E2） were evaluated. The men also completed a health and demographics questionnaire and received a detailed physical examination. The final study population consisted of 949 men with a mean age of 58.9 years. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that there were significant correlations between age and levels of all sex hormones except TT, and between age and prostate volume （PV; r=0.243; P〈0.01） or IPSS （r=0.263; P〈0.01）. Additional significant correlations were found between IPSS and serum levels of LH （r=0. 112; P〈0.01） and FSH （r=0.074; P〈0.05）, but there were no significant correlations between sex hormone levels and PV. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed significant correlations between age and body mass index （BMI） with PV （P〈0.0001）. In addition, there was a significant correlation between age and PV with IPSS （P〈0.0001）. Serum sex hormone levels did not correlate with PV or IPSS. The effects of endocrine changes on measures of BPH in aging men require further investigation in longitudinal and multicenter studies that include oatients with all severities of BPH.

Determination of Sex Hormones in Antler Velvet by High Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Eighteen sex hormones in antler velvet were determined by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.The solid phase extraction was applied to eliminating the matrix effect.The experimental conditions were examined and optimized.Under the optimal conditions,the proposed method provides the good linearities and determination limits（0.2―1.0 μg/kg） of the analytes investigated.The recoveries ranging from 72.3% to 149.5% were obtained for the target analytes at two concentration levels.This method was applied to the determination of eighteen sex hormones in different kinds of antler velvet samples and the obtained results are satisfactory.The results indicate that the proposed method is suitable for the determination of sex hormones in antler velvet samples.

Examining the Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Dracaena cinnabari on Sex Hormones and Ovarian and Uterine Tissues of Rats

Introduction: Dracaena cinnabari is considered a rich source of phytochemicals used widely in traditional medicine. In the present study, the effect of D. cinnabari hydraulic extract on the reproductive system of female rats was investigated. Methods: The samples were randomly divided into four groups(six samples in each group), including three treatment groups and one control group, and all samples were kept at the same conditions. Hydraulic extract of D. cinnabari and injected intraperitoneally daily for 10 days, while physiological serum was used for injection in to the control group. After 10 days of injection, estrogen and progesterone levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay technique. After dissection, the ovaries and uterine tissues were isolated for histological examination, and tissue changes were carefully examined. Results: The results revealed that the levels of estrogen and progesterone in experimental Groups 2 and 3 had a significant increase(P < 0.001). Regarding tissue changes, a significant increase was observed in epithelial thickness(P < 0.001), number of corpus luteum(P < 0.01), and Graafian follicle(P < 0.01) in doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg. Conclusions: Based on the results, it seems that D. cinnabari extract has an effect on the ovarian follicles.

Gut microbiota affects the estrus return of sows by regulating the metabolism of sex steroid hormones

Background Sex hormones play important roles in the estrus return of post-weaning sows.Previous studies have demonstrated a complex and bi-directional regulation between sex hormones and gut microbiota.However,the extent to which the gut microbiota affects estrus return of post-weaning sows is largely unknown.Results In this study,we first screened 207 fecal samples from well-phenotyped sows by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and identified significant associations between microbes and estrus return of post-weaning sows.Using metagenomic sequencing data from 85 fecal samples,we identified 37 bacterial species that were significantly associated with estrus return.Normally returning sows were characterized by increased abundances of L.reuteri and P.copri and decreased abundances of B.fragilis,S.suis,and B.pseudolongum.The changes in gut microbial composition significantly altered the functional capacity of steroid hormone biosynthesis in the gut microbiome.The results were confirmed in a validation cohort.Significant changes in sex steroid hormones and related compounds were found between normal and non-return sows via metabolome analysis.An integrated analysis of differential bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome provided evidence that normal return-associated bacterial species L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.participated in the degradation of pregnenolone,progesterone,and testosterone,thereby promoting estrogen biosynthesis.Furthermore,the microbial metabolites related to sow energy and nutrient supply or metabolic disorders also showed relationships with sow estrus return.Conclusions An integrated analysis of differentially abundant bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome revealed the involvement of L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.in sow estrus return.These findings provide deep insight into the role of gut microbiota in the estrus return of post-weaning sows and the complex cross-talk between gut microbiota and sex hormones,suggesting that the manipulation of the gut microbiota could be an effective strategy to improve sow estrus return after weaning.

Hepatoprotective effects of Xiaoyao San formula on hepatic steatosis and inflammation via regulating the sex hormones metabolism

BACKGROUND The modified Xiaoyao San(MXS)formula is an adjuvant drug recommended by the National Health Commission of China for the treatment of liver cancer,which has the effect of preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma and prolonging patient survival.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying that remain unclear.AIM To investigate the role and mechanisms of MXS in ameliorating hepatic injury,steatosis and inflammation.METHODS A choline-deficient/high-fat diet-induced rat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)model was used to examine the effects of MXS on lipid accumulation in primary hepatocytes.Liver tissues were collected for western blotting and immunohisto chemistry(IHC)assays.Lipid accumulation and hepatic fibrosis were detected using oil red staining and Sirius red staining.The serum samples were collected for biochemical assays and NMR-based metabonomics analysis.The inflammation/lipid metabolism-related signaling and regulators in liver tissues were also detected to reveal the molecular mechanisms of MXS against NASH.RESULTS MXS showed a significant decrease in lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in hepatocytes under metabolic stress.The western blotting and IHC results indicated that MXS activated AMPK pathway but inhibited the expression of key regulators related to lipid accumulation,inflammation and hepatic fibrosis in the pathogenesis of NASH.The metabonomics analysis systemically indicated that the arachidonic acid metabolism and steroid hormone synthesis are the two main target metabolic pathways for MXS to ameliorate liver inflammation and hepatic steatosis.Mechanistically,we found that MXS protected against NASH by attenuating the sex hormone-related metabolism,especially the metabolism of male hormones.CONCLUSION MXS ameliorates inflammation and hepatic steatosis of NASH by inhibiting the metabolism of male hormones.Targeting male hormone related metabolic pathways may be the potential therapeutic approach for NASH.

Metformin:A promising clinical therapeutical approach for BPH treatment via inhibiting dysregulated steroid hormones-induced prostatic epithelial cells proliferation

The occurrence of benign prostate hyperplasia(BPH)was related to disrupted sex steroid hormones,and metformin(Met)had a clinical response to sex steroid hormone-related gynaecological disease.However,whether Met exerts an antiproliferative effect on BPH via sex steroid hormones remains unclear.Here,our clinical study showed that along with prostatic epithelial cell(PEC)proliferation,sex steroid hormones were dysregulated in the serum and prostate of BPH patients.As the major contributor to dysregulated sex steroid hormones,elevated dihydrotestosterone(DHT)had a significant positive relationship with the clinical characteristics of BPH patients.Activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)by Met restored dysregulated sex steroid hormone homeostasis and exerted antiproliferative effects against DHT-induced proliferation by inhibiting the formation of androgen receptor(AR)-mediated Yes-associated protein(YAP1)-TEA domain transcription factor(TEAD4)heterodimers.Met’s anti-proliferative effects were blocked by AMPK inhibitor or YAP1 overexpression in DHT-cultured BPH-1 cells.Our findings indicated that Met would be a promising clinical therapeutic approach for BPH by inhibiting dysregulated steroid hormone-induced PEC proliferation.

Clinical Application of Sex Hormone in Different Physiological Periods in the Diagnosis of Infertility Patients

Background: Infertility is characterized by the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of sex hormone levels during different physiological periods in the diagnosis of infertility patients. Methods: From December 2019 to May 2021, a total of 93 infertility patients were admitted and selected as the observation group. Among them, 31 cases were in the follicular stage, 31 cases in the ovulation stage, and 31 cases in the luteal stage. Ninety-three healthy women for fertility evaluation due to male infertility were selected as the control group. The control group included 31 women in the follicular phase, 31 women in the ovulatory phase, and 31 women in the luteal phase. The levels of sex hormones (prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and progesterone (P)) during different physiological phases were compared between the observation and control groups. Results: The follicular phase showed no significant difference in LH levels between the observation group and the control group. The observation group showed higher levels of PRL and P compared to the control group, while the levels of FSH, E2, and T were lower in the observation group compared to the control group. The ovulation phase showed no significant difference in PRL levels between the two groups. The observation group showed lower levels of LH, FSH, E2, T, and P compared to the control group. The luteal phase showed no statistical difference in E2 levels between the two groups. The observation group showed higher levels of PRL, LH, and FSH compared to the control group, while the levels of T and P were lower in the observation group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Infertile women show variations in hormone levels compared to the normal levels during the follicular phase, ovulatory phase, and luteal phase.

Effect of TSH Suppression Therapy on Sex Hormone Levels after Thyroid Cancer Surgery

Objective:To analyze the effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)suppression therapy on sex hormone levels in patients undergoing postoperative treatment for thyroid cancer.Methods:A total of 40 patients undergoing postoperative thyroid cancer treatment were selected for data analysis.TSH suppression therapy was implemented during the postoperative period.Patients were grouped according to the TSH level:TSH<0.1,0.1≤TSH<0.5,and TSH≥0.5.Results:Among male patients,there were no significant differences in sex hormone levels at different dosing times and TSH levels(P>0.05).For female patients,testosterone levels at different dosing times showed no significant differences under the same circumstances(P>0.05).The comparison of testosterone levels at different TSH levels over 5 years of TSH suppression therapy did not yield significant differences(P>0.05).However,the comparison of testosterone levels within 5 years of TSH suppression therapy yielded significant differences(P<0.05),with the lowest levels observed at 0.1≤TSH<0.5.Conclusion:The use of TSH suppression therapy in postoperative thyroid cancer treatment minimally affects sex hormone levels in male patients.However,it has a significant impact on female patients.Therefore,preoperative sex hormone testing is recommended,and postoperative monitoring should include regular sex hormone testing.

A possible relationship between serum sex hormones and benign prostatic hyperplasia/Iower urinary tract symptoms in men who underwent transurethral prostate resection

In this study, we examined the relationship between sex hormone levels and lower urinary tract symptoms （LUTS） in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia （BPH） who underwent transurethral surgery. The study was conducted in 158 patients who came to our hospital for surgery. Clinical conditions were assessed by body mass index （BMI）, digital rectal examination, International Prostate Symptom Score （IPSS） and transrectal ultrasound （TRUS）. The levels of sex hormones （including total testosterone （TT）, estradiol （E2）, progesterone （P）, luteinizing hormone （LH）, follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH） and prolactin （PRL）） and prostate-specific antigen （PSA） were reviewed. Correlations were determined through statistical analysis. The mean age was 72.06 _＋ 8.68 years. The total IPSS was significantly associated with the TT level （r = -0.21, P = 0.01）. Other sex hormone levels were not correlated with total IPSS. However, some ratios such as E2/TT （r = 0.23, P = 0o00） and FSH/LH （r = -0.17, P = 0.04） were associated with total IPSS. Further analysis showed that the nocturia was associated with age （r = 0.16, P = 0.04）, BMI （r = 0.21, P = 0.01）, and TT （r = -0.19, P = 0.02）. Moreover, we divided the patients into two subgroups based on IPSS severity （〈20 or 〉20）. The mean TT level was in the normal range, but it was significantly related to the presence of severe LUTS. In summary, our study has shown that the severity of LUTS is associated with TT, EJTT and FSH/LH in men who underwent prostate surgery. Increasing nocturia was observed in lower testosterone patients. Additional larger studies are needed to elucidate the potential mechanisms.

The relationship between sex hormones and extent of coronary artery disease in postmenopausal women

The prevalence of coronary artery disease （CAD） in women increases with menopause. Results from the studies on the role of endogenous sex hormones on CAD in postmenopausal women are conflicting. The present study evaluated the relationship between endogenous sex hormones and extent of CAD in postmenopausal women and the associations of sex hormones with CAD risk factors.

Interactions among age, adiposity, bodyweight, lifestyle factors and sex steroid hormones in healthy Singaporean Chinese men

Aim： To examine the inter-relationships among age, lifestyle factors, anthropometric parameters, percent body fat and steroid hormone parameters in 531 healthy Singaporean Chinese men aged between 29 and 72 years old. Methods： Various lifestyle parameters were quantified through a survey, and testosterone （T）, estradiol （E2）, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate （DHEAS） and sex hormone binding globulin （SHBG） were measured using established methods. Anthropometric parameters were collected and computed, and percent body fat （Siri） was measured using the DEXA scanner. Results： SHBG, DHEAS, bioavailable-T （Bio-T）, E2, Siri, Ht, W/H, W/Ht and work stress were independently correlated with age. Using multivariate analyses and adjusting for age and other related factors, exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption have positive impacts on androgen levels and body composition. However, black and green tea consumption was associated with negative effects on body composition and with higher levels of E2 and Free Estradiol Index （FEI）. Men with shorter sleep duration had significantly lower T levels as compared to those with 6 h or more of nightly sleep. Higher T levels were associated with lower levels of adiposity and other indices of adiposity, whereas higher E2 levels were related to higher levels of adiposity. Men with higher DHEAS were significantly taller and heavier than those with low DHEAS levels. Conclusion： The study showed the close interactions among the gonadal/adrenal and metabolic compartments, with age being a key determinant in their interactions. Lifestyle factors such as exercise, smoking, sleeping and alcohol and tea consumption might play significantly roles in determining the status of health in men.

Effect of Zuogui Pill(左归丸) on Monoamine Neurotransmitters and Sex Hormones in Climacteric Rats with Panic Attack

Objective： To explore the effects of Chinese medicine prescription Zuogui Pill（左归丸, ZGP） on monoamine neurotransmitters and sex hormones in climacteric rats with induced panic attacks. Methods： Forty-eight climacteric female rats were randomized into 6 groups with 8 rats in each group： the control group, the model group, the low-, medium- and high-dose ZGP groups and the alprazolam group. Rats in the low-, medium- and high-dose ZGP groups were administered 4.725, 9.45, or 18.9 g/kg ZGP by gastric perfusion, respectively. The alprazolam group was treated by gastric perfusion with 0.036 mg/kg alprazolam. The control and model groups were treated with distilled water. The animals were pretreated once daily for 8 consecutive weeks. The behaviors of rats in the open field test and the elevated T-maze（ETM） were observed after induced panic attack, and the levels of brain monoamine neurotransmitters and the plasma levels of sex hormones were measured. Results： Compared with the control group, the mean ETM escape time and the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine（5-HT） and noradrenalin（NE） of the model group were significantly reduced（P〈0.05）, Compared with the model group, the mean ETM escape time and the 5-HT and NE levels of all the ZGP groups increased significantly（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. However, no significant difference was observed in the levels of sex hormones between the groups. Conclusion： Pretreatment with ZGP in climacteric rats may improve the behavior of panic attack, which may be related to increased 5-HT and NE in the brain.

Hydroxylation and sulfation of sex steroid hormones in inflammatory liver

Sex steroids, also known as gonadal steroids, are oxidized with hydroxylation by cytochrome P450,glucuronidation by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, sulfation by sulfotransferase, and O-methylation by catechol Omethyltransferase. Thus, it is important to determine the process by which inflammation influences metabolism of gonadal hormones. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism of metabolic enzymes against high physiologic inflammatory response in vivo to study their biochemical properties in liver diseases. In this study, C57BL/6N mice were induced with hepatic inflammation by diethylnitrosamine(DEN) exposure. We observed upregulation of Cyp19a1, Hsd17b1, Cyplal, Sult1e1 in the DEN-treated livers compared to the control-treated livers using real time PCR. Moreover, the increased Cyp19a1 and Hsd17b1 levels support the possibility that estrogen biosynthesis from androgens are accumulated during inflammatory liver diseases. Furthermore, the increased levels of Cyp1a1 and Cyp1b1 in the hydroxylation of estrogen facilitated the conversion of estrogen to 2-or 4-hydroxyestrogen,respectively. In addition, the substantial increase in the Sultlel enzyme levels could lead to sulfate conjugation of hydroxyestrogen. The present information supports the concept that inflammatory response can sequester sulfate conjugates from the endogenous steroid hormones and may suppress binding of sex steroid hormones to their receptors in the whole body.

Air Pollution and Sex Hormone Levels among Mechanics in Brazzaville (Republic of Congo)

Air pollution is today a real concern across the world, responsible for around 7 million deaths per year around the world. It is currently involved in the appearance and worsening of several non-transmissible pathologies, making it an environmental, health, and societal problem. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of short-term exposure to air pollution on the level of sex hormones in mechanics. We conducted a cross-sectional, analytical, prospective case-control study in Brazzaville on 228 patients (76 cases and 152 controls) from June 2020 to December 2022, a period of 30 months. This study made it possible to evaluate, on the one hand, the level of sexual hormones in men exposed to automobile pollution according to the automated method (ELFA) on mini vidas and, on the other hand, the quality of the air by a colorimetric, punctual method on a Dräger tube coupled with a Dräger accuro pump. The results obtained made it possible to establish a statistically significant link between automobile pollutants (CO, CO2, NO2, SO2) and the increase in LH and FSH on the one hand and the decrease in testosterone on the other hand. We also noted that the concentrations of automotive pollutants during this study were all above the standards required by the WHO. Exposure to automobile pollutants affects the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and therefore disrupts the level of sex hormones.

Effects of hormone replacement therapy on mood and sleep quality in menopausal women

BACKGROUND Hormone replacement therapy is an effective treatment strategy for the management of symptoms in naturally menopausal women.However,some patients report experiencing adverse effects.AIM To analyze the effects of hormone replacement therapy in menopausal female patients.METHODS A total of 152 menopausal female patients admitted to the Gynecology Department of the Ganzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital between January 2021 and December 2023 were divided into the observation group(n=76,conventional treatment+hormone replacement therapy)and the control group(n=76,conventional treatment only)via random casting.The improvement observed in the following items were compared between the groups:Kupperman menopausal index(KMI),emotional state[The Positive and Negative Affect Scale(PANAS)],sleep quality[Self-Rating Scale of Sleep(SRSS)],treatment effectiveness,and treatment safety.RESULTS The modified KMI and SRSS scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group after three rounds of treatment.The improvement in the PANAS score observed in the observation group was greater than that observed in the control group(P<0.05).The total treatment effectivity rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(86.84%vs 96.05%,χ2=4.121,P=0.042).The incidence rate of adverse reactions in the two groups was comparable(6.58%vs 9.21%,χ2=0.361,P=0.547).CONCLUSION Hormone replacement therapy effectively improved the clinical symptoms,actively channeled negative emotions,and improved the quality of sleep in menopausal patients,indicating its effectiveness and safety.