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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sex hormones in the modulation of irritable bowel syndrome

Compelling evidence indicates sex and gender differences in epidemiology, symptomatology, pathophysiology, and treatment outcome in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Based on the female predominance as well as the correlation between IBS symptoms and hormonal status, several models have been proposed to examine the role of sex hormones in gastrointestinal (GI) function including differences in GI symptoms expression in distinct phases of the menstrual cycle, in pre- and post-menopausal women, during pregnancy, hormonal treatment or after oophorectomy. Sex hormones may influence peripheral and central regulatory mechanisms of the brain-gut axis involved in the pathophysiology of IBS contributing to the alterations in visceral sensitivity, motility, intestinal barrier function, and immune activation of intestinal mucosa. Sex differences in stress response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system, neuroimmune interactions triggered by stress, as well as estrogen interactions with serotonin and corticotropin-releasing factor signaling systems are being increasingly recognized. A concept of &#x0201c;microgenderome&#x0201d; related to the potential role of sex hormone modulation of the gut microbiota is also emerging. Significant differences between IBS female and male patients regarding symptomatology and comorbidity with other chronic pain syndromes and psychiatric disorders, together with differences in efficacy of serotonergic medications in IBS patients confirm the necessity for more sex-tailored therapeutic approach in this disorder.

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.

Gender-related differences in irritable bowel syndrome: Potential mechanisms of sex hormones

According to epidemiological studies,twice as many women as men are affected by irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)in western countries,suggesting a role for sex hormones in IBS pathophysiology.Despite growing evidence about the implications of sex hormones in IBS symptom modulation,data on mechanisms by which they influence disease development are sparse.This review aims to determine the state of knowledge about the role of sex hormones in sensorimotor dysfunctions and to address the possible interplay of sex hormones with common risk factors associated with IBS.The scientific bibliography was searched using the following keywords:irritable bowel syndrome,sex,gender,ovarian hormone,estradiol,progesterone,testosterone,symptoms,pain,sensitivity,motility,permeability,stress,immune system,brain activity,spinal,supraspinal,imaging.Ovarian hormones variations along themenstrual cycle affect sensorimotor gastrointestinal function in both healthy and IBS populations.They can modulate pain processing by interacting with neuromodulator systems and the emotional system responsible for visceral pain perception.These hormones can also modulate the susceptibility to stress,which is a pivotal factor in IBS occurrence and symptom severity.For instance,estrogen-dependent hyper-responsiveness to stress can promote immune activation or impairments of gut barrier function.In conclusion,whereas it is important to keep in mind that ovarian hormones cannot be considered as a causal factor of IBS,they arguably modulate IBS onset and symptomatology.However,our understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains limited and studies assessing the link between IBS symptoms and ovarian hormone levels are needed to improve our knowledge of the disease evolution with regard to gender.Further studies assessing the role of male hormones are also needed to understand fully the role of sex hormones in IBS.Finally,investigation of brain-gut interactions is critical to decipher how stress,ovarian hormones,and female brain processing of pain can translate into gut dysfunctions.

Sex Hormones and Androgen Receptor:Risk Factors of Coronary Heart Disease in Elderly Men

Objective To investigate the variation of sex hormone and its receptor level in elderly male patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and to evaluate the correlations between CHD and sex hormone as well as sex hormone receptor. Methods Altogether 139 male CHD patients (CHD group) aged 60-92 years and 400 healthy men (control group) aged 60-90 years were included in this cross sectional study. The plasma concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS),total testosterone (TT),free testosterone (FT),estradiol (E2),sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG),luteinizing hormone (LH),and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured. The androgen receptor (AR) was tested by flow cytometry. Correlations between CHD and levels of sex hormones and AR were analyzed. Results Compared with the control group,the levels of DHEAS,TT,FT,SHBG,and the fluorescence intensity of AR in the CHD group significantly reduced (P<0.05),while the levels of FSH and E2 significantly increased (P<0.01). Age was negatively correlated with TT (r=-0.28,P=0.00) and FT (r=-0.17,P=0.01),while it was positively correlated with SHBG (r=0.14,P=0.04) and E2 (r=0.33,P=0.00). AR fluorescence intensity was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r=-0.12,P=0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that TT,SHBG,and AR were all negatively correlated with CHD (P<0.05). Conclusions Elderly male patients with CHD are found to have low levels of DHEAS,TT,FT,SHBG,and AR,while high concentrations of E2 and FSH. Low levels of TT and SHBG may be the potential risk factors of CHD in elderly men.

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.

Role of sex hormones in the modulation of cholangiocyte function

Over the last years,cholangiocytes,the cells that line the biliary tree,have been considered an important object of study for their biological properties which involves bile formation,proliferation,injury repair,fibrosis and angiogenesis.Cholangiocyte proliferation occurs in all pathologic conditions of liver injury where it is associated with inflammation and regeneration.During these processes,biliary cells start to secrete different cytokines,growth factors,neuropeptides and hormones which represent potential mechanisms for cross talk with other liver cells.Several studies suggest that hormones,and in particular,sex hormones,play a fundamental role in the modulation of the growth of this compartment in the injured liver which functionally conditions the progression of liver disease.Understanding the mechanisms of action and the intracellular pathways of these compounds on cholangiocyte pathophysiology will provide new potential strategies for the management of chronic liver diseases.The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent findings on the role of sex hormones in cholangiocyte proliferation and biology.

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 Influence of Gonadectomy on Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects of Melatonin in Male and Female Wistar Rats: A Possible Implication of Sex Hormones

The main objective of this study was to analyze the effects of sex, ovariectomy (Ovx) and orchidectomy (Orx) on antidepressant and anxiolytic effect of melatonin in forced swimming test, open field test and elevated plus maze test. Initially, 4 mg/kg of melatonin was daily administered, at 4:00 pm, to intact male and female rats during 8 weeks. Our results have shown that the effect of chronic injection of Mel is sex dependent in the three behaviors tests. Females rats have responded better than males in behavior test study after administration of melatonin, this difference between the sexes may be related to the action of sex hormones (androgens and estrogens) on behavior in males as well as in females. Secondly, to determine the possible interaction between Melatonin and steroid hormones, Ovx/sham female received Mel at dose of 4mg/kg alone or NaCl (0.9%) alone, and Orx/sham male received Mel at dose of 4 mg/kg alone or NaCl (0.9%) alone daily and during 8 weeks of treatment at 4:00 pm. All animals were tested in the open-field test, elevated plus maze test for anxiety behavior study, and forced swimming test for depression behavior study. Results revealed that Mel exerts an anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in the orchidectomized males and in intact females, confirming that the suppression of androgens by orchidectomy improved anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of melatonin in males. However in females, the suppression of estrogen by ovariectomy masked the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of melatonin. Our results confirmed that the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of melatonin are linked to sex hormones.

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.

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.

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.

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.