Effect of Domestically-made Levonorgestrel-releasing Intrauterine Device on the Endocrine System and Mensentruation in Monkeys

Effect of domestically-made levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG, release rate: 6 μg/day) on the endocrine system and menstruation in mondeys was investigated. The results showed that the Estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels were significantly decreased 2 ovulatory cycles after iusertion of the devices as compared with those before insertion in 3 monkeys (P>0. 001) ,suggesting an evident ovulation-suppressing effect. In 1 monkey, the E2 and P levels were the same before and after insertion,and expulsion of device was found in the monkey later. The plasma LNG concentration in 3 animals was 493. 69-454. 60 pg/ml and plasma LNG was not detected in 1 monkey. The hormone level returned to normal level after removal of the devices.

Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of endocrine therapyrelated osteoporosis among patients with breast cancer:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of combining traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),specifically Chinese herbal medicine(CHM),with Western medicine(WM),compared to WM alone to treat breast cancer endocrine therapy-related osteoporosis(BCET-OP)by meta-analysis.Methods Thirty-eight randomized controlled trials involving 2170 participants were analyzed.Eight databases were searched for articles published between inception and December 2023.Quality assessment was performed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool.Results Significant increases were observed in the TCM-WM group in lumbar vertebrae bone mineral density(BMD)(P<.001,mean difference(MD)=0.07,95%confidence interval(CI):0.06 to 0.08),lumbar vertebrae T-score(P=.0005,MD=0.21,95%CI:0.09 to 0.33)and collum femoris BMD(P=.01,MD=0.10,95%CI:0.02 to 0.19).No significant difference was observed between the groups in the collum femoris T-score and estradiol levels.Bone gla-protein levels were significantly increased in the TCM-WM group(P=.0002,MD=0.52,95%CI:0.25 to 0.79).Beta-CrossLaps decreased significantly in the TCM-WM group(P=.0008,MD=−0.10,95%CI:−0.16 to−0.04).No significant difference was observed between the TCM-WM and WM groups in alkaline phosphatase,in procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide,and in the Kupperman index.The visual analog score(VAS)was decreased in the TCM-WM group compared to the WM group(P<.001,MD=−1.40,95%CI:−1.94 to−0.87).No significant difference in adverse events was observed between the two groups.Conclusion Combining CHM with WM in patients with BCET-OP significantly improved BMD,T-score,and certain bone turnover markers and reduced the VAS score,indicating potential benefits for bone health and related pain.Adverse event analysis revealed no differences between the groups,supporting the feasibility of the combination therapy.However,further research,particularly in diverse populations,is required.

Common endocrine system adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs),a novel anti-tumor therapeutic modality,are monoclonal antibodies targeting certain immune checkpoints(ICs)that reactivate T cells to achieve anti-tumor immunity by targeting,binding,and blocking ICs.Targeted inhibitory antibodies against the ICs cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen and programmed death receptor-1 have demonstrated efficacy and durable anti-tumor activity in patients with cancer.ICs may prevent autoimmune reactions.However,ICIs may disrupt ICs properties and trigger autoimmune-related adverse reactions involving various organ systems including the cardiovascular,pulmonary,gastrointestinal,renal,musculoskeletal,dermal,and endocrine systems.Approximately 10%of patients with damage to target organs such as the thyroid,pituitary,pancreas,and adrenal glands develop endocrine system immune-related adverse events(irAEs)such as thyroid dysfunction,pituitary gland inflammation,diabetes mellitus,and primary adrenal insufficiency.However,the symptoms of immunotherapy-associated endocrine system irAEs may be nonspecific and similar to those of other treatment-related adverse reactions,and failure to recognize them early may lead to death.Timely detection and treatment of immunotherapy-associated endocrine irAEs is essential to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy,prognosis,and the quality of life of patients.This study aimed to review the mechanisms by which ICIs cause endocrine irAEs providing guidance for the development of appropriate management protocols.Here,we discuss(1)the biological mechanisms of ICs in tumorigenesis and progression,focusing on cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen and programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1;and(2)the epidemiology,clinical symptoms,diagnosis,and treatment of four immunotherapy-related endocrine complications.

Parental and transgenerational impairments of thyroid endocrine system in zebrafish by 2,4,6-tribromophenol

Many environmental contaminants could be transmitted fromparents and generate impairments to their progeny.The 2,4,6-tribromophenol(TBP),a novel brominated flame retardant which has been frequently detected in various organisms,was supposed to be bioaccumulated and intergenerational transmitted in human beings.Previous studies revealed that TBP could disrupt thyroid endocrine system in zebrafish larvae.However,there is no available data regarding the parental and transgenerational toxicity of this contaminant.Thus,in this study adult zebrafish were exposed to environmental contaminated levels of TBP for 60 days to investigate the parental and transgenerational impairments on thyroid endocrine system.Chemical analysis verified the bioaccumulation of TBP in tested organs of parents(concentration:liver>gonads>brain)and its transmission into eggs.For adults,increased thyroid hormones,disturbed transcriptions of related genes and histopathological changes in thyroid follicles indicate obvious thyroid endocrine disruptions.Transgenerational effects are indicated by the increased thyroid hormones both in eggs(maternal source)and in developed larvae(newly synthesized),aswell as disrupted transcriptional profiles of key genes in HPT axis.The overall results suggest that the accumulated TBP could be transmitted from parent to offspring and generate thyroid endocrine disruptions in both generations.

C634Y mutation in RET-induced multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A:A case report

BACKGROUND Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2(MEN2)is a rare,autosomal dominant endocrine disease.Currently,the RET proto-oncogene is the only gene implicated in MEN2A pathogenesis.Once an RET carrier is detected,family members should be screened to enable early detection of medullary thyroid carcinoma,pheochromocytoma,and hyperparatitity.Among these,medullary thyroid carcinoma is the main factor responsible for patient mortality.Accordingly,delineating strategies to inform clinical follow-up and treatment plans based on genes is paramount for clinical practitioners.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we present RET proto-oncogene mutations,clinical characteristics,and treatment strategies in a family with MEN2A.A family study was conducted on patients diagnosed with MEN2A.DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of family members,and first-generation exon sequencing of the RET protooncogene was conducted.The C634Y mutation was identified in three family members spanning three generations.Two patients were sequentially diagnosed with pheochromocytomas and bilateral medullary thyroid carcinomas.A 9-yearold child harboring the gene mutation was diagnosed with medullary thyroid carcinoma.Surgical resection of the tumors was performed.All family members were advised to undergo complete genetic testing related to the C634Y mutation,and the corresponding treatments administered based on test results and associated clinical guidelines.CONCLUSION Advancements in MEN2A research are important for familial management,assessment of medullary thyroid cancer invasive risk,and deciding surgical timing.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of endometrial thickening during endocrine therapy combined with Chinese herbal medicine intervention after breast cancer surgery

Objective:To systematically evaluate the endometrial thickening and Chinese herbal medicine intervention effects during endocrine therapy following breast cancer surgery.Methods:Computerized searches were performed on CNKI,CBM,Wanfang,VIP,Pub Med,Embase,and Cochrane to gather randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of endometrial thickening combined with Chinese herbal medicine intervention during endocrine therapy after breast cancer surgery.The meta analysis is done using Rev Man 5.4,and the retrieval range is from the database's creation to January 2023.Results:There were 710 patients enrolled in a total of 12 RCTs.The results of Meta-analysis were as follows:combined with Chinese herbal medicine treatment for 3 months of endometrial thickness(MD=-1.12,95%CI[-1.47,0.77],P<0.00001);6 months endometrial thickness(MD=-1.90,95%CI[-2.38,-1.42],P<0.00001);endometrial thickness at 12 months(MD=-2.24,95%CI[-2.96,-1.52],P<0.00001);modified Kupperman score(MD=-10.45,95%CI[-19.10,-1.80],P=0.02);TCM syndrome score(SMD=-1.53,95%CI[-1.84,-1.22],P<0.00001);KPS score(MD=3.75,95%CI[2.81,4.68],P<0.00001);there was no significant difference in CA153,CEA,FSH and E2 between the two groups.Conclusion:After breast cancer surgery,endocrine therapy combined with Chinese herbal medicine can significantly lessen endometrial thickening and enhance patient quality of life.

Early detection of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: A case report

BACKGROUND Multiple endocrine neoplasias(MENs)are a group of hereditary diseases invol-ving multiple endocrine glands,and their prevalence is low.MEN type 1(MEN1)has diverse clinical manifestations,mainly involving the parathyroid glands,gastrointestinal tract,pancreas and pituitary gland,making it easy to miss the clinical diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a patient in whom MEN1 was detected early.A middle-aged male with recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea was admitted to the hos-pital.Blood tests at admission revealed hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia,and emission computed tomography of the parathyroid glands revealed a hy-perfunctioning parathyroid lesion.Gastroscopy findings suggested a duodenal bulge and ulceration.Ultrasound endoscopy revealed a hypoechoic lesion in the duodenal bulb.Further blood tests revealed elevated levels of serum gastrin.Surgery was performed,and pathological analysis of the surgical specimens revealed a parathyroid adenoma after parathyroidectomy and a neuroendocrine tumor after duodenal bulbectomy.The time from onset to the definitive diagnosis of MEN1 was only approximately 1 year.CONCLUSION For patients who present with gastrointestinal symptoms accompanied by hyper-calcemia and hypophosphatemia,clinicians need to be alert to the possibility of MEN1.

Molecular diagnostic approaches in detecting rearranged during transfection oncogene mutations in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2

Different types of neuroendocrine cancer,including medullary thyroid cancer(MTC)and thyroid C-cell hyperplasia,are part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2(MEN2).A proto-oncogene mutation of the rearranged during transfection(RET)gene changes the way that receptor tyrosine kinases work.Multiple endocrine neoplasia,a pathological condition,involves these kinases.When the RET protooncogene changes,it can cause endocrine adenomas and hyperplasia to happen at the same time or one after the other.Pheochromocytoma,medullary thyroid carcinoma,and hyperparathyroidism,alone or in combination,are present in MEN2A patients.Some patients may also have skin lichen amyloidosis or Hirschsprung's disease.Patients with MEN2A often present with MTC.MTC is aggressive and has the worst prognosis,as most patients exhibit lymph node metastasis.MTC is one of the important causes of death in patients with MEN2A.RET mutation analysis aids in identifying MEN2A symptoms and monitoring levels of calcium,thyroid hormones,calcitonin,normetanephrine,fractionated metanephrines,and parathyroid hormone.The earlier diagnosis of MTC significantly improves survival and prompts better management of MEN2A.In this editorial,we will discuss the significance of molecular diagnostic approaches in detecting RET oncogene mutations in MEN2A.

Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of endocrine metabolic diseases in 2023

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the research progress in Chinese medicine in the treatment of endocrine metabolic diseases in 2023,covering traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)monomers,TCM extracts,and TCM combinations,including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications,obesity,hyperuricaemia,and thyroid disorders.After systematic sorting and summary,we found that in 2023,the research focusing on the application of TCM for endocrine metabolic diseases was still on the mechanism of action at the cellular and molecular levels,which not only influenced the classical pathways of lipid metabolism,but also delved into the key mechanisms of anti-inflammation,anti-oxidation,anti-insulin resistance,and so on.Additionally,TCM has shown remarkable results in the treatment of endocrine metabolic diseases by improving intestinal flora disorders and abnormal cellular iron death.These research results provide valuable ideas,methods,and tools for TCM in the prevention and treatment of endocrine metabolic diseases,and provide important references and guidance for future research and practice.

Impacts of different pancreatic resection ranges on endocrine function in Suncus murinus

BACKGROUND Surgical intervention involving the pancreas can lead to impaired glucose tolerance and other types of endocrine dysfunction.The scope of pancreatectomy and whether it includes the ventral pancreas are the key factors in the development of postoperative diabetes.The ventral and dorsal pancreases are almost separated in Suncus murinus(S.murinus).AIM To investigate the effects of different extents of pancreatic resection on endocrine function in S.murinus.METHODS Eight-week-old male S.murinus shrews were randomly divided into three experimental groups according to different pancreatic resection ranges as follows:ventral pancreatectomy(VPx)group;partial pancreatectomy(PPx)group;subtotal pancreatectomy(SPx)group;and a sham-operated group.Postprandial serum insulin,glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1),pancreatic polypeptide(PP),and somatostatin(SST)levels,as well as food intake,weight,blood glucose,and glucose tolerance were regularly measured for each animal.RESULTS S.murinus treated with PPx and SPx suffered from varying degrees of impaired glucose tolerance,but only a small proportion of the SPx group developed diabetes.Only S.murinus in the SPx group showed a significant decrease in food intake accompanied by severe weight loss,as well as a significant increase in postprandial serum GLP-1 levels.Postprandial serum PP levels decreased in both the VPx and PPx groups,but not in the SPx group.Postprandial serum SST levels decreased in both VPx and PPx groups,but the decrease was marginal.CONCLUSION Severe weight loss after pancreatectomy may be related to loss of appetite caused by compensatory elevation of GLP-1.PP and GLP-1 may play a role in resisting blood glucose imbalance.

Circadian rhythm disruption and endocrine-related tumors

This review delved into the intricate relationship between circadian clocks and physiological processes,emphasizing their critical role in maintaining homeo-stasis.Orchestrated by interlocked clock genes,the circadian timekeeping system regulates fundamental processes like the sleep-wake cycle,energy metabolism,immune function,and cell proliferation.The central oscillator in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus synchronizes with light-dark cycles,while peripheral tissue clocks are influenced by cues such as feeding times.Circadian disruption,linked to modern lifestyle factors like night shift work,correlates with adverse health outcomes,including metabolic syndrome,cardiovascular diseases,infec-tions,and cancer.We explored the molecular mechanisms of circadian clock genes and their impact on metabolic disorders and cancer pathogenesis.Specific associ-ations between circadian disruption and endocrine tumors,spanning breast,ovarian,testicular,prostate,thyroid,pituitary,and adrenal gland cancers,are highlighted.Shift work is associated with increased breast cancer risk,with PER genes influencing tumor progression and drug resistance.CLOCK gene expression correlates with cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer,while factors like aging and intermittent fasting affect prostate cancer.Our review underscored the intricate interplay between circadian rhythms and cancer,involving the regulation of the cell cycle,DNA repair,metabolism,immune function,and the tumor microenvir-onment.We advocated for integrating biological timing into clinical consider-ations for personalized healthcare,proposing that understanding these connec-tions could lead to novel therapeutic approaches.Evidence supports circadian rhythm-focused therapies,particularly chronotherapy,for treating endocrine tumors.Our review called for further research to uncover detailed connections between circadian clocks and cancer,providing essential insights for targeted treatments.We emphasized the importance of public health interventions to mitigate lifestyle-related circadian disruptions and underscored the critical role of circadian rhythms in disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.

Periampullary duodenal neuroendocrine tumor in a patient with neurofibromatosis-1:A case report

BACKGROUND Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1(NF1)are exposed to a higher risk of developing neuroendocrine tumors(NETs).Periampullary neuroendocrine neoplasms(NENs)in NF1 patients primarily affect the duodenum and periampullary region.CASE SUMMARY A 50-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital due to progressive skin and scleral yellowing for over 6 months.An abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed a tumor in the periampullary region,which measured 1.2 cm×1.4 cm in size and showed a progressive enhancement.Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography indicated the dilation of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts.The patient was diagnosed with an ampullary tumor with the possibility of malignancy.A Whipple procedure was performed.Microscopically,the duodenum tumor was found to invade the mucosa,sphincter,and muscular layer of the duodenal papilla.Histologic hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed the presence of duodenal G1 NET.Subsequently,a bibliometric analysis was performed to evaluate the state of NEN research.Publications about periampullary NENs showed an annual increase,with most of them focusing on the treatment and diagnosis of NENs.CONCLUSION This article reported a case of periampullary duodenal NET in a patient with NF1,and a bibliometric analysis was conducted.

Detection of Endocrine Disruptors in Water around Landfills

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore the occurrence levels of endocrine disruptors(EDCs)in rural areas around a county landfill in Tongren City.[Methods]The water around the landfill was sampled and analyzed.A solid-phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(SPE-UPLC-MS/MS)method was established for the determination of 27 EDCs.After the HLB solid-phase extraction column was activated,a water sample,which was adjusted with phosphoric acid to a pH of 2(±0.5)and added with 500 mg of disodium EDTA,was loaded,and 5 ml of water and 20%methanol water was added for washing.Next,10 ml of elution solution was added for elution,and the collected eluate was evaporated under reduced pressure at 40℃to near dryness,and 1 ml of reconstitution solution was added to a constant volume.An ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18(100×2.1 mm,2.6μm)chromatographic column was adopted for LC separation by gradient elution with pure water solution-acetonitrile as the mobile phase.For MS detection,the MRM mode was adopted for collection,and the positive and negative ion modes were switched for simultaneous determination,and the internal standard method was used for quantification.[Results]The correlation coefficient R2 was greater than 0.99 in the linear range of each target substance.The limits of quantitation in the method were between 0.05 and 2.00 ng/L,and the recoveries ranged from 75.3%to 105.7%.[Conclusions]The method has high sensitivity,good accuracy and strong practical value.

Review:Recent advances in the artificial endocrine system

The artificial endocrine system (AES) is a new branch of natural computing which uses ideas and takes inspiration from the information processing mechanisms contained in the mammalian endocrine system. It is a fast growing research field in which a variety of new theoretical models and technical methods have been studied for dealing with complex and significant problems. An overview of some recent advances in AES modeling and its applications is provided in this paper, based on the major and latest works. This review covers theoretical modeling, combinations of algorithms, and typical application fields. A number of challenges that can be undertaken to help move the field forward are discussed according to the current state of the AES approach.

Mixed epithelial endocrine neoplasms of the colon and rectum–An evolution over time:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Mixed tumors of the colon and rectum,composed of a combination of epithelial and endocrine elements of benign and malignant potential are rare neoplasms.These can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract and are often diagnosed incidentally.Though they have been a well-documented entity in the pancreas,where the exocrine-endocrine mixed tumors have been known for a while,recognition and accurate diagnosis of these tumors in the colon and rectum,to date,remains a challenge.This is further compounded by the different terminologies that have been attributed to these lesions over the years adding to increased confusion and misclassification.Therefore,dedicated literature reviews of these lesions in the colon and rectum are inconsistent and are predominantly limited to case reports and case series of limited case numbers.Though,most of these tumors are high grade and of advanced stage,intermediate and low grade lesions of these mixed tumors are also increasingly been reported.There are no established independent consensus based guidelines for the therapeutic patient management of these unique lesions.AIM To provide a comprehensive targeted literature review of these complex mixed tumors in the colon and rectum that chronicles the evolution over time with summarization of historical perspectives of terminology and to further our understanding regarding their pathogenesis including genomic landscape,clinicoradiological features,pathology,treatment,prognosis,the current status of the management of the primary lesions,their recurrences and metastases.METHODS A comprehensive review of the published English literature was conducted using the search engines PubMed,MEDLINE and GOOGLE scholar.The following search terms[“mixed tumors colon”OR mixed endocrine/neuroendocrine tumor/neoplasm/lesion colon OR adenocarcinoma and endocrine/neuroendocrine tumor colon OR mixed adenocarcinoma and endocrine/neuroendocrine carcinoma colon OR Amphicrine tumors OR Collision tumors]were used.Eligibility criteria were defined and all potential relevant items,including full articles and/or abstracts were independently reviewed,assessed and agreed upon items were selected for in-depth analysis.RESULTS In total 237 full articles/abstracts documents were considered for eligibility of which 45 articles were illegible resulting in a total of 192 articles that were assessed for eligibility of which 139 have been selected for reference in this current review.This seminal manuscript is a one stop article that provides a detailed outlook on the evolution over time with summarization of historical perspectives,nomenclature,clinicoradiological features,pathology,treatment,prognosis and the current status of the management of both the primary lesions,their recurrences and metastases.Gaps in knowledge have also been identified and discussed.An important outcome of this manuscript is the justified proposal for a new,simple,clinically relevant,non-ambiguous terminology for these lesions to be referred to as mixed epithelial endocrine neoplasms(MEENs).CONCLUSION MEEN of the colon and rectum are poorly understood rare entities that encompass an extensive range of heterogeneous tumors with a wide variety of combinations leading to tumors of high,intermediate or low grade malignant potential.This proposed new revised terminology of MEEN will solve the biggest hurdle of confusion and misclassification that plagues these rare unique colorectal neoplasms thus facilitating the future design of multi institutional prospective randomized controlled clinical trials to develop and evaluate newer therapeutic strategies that are recommended for continued improved understanding and personal optimization of clinical management of these unique colorectal neoplasms.

Adaptive changes of gastro-entero-pancreatic system endocrine cells in the black-spotted pond frog Rana nigromaculata after fasting

Changes in distribution density,morphology and secretory content of endocrine cells in the gastro-entero-pancreatic system of black-spotted frogs Rana nigromaculata before and after fasting were investigated using immunohistochemistry and antisera to six gut hormones.Six types of endocrine cells were detected in the digestive tract of Rana nigromaculata,including 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),gastrin(GAS),somatostatin(SOM),glucagon(GLU),pancreatic polypeptide(PP)and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide(VIP)cells.After fasting,the density of 5-HT cells in the esophagus,cardia and fundus,GAS cells in the fundus and pylorus,PP cells in the fundus decreased significantly(P<0.01),while SOM cells in the cardia,GLU cells in the rectum increased significantly(P<0.01).The cytoplasmic processes of 5-HT cells became shorter or not detectable.The secretory content of GAS cells reduced in the cardia.The positive immunostaining reaction in the perinuclear region of SOM cells in the cardia,fundus and pylorus became weaker,while the staining intensity in the periphery of these cells became stronger.VIP cells were not detectable in the whole digestive tract after fasting.Five types of endocrine cells were found in the pancreas of Rana nigromaculata,including 5-HT,GAS,SOM,GLU and PP cells.After fasting,the density of 5-HT cells decreased slightly(P>0.05),while SOM,GAS,GLU and PP cells increased significantly(P<0.01).Furthermore,the secretory content of GLU cells increased significantly.Considering their functionalities,our results indicate that the changes of GEP endocrine cells in Rana nigromaculata responded adaptively to starvation-induced stress.

Analysis of Environmental Endocrine Disrupting Activities in Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluents Using Recombinant Yeast Assays Incorporated with Exogenous Metabolic Activation System

Objective To measure the endocrine disrupting chemicals （EDCs） in wastewater and evaluate the EDCs removal efficiencies in the municipal wastewater treatment plants （WWTP）. Methods A battery of in vitro recombinant yeast bioassays incorporated with exogenous metabolic activation system （rat liver preparation, S9 mix） was conducted to assess the estrogen receptor （ER）, androgen receptor （AR）, progesterone receptor （PR）, and thyroid receptor （TR） ant/agonistic activities of effluents collected from Datansha WWTP. Results The indirect estrogenic, anti‐androgenic, anti‐progesteronic, and anti‐thyroidic activities were observed in the influent. The removal efficiencies of EDCs were above 74%, suggesting that the present wastewater treatment processes were good enough to remove most of these indirect endocrine disrupting chemicals. Conclusion The incorporation of exogenous metabolic capacity into the test system was valid for the study of indirect effects on ER, AR, PR, and TR.

Endocrine Disruption of Cadmium in Rats Using the OECD Enhanced TG 407 Test System

Objective To evaluate the endocrine disrupting effects of cadmium （Cd） using OECD enhanced TG407 test guideline. Methods Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into six groups and accordingly administered with 0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg.BW/day of Cd by gavage for 28 days. Body weight, food consumption, hematology, biochemistry, sex hormone levels, urinary β2-microglobulin, organ weights and histopathology and estrous cycle were detected. Results Cd could significantly decrease animals＇ body weight （P〈0.05）. Serum luteinizing hormone （LH） at 10-20 mg/kg.BW groups and testosterone （T） at 2.5 and 10 mg/kg.BW groups decreased significantly （P〈0.05）. However, no statistically significant change was found in urinary β2-microglobulin among Cd-treatment groups （P〉0.05）. Endpoints related to female reproduction including uterus weight and histopathological change at 10-20 mg/kg.BW groups showed significant increase （P〈0.05）. While among male rats in 2.5, 10, 20 mg/kg.BW groups, weight of prostate, thyroids, and seminal vesicle glands significantly decreased （P〈0.05）. Moreover, no histopathological change was observed in kidney. Conclusion Results suggested that Cd can cause endocrine disrupting effects in SD rats. Comparing with possible renal toxicity of Cd, its toxicity on endocrine system was more sensitive.

Practice of the integrated endocrine system course

The integrated curriculum is an important direction of the medical medical education reform under new situation and challenges of medical development.Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine has implemented the integrated curriculum reform in recent years.The endocrine system course is one of important intergrated courses and integrates relevant contents of multiple disciplines of basic medicine,diagnostics and medical imaging.Various teaching methods are adopted,such as classroom lecture,discussion,problembased learning,experimental lesson and clinical clerkship,etc.The teaching practice is carried on in several aspects:course arrangement,teaching methods,course website construction,teaching team construction and so on.

Plant Protection： The Risk Mitigation of Endocrine Disrupting Pesticides Use Demands the Shared Responsibility of All within the Agricultural System

The widespread use of agrochemicals and its possible negative impacts on humans and the environment remains a highly topical and controversial issue. Of particular concern here are chemicals that can disturb an organism＇s endocrine system. Referring to the precautionary principle, the objective of the research project start2 is to develop management strategies that help reduce possible risks for httmans and the environment of endocrine active agrochemicals. As an empirical basis we combined qualitative and quantitative methods and initiated two expert dialogues. Our findings underpin the well known fact that the use of agrochemicals is complex and dependent on more than the individual attitudes of farmers. Agricultural plant protection management is the collective product of a complex agricultural system, which encompasses treatment, marketing, industry and agricultural consultation as well as agricultural teaching institutions and relevant scientific disciplines. Successful management strategies for risk reduction in the context of hormonally active agrochemicals thus need to involve all actors within this system. The paper proposes a strategy that promotes participation by enabling learning processes among these actors.