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PubMed1991

Reliability and interrelations among serum sex hormones in postmenopausal women.

Serum sex hormones may be related to the risk of several diseases in postmenopausal women including osteoporosis, heart disease, and breast and endometrial cancer. For assessment of the relation of sex hormones to disease, the measurements should be reliable, valid, and practical. In this paper, the authors evaluated the short-term (4-week) and long-term (2-year) reliability of serum sex hormones and interrelations among serum sex hormones in white postmenopausal women recruited in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1981-1986. For comparison, the authors simultaneously evaluated the short- and long-term reliability of other commonly measured risk factors, i.e., lipids, lipoproteins, and blood pressure. Serum concentrations of estrone, estradiol, testosterone, and androstenedione were measured by extraction, column chromatography, and radioimmunoassay. Reliability was estimated by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients (R) and their 95% confidence interval. About 50% of the estradiol levels were below the sensitivity of the assay and, therefore, these results should be interpreted with some caution. The intraclass correlation coefficient for testosterone was 0.92 (95% confidence interval 1.0-0.82), suggesting that a single measure may be reliable in characterizing women for epidemiologic research. Over 4 weeks, estrone could be measured more reliably (R = 0.72) than over 2 years (R = 0.56), but the variability over the long term was similar to that observed for other biologic variables, suggesting that, in situations where the relation between estrone and disease is fairly substantial, a single measure may be used. For estradiol and androstenedione, the intraclass correlations were small, indicating poor reproducibility and the need for more measurements. Estrone concentrations were 11 pg/ml or 46% higher in women with measurable estradiol. Estrone was also positively related to androstenedione concentrations (r = 0.33, p less than 0.001). Concentrations of estradiol are extremely low in postmenopausal women, and accordingly, there is a greater possibility of laboratory error. Since the data suggest that estrone levels can be more reliably measured and are, in fact, related to estradiol levels, it is possible that estrone levels may be used to indicate the total estrogen status of postmenopausal women.

Androstenedione↗
PubMed2003

Influence of sex hormones on the periodontium.

OBJECTIVES: Sex hormones have long been considered to play an influential role on periodontal tissues, bone turnover rate, wound healing and periodontal disease progression. The objectives of this review article are to (1) address the link between sex hormones and the periodontium, (2) analyse how these hormones influence the periodontium at different life times and (3) discuss the effects of hormone supplements/replacement on the periodontium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two autonomous searches were performed in English language utilizing Medline, Premedline and Pubmed as the online databases. Publications up to 2002 were selected and further reviewed. In addition, a manual search was also performed including specific related journals and books. RESULTS: It is certain that sexual hormones play a key role in periodontal disease progression and wound healing. More specifically, these effects seem to differentiate by gender as well as lifetime period. In addition, the influence of sex hormones can be minimized with good plaque control and with hormone replacement. CONCLUSION: Despite profound research linking periodontal condition with sex hormones kinetics, more definitive molecular mechanisms and therapy still remain to be determined.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗
PubMed1985

The influence of sex-specific brain differentiation and of postpuberal sex hormone levels on the development of sex-specific differences of body weights as well as triglyceride, high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol and total cholesterol serum levels in rats.

The effects of perinatal sexual differentiation of the brain and of postpuberal sex hormone levels on the development of sex-specific differences in body weight as well as triglyceride (TG), high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-CHOL) and total cholesterol were investigated. Significant differences in body weight of male and female rats are attributed to the influence of different androgen levels during the perinatal period as well as to the influence of different postpuberal estrogen (E) and androgen (A) levels. Sex-specific differences in TG serum levels are essentially caused by varying influence of androgens during the perinatal period, possibly in part after conversion to estrogens. Different postpuberal sex hormone concentrations seem to have only little effect on the TG levels. Sex-specific differences in HDL-CHOL serum levels appear to be independent of androgens during the perinatal period as well as of physiological postpuberal estrogen levels. These differences are mainly the result of the current postpuberal androgen levels. Total CHOL did not show any sex-specific differences under the conditions of the experiment.

Aging↗
PubMed2006

An association between a common variant (G972R) in the IRS-1 gene and sex hormone levels in post-menopausal breast cancer survivors.

Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) is a key downstream signaling molecule common to both the insulin and IGF signaling pathways that can interact with the estrogen pathway to regulate breast cell growth. We investigated whether a putative functional variant for IRS-1 (G972R) influences circulating levels of sex hormones, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), C-peptide, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels among post-menopausal African-American and non-Hispanic white breast cancer patients enrolled in the Health, Eating, Activity, and Lifestyle (HEAL) Study. Circulating levels of sex hormones and growth factors can influence breast cancer recurrence and survival. Serum estrone, estradiol, testosterone, SHBG, IGF-1 and C-peptide were measured in 468 patients at 30+ months post diagnosis. Non-protein bound hormone levels (free estradiol, free testosterone) were calculated. In African-American patients, the IRS-1 variant was associated with increased serum levels of estrone (p = 0.02), free estradiol (p = 0.04), total testosterone (p = 0.04), free testosterone (p = 0.006) and decreased levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (p = 0.02). No association was present for white patients. Our findings provide suggestive evidence that IRS-1 G972R variant may be associated with circulating levels of sex hormones and SHBG in African American breast cancer survivors.

Black or African American↗
PubMed1995

Hepatocellular carcinoma in alcoholic cirrhosis: is sex hormone imbalance a pathogenetic factor?

OBJECTIVE: A sex hormone imbalance has been reported in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the serum levels of eight sex hormones in patients with alcohol-related and non-alcohol-related cirrhosis and HCC. METHODS: Luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone and sex hormone binding globulin were assayed in 81 patients with cirrhosis (59 men, 22 women) and 97 with HCC and cirrhosis (82 men, 15 women). Hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus infection was present in 58% of patients with cirrhosis and 69% of patients with HCC. Alcohol abuse was the aetiopathogenetic factor in the remaining patients. RESULTS: In men, mean testosterone levels were at the lower limit of the normal range for both patients with HCC and for controls with cirrhosis. Mean estradiol levels were increased both in patients with HCC and in those with cirrhosis, but patients with alcohol-related HCC had higher estradiol levels (P = 0.0002). An index of sex hormone imbalance, the estradiol to testosterone ratio (ETR), was calculated. The ETR was significantly higher in patients with alcohol-related HCC (P = 0.0002). Multiple regression analysis showed that the ETR correlated best with patients' diagnosis (P < 0.05). In women, the ETR was significantly lower in patients with HCC than in controls with cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS: Men with alcohol-related HCC are characterized by an oestrogen and androgen imbalance and have a higher ETR than patients with other types of liver damage. Since sex hormones modulate hepatocellular proliferation, our data suggest that a sex hormone imbalance plays a role in hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Effects of oestradiol on sex hormone binding globulin.

Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were studied for possible effects of oestradiol-17 beta on SHBG. No change in SHBG plasma was recorded during normal menstrual cycles or during treatment with oestradiol-17 beta to menopausal women. However, gonadotrophin treatment to amenorrhoeic women to induce ovulation resulted in high oestradiol concentrations and a pronounced increase in SHBG was found during the luteal phase of these cycles. A marked increase of SHBG was also recorded in a woman with pronounced fluctuations of oestradiol during treatment with levonorgestrel sc implants for contraception. In conclusion, effects on SHBG were only found when extraordinarily high levels of plasma oestradiol were recorded.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Sex hormones and the immune system--Part 2. Animal data.

Sex hormones have physiological and pathological (autoimmune conditions) effects on the immune system. Studies in experimental animal models of human autoimmune diseases have clearly shown that sex hormones regulate the expression, severity and course of autoimmune diseases. Sex hormones affect the function of T, B and NK cells, and macrophages. Precisely how sex hormones affect lymphocytes is a highly complex question. Sex hormones can modulate the immune system, perhaps directly (e.g. thymic reticular tissue), or indirectly via host and many oestrogen target tissues, including the central nervous system hypothalamic-pituitary axis (the neuroendocrine tissues). The effects of sex hormones on the immune system (immunosuppression or immunopotentiation) may vary, even with the same hormone. For example, oestrogen can increase IgA levels in the uterus, but decrease IgA levels in the vagina or have no effect in lacrimal tissues (Sullivan, 1989). Therefore the effects of sex hormones on the immune system cannot be generalized but must be evaluated independently. Some of the reasons for variability in results have been reviewed in detail elsewhere (Steinberg et al, 1979; Ansar Ahmed et al, 1985b). These include, dose of hormones, age and sex-hormonal status of animals, route and time of administration, the immunocompetence of the host, stress, the metabolism of hormones (e.g. metabolism of testosterone to oestrogen) resulting in alteration of biological activity, and differential response to various antigens. The initial encounter of sex hormones with the type of target cells, the variability of secondary messengers and gene activation events are other important considerations. The effects of sex hormones on the immune system to modulate immune responses are unequivocal. The burgeoning advances in cellular immunology, endocrinology and molecular biology, should provide a better understanding of: (1) the interactions of hormones with the immune system; (2) how hormones activate specific genes; and (3) how hormones influence intracellular communication. In a clinical situation, it is hoped that androgenic compounds which lack virilizing effects, but possessing the desired immunomodulatory effects, will eventually be synthesized. These hormone analogues, in combination with specific (non-toxic) oestrogen antagonists, may offer new therapeutic avenues.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Influence of foods on the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine and serum sex hormones].

To investigate the involvement of sex hormones as a potential cause of ossification in the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine, we experimentally examined the influence of ingested foods on the serum levels of sex hormones and changes in the spinal ligament. Castrated rabbits were administered a sex hormone and raised with special feed. Assay of the serum sex hormone levels, analysis of the carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in body hairs, and histological studies were carried out. In the group administered soybeans and highly concentrated saline solution, the serum estrogen level was high, the serum testosterone level was low and the delta 15N value of the body hairs was also low. Histologically, a group of newly formed chondroblasts was seen in the posterior longitudinal ligament in the angular region of a narrowed intervertebral disc, and many fibroblasts were detected by assay using a microspectrophotometer (MSP) in this group. These findings suggested that a diet high in vegetable protein, consisting mainly of beans, and foods high in salt may lead to an unbalanced state for sex hormones and cause histological changes in the spinal ligament. This, as well as other general ossifying factors of ligament, may play a role in the etiology of ossification.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Genetic and epigenetic effects on sexual brain organization mediated by sex hormones.

Alterations of sex hormone levels during pre- or perinatal sexual brain organization - responsible for long-term changes of gonadotropin secretion, sexual orientation, and gender role behavior - can be caused by: 1. Genetic effects, i.e. mutations or polymorphisms of a) 21-hydroxylase genes on chromosome 6, b) 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase genes in chromosome 1 or c) X-chromosomal genes, and 2. Epigenetic effects, such as a) stressful situations - especially in combination with mutations - and b) endocrine disrupters, e.g. the pesticide DDT and its metabolites, which display estrogenic, antiandrogenic, and inhibitory effects on the enzyme 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase leading to increased levels of dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate as precursors of endogenous androgens and estrogens. In connection with the introduction and extensive use of the pesticide DDT, the following findings were obtained in subjects born before as compared to those born during this period: 1. The prevalence of patients with polycystic ovaries (PCO), idiopatic oligospermia (IO), and transsexualism (TS) increased significantly (about 3-4 fold). 2. Partial 21-hydroxylase deficiencies were observed in most patients with PCO and TS and some patients with IO born before this period. 3. In contrast, most patients with PCO and TS and several patients with IO born during the period of massive use of DDT displayed clearly increased plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and DHEA-S/cortisol ratios suggesting partial 3beta-hydroxsteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) deficiencies. Interestingly enough, geneticists could not find any mutations of 3beta-HSD genes in such subjects. However, o,p'-DDT and/or its metabolite o,p'-DDD are strong inhibitors of 3beta-HSD, indicating their possible co-responsibility for such life-long ontogenetic alterations. Finally, some data suggest that endocrine disrupters may also be able to affect the development of sexual orientation.

Brain↗
PubMed2005

Lumbar bone mineral density in very long-term renal transplant recipients: impact of circulating sex hormones.

The influence of circulating sex hormones and gender on the bone mineral density (BMD) in long-term renal transplant recipients needs further investigation. We performed a retrospective analysis of lumbar BMD between 6 years and 20 years after renal transplantation. In 67 patients (47+/-12 years, 38 male) with a minimum interval of 72 months after transplantation, lumbar BMD measurements (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) were performed (=complete cohort). Thirty-one patients (=longitudinal cohort) underwent at least three serial BMD measurements (mean follow-up 39+/-18 months, start at 86+/-22 months). All patients received prednisolone. In the complete cohort, BMD was significantly reduced in comparison to young healthy (mean T-score -1.33+/-1.40) and age-matched controls (mean Z-score -0.91+/-1.45) at 88+/-31 months (p<0.05). Osteopenia or osteoporosis were present in two-thirds of patients. In the longitudinal cohort, a mean annual lumbar BMD loss of -0.6+/-1.9% was detectable equivalent to a -0.03+/-0.15 reduction of Z-scores per year (regression analysis). Impact of hormonal status: In the complete cohort, postmenopausal status was associated with significantly lower BMD levels compared to men (p=0.0441). Women and men within the lowest tertile of sex hormone levels (LH, FSH, DHEAS, testosterone, progesterone, estradiol) did not exhibit significant differences in terms of lumbar BMD compared to those in the highest tertile. The mean annual bone loss was statistically indistinguishable between men and women. There was no significant correlation of sex hormone levels and BMD in men and premenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, however, low estradiol and high LH levels correlated with the extent of annual BMD loss (p<0.05). Our data confirm significantly reduced lumbar T-scores in the very late period after renal transplantation. The lumbar BMD decreased by -0.6+/-1.9% per year. In postmenopausal long-term renal transplant recipients, low estradiol levels were associated with accelerated bone loss.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Regulation of the expression of autoimmunity in NZB x NZW F1 mice by sex hormones.

This study examines the role of sex hormones in modulating the expression of autoimmunity in NZB x NZW F1 mice. Male sex hormones were found to retard disease. Differences were noted between prepubertally and postpubertally altered males and females. The presence of male sex hormones prepubertally was associated with marked retardation of the development of antibodies to DNA. Prepubertal but not postpubertal castration of males led to significant acceleration in anti-DNA production. Nevertheless, administration of male sex hormones to females retarded the development of fatal glomerulonephritis, even when given postpubertally. These results suggest that manipulation of sex hormones may be used to modify the expression of autoimmunity.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

[Effects of sex hormones in the CNS].

Sex steroid hormones influence the mammalian brain and modulate its activity during the lifespan. They are involved in regulation of gene transcription, neuronal excitability and neuronal survival. During development, sex hormones produce organizing effects in discrete brain regions. These regions include not only structures regulating sexual behavior but also other brain regions such as substantia nigra, hippocampus, cortex or amygdala. In mature brain, sex hormones have activational effects and modulate brain activity through excitatory or inhibitory mechanisms. Effects of sex hormones on seizure susceptibility and neuroprotective effects of beta-estradiol on status epilepticus-induced hippocampal damage will be discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Gastric acid secretion and parietal cell mass: effect of sex hormones.

The role of sex hormones on parietal cell function and number was studied in the rat. Ovariectomy significantly increased parietal cell mass (from 18.26 +/- 0.16 x 10(6) to 24.14 +/- 0.89 x 10(6] as well as basal acid secretion (from 3.49 +/- 0.06 to 3.63 +/- 0.05 mu Eq/10 min). Castration decreased the number of parietal cells in the gastric mucosa of male rats from 25.57 +/- 0.18 x 10(6) to 18.65 +/- 0.12 x 10(6) and basal acid secretion (from 3.99 +/- 0.03 to 3.50 +/- 0.06 mu Eq/10 min). The results suggest that male and female sex hormones regulate basal acid secretion via their effects on the parietal cell.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Short-term sequential analysis of sex hormones and helper T cells type 1 (Th1) and helper T cells type 2 (Th2) cytokines during and after multiple sclerosis relapse.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease with a clear sex-bias that may be attributed to sex hormones, sex' linked genes or both. Here we sought to determine the evolution pattern of cortisol and sex hormones at MS relapse and 2-months later in 7 male patients with relapsing remitting MS, and whether there was a correlation with a specific Th1 and Th2 cytokine pattern. Our findings indicate the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the concomitant upregulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines during relapse. The further increase of sex hormones, in particular estradiol in our male MS patients suggest their possible implication in the physiopathology of the illness and a putative anti-inflammatory and neuroreparatory effect.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Is exocrine pancreatic cancer a hormone-dependent tumor? A study of the existence of sex hormone receptors in normal and neoplastic pancreas.

The 5-year survival rate of patients with exocrine pancreatic cancer after surgery is less than 5%, in patients treated with radical surgery, with or without adjuvant therapy. It has been well documented clinically and experimentally that sex hormones influence the physiology of the exocrine pancreas. Hormone manipulation inhibits the growth of human pancreatic cancer in nude mice. Several nonrandomized studies have suggested the efficacy of antihormone therapy in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. However, the existence of sex hormone receptors in exocrine pancreatic cancer has been a matter of controversy. This study was designed to investigate the presence of sex hormone receptors (estrogens, progesterone and androgens in normal pancreas and exocrine pancreatic cancer, using two different methods: immunohistochemistry and enzyme immunoassay. Twenty-eight biopsies of normal pancreas and 15 biopsies of exocrine pancreatic cancer were studied. Estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors were measured by enzyme immunoassay, using specific monoclonal antibodies. Androgen receptors were determined by radioligand assay. Sixteen biopsies of normal pancreas and 12 biopsies of exocrine pancreatic cancer were studied by immunohistochemistry. In exocrine pancreatic cancer we could not detect estrogen receptors or progesterone receptors, either by enzyme immunoassay or immunohistochemistry. Androgen receptors were always negative (less than 2 fm/mg). In the normal pancreas, 5 out of 28 cases showed increased levels of progesterone receptors (greater than 10 fm/mg) as measured by enzyme immunoassay. Immunohistochemistry revealed progesterone receptors in the pancreatic islets of 16 normal pancreases studied. Nuclear staining was observed in more than 70% of the cells. Estrogen receptors were always negative by immunohistochemistry and enzyme immunoassay in the normal pancreas.2+n

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2003

Women with sleep apnea have lower levels of sex hormones.

BACKGROUND: Low levels of sex hormones, especially progesterone, are suspected as a risk factor for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that serum levels of progesterone, estradiol, and 17-OH progesterone are lower in those women with clinically significant SDB. DESIGN: Clinical cohort of convenience. SETTING: University Hospital Sleep Laboratory. METHODS: We investigated sleep and breathing parameters and serum levels of sex hormones in 53 consecutive women (ages 24 to 72 years) being evaluated for symptoms of daytime sleepiness. Analysis of hormonal status by specific radioimmunoassays and fluorescence immunoassays was done from blood samples taken after an overnight polysomnography. RESULTS: Across the cohort, taking account of age and cycle time or postmenopausal status, those with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) greater than 10/hrs of sleep had significantly lower levels of 17-OH progesterone, progesterone, and estradiol than those with an AHI less than 10. CONCLUSION: We conclude that reductions in female sex hormones are associated with an increased probability of SDB in women with daytime sleepiness.

Adult↗