Unraveling the gut-brain axis:the impact of steroid hormones and nutrition on Parkinson's disease

This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between nutrition,the gut microbiome,steroid hormones,and Parkinson's disease within the context of the gut-brain axis.The gut-brain axis plays a pivotal role in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease,encompassing diverse components such as the gut microbiota,immune system,metabolism,and neural pathways.The gut microbiome,profoundly influenced by dietary factors,emerges as a key player.Nutrition during the first 1000 days of life shapes the gut microbiota composition,influencing immune responses and impacting both child development and adult health.High-fat,high-sugar diets can disrupt this delicate balance,contributing to inflammation and immune dysfunction.Exploring nutritional strategies,the Mediterranean diet's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties show promise in reducing Parkinson's disease risk.Microbiome-targeted dietary approaches and the ketogenic diet hold the potential in improving brain disorders.Beyond nutrition,emerging research uncovers potential interactions between steroid hormones,nutrition,and Parkinson's disease.Progesterone,with its anti-inflammatory properties and presence in the nervous system,offers a novel option for Parkinson's disease therapy.Its ability to enhance neuroprotection within the enteric nervous system presents exciting prospects.The review addresses the hypothesis thatα-synuclein aggregates originate from the gut and may enter the brain via the vagus nerve.Gastrointestinal symptoms preceding motor symptoms support this hypothesis.Dysfunctional gut-brain signaling during gut dysbiosis contributes to inflammation and neurotransmitter imbalances,emphasizing the potential of microbiota-based interventions.In summary,this review uncovers the complex web of interactions between nutrition,the gut microbiome,steroid hormones,and Parkinson's disease within the gut-brain axis framework.Understanding these connections not only offers novel therapeutic insights but also illuminates the origins of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

Single nucleus/cell RNA-seq of the chicken hypothalamicpituitaryovarian axis offers new insights into the molecular regulatory mechanisms of ovarian development

The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian(HPO)axis represents a central neuroendocrine network essential for reproductive function.Despite its critical role,the intrinsic heterogeneity within the HPO axis across vertebrates and the complex intercellular interactions remain poorly defined.This study provides the first comprehensive,unbiased,cell type-specific molecular profiling of all three components of the HPO axis in adult Lohmann layers and Liangshan Yanying chickens.Within the hypothalamus,pituitary,and ovary,seven,12,and 13 distinct cell types were identified,respectively.Results indicated that the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide(PACAP),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),and prolactin(PRL)signaling pathways may modulate the synthesis and secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH),FSH,and luteinizing hormone(LH)within the hypothalamus and pituitary.In the ovary,interactions between granulosa cells and oocytes involved the KIT,CD99,LIFR,FN1,and ANGPTL signaling pathways,which collectively regulate follicular maturation.The SEMA4 signaling pathway emerged as a critical mediator across all three tissues of the HPO axis.Additionally,gene expression analysis revealed that relaxin 3(RLN3),gastrin-releasing peptide(GRP),and cocaine-and amphetamine regulated transcripts(CART,also known as CARTPT)may function as novel endocrine hormones,influencing the HPO axis through autocrine,paracrine,and endocrine pathways.Comparative analyses between Lohmann layers and Liangshan Yanying chickens demonstrated higher expression levels of GRP,RLN3,CARTPT,LHCGR,FSHR,and GRPR in the ovaries of Lohmann layers,potentially contributing to their superior reproductive performance.In conclusion,this study provides a detailed molecular characterization of the HPO axis,offering novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying reproductive biology.

Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of patients with depression

Objective： To investigate the effects of sleep electroencephalogram-modulated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation （SEM-rTMS） and conventional rTMS （C-rTMS） on the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal （HPA） axis in patients with depression. Methods： In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 164 patients diagnosed with depression were randomized to treatment with SEM-rTMS （n=57）, C-rTMS （n=55） or sham rTMS （n=52） for 30 rain every day for 10 d. Before and after treatment plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone （ACTH） and cortisol （CORT） were measured, and the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale （HAMD-24） was used for assessment. Results： The HAMD-24 scores and plasma ACTH and CORT concentrations of these depressive patients before treatment were significantly different from those of the normal control group （P〈0.05）. The HAMD-24 scores and plasma ACTH and CORT concentrations in the SEM-rTMS group and conventional rTMS group were decreased significantly （P〈0.05）. There was a significant positive correlation between the HAMD-24 scores and plasma ACTH （n=240, r=0.105, P=0.048） and CORT concentrations （n-240, r=0.126, P=0.023） in the patients with depression before and after treatment. Conclusion： The antidepressant effect of rTMS, including SEM-rTMS, may be related to its decreasing HPA axis activity. （This trail was registered. No： ChiCTR-TRC-00000465）

Fluoride Exposure,Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian Axis Hormones in Chinese Women

The effects of fluoride exposure on thefunctions of reproductive and endocrine systemshave attracted widespread attention in academiccircle nowadays. However, it is unclear whether thegene-environment interaction may modify thesecretion and activity of hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian （HPO） axis hormones. Thus, the aim of thisstudy was to explore the influence of fluorideexposure and follicle stimulating hormone receptor（FSHR） gene polymorphism on reproductivehormones in Chinese women. A cross sectionalstudy was conducted in seven villages of HenanProvince, China during 2010-2011. A total of 679women aged 18-48 years were recruited throughcluster sampling and divided into three groups, i.e.endemic fluorosis group （EFG）, defluoridationproject group （DFPG）, and control group （CG） basedon the local fluoride concentration in drinkingwater. The serum levels of gonadotropin releasinghormone （GnRH）, follicle stimulating hormone（FSH）, luteinizing hormone （LH）, and estradiol （E2）were determined respectively and the FSHRpolymorphism was detected by real time PCR assay.The results provided the preliminary evidenceindicating the gene-environment interaction onHPO axishormones in women.

Shizhenqing granule stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and reduces serum pro-inflammatory factors in a rat model with chronic eczema

Objective:In this study,we examined the effects of Shizhenqing granule(SZQG)on hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis and serum inflammatory factors in a rat model of chronic eczema,in order to explore the mechanism of action of SZQG in treatment of this disease.Methods:Sixty SpragueeDawley male rats were randomly divided into six groups(with 10 rats per group):blank group;model group;positive control group(prednisone);and the low-,medium-,and high-dose SZQG groups.Except for the blank group,rats in all other groups were treated with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene to induce chronic eczema.These rats were administered prednisone or SZQG for 7 consecutive days after successful establishment of the chronic eczema model,and samples were collected 12 h after the last administration.The degree of skin lesions and the changes in serum levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH),adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH),cortisol(CORT),interleukin(IL)-4,interferon(IFN)-g,IL-25,and IL-31 among the groups were compared.Results:SZQG effectively increased the levels of CRH,ACTH,and CORT,which decreased in the serum of rats with chronic eczema,stimulated the function of the HPA axis,and promoted the expression of glucocorticoids.SZQG reduced the serum levels of inflammatory factors including IL-4,IL-25 and IL-31,which were overexpressed in rats with chronic eczema,and increased those of anti-inflammatory factor IFN-g,thereby alleviating the inflammatory symptoms and itching,and ameliorating the clinical symptoms of chronic eczema.Conclusion:SZQG effectively alleviates skin lesions in the chronic eczema rat model by stimulating the function of the HPA axis.

The total flavonoids extracted from Xiaobuxin Tang reverse the hyperactivity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in chronically stressed rats

Objective To investigate the effect of XBXT-2 on the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis in chronic mild stress(CMS)model of rats.Methods Using ELISA to test the serum corticosterone,adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)and corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH)level in CMS rats;Using western blot to determine hippocampal glucocorticoids receptors(GR)expression in CMS rats.Results Co-administration of XBXT-2(25,50 mg·kg-1,p.o.,28 days,the effective doses for behavioral responses)significantly decreased the serum corticosterone and ACTH level in CMS rats,while the CRH level was not markedly affected by chronic stress or drugs.Moreover,XBXT-2 significantly increased the GR expression in the hippocampus of CMS rats.The same effects were observed in the positive control drug imipramine(10 mg·kg-1,p.o.).Conclusions The decrease of serum corticosterone and ACTH level,as well as the increase of hippocampal GR expression may be the mechanisms underlying the antidepressant action of XBXT-2,which may associate with HPA axis.

Seasonal photoperiodic influence of pineal melatonin on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-hippocampal-receptor in male rats

Background: Based on the effect of seasonal changes on human visceral function, this study investigated the impact of seasonal photoperiod of the pineal body on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-hippocampal-receptor in rats, aiming to reveal the mechanism by which pineal gland melatonin regulates the seasonal secretion of hippocampal neurotransmitters.Methods: Vernal equinox, summer solstice, autumn equinox, and winter solstice were selected as four experimental time points, and rats were randomly divided into normal control group, sham operation group, and pinealectomized group. The seasonal changes in corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH),adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH), corticosterone, hypothalamic melatonin receptor(MTR), and hippocampal corticosterone receptor(CORTR) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Comparing the same group between different seasons, we showed that in the normal control group, CRH, ACTH, corticosterone, and MTR were higher, while CORTR was lower in autumn and winter than in spring(all P <.05). Compared with the normal control group, the pinealectomized group showed higher levels of corticosterone(P =.01), MTR(P =.01), and CORTR(P =.03) during spring;reduced levels of MTR and CORTR(both P <.001) during summer;higher levels of ACTH(P =.001) and MTR(P <.001),and lower levels of CRH(P =.001), corticosterone(P <.001), and CORTR(P =.003) during autumn;and lower levels of CRH(P <.001) and MTR(P =.004), and higher level of ACTH(P <.001) in winter.Conclusions: Seasonal photoperiod acts on the pineal gland to secrete different levels of melatonin,resulting in seasonal changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-hippocampal-receptor, which may be the pathophysiological basis for the onset of seasonal affective disorder.

Individual Differences in Stress Responsiveness of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis and Its Vasopressinergic Regulation in Old Monkeys

Stress adaptation is fundamental for health, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is one of its main mechanisms. Considerable data indicate that arginine vasopressin (AVP) related disturbances of stress adaptation can occur with aging. However, most studies of such kind have been performed on rodents, give contradictory results and fail to consider individual characteristics of the animals. The purpose of this study was to investigate individual HPA responsiveness to acute stress and its vasopressinergic regulation in old female rhesus monkeys that differ in their behavioral responses to stress. Animals with depression-like or anxiety-like behavior (DAB) responded with higher plasma levels of ACTH and AVP, lower levels of corticosteroids and higher cortisol/DHEAS molar ratios to restraint stress and to insulin-induced hypoglycemia compared with animals with healthy adaptive behavior. AVP and ACTH dynamics were closely correlated in most animals. AVP treatment produced differences in HPA responses similar to those produced by the stressors. The ACTH response to hypoglycemic stress in the DAB animal with highest HPA responsiveness was dramatically reduced by prior administration of a V1b receptor antagonist. These results suggest that the dysfunctions of HPA observed in old animals with DAB are caused by increased tone of the vasopressinergic system in regulation of HPA stress reactivity.

Association of Body Mass Index with Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis Hormones in Infertile Women in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Background: Infertility is well-known global health problem that has significant impacts on an individual, families and communities. Many modifiable lifestyle risk factors increase the risk of women to several reproductive disorders. Aim: This study established the relationship between obesity and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis hormones in infertile women in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. Methodology: Six hundred and twenty-six (626) women aged 18 - 40 years comprising of 513 obese infertile women and 113 non obese women who served as control were recruited for the study. Anthropometric measurements were taken and Body Mass Index was calculated. A non-fasting venous blood sample was collected from the women and analyzed for serum Estrogen, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Progesterone, Inhibin B, and Prolactin using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: In the present study, the Body Mass Index of women with primary (1°) infertility is significantly (p < 0.05) higher than secondary (2°) infertility women. Whereas, women with 2° infertility were older and have a higher height than women with 1° infertility. The result revealed that serum estrogen, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the obese infertile women, while inhibin B and progesterone levels were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the obese infertile women compared to the control subjects. However, women with 1° infertility have a significantly higher LH and FSH levels than the 2° infertility women. Furthermore, the study revealed that hyperestrogenism is the most prevalent gonadal disorder in women with primary infertility and secondary infertility. The BMI of infertile women suffering Hyperestrogenism is significantly higher than any other female gonadal disorder. The result also showed that there is statistically significant positive correlation between BMI and Hypogonadism, Hypogonadotropic and Amenorrhoea in obese infertility women. While, no significant correlation between BMI and Hypergonadism and Hypergonadotropic was observed. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between BMI and Hypothalamus-Pituitary Ovarian hormones, as BMI showed a positive correlation with LH, FSH, Estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin in women with primary and secondary infertility, while Inhibin B showed a negative correlation with BMI. Conclusion: There is a relationship between BMI and Hypothalamus-Pituitary Ovarian hormones, signifying that obesity could affect female reproduction and directly impact ovarian function. Therefore, body weight maintenance should be considered as a first line of management of Hypothalamus-Pituitary Ovarian hormonal related infertility.

Effect of sericin on diabetic hippocampal growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 axis

Previous studies have shown that sericin extracted from silk cocoon significantly reduces blood glucose levels and protects the nervous system against diabetes mellitus. In this study, a rat type 2 diabetes mellitus model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg streptozotocin for 3 successive days, following which the rats were treated with sericin for 35 days. After treatment, the blood glucose levels of the diabetic rats decreased significantly, the growth hormone level in serum and its expression in the hippocampus decreased significantly, while the insulin-like growth factor-1 level in serum and insulin-like growth factor-1 and growth hormone receptor expression in the hippocampus increased significantly. The experimental findings indicate that sericin improves disorders of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 axis to alleviate hippocampal damage in diabetic rats.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Restoring the HPG Axis in Pain Patients Treated with Long-Term Opioid Analgesics

Opioids are a treatment option for a variety of chronic pain conditions. But long-term opioid use can be associated with side effects, including hypogonadism. Opioid-induced hypogonadism (OIhG) is associated with the alteration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG). In males, hypogonadism can result in erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, fatigue, worsening mood, and increased risk of osteoporosis;in females, it can result in changes in the menstrual cycle and reduced libido, among other effects. A current treatment option for these patients is hormone replacement therapy. In this report, we discuss the problem of opioid-induced hypogonadism, and the therapeutic approach and the potential complications of treating pain patients using hormone replacement therapy.

EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE ON THE HYPOTHALAMUS-PITUITARY-OVARY AXIS IN RATS WITH DYSMENORRHEA

Objective To observe the influence of acupuncture on hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis （HPOA） in rats with primary dysmenorrhea, and to explore its mechanisms. Methods Effects of acupuncture on the concentration level of β-endorphin （β-EP）, hypothalamic hormone （gonadotropin-releasing hormone, GnRH）, pituitary hormone （GnRH receptor GnRH-R, follicle stimulating hormone FSH, luteinizing hormone LH） and ovarian hormone （estrodiol E2, estrodiol receptor ER, progesterone P and progesterone receptor PR） were observed in dysmenorrheic rats. Results After receiving acupuncture treatment, the levels of 13- EP, GnRH, GnRH-R, FSH, LH, E2, ER, P and PR were changed, and this suggested that acupuncture had a regulative action on HPOA in dysmenorrheic rats. Conclusion The mechanism of acupuncture acting on the HPOA with primary dysmenorrhea might be its regulating role to the gonadal hormone of HPOA and its corresponding receptor expression.

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.

Heshouwu decoction, a Chinese herb for tonifying kidney, ameliorates hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis secretion in aging rats

An increasing amount of evidence demonstrates the anti-aging effect of Heshouwu in pill form. In this study, a subacute aging rat model was established by continuous intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose and treated with Heshouwu decoction （a Chinese herb for tonifying the kidney, comprising Heshouwu pill, Herba Epimedii, Radix Salviae Miltiorrhiae, and Poria）. Heshouwu pill treated rats were the positive control group. Radioimmunoassay, immunohistochemical staining, and western blot assay showed hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone, hypothalamic substance P, and serum gonadotropin levels to be significantly increased in the model rats; the concentrations of hypothalamic ~3-endorphin, and serum levels of insulin-like growth factor I and testosterone were significantly decreased. 1713- and 3[3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression in testicular tissue was also decreased. Intragastric administration of Heshouwu decoction at high （9.6 g/mL/100 g）, medium （4.8 g/mL/100 g）, and low （2.4 g/mlJ100 g） doses, Heshouwu decoction pretreatment at a medium dose （4.8 g/mL/100 g）, and Heshouwu pill （2.06 g/mL/100 g） significantly reversed these changes. Heshouwu decoction pretreatment and high-dose Heshouwu decoction had the greatest anti-aging effects. These experimental findings indicate that Heshouwu decoction can improve hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis secretion in a subacute aging rat model, and prevent and delay gonadal axis aging, with an effect superior to that of Heshouwu pill.

Intracerebroventricular leptin injection affects neuroendocrine reproductive axis in ovariectomized rats

BACKGROUND：Leptin regulates neuroendocrine function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis in humans. OBJECTIVE： To verify effects of intracerebroventricular leptin injection on neuroendocrine function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis in ovariectomized rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled experiment was performed at the Basic Medical Institute, Chengde Medical College between June and October 2007. MATERIALS： Thirty healthy, female, Wistar rats were included in this study. The following compounds were used： leptin; gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） and luteinizing hormone （LH） enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. METHODS： Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups at 1, 2, and 4 hours after injection. Each group was subdivided into control and experimental groups （n = 5 animals per group and time point）. All rats were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy and, beginning on day 7 after surgery, animals received daily subcutaneous injections of estradiol benzoate （2 μg） for 7 consecutive days. The experimental groups were injected with 5 μL leptin （1 g/L） into the lateral cerebral ventricle, and control groups received an equal volume of physiological saline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： GnRH and LH secretion were examined 1, 2, and 4 hours after injection using GnRH and LH ELISA kits, respectively. RESULTS： In the experimental groups, GnRH secretion significantly increased （P 〈 0.01）, followed by LH secretion （P 〈 0.01）, compared with the control groups. GnRH secretion significantly increased 1 hour after leptin injection （P 〈 0.01）. The LH increase was less pronounced, but still significant （P 〈 0.01）; however, the most prominent LH increase occurred between 1 and 2 hours. Both GnRH and LH secretion reached peak levels at 2 hours after leptin injection. Thereafter, both GnRH and LH secretion decreased, but still maintained very high levels, compared with the control group （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Intracerebroventricular leptin injection produced similar effects on GnRH and LH secretion in ovariectomized rats, indicating regulatory effects of leptin on GnRH and LH secretion.

Effects of dietary genistein on GH/IGF-I axis of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

There is considerable concern that isoflavones,such as genistein in fish feed composed of soybean protein,affects somatic growth in fish.Our previous works demonstrated that 30 and 300 μg/g dietary genistein had no significant effect on growth performance in Nile tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus),but the higher level of genistein(3 000 μg/g) significantly depressed growth.This study was conducted to further examine the effects of dietary genistein on the endocrine disruption on growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I(GH/IGF-I) axis in Nile tilapia(O.niloticus).Juvenile fish were fed by hand twice daily to satiation with one of four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets,each containing either 0,30,300 or3 000 μg/g genistein.Following an 8-week feeding period,plasma GH and IGF-I levels were investigated by radioimmunoassay and gene expression levels of gh,ghrelin,gnrhs,ghr,npy,npyrs,pacap,ghrs,igf-I,igf-Ir,and igfbp3 were examined by real-time PCR.The results show that no significant change in plasma GH and IGF-I levels in fish fed with diets containing 30 μg/gand 300 μg/g genistein.mRNA expression of genes along the GH/IGF-I axis remained unaffected,except for igf-Ir,which was stimulated by the 300 μg/g genistein diet.While in fish fed the 3 000 μg/g genistein diet,the plasma GH and IGF-I levels decreased,and mRNA expression of gh,ghr2,npyr1,igf-I,and igf-Ir were also significantly depressed.In contrast,npy and igfbp3 mRNA expression were enhanced.This study provides convincing evidence for growth impediment by genistein by disturbing the GH/IGF-I axis in Nile tilapia O.niloticus.

Stocking density affects the growth performance and metabolism of Amur sturgeon by regulating expression of genes in the GH/IGF axis

The effects of stocking density on the growth and metabolism of Amur sturgeon were assessed. Amur sturgeon were grown for 70 days at three dif ferent stocking densities(low stocking density, LSD: 5.5 kg/m^3; medium stocking density, MSD: 8.0 kg/m^3; and high stocking density, HSD: 11.0 kg/m^3), and the biometric index, muscle composition, and serum biochemical parameters were evaluated. In addition, pituitary, liver, and muscle samples were collected for gene cloning and expression analyses. After 70 days of growth, the fish maintained at HSD had significantly lower fi nal body weight and specifi c growth rate, and a higher feed conversion ratio than those of the fish in the MSD and LSD groups. The HSD group had the lowest lipid and protein concentrations in serum and muscle. The serum cortisol concentration increased significantly in the HSD group, indicating that the stress-response system was activated in these fish. There was no change in the concentration of serum insulin-like growth factor 2(IGF-2), while the concentrations of serum growth hormone(GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1) decreased in the HSD group. The full-length cDNAs of G H and IGF-2 genes(995-bp and 1 207-bp long, respectively), were cloned and analyzed. In the HSD group, the expressions of GH in the pituitary and growth hormone receptor( GHR) and IGF-1 in the liver were down-regulated at the end of the 70-day experiment. In the HSD group, the transcript level of IGF-2 significantly decreased in the liver, but did not change in muscle. Overall, our results indicated that a HSD negatively af fects the growth performance and leads to changes in lipid and protein metabolism in Amur sturgeon. The down-regulated expression of genes related to the GH/IGF axis may be responsible for the poor growth performance of Amur sturgeon under crowding stress.

Leptin effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by activating proopiomelanocortin neurons Correlation between regulatory effects and duration

BACKGROUND：Leptin preserves reproductive functions by stimulating hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activities at different levels.Some interneurons play an important role in leptin regulation of the gonadal axis.It remains uncertain whether leptin regulates reproductive functions by activating proopiomelanocortin （POMC） neurons.OBJECTIVE：To investigate leptin effects on secretory function of the neuroendocrine-gonadal axis by activating POMC neurons and to observe and verify the relationship between leptin effects and various time points.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING：The randomized,controlled,animal study was performed at the Basic Institute of Chengde Medical University and the Research Room of Reproductive Immunology of National Research Institute for Family Planning from June to September 2008.MATERIALS：Leptin （Peprotech,USA）,a-melanocyte stimulating hormone and rabbit anti-POMC polyclonal antibody （SC-20148） （Santa Cruz Biotechnology,USA）,follicle stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone,and gonadotropin releasing hormone enzyme-labeled immunosorbent assay （ELISA） kit （ADL,USA） were used in the present study.METHODS：A total of 60 healthy,female,adult,Wistar rats received 17 （3-estradiol for 5 consecutive days at 15 days after ovariectomy.The rats were randomly assigned to physiological saline （n= 35）,leptin （n = 35）,and a-melanocyte stimulating hormone （n = 20） groups.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES：Changes in gonadotropin releasing hormone,luteinizing hormone,and follicle stimulating hormone were compared following intraventricular injection of physiological saline,leptin,and a-melanocyte stimulating hormone at various time points.Changes in POMC mRNA and protein expression in the hypothalamus were measured following physiological saline and leptin injection via the lateral ventricle.RESULTS：Compared to the physiological saline group,leptin and a-melanocyte stimulating hormone affected secretion in the hypothalamus-pituitary axis.Leptin affected secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone,luteinizing hormone,and follicle stimulating hormone,whereas a-melanocyte stimulating hormone inhibited secretion of these hormones.Compared to the physiological saline group,POMC mRNA expression was significantly increased in the hypothalamus at 2 and 4 hours after leptin injection （P〈 0.05）,but expression recovered to physiological saline group levels at 6 hours after injection （P 〉 0.05）.POMC protein expression was significantly increased in the hypothalamus at 4 and 6 hours after leptin injection （P〈 0.05）.CONCLUSION：Leptin affects secretory function of the neuroendocrine-gonadal axis through combined effects on POMC neurons and other pathways.Results suggested that the regulatory effects of POMC neurons were later compared to other neurons.

Functional changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Background:Cardiac arrest(CA)is a terminal event that results in a range of pathophysiological changes in the body,most notably,systemic ischemia-reperfusion injury.The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis is an important neuroendocrine system that modulates adrenocortical hormone release.This study was designed to investigate the changes in HPA-related hormone levels after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR)and to explore possible etiologies to provide a basis for relevant clinical research.Methods:We collected the clinical data of 96 patients with CA admitted to the Emergency Department of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital,Capital Medical University,between January 2016 and May 2017.Serum samples were collected 6,24,and 72 hours after restoring spontaneous circulation(ROSC).The data were compared with those of the healthy control group(n=50).An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was performed to measure copeptin,adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH),corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH),and total cortisol.Demographic data were collected for both groups.For the CPR group,clinical data and the end-of-study cerebral performance category(CPC)were analyzed.Patients were followed up through day 28.Death or survival after day 28 was used as the study endpoint.Simple values were expressed as medians and quartiles or ratios(%)for statistical analysis.Continuous variables are expressed as mean±standard deviation.Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages.The mean values of normally distributed measurement data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance(ANOVA)for among-group comparisons and the least significant difference(LSD)test for between-group comparisons.SPSS v17(SPSS,Chicago,IL,USA)was used for statistical analysis,and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:No significant between-group differences were observed in terms of age or sex.The 28-day mortality rate in the CPR group was 71%.ACTH and CRH levels were significantly lower in the CPR group than in the healthy control group(P<0.001).Copeptin and cortisol levels 6 hours after ROSC were significantly higher in the CPR group than in the healthy control group(P<0.001).No significant changes in any indicator were observed over time(6,24,and 72 hours after ROSC)(P>0.05).The CPC score was 1–2(good cerebral performance group)in 13 patients,3–4(poor cerebral performance group)in 17 patients,and 5(brain death or clinical death)in 66 patients.Patients with significantly declining ACTH and CRH levels had higher CPC scores(P<0.05);however,no significant differences were found in other indicators(P>0.05).Conclusion:After post-CA ROSC,ischemia-reperfusion injury may cause brain damage and HPA axis damage and dysfunction,the severity of which is associated with CPC score.

艾灸治疗排卵障碍性疾病的作用机制研究概述

排卵障碍包括稀发排卵及无排卵,是生殖医学科的常见病种。中医认为本病根本责之肾虚,治疗以补肾为主。笔者查阅相关资料,发现艾灸对本病的治疗有其独特疗效,其起效机制包含以下五个方面:(1)调节生殖激素、甲状腺激素、肾上腺皮质激素水平,改善内分泌紊乱;(2)调控氧化应激及颗粒细胞凋亡,改善因卵巢功能衰退导致的排卵障碍;(3)调节卵泡液中细胞因子的表达,促进颗粒细胞的分裂及卵母细胞的发育成熟;(4)改善卵巢血液微循环,缓解卵泡缺氧;(5)改善卵巢组织形态,恢复卵巢排卵功能。本文从艾灸治疗排卵障碍性疾病的实验研究与临床研究两方面出发,总结近年来艾灸治疗本病的作用机制的一手文献,并分析目前研究优势及不足点,以期为未来临床应用提供理论基础和应用思路。