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PubMed1978

Masculinity and femininity as factors in feminism.

The relationship between feminism and sex roles was explored in two studies. In female college students, sex-role types were measured by Baucom's (1976) MSC and FMN scales and by Bem's Sex-Role Inventory (Bem, 1974). Feminism was measured by the Attitude Toward Women Scale (AWS, Short Form) (Spence & Helmreich, 1972) and the Women's Liberation Scale (WLS) (Goldberg, 1976). Two groups of women were predicted to be more profeminist than others. (a) those scoring high on both masculinity and femininity and (b) those scoring high on masculinity and low on femininity. Results of the study supported both hypotheses using the AWS but not the WLS. In the second study, MSC and FMN served as the basis for forming sex-role types, and feminism was measured by participation in NOW. Again, a large number of women high on masculinity and low on femininity were feminists: however, women high on both masculinity and femininity were underrepresented in NOW. Different results in the two studies are discussed in terms of the different ways that feminism was measured.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1983

Purification of liver feminizing factor from rat pituitaries and demonstration of its identity with growth hormone.

The identity of the pituitary factor responsible for the maintenance of a female pattern of hepatic steroid metabolism and a female level of PRL receptors has been established. Fractionation of pituitary extracts revealed that only the GH fraction had the capacity to feminize liver metabolism of androstenedione (i.e. increase 5 alpha-reductase activity and decrease 16 alpha-hydroxylase activity) and to induce PRL receptors to a female level in hypophysectomized animals. The purification of pituitary GH was performed by chromatofocusing followed by gel filtration on Sephadex G-75. GH obtained from male or female pituitary glands showed an identical chromatographic behavior and both preparations had a mol wt of 22,000 and an isoelectric point of 6.1 when analyzed by analytical sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing, respectively. The degree of homogeneity of GH varied between 93% and 97% as judged from sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis. Purified male and female GH were equally efficient in feminizing the liver metabolism. Since degradation of the native mol wt 22,000 form reduced the feminizing capacity, we believe that the intact hormone is needed for the feminization.

3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase↗
PubMed1975

Haemophilia A in a patient with testicular feminization.

A case of typical haemophilia A in phenotypically "hairless" women aged 18 with complete testicular feminization (primary amenorrhea, absence of palpated gonads, negative sex chromatin, fluorescence of Y chromosome in interphase nuclei, caryotype 46, XY by common and fluorescent methods) is reported in this paper. Both diseases are of familial character with transmission through female line. The propositus' father did not suffer from haemophilia. Signs of Morris syndrome (delay of menses, absence of secondary hair) are present in the propositus' mother and sister. The propositus' niece, the daughter of her sister, also suffered from testicular feminization, but without any haemophilia, probably due to the crossing-over. The analysis of the pedigree gives no information in favour of sex-linked or autosome-dominant sex limited inheritance of testicular feminization. Haemophilia A in the propositus is characterized by the very low factor-VIII level-1.66%, and typical joints bleedings since 3 years. At the age of 18 the patient had major surgery for a haemophilic thigh pseudotumor. There was rapid consolidation of the fracture and contracture was erradicated. In spite of severe factor VIII deficiency the course of haemophilia in the propositus is clinically milder than in male haemophiliacs in her family and in the general population. The similar findings were reviewed in literature including the case of hemyzygous haemophilia with testicular feminization and described women-homozygotes. The suggestion is made that the course of haemophilia in the propositus is affected by the female phenotype. The psychologica status of the patient and the possibility of professional rehabilitation by surgical treatment is discussed. The need for detailed cytogenetical examination of the persons with "female" haemophilia or the other sex-linked diseases to establish the correct diagnosis and for exclusion of the possible mosaicism is discussed.

Amenorrhea↗
PubMed2005

[Tumorous diseases in patients with the testicular feminization syndrome ("androgen insensitivity" syndrome)--description of two cases].

OBJECTIVE: To describe tumors occurring in two cases of testicular feminization syndrome. SUBJECT: Case report. SETTING: Dpt. of Special Diagnostics SPAU, University Hospital Plzen. SUBJECT AND METHOD: Two cases of testicular feminization syndrome were selected from four cases in our registry. Patients were 45 and 84-year-old Caucasian "females". Resected material was fixed in formaldehyde, routinely processed and stained with hematoxiline-eosin, inhibin, cytokeratines 20, placentar alkaline phosphatase, CD 99, Melan A, hCG. Sertoli cell adenoma was diagnosed in both patients. Older patient had in addition unclassified sex cord tumor of Leydig cell type. The number of sex chromosomes was examined using FISH analysis in both patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with testicular feminization syndrome are frequently affected by benign or malignant tumors in the cryptorchid testes. We documented two benign Sertoli cell adenomas and one sex cord tumor of uncertain biological behavior in our patients. The testes should be removed after puberty with subsequent estrogen therapy in patients with testicular feminization syndrome.

Aged↗
PubMed1978

Feminizing adrenocortical tumor. Histological and ultrastructural study.

A case of a feminizing adrenocortical tumor associated with Cushing's syndrome in a 29 year old male is presented. The ultrastructural features are compared with adrenal tumors secreting aldosterone, glucocorticoids of androgens. As in adrenal carcinomas, this tumor demonstrates nuclear pleomorphism with enlarged nucleoli and nuclear pseudoinclusions. The cytoplasmic organelles show some parallels between feminizing and androgen-secreting adrenal tumors. Different types of mitochondria occur with varying amounts of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Numerous microbodies are present. Histological and ultrastructural signs indicating probably malignancy are discussed and it is noted that most of the feminizing adrenal tumors are carcinomata. Neither local recurrence nor distant metastases have yet been detected in this case, two years after excision of the tumor.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2006

Gene expression profiles revealing the mechanisms of anti-androgen- and estrogen-induced feminization in fish.

Environmental anti-androgens are increasingly being recognized as potential contributing factors in the chemically induced feminization of wild fish because, by blocking androgen action, they can produce phenotypic effects similar to environmental estrogens. The molecular mechanisms by which anti-androgens and estrogens exert feminizing effects, however, have not been systematically compared. Using a targeted approach, we profiled the expression responses of a suite of 22 genes involved in reproduction, growth and development (processes controlled by androgens and estrogens) in the liver and gonad in adult male and female fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) exposed to the model anti-androgen flutamide and the model synthetic estrogen 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE(2)). Both flutamide (320 microg/L) and EE(2) (10ng/L) produced phenotypic effects indicative of feminization (induction of plasma vitellogenin, reduced gonadosomatic index, and reduced secondary sex characters), although for the chosen test concentrations EE(2) was the more potent. For the genes studied, flutamide and EE(2) produced distinct expression profiles, suggesting that they largely operate via distinct molecular mechanisms. As examples, in liver EE(2) (but not flutamide) exposure up-regulated estrogen receptor (ER) alpha mRNA, whereas flutamide exposure increased ERbeta and ERgamma mRNAs in males and resulted in decreased androgen receptor (AR) mRNA in females. In the testis, flutamide up-regulated genes coding for enzymes involved in androgen biosynthesis (cytochrome P450 17 [CYP17] and 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [11beta-HSD]) implying an inhibitory action on androgen negative feedback pathways. EE(2), in contrast, inhibited the expression of enzymes involved in androgen biosynthesis (CYP17, 11beta-HSD and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [17beta-HSD]). There were also some commonalities in the molecular mechanisms of flutamide and EE(2) action, including the down-regulation of gonadal sex steroid receptor expression (gonadal AR and ovarian ERalpha), increased expression of genes coding for estrogen-producing enzymes (cytochrome P450 19A and B [CYP19A and CYP19B]), decreased expression of genes involved in testis differentiation (anti-Mullerian hormone [AMH] and doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 [DMRT1]), and decreased expression of hepatic genes which mediate wider physiological processes such as somatic growth (growth hormone [GH], GH receptor [GHR], insulin-like growth factor-I [IGF-I], IGF-I receptor [IGF-IR], thyroid hormone receptor alpha [TRalpha] and beta [TRbeta]).

Androgen Antagonists↗
PubMed2002

Agonizing care: care ethics, agonistic feminism and a political theory of care.

'Care' is central to nursing theory and practice, and has been described in a variety of ways. Intense conversations about care have been developing in other fields of study as well, from the social sciences to the humanities. Care ethics has grown out of intellectual exchange between feminist thought, moral theory and the critique of traditional western political philosophy. However, care ethics is not without its critics, as these accounts of care have also sparked vigorous challenges. This paper traces the construct of care through nursing theory, care ethics, feminist critiques of moral and political theory and agonistic feminism to outline a set of problematics that a political theory of care should engage. It discusses how care is conventionally posited in more or less essentialist, universalizing and naturalizing terms. It introduces the ideas of feminist theorists who resist dichotomizing care and the political, and situate care in the context of power and politics. The tensions between care feminism and agonistic feminism are highlighted in order to explore the potential of theorizing both care and nursing in political terms.

Empathy↗
PubMed2000

Hypogonadism precedes liver feminization in chronic alcohol-fed male rats.

Men who chronically abuse alcohol may display a spectrum of endocrine abnormalities including hypogonadism and feminization, with elevated serum estradiol and low serum testosterone. We examined factors that may result in disruption of hepatic sex hormone homeostasis in alcohol-fed male rats and possible consequences of such changes. Rats were fed alcohol-containing or isocaloric diets for 30, 60, and 90 days. In alcohol-fed rats, serum testosterone levels and hepatic activity of 2 androgen-dependent estrogen metabolizing enzymes were reduced (P <.05) at all times, as was activity of androgen receptor. There was also a significant early and progressive decrease in testes/body ratio in alcohol-fed rats. Compared with this early decrease in testosterone-related parameters, there was a significant increase in serum estrogen levels (at 30 and 90 days, 132% and 168% of control values, respectively). An increase in serum ceruloplasmin, an estrogen-responsive liver protein, was apparent at 60 and 90 days, but not at 30 days of alcohol exposure, suggesting that hypogonadism precedes liver feminization. Hepatic estrogen receptor activity was decreased in alcohol-fed rats at 60 and 90 days, the latter despite elevated serum estrogen levels. Hepatic aromatase was slightly increased in alcohol-fed rats, an elevation probably not sufficient to account for observed increases in serum estrogen. Taken together, these data suggest that (1) alcohol induces profound reduction of serum testosterone, resulting in loss of androgen-regulated hepatic functions such as estrogen-metabolizing enzyme activity and activity of androgen receptors; and (2) such alcohol-induced hypogonadism precedes changes in hepatic sex hormone homeostasis and subsequent feminization.

Alcoholism↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Feminism: a perspective for the 21st century.

This article details some of the key elements related to feminism in American society. It suggests that the meaning and significance of a feminist perspective need to be reexamined for their importance and utility in this dynamic and rapidly changing society. A discussion of the meaning of feminism provides a framework for the article. Issues related to cultural diversity and the need for competent health care delivery for all people are some major themes. The other emphasis is related to research and women. Numerous challenges are outlined. A feminist perspective is recommended as a conceptual model through which health care reform can be enhanced. If feminism were embraced, the health status of people would be improved.

Cultural Diversity↗
PubMed2006

Feminizing Wolbachia in Zyginidia pullula (Insecta, Hemiptera), a leafhopper with an XX/X0 sex-determination system.

Zyginidia pullula is a grass-dwelling leafhopper characterized by a bisexual reproduction mode. In this species, some females collected in Northern Italy, when mated with males, gave origin to an exclusively female brood. Here, we demonstrated that in these lineages an infection by a new strain of Wolbachia pipientis-designated as wZygpul-was detected by amplifying and sequencing the wsp and 16S rRNA genes. About half of the female progeny were characterized by intersexual phenotypes, i.e. showing upper pygofer appendages, a typical male secondary sexual feature. The karyological analysis proved that while phenotypically normal females had a female genotype, those with upper pygofer appendages had a male genotype and were thus feminized males. The complete removal of W. pipientis after tetracycline treatment of morphologically normal females, and the consequent re-appearance of males in the brood, permitted us to connect the feminizing effect with the presence of the bacterium. This is the first case of feminization by W. pipientis in an XX/X0 sex-determination system, and is the second case reported in insects.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Massive extranglandular aromatization of plasma androstenedione resulting in feminization of a prepubertal boy.

This report describes the mechanism of origin and the quantity of estrogen produced in a prepubertal boy who developed severe feminization at 8 yr of age as the result of a heretofore undescribed metabolic abnormality. The clinical findings were gynecomastia and accelerated linear growth and bone maturation. At the time feminization developed, there were no signs of growth or development of the otherwise normal prepubertal male external genitalia or any increase of muscle mass that normally accompanies male puberty. The hyperestrogenism was found to be the consequence of massive extraglandular conversion of plasma androstenedione to estrone. During a 6-mo period of study, the plasma production rate of androstenedione ranged from 1.2 to 1.6 mg/day. More than 55% of plasma androstenedione was metabolized by aromatization to estrone which, in turn, was extensively sulfurylated in the tissue sites of aromatization before its entry into the blood. Thus, estrone sulfate was the final product in the aromatizing sites, and the plasma production rate of estrone sulfate derived from plasma androstenedione was 782 mug/24 h. The extent of extraglandular conversion of plasma androstenedione to estrone measured in this boy was 50 times that observed in two normal prepubertal boys. Moreover, 94% of the extraglandular aromatization occurred in extrahepatic sites. The metabolic clearance rate of plasma androstenedione, 2,380 liters/day per m(2), was markedly increased in this boy. Approximately 1,500 liters of plasma androstenedione clearance was accounted for by extrahepatic, extraglandular aromatization. The fractional conversion of testosterone to estradiol, 0.16, was 50 times greater in this boy than that observed in normal young adult men. The total extent of aromatization of plasma prehormones was even greater in this boy inasmuch as evidence was obtained that aromatization of 16-hydroxysteroids, e.g. 16alpha-hydroxy androstenedione and 16alpha-hydroxy dehydroisoandrosterone (sulfate), resulted in estriol formation independent of estrone formation. Thus, extensive extrahepatic, extraglandular aromatization resulted in advanced feminization in this prepubertal boy by a previously undescribed metabolic abnormality.

Androstenedione↗
PubMed1981

DMBA is ineffective in inducing breast cancer in feminized male Holtzman rats.

Mammary tissue of male rats "feminized" by in utero treatment with cyproterone acetate, accrues the capacity to convert circulating androgens to estrogens at the mammary tissue level in adult life. DMBA-induced mammary tumorigenesis was studied in these feminized males to find out whether or not this altered steroid metabolism leading to heightened estrogenicity would increase mammary tumor yield when compared to that seen in normal males, where such conversion is significantly low. Results on the incidence of mammary tumors, tumor pathology and latency period of tumor appearance in these 2 groups, however, do not differ significantly. From observations on mammary morphology of these feminized males it appears that in vivo conversion of testosterone to estrogen probably is not total and that the available testosterone inhibits tumor induction.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗
PubMed1992

Bone marrow hypoplasia in a feminized dog with an interstitial cell tumor.

Bone marrow hypoplasia and feminization developed in a 10-year-old male German Shepherd Dog with interstitial cell tumor. Clinical abnormalities included pyrexia, pale mucous membranes, signs of abdominal pain, large left testis, atrophied right testis, and feminization. Abnormal laboratory findings included pancytopenia, bacteremia, bacteriuria, and pyuria. Results of cytologic examination of a bone marrow aspirate were consistent with aplastic anemia. Serum estradiol concentration was high, and serum testosterone concentration was low, compared with normal values for male dogs. The left testicular mass was identified as an interstitial cell tumor. Other causes of the aplastic anemia or feminization were not found.

Anemia, Aplastic↗
PubMed1988

Feminization of rat hepatic P-450 expression by cisplatin. Evidence for perturbations in the hormonal regulation of steroid-metabolizing enzymes.

The biochemical basis for the complex effects of the anti-cancer drug cisplatin on hepatic cytochrome P-450 activity was studied in adult male rat liver using P-450 form-specific steroid hydroxylase assays and antibody probes. Cisplatin treatment of adult male rats resulted in a marked and prolonged feminization of the pattern of P-450 enzymes expressed in hepatic tissue. The adult male-specific cytochrome P-450 forms designated P-450 2c (P-450 gene IIC11), P-450 2a (gene IIIA2), and P-450 RLM2 were decreased by 70-90% after 7-14 days, with parallel decreases in their respectively associated microsomal steroid hydroxylase activities. Concomitantly, hepatic levels of the female-predominant enzymes P-450 3 (gene IIA1) and P-450j (gene IIE1) were elevated approximately 2-4-fold. The female-specific microsomal enzyme androstenedione 5 alpha-reductase was induced approximately 20-fold by cisplatin; however, no elevation of the female-specific P-450 2d was detected. The underlying hormonal basis for these effects of cisplatin was then examined. Serum testosterone levels were found to be depleted by cisplatin in a time- and dose-dependent manner which correlated with the observed changes in these hepatic enzymes. Furthermore, castration of adult rats altered the profile of these enzymes in a manner which resembled that observed with cisplatin treatment, suggesting that androgen depletion was the primary cause for the observed feminization of hepatic enzyme expression. Consistent with this possibility, the synthetic androgen methyltrienolone effectively blocked the changes in hepatic enzyme expression induced by cisplatin. Moreover, hepatic enzyme feminization was significantly reversed by chorionic gonadotropin, which fully restored serum testosterone levels in the cisplatin-treated rat. Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone challenge experiments demonstrated that the responsiveness of the pituitary to this hypothalamic regulator of testicular androgen production was unimpaired by cisplatin treatment, indicating that hypothalamic production or secretion of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone may be deficient in the cisplatin-treated animals. These studies establish that the effects of cisplatin on hepatic P-450 enzyme expression result from its interruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary stimulation of testicular androgen production and that this, in turn, leads to a depletion of circulating androgens required for maintenance of normal P-450 enzyme expression in adult male rats.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Feminization of chronic alcoholic men: a formulation.

A review of the factors historically thought to contribute to the feminization of men with Laennec's cirrhosis is presented. Objective scientific data is presented both in support of and in rejection of such factors when available. Recent hypotheses about the significance of an altered estrogen to androgen (E/T) ratio as being important in the pathogenesis of feminization also are discussed. Finally, a hypothesis which incorporates the findings of hypogonadism and cirrhosis with portal-systemic shunting is presented as a pathogenic mechanism for the feminization of men with alcohol-induced Laennec's cirrhosis.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed2005

Dynamics and histological characteristics of gonadal sex differentiation in pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis) at feminizing and masculinizing temperatures.

This study evaluated the effects of different temperatures on the histological process of sex differentiation in the pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis, a fish with marked temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), at feminizing, neutral, and masculinizing temperatures. Fish reared at three temperatures (17 degrees C, 24 degrees C, and 29 degrees C) from hatching were sampled weekly until 11 weeks and their gonads were examined by histology. The percentages of females at 17 degrees C, 24 degrees C, and 29 degrees C were 100%, 73%, and 0%, respectively. Sex differentiation occurred earlier and at a smaller body size at higher temperatures in both sexes. The first signs of ovarian differentiation were observed at 4 and 7 weeks at 24 degrees C and 17 degrees C, respectively, and those of testicular differentiation at 4 and 7 weeks at 29 degrees C and 24 degrees C, respectively. Body or gonadal growth rates before sex differentiation were not proportional to temperature and showed no sexual dimorphism at 24 degrees C, where both sexes were present. Thus, differential growth rate is probably not a factor in TSD or histological sex differentiation in pejerrey. Blood vessels were formed before sex differentiation in both sexes and at all temperatures, and may be important for sex differentiation. No signs of intersexuality were found in any of the groups, and this characterizes pejerrey as the differentiated type of gonochorist even at feminizing and masculinizing temperatures. Ovaries were formed by the same histological processes at feminizing (17 degrees C) and neutral (24 degrees C) temperatures and without any pathological features such as germ cell degeneration. The process of testicular formation was generally similar at 24 degrees C and 29 degrees C, but some fish at 29 degrees C had widespread germ cell degeneration before sex differentiation. This suggests that pathological processes leading to germ cell death, such as heat-induced dysfunction of the supporting somatic cells, could be involved in masculinization of the genetic females at high temperatures.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2002

Simultaneous sertoli cell tumor and adenocarcinoma of the tunica vaginalis testis in a patient with testicular feminization.

BACKGROUND: The association of testicular feminization with late diagnosis in a patient with a large Sertoli cell tumor and a metastasizing adenocarcinoma of the tunica vaginalis testis is unusual. CASE: Testicular feminization was diagnosed in a 72-year-old patient, who was admitted with a large lower abdominal mass. Histologically, we found a well-differentiated Sertoli cell tumor and an adenocarcinoma of the tunica vaginalis testis with metastases in the sigmoid colon, rectum, and omentum. Explorative laparotomy revealed a large pelvic tumor mass and extensive peritoneal carcinosis. After debulking surgery to optimal residual disease and four courses of chemotherapy (cisplatin and etoposide), there was no evidence of disease (clinically) for 24 months before an intraabdominal and inguinal relapse occurred. Due to the unwillingness of the patient to receive salvage chemotherapy or palliative abdominal surgery, the disease progressed rapidly and she died 27 months after the initial operation. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of an advanced carcinoma of the tunica vaginalis testis occurring simultaneously with a large Sertoli cell tumor in a patient with testicular feminization. Surgical debulking and platinum-based chemotherapy rendered the patient clinically free of disease for 2 years.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1993

Mitochondrial DNA polymorphism and feminizing sex factors dynamics in a natural population of Armadillidium vulgare (Crustacea, Isopoda).

Sex determination in Armadillidium vulgare may be under the control of two parasitic sex factors that reverse genetic males into functional neo-females. The first feminizing factor (F) is a Wolbachia and the other (f) is probably a sequence of the F bacterial DNA unstably integrated into the host genome. Both of these feminizing factors are mainly maternally transmitted. Here we investigate the mitochondrial DNA polymorphism of wild iso-female lineages harbouring either F or f. Among the four haplotypes present in the population, two were the f-harbouring lineages, while two were common to the F- and f-harbouring lineages. This result suggests that there has been an introgression of the f factor into lineages infected by F Wolbachia. Based on previous data, we propose two different ways to account for such introgression. Given the particular dynamics of feminizing factors (f-harbouring lineages increase in populations at the expense of F-harbouring lineages), such an introgression should prevent the replacement of F-linked mitochondrial types by f-linked mitochondrial types in wild populations.

Animals↗