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Pharmacokinetics, bioefficacy, and safety of sublingual testosterone cyclodextrin in hypogonadal men: comparison to testosterone enanthate--a clinical research center study.

We studied and compared the pharmacokinetics and bioefficacy of two doses of sublingual testosterone cyclodextrin (SLT; 2.5 and 5.0 mg, administered three times per day) with testosterone enanthate (TE; 200 mg) given once every 20 days by im injections over a 60-day study period in 63 hypogonadal men. After SLT administration, serum testosterone (T) levels peaked at 20 min and then fell, reaching baseline levels by 360 min. The calculated half-lives were 60.3 +/- 7.5 and 68.8 +/- 5.0 min after a single dose of 2.5 and 5.0 mg SLT, respectively. The mean area under curve (AUC) of serum T was computed over 20-day periods for the 3 treatment groups. The mean net AUC of serum T after TE administration was about 4- and 2-fold higher than that in the 2.5 and 5 mg groups over the last 20 days. Serum estradiol and dihydrotestosterone followed the same pattern as serum T. Serum estradiol to T ratios decreased after T replacement in all 3 groups, whereas serum dihydrotestosterone to T ratios were not significantly changed by T treatment. Suppression of serum LH and FSH levels was more marked in the patients treated with TE than in those given SLT. Similarly, serum sex hormone-binding globulin levels showed significant decreases with androgen replacement only in the TE and SLT 5.0 mg range groups. There were no significant adverse effects based on comprehensive physical examinations, urea, electrolytes, and renal or liver function tests. Hematocrit levels increased in the TE-treated group, but remained slightly lower than baseline levels in the SLT groups. Serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol showed a small, but significant, decrease with time of treatment in all groups. Despite the differences in the AUC of serum T levels achieved by different androgen replacement therapies, all patients showed significant improvements in sexual motivation and performance, with no significant difference between the treatment groups. We conclude that SLT may be a useful addition to the currently available injectable and transdermal delivery systems for treatment of hypogonadal men. Because of the ease of administration, rapid reversibility of effects, and lower AUC of serum T levels achieved compared to those of TE injections, SLT may be especially suitable for treatment of boys with delayed puberty and older men with androgen deficiency.

Administration, Sublingual↗

Menstrual dysfunction in swimmers: a distinct entity.

Menstrual dysfunction is common among athletes with very low body mass, such as long distance runners and dancers, and is usually associated with hypothalamic dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the menstrual status of swimmers, in whom exercise is nonweight bearing and thinness is, thus, not essential. Questionnaires recording the menstrual history of 69 young competitive swimmers (aged 16.4 +/- 0.5) were compared to those of 279 age-matched controls. Age of menarche (M) was significantly (P < 0.005) delayed among swimmers (13.8 +/- 0.2 yr) compared to controls (13.0 +/- 0.1 yr). Eighty-two percent of swimmers had menstrual irregularities after M compared to 40% of control, with longer duration of these irregularities (16 vs. 4 months; P < 0.005). A subset of 24 swimmers was studied further for body composition, pubertal stage, and reproductive hormone levels. Estradiol levels were normal in all post-M swimmers (273 +/- 20 pmol/L) and higher than average in pre-M (383 +/- 44 pmol/L). FSH levels were normal in all subjects (10.7 +/- 1.6 IU/L), LH was mildly elevated (17.1 +/- 1.2 IU/L), and the LH/FSH ratio was 1.7. Levels of dehydroepiandrostenedione sulfate and androstenedione, but not testosterone, were higher than average in all groups of swimmers. The results of this study indicate that female competitive swimmers are vulnerable to delayed puberty and menstrual irregularities, but the associated hormonal profile is very different from the hypothalamic amenorrhea described in dancers and runners. We, therefore, suggest a different mechanism for reproductive dysfunction in swimmers that is associated not with hypoestrogenism, but, rather, with mild hyperandrogenism. A distinction among the various types of athletic amenorrhea should be made based on hormonal profiles with attention to their weight and somatotype.

Adolescent↗

Treatment of isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism effect on bone mineral density and bone turnover.

Isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) presents with delayed puberty in the late teens or early twenties, with a period of testosterone deficiency during active growth. The aims of the study were to determine 1) whether long term treatment of IHH results in normalization of bone density (BMD) and bone turnover, and 2) whether BMD and bone turnover respond to increasing doses of hCG. We studied 10 men, aged 26-46 yr, with IHH who were treated with hCG or testosterone esters (Sustanon) for 2-22 yr, with age at the start of treatment between 17-29 yr, and 10 age- and body weight-matched normal men as a control group. At baseline, lumbar spine, femoral neck, trochanter, and Ward's triangle BMD values were decreased, and serum bone Gla-protein, bone alkaline phosphatase, and urinary pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline, and N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen were increased compared with control values (by paired t test, P = 0.02, 0.03, 0.01, 0.05, 0.002, 0.02, 0.02, 0.007, and 0.006, respectively). The age at initial therapy was significantly correlated with total body BMD (r = -0.73; P = 0.017) and lumbar spine BMD (r = -0.756; P = 0.0097). Serum free testosterone was correlated with total body and trochanter BMD (r = 0.635; P = 0.048 and r = 0.629; P = 0.05), and serum free estradiol was correlated with total body and trochanter BMD (r = 0.641; P = 0.045 and r = 0.634; P = 0.048). Six of the 10 patients were recruited for a longitudinal study in which the dose of hCG was increased monthly from 2000 i.u. twice per week to 6000 i.u. twice per week. After increasing doses of hCG, levels of serum testosterone and estradiol and total body BMD increased significantly (by paired t test P = 0.001, 0.003, and 0.01, respectively). Serum bone Gla-protein levels increased by the first month and then decreased (paired t test, corrected by Bonferroni's method). Serum bone alkaline phosphatase and urinary N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen/creatinine levels decreased significantly after increasing the dose of hCG. We conclude that patients with IHH who have serum testosterone within the laboratory reference range may require a higher dose of hCG to normalize BMD and bone turnover.

Adult↗

Inhibition of P450 aromatase enhances gonadotropin secretion in early and midpubertal boys: evidence for a pituitary site of action of endogenous E.

In early pubertal boys, E concentrations are very low. We studied the role and site of action of endogenous E in the regulation of gonadotropin secretion in early and midpubertal boys by inhibiting the action of E with a potent and specific P450 aromatase inhibitor, letrozole. A total of 35 boys who were referred to us because of suspicion of delayed puberty were included in the study. The boys were in either early or midpuberty, and they composed 3 groups: 10 boys did not receive any treatment, 12 boys received T alone, and 13 boys received T and letrozole. In the untreated group during the 5-month follow-up, no changes were observed in 17beta-E2, T, basal gonadotropin, or inhibin B concentrations or in the GnRH-induced gonadotropin responses. In the T-treated group during the 5-month treatment, the T concentration increased by 55% (P < 0.05), and the 17beta-E2 concentration increased by 130% (P < 0.02). Concurrently, basal gonadotropin concentrations were suppressed, but the GnRH-induced gonadotropin responses and the inhibin B concentration remained unchanged. In the T- plus letrozole-treated group during the 5-month treatment, an increase in T concentration of 606% was observed (P < 0.001), but the 17beta-E2 concentration remained unchanged. The changes in the 17beta-E2 concentration within 5 months in the untreated and the T- plus letrozole-treated groups were different (P < 0.02), indicating significant inhibition of endogenous E synthesis during letrozole treatment. During the T plus letrozole treatment, basal gonadotropin concentration, the GnRH-induced LH response, and inhibin B concentration increased, and the GnRH-induced FSH response did not change significantly. Serum nocturnal gonadotropin pulses were determined in 5 boys treated with T and in 5 boys treated with T plus letrozole. In the T- plus letrozole-treated group, the nocturnal LH pulse amplitude increased, and the LH pulse frequency and interpulse interval remained unchanged. In conclusion, in early and midpubertal boys, suppression of the action of E by the P450 aromatase inhibitor increased LH concentration, LH pulse amplitude, and the GnRH-induced LH response, which indicates that in boys during early and midpuberty, endogenous E regulates LH secretion at the site of the pituitary.

Adolescent↗

The effect of administering gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist with recombinant-human growth hormone (GH) on the final height of girls with isolated GH deficiency: results from a controlled study.

To assess whether delaying puberty may improve final height in GH-deficient children with a poor height prediction at early puberty, we studied 24 girls with isolated GH deficiency until they reached their final height, in a controlled trial. Patients were taking recombinant human GH (r-hGH) substitutive therapy from 2.1 +/- 0.5 yr (0.1 IU/kg.day sc) before entering the study, without showing any improvement in height prediction (149.6 +/- 2.9 vs.150.3 +/- 2.2 cm) on entering puberty. Fourteen girls agreed to add a GnRH agonist (GnRHa) to r-hGH, whereas the remaining 10 decided against it and served as controls. At the start of the study, girls treated with or without GnRHa had similar auxological characteristics (bone age, 10.9 +/- 0.6 vs. 10.7 +/- 1.3 yr; height SD score for chronological age, -1.87 +/- 0.3 vs. -1.82 +/- 0.2), including pubertal development. The GnRHa (long-acting D-Trp-6-GnRH) was given at 60 microg/kg im every 28 days for 1.9 +/- 0.9 yr, then patients continued the r-hGH at the same dosage (3.1 +/- 0.7 yr). At the end of the study, bone age was 16.2 +/- 0.3 yr in GnRHa-treated girls and 16.6 +/- 0.9 yr in controls. Bone maturation was significantly slower during GnRHa (1.4 +/- 0.2 yr), and height SD score for bone age improved (-0.31 +/- 0.3) in comparison with controls (2.6 +/- 0.4 yr and -1.35 +/- 0.3 SD score; P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). As a result, girls given the combined therapy reached a final height higher than that of controls (height SD score, -0.39 +/- 0.5 vs. -1.45 +/- 0.2; P < 0.0001) and also higher than their midparental height (-1.1 +/- 0.5; P < 0.0005). Controls reached their midparental height. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that slowing pubertal development with the administration of GnRHa for a limited time may improve final height in GH-deficient girls selected because of a poor height prediction at early puberty.

Body Height↗

Variation in the timing of puberty: clinical spectrum and genetic investigation.

Human puberty begins with the reemergence of GnRH secretion from its relative quiescence during childhood, activating a cascade of pituitary-gonadal maturation. This transition begins across a wide range of ages, and the rate of subsequent sexual maturation can be quite varied. The factors that regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and modulate the timing of puberty remain elusive, but it is clear that some regulation is under genetic control. Here, we discuss how new advances in genetic research may provide the tools to help unravel this long-standing mystery.

Genetic Variation↗

Effects of treatment with GH alone or in combination with LHRH analog on bone mineral density in pubertal GH-deficient patients.

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of treatment with GH with or without LHRH analog (LHRH-A) on bone mineralization of GH-deficient adolescents. We studied 17 pubertal, treatment-naive, GH-deficient patients (10 girls and 7 boys) in a prospective, randomized trial. Mean chronological age and mean bone age were 14.1 +/- 0.4 and 11.3 +/- 0.3 yr, respectively, at the beginning of the study. Treatment with GH + LHRH-A (n = 7) or GH alone (n = 10) started simultaneously. Nutropin was administered at a dose of 0.1 U/kg per day sc until patients reached near final height (NFH), defined as a bone age of 14 yr in girls and 16 yr in boys. Mean time of GH therapy in the patients treated with GH+LHRH-A was 4.8 +/- 0.5 yr and in the patients treated with GH alone 2.9 +/- 0.7 yr. Lupron was administered at a dose of 300 microg/kg every 28 d im for 3 yr. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed yearly by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine (L2-L4) and femoral neck at the beginning of the study, after 3 yr of hormonal therapy, and at NFH. Statistical analysis was performed by t test and ANOVA. We observed a significant increase in lumbar and femoral bone mineral content, BMD, SD score, and bone mineral apparent density, compared with baseline in both groups of patients, regardless of whether they were treated with GH alone or in combination with LHRH-A. The patients treated with GH + LHRH-A had a significantly lower bone mineral content after 3 yr of therapy. This difference, however, did not persist after both groups of patients reached NFH. These results indicate that delaying puberty with LHRH-A in GH-deficient patients treated with GH diminishes transient bone mineralization but does not appear to have a permanent impact on BMD.

Adolescent↗

PTPN11 (protein-tyrosine phosphatase, nonreceptor-type 11) mutations in seven Japanese patients with Noonan syndrome.

Noonan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder defined by short stature, delayed puberty, and characteristic dysmorphic features. Tartaglia et al. (Nature Genetics, 29:465-468) have recently shown that gain-of-function mutations in the gene PTPN11 (protein-tyrosine phosphatase, nonreceptor-type 11) cause Noonan syndrome in roughly half of patients that they examined. To further explore the relevance of PTPN11 mutations to the pathogenesis of Noonan syndrome, we analyzed the PTPN11 gene in 21 Japanese patients. Mutation analysis of the 15 coding exons and their flanking introns by denaturing HPLC and direct sequencing revealed six different heterozygous missense mutations (Asp61Gly, Tyr63Cys, Ala72Ser, Thr73Ile, Phe285Ser, and Asn308Asp) in seven cases (six sporadic and one familial). The mutations clustered either in the N-Src homology 2 domain or in the protein-tyrosine phosphatase domain. The clinical features of the mutation-positive and mutation-negative patients were comparable. The results provide further support to the notion that PTPN11 mutations are responsible for the development of Noonan syndrome in a substantial fraction of patients and that relatively infrequent features of Noonan syndrome, such as sensory deafness and bleeding diathesis, can also result from mutations of PTPN11.

Adolescent↗

Targeted expression of a dominant-negative fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons reduces FGF responsiveness and the size of GnRH neuronal population.

Increasing evidence suggests that fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are neurotrophic in GnRH neurons. However, the extent to which FGFs are involved in establishing a functional GnRH system in the whole organism has not been investigated. In this study, transgenic mice with the expression of a dominant-negative FGF receptor mutant (FGFRm) targeted to GnRH neurons were generated to examine the consequence of disrupted FGF signaling on the formation of the GnRH system. To first test the effectiveness of this strategy, GT1 cells, a GnRH neuronal cell line, were stably transfected with FGFRm. The transfected cells showed attenuated neurite outgrowth, diminished FGF-2 responsiveness in a cell survival assay, and blunted activation of the signaling pathway in response to FGF-2. Transgenic mice expressing FGFRm in a GnRH neuron-specific manner exhibited a 30% reduction in GnRH neuron number, but the anatomical distribution of GnRH neurons was unaltered. Although these mice were initially fertile, they displayed several reproductive defects, including delayed puberty, reduced litter size, and early reproductive senescence. Overall, our results are the first to show, at the level of the organism, that FGFs are one of the important components involved in the formation and maintenance of the GnRH system.

Animals↗

Neurofibromatosis presenting with aqueductal stenosis due to a tumor of the aqueduct: case report.

A 17-year-old boy with neurofibromatosis presented with delayed puberty and epileptic seizures of recent onset. A computed tomographic scan revealed aqueductal stenosis due to a tumor of the aqueduct. This tumor was found at autopsy to be a pilocytic astrocytoma. Aqueductal stenosis in neurofibromatosis is uncommon and has been considered to be a result of periaqueductal gliosis. This seems to be the first report of neurofibromatosis associated with a tumor of the aqueduct.

Adolescent↗

Histiocytosis X of the hypothalamus.

An 18-year-old woman presented with visual disturbance and endocrine dysfunction (diabetes insipidus, delayed puberty, hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism, and hyperprolactinemia). Computed tomography and enhanced cisternography showed a single hypothalamic mass, which proved at biopsy to be histiocytosis X. Further studies showed the disease to be restricted to the hypothalamus. The patient was treated with hormonal replacement therapy, but her visual acuity continued to worsen. Visual acuity improved after low-dose irradiation of the pituitary fossa and hypothalamus, which also led to disappearance of the mass. This case shows that localized hypothalamic histiocytosis X can be diagnosed and treated successfully before other systems become involved.

Adolescent↗

Progress towards the development of non-peptide orally-active gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists: therapeutic implications.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide (pGlu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-Gly-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly.NH2) which is produced from a precursor polypeptide in hypothalamic neurons and secreted in a pulsatile fashion to stimulate the secretion of LH and FSH via its interaction with a cognate receptor on gonadotropes. Low doses of the native peptide delivered in a pulsatile manner to mimic that found in the hypothalamic portal vessels restore fertility in hypogonadal patients, and are also effective in treating cryptorchidism and delayed puberty. Administration of high doses of GnRH, or agonist analogues, causes desensitization of the gonadotrope with consequent decline in gonadal gametogenesis and steroid and peptide hormone synthesis. This phenomenon finds extensive therapeutic application in clinical medicine in a wide spectrum of disease (Table 1). In addition, GnRH analogues have promise as new generation male and female contraceptives in conjunction with steroid hormone replacement. GnRH antagonists inhibit the reproductive system through competition with endogenous GnRH for the receptor and, in view of their rapid effects, are being increasingly used for the above mentioned applications. The peptide agonists and antagonists currently available require parenteral administration, typically in the form of long-acting depots. A new generation of non-peptide GnRH antagonists are beginning to emerge which should allow oral administration and, therefore, may provide greater flexibility of dosing, lower costs and increased patient acceptance.

Administration, Oral↗

[On the mechanisms of retardation of aging and inhibition of mammary tumorigenesis by energy restriction in SHN/C3H F1 female mice].

Although it has long been known that energy restriction (ER) inhibits tumors and retards aging in rats and mice, its mode of action remains unknown. In rodents, ER alters the rate of age-related changes in physiological indices. Thus, it affects a broad array of age-sensitive parameters. However, present evidence does not indicate which parameters are primary contributors to the deceleration of aging. Compared to fasting or short-term underfeeding, little is known about the metabolic effects of long-term, life-prolonging ER. We thus investigated the effects of ER on hepatic enzyme activities, including drug-metabolizing enzymes and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. The catalase activity was found to be higher in ER mice than in control mice both at 12 and 24 months of age. In accord with the high catalase activity, lipid peroxidation in liver was much less in ER mice than in age matched control mice. beta-Naphthoflavone, known to induce P-450 related enzymes and xanthine oxidase, was given (ip) to increase lipid peroxidation. The ER was found to inhibit lipid peroxidation after beta-naphthoflavone treatment. It was, therefore, concluded that long-term life-prolonging ER increases antioxidant defence, supporting indirectly the free radical theory of aging. It is well known that ER delays puberty in rodents and has a profound influence on serum hormone levels, including those of prolactin (PRL) and thyroid hormones. However, it remains unknown how these effects are produced by ER. We therefore investigated the effects of ER on the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas and on the pituitary-ovarian axis. In the islets of Langerhans, ER was found to increase the density of alpha-cells significantly both in 11- and 67-week-old mice. In the pituitary gland in ER mice, the cellular density of PRL-producing cells diminished significantly while that of growth-hormone-producing cells did not. One of the modes of action of ER on the endocrine system is thus concluded to be mediated by changing cellular population. Since ER decreased PRL-producing cells and PRL plays a key role in mammary tumorigenesis, we investigated whether ER decreased the gene expression of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) in SHN/C3H mice. The SHN strain, which was found to have a new MMTV provirus locus, mtv-4, was used in the study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Aging↗

Normal growth and pubertal development during bromocriptine therapy in two patients with prolactinoma.

The cases of two boys, a 14 years 10 months old and an 18-year-old, with delayed puberty are presented. The first patient also had a short stature. Both patients had a pituitary adenoma, as shown by computed tomography, with high prolactin levels. After bromocriptine therapy was started, there was a spontaneous progression of normal puberty. The first patient used a synthetic growth hormone together with bromocriptine, however, even after the growth hormone was stopped progression in puberty and gain in height continued. The favorable response obtained in these patients implies that bromocriptine can be an effective therapy for adolescent patients with prolactinoma.

Adolescent↗

A male patient presenting with major clinical symptoms of glucocorticoid deficiency and skeletal dysplasia, showing a steroid pattern compatible with 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency, but without obvious CYP17 gene mutations.

We report the case of a 17-year-old boy with delayed puberty, who presented a complexity of clinical problems. An analysis of steroid hormones led to a diagnosis of 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency (17OHD). Unlike typical cases of 17OHD, however, the patient had pubertal development without medical intervention. In addition, he never exhibited the symptoms of mineralocorticoid excess, showing instead the symptoms of glucocorticoid deficiency, including fatigability, emaciation, and weight-loss induced by minor infection. He also had dysmorphic features, which comprised marfanoid habitus, arachnodactyly and putative craniosynostosis. The combination of these malformations substantially resembled that of Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome. Direct sequencing of the CYPl7 gene did not reveal any significant aberrations in the exons or exon-intron boundaries. We speculate that the association of partial combined 17OHD with the Shprintzen-Goldberg phenotype in the present patient may result from an aberration of a hitherto unknown gene that controls both steroid hormone synthesis and skeletal development.

Adolescent↗

Pituitary adenomas in adolescent patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.

Two juvenile patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) who developed pituitary adenomas are reported. The first case, a 14-year-old girl, developed prolactinoma and manifested delayed puberty and growth arrest. The second case, a 16-year-old boy, was asymptomatic and a pituitary adenoma accompanied by mild elevation of PRL and GH was identified through family screening. His growth and pubertal development was not impaired. Medication with bromocriptine was started for both cases with good therapeutic responses. These cases emphasize relevance of early screening of endocrine disorders for members of families with MEN1.

Adolescent↗

Clinical aspects of coeliac disease in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Coeliac disease (CD) is heterogeneous in its clinical presentation and pathological expression. Silent, latent and potential forms represent the submerged part of the so-called "coeliac iceberg". The association of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and CD has been widely reported. For the screening of CD in diabetic patients, anti-reticulin R1 (ARA-R1) and anti-endomysium (AEA) antibodies are more reliable markers than anti-gliadin (AGA) antibodies. Recent studies have reported an increased prevalence of CD in children with IDDM. In our experience intestinal biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of CD in 6 out of 172 diabetic patients, with a prevalence of 3.5%. Only occasionally does CD precede the onset of IDDM; more often CD is diagnosed shortly or sometimes years after the onset of diabetes. Typical gastrointestinal complaints of CD (such as diarrhoea, abdominal distension) are rare in IDDM patients, while atypical isolated signs or symptoms of CD are more common, in particular sideropenic anemia, short stature, delayed puberty, epilepsy, hypertransaminasemia, dyspeptic symptoms, herpetiform dermatitis, and recurrent aphthous stomatitis. It is recommended that all diabetic children, even those asymptomatic, should be screened yearly for CD, using a combination of AGA plus ARA-R1 and AEA.

Adolescent↗