RESUMO
Seasonal fluctuation in environmental parameters can influence immune responses of vertebrates and consequently influence their health and disease resistance. Although seasonality of immune function is well documented in a broad range of vertebrate taxa, this information remains virtually unexplored in cartilaginous fish. Here we examine seasonal variation in immune and general-health parameters of free-living adult broadnose sevengill sharks, Notorynchus cepedianus, along an annual cycle. We sampled sharks during autumn/winter (i.e., coolest temperatures and nonreproductive period) and spring/summer (i.e., warmest temperatures and active reproductive period) and assessed aspects of immunity, general condition, and reproductive hormone levels. A seasonal influence was observed in some, but not all, parameters evaluated. Lower lymphocyte counts and higher heterophil counts and granulocyte to lymphocyte (Gâ¶L) ratios were observed in sharks sampled during autumn/winter than in those sampled during spring/summer. On the other hand, total leukocyte counts, eosinophil counts, bacterial agglutination mediated by natural antibodies, and hematocrit did not vary seasonally. The observed seasonal patterns could be explained as (1) greater levels of stress based on the Gâ¶L ratio, (2) a sign of immunosuppression or depressed immune investment based on the low lymphocyte counts, and/or (3) a sign of ongoing infection based on the higher heterophil counts in the colder seasons with respect to the warmer ones. In addition, the pattern is in line with the notion that while acquired components are usually depressed by lower temperatures, some innate components might increase to offset that reduction. Immune and health-state parameters were mostly independent of reproductive hormone levels, providing little support for a trade-off with reproduction. Overall, the observed seasonal pattern in immunity of broadnose sevengill sharks could be related to changes in abiotic environmental condition, such as water temperature and photoperiod, although other factors such as availability of high-quality food may play a part.
Assuntos
Estações do Ano , Tubarões/imunologia , Testes de Aglutinação , Animais , Argentina , Escherichia coli/imunologia , Feminino , Hormônios Gonadais/sangue , Hematócrito , Contagem de Leucócitos , Masculino , Reprodução/fisiologia , Tubarões/sangueRESUMO
The association of occupational exposure to current-use pesticides with reproductive hormones, semen quality, and genital measures was investigated among young men in the South of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 99 rural and 36 urban men aged 18-23 years. Information on pesticide use was obtained through questionnaire. Serum and semen samples were analyzed for sex hormones and sperm parameters, respectively, and measurement of anogenital distance (AGD) and testis volume (TV) were performed. Associations were explored using multivariate linear regression. Rural men had poorer sperm morphology, higher sperm count, and lower LH levels relative to urban subjects. Lifetime use of pesticides, especially herbicides and fungicides, was associated with poorer morphology and reduced LH and prolactin, with evidence of a linear pattern. Maternal farming during pregnancy was associated with larger AGD and TV. Chronic occupational exposure to modern pesticides may affect reproductive outcomes in young men.
Assuntos
Disruptores Endócrinos/toxicidade , Hormônios Gonadais/sangue , Exposição Ocupacional/efeitos adversos , Praguicidas/toxicidade , Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Adolescente , Brasil , Estudos Transversais , Genitália Masculina/anatomia & histologia , Hormônios Gonadais/análise , Humanos , Modelos Lineares , Masculino , Exposição Ocupacional/análise , População Rural/estatística & dados numéricos , Análise do Sêmen , Espermatozoides/química , Inquéritos e Questionários , População Urbana/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The etiology of depressive symptoms associated with the transition to menopause is still unknown; hormonal changes, serotonergic system or insomnia, could be a trigger to depressive symptomatology. The aim of the present study was to evaluate gonadal hormonal levels, platelet serotonin concentrations and platelet tryptophan concentrations in a group of depressed perimenopausal women and their healthy counterparts. METHODS: A total of 63 perimenopausal women between 45 and 55 years old were evaluated; of these, 44 were depressed patients, and 19 were perimenopausal women without depression. The instruments that were applied included the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Green Climacteric Scale (GCS); gonadal hormone levels and platelet tryptophan and serotonin concentrations were measured in all participants. Differences in hormonal levels and tryptophan and serotonin concentrations were evaluated with respect to specific symptoms, such as insomnia, hot flashes, nervousness, depressed mood and loss of interest. RESULTS: No differences between groups were observed with respect to hormonal levels and tryptophan and serotonin concentrations; mean sleep hours and insomnia were significantly correlated with platelet tryptophan concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample, all symptoms of depression could not be explained by platelet tryptophan and serotonin concentrations and hormonal levels; differences were observed only when we evaluated insomnia and hot flashes.
Assuntos
Plaquetas/metabolismo , Depressão/etiologia , Hormônios Gonadais/sangue , Perimenopausa/psicologia , Serotonina/sangue , Distúrbios do Início e da Manutenção do Sono/psicologia , Triptofano/sangue , Ansiedade/etiologia , Ansiedade/fisiopatologia , Depressão/sangue , Depressão/fisiopatologia , Transtorno Depressivo/etiologia , Transtorno Depressivo/fisiopatologia , Manual Diagnóstico e Estatístico de Transtornos Mentais , Feminino , Fogachos/etiologia , Fogachos/fisiopatologia , Humanos , México , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Perimenopausa/sangue , Escalas de Graduação Psiquiátrica , Autorrelato , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Distúrbios do Início e da Manutenção do Sono/etiologia , Distúrbios do Início e da Manutenção do Sono/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
This study aims to perform global gonadal and sexual function assessments in systemic lupus erythematosus-related antiphospholipid syndrome (SLE-APS) patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in ten SLE-APS male patients and 20 healthy controls. They were assessed by demographic data, clinical features, urological examination, sexual function, testicular ultrasound, seminal parameters, sperm antibodies, and hormone profile. The median of current age was similar in SLE-APS patients and controls with a higher frequency of erectile dysfunction in the former group (30 vs. 0 %, p = 0.029). The median penis circumference was significantly reduced in SLE-APS patients with erectile dysfunction compared to patients without this complication (8.17 vs. 9.14 cm, p = 0.0397). SLE-APS patients with previous arterial thrombosis had a significantly reduced median penis circumference compared to those without this complication (7.5 vs. 9.18 cm, p = 0.039). Comparing SLE-APS patients and controls, the former had a significant lower median of sperm concentration (41.1 vs. 120.06 × 10(6)/mL, p = 0.003), percentages of sperm motility (47.25 vs. 65.42 %, p = 0.047), normal sperm forms by WHO guidelines (11 vs. 23.95 %, p = 0.002), and Kruger criteria (2.65 vs. 7.65 %, p = 0.02). Regarding seminal analysis, the medians of sperm concentration and total sperm count were significantly lower in SLE-APS patients treated with intravenous cyclophosphamide vs. those untreated with this drug (p < 0.05). Therefore, we have observed a novel association of reduced penile size with erectile dysfunction and previous arterial thrombosis in SLE-APS patients. Penis assessment should be routinely done in SLE-APS patients with fertility problems. We also identified that intravenous cyclophosphamide underlies severe sperm alterations in these patients.
Assuntos
Síndrome Antifosfolipídica/patologia , Impotência Vasculogênica/patologia , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/patologia , Pênis/patologia , Espermatozoides/patologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Síndrome Antifosfolipídica/sangue , Síndrome Antifosfolipídica/epidemiologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , Comorbidade , Estudos Transversais , Hormônios Gonadais/sangue , Humanos , Impotência Vasculogênica/sangue , Impotência Vasculogênica/epidemiologia , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/sangue , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/epidemiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Pênis/irrigação sanguínea , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Testículo/diagnóstico por imagem , Testículo/patologia , Ultrassonografia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene (p,p'-DDE) acts as an androgen receptor antagonist, however data regarding its hormonal effects in men are limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between serum levels of p,p'-DDE and reproductive hormone profile in Mexican male flower growers. METHODS: A longitudinal study was carried out in a population of men working in the production of flowers and ornamental plants in two Mexican states during July-October 2004 (rainy season) and December 2004-May 2005 (dry season). A questionnaire including information on socioeconomic characteristics, tobacco and alcohol use, presence of chronic and acute diseases, occupational history and anthropometry was used and blood and urine samples were obtained. Serum levels of p,p'-DDE were analysed by gas chromatography; FSH, LH, testosterone, oestradiol, inhibin B and prolactin levels were measured by enzymatic immunoassay. Urinary levels of dialkylphosphates (DAPs) were analysed by gas chromatography. Associations between serum levels of p,p'-DDE and male reproductive hormones (both transformed to their natural logarithm) were evaluated using multivariate generalised estimating equation (GEE) models. RESULTS: Median p,p'-DDE levels were 677.2 ng/g lipid (range 9.4-12 696.5) during the rainy season and 626.7 ng/g lipid (range 9.4-13 668.1) during the dry season. After adjusting for potential confounders (age, body mass index, state of residence and DAPs), p,p'-DDE levels were negatively associated with prolactin (ß=-0.04; 95% CI -0.07 to -0.008) and testosterone (ß=0.04; 95% CI -0.08 to 0.005) and positively with inhibin B (ß=0.11; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.21). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that p,p'-DDE can affect hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function in humans.
Assuntos
Agricultura , Diclorodifenil Dicloroetileno/sangue , Exposição Ambiental , Poluentes Ambientais/sangue , Flores , Hormônios Gonadais/sangue , Gonadotropinas Hipofisárias/sangue , Inseticidas/sangue , Adulto , Análise de Variância , Humanos , Estudos Longitudinais , Masculino , México , Estações do AnoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Changes in the endometrium are not regulated exclusively by ovarian hormones; the immune system has also been implicated in normal endometrial function, similar to processes taking place during inflammatory and reparative path. Many cytokines are crucially important for reproductive processes, and the role of cytokines in the female reproductive system function has been broadly investigated during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for IVF attempts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of serum cytokines and hormones, and the clinical outcomes of women who underwent COS and ICSI procedures. METHODS: The study prospectively included 96 patients (aged 22-43 years, unexplained or male infertility, n = 61; female infertility factors, n = 35) who underwent ICSI cycles. Serum levels of interleukin (IL-8, IL-6, IL-1beta, IL-10, IL-12), tumour necrosis factor and leukaemia-inhibitory factor (LIF) and the hormones FSH, estradiol, progesterone, anti-Mullerian hormone and Inhibin-B were measured on the day of oocyte retrieval. RESULTS: The ongoing pregnancy rate was 25.3%. The presence of serum IL-1beta positively affected the implantation rate (P = 0.004) and increased the chance of becoming pregnant by 15 fold. Furthermore, the percentage of patients with detectable serum IL-1beta levels who conceived (62.5%) was higher than those who failed to conceive (37.5%; P = 0.019). The LIF was undetectable in all serum samples, and no other factors influenced the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing ICSI cycles. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that detectable serum levels of IL-1beta on the day of oocyte retrieval in patients undergoing COS and ICSI are predictive of successful implantation and ongoing pregnancy.
Assuntos
Citocinas/sangue , Hormônios Gonadais/sangue , Interleucina-1beta/sangue , Indução da Ovulação , Adulto , Implantação do Embrião , Feminino , Humanos , Recuperação de Oócitos , Gravidez , Resultado da Gravidez , Taxa de GravidezRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Studies on experimental animals have found that organophosphate (OP) pesticides may act as endocrine disruptors; however, their effects on the human hormonal profile have not yet been adequately characterized. We evaluate the association between exposure to OP pesticides, measured through dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites urinary levels, and the male hormone profile. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 104 floriculturists of Morelos, Mexico. A structured questionnaire was applied to get information on sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometry, clinical history, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and work history. DAP metabolites [dimethylphosphate (DMP), dimethylthiophosphate, dimethyldithiophosphate, diethylphosphate (DEP), diethylthiophosphate (DETP) and diethyldithiophosphate] were determined using gas-liquid chromatography. Serum levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, testosterone, inhibin B and estradiol were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multiple linear regression was used to study the association between DAP metabolite levels and male hormonal profile. Data were adjusted by p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene serum levels and other potential confounders. RESULTS: There was a negative association between inhibin B and urinary levels of DMP, DEP, DETP and total DAP metabolites. DEP levels were negatively associated with serum FSH concentrations, but marginally and positively associated with those of testosterone. DETP was marginally associated with lower LH serum levels. There were no other significant associations among OP metabolites and serum hormone levels. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibin B and FSH vary according to levels of DAP metabolites in men occupationally exposed to OP pesticides. These results suggest that OP pesticides could act as endocrine disruptors in humans; however, most hormonal values fell within the wide normal range and associations were small. There is, therefore, a need for further investigation to elucidate their biological and clinical relevance.
Assuntos
Hormônios Gonadais/sangue , Exposição Ocupacional/análise , Organofosfatos/toxicidade , Praguicidas/toxicidade , Hormônios Hipofisários/sangue , Adolescente , Adulto , Creatinina/urina , Estradiol/sangue , Hormônio Foliculoestimulante/sangue , Humanos , Inibinas/sangue , Hormônio Luteinizante/sangue , Masculino , México , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Organofosfatos/urina , Exposição Paterna , Praguicidas/urina , Prolactina/sangue , Testosterona/sangueRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To describe the Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) phenotype during childhood in a large cohort. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical assessment, measurement of hormonal indices of testicular function, and parent of origin of extra X chromosome were assessed in a cross-sectional study of 55 boys with KS, aged 2.0 to 14.6 years, at an outpatient center. RESULTS: Mean height and body mass index SD scores (SDS +/- SD) were 0.9 +/- 1.3 and 0.4 +/- 1.4, respectively. Mean penile length and testicular volume SDS were -0.5 +/- 0.9 and -0.9 +/- 1.4. Testosterone levels were in the lowest quartile of normal in 66% of the cohort. Other features included clinodactyly (74%), hypertelorism (69%), elbow dysplasia (36%), high-arched palate (37%), hypotonia (76%), and requirement for speech therapy (69%). Features were similar in boys in whom the diagnosis was made prenatally versus boys in whom the diagnosis was made postnatally. There was no evidence for a phenotypic effect of parent of origin of the extra X chromosome. CONCLUSIONS: Boys with KS commonly have reduced penile length and small testes in childhood. The phenotype in boys with KS does not differ according to ascertainment or origin of the extra X chromosome. Boys with KS may be identified before puberty by tall stature, relatively decreased penile length, clinodactyly, hypotonia, and requirement for speech therapy.
Assuntos
Síndrome de Klinefelter/genética , Síndrome de Klinefelter/patologia , Adolescente , Fatores Etários , Pesos e Medidas Corporais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Estudos de Coortes , Estudos Transversais , Hormônios Gonadais/sangue , Gonadotropinas/sangue , Humanos , Síndrome de Klinefelter/sangue , Masculino , FenótipoRESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the morphological changes in murine cornea upon metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemia during the proestrous phase or pregnancy. METHODS: Forty adult mice were divided into two groups: (control) CTR1 and (treated with metoclopramide (MET1). After fifty days, half of the mice were sacrificed. The remaining animals were mated, and then labeled as pregnant controls (CTR2). Part of these animals were treated with metoclopramide and constituted the metoclopramide-treated pregnant (MET2) group. The groups CTR2 and MET2 were sacrificed on the 6th day of pregnancy. The hormonal levels were assessed by chemioluminescence and radioimmunoassay methods and the cornea was removed for the histomorphometric study. RESULTS: The epithelial, stromal, endothelial and total thickness in the experimental group was: MET1 and MET2 were higher than one in the control group: CTR1 and CTR2. There was a significant reduction of the hormonal level in the animals that received metoclopramide as compared to controls (CTR1: estradiol = 156.6 +/- 42.2 pg/ml; progesterone = 39.4 +/- 5.1 ng/ml; prolactin = 130.4 +/- 26.2 ng/ml; MET1: estradiol = 108.0 +/- 33.1 pg/ml; progesterone = 28.0 +/- 6.4 ng/ml; prolactin = 551.5 +/- 23.3 ng/ml; CTR2: estradiol = 354.0 +/- 56.0 pg/ml; progesterone = 251.0 +/- 56.0 ng/ml; prolactin = 423.2 +/- 28.1 ng/ml; MET2: estradiol = 293.0 +/- 43.0 pg/ml; progesterone = 184.0 +/- 33.0 ng/ml; prolactin = 823.1 +/- 51.1 ng/ml). CONCLUSION: The metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemia may increase corneal layers, mainly in pregnant mice. Possibly, this effect is related to reduction in estrogen and progesterone production.
Assuntos
Córnea/efeitos dos fármacos , Antagonistas de Dopamina/toxicidade , Hormônios Gonadais/sangue , Hiperprolactinemia/patologia , Metoclopramida/toxicidade , Proestro/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Humor Aquoso , Córnea/patologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Estradiol/sangue , Feminino , Histocitoquímica , Hiperprolactinemia/induzido quimicamente , Processamento de Imagem Assistida por Computador , Camundongos , Gravidez , Progesterona/sangue , Prolactina/sangueRESUMO
OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações morfológicas promovidas pela hiperprolactinemia induzida pela metoclopramida na córnea de camundongas durante a fase de proestro e na gestação. MÉTODOS: Quarenta camundongas adultas foram divididas, aleatoriamente, em dois grupos, a saber: controle (CTR1) e metoclopramida (MET1). Após 50 dias metade dos animais de cada grupo foram sacrificados. O restante dos animais foi acasalado, constituindo dois grupos: controle prenhe (CTR2) e o metoclopramida prenhe (MET2), que foi sacrificado no 6° dia de gestação. Após decapitação dos animais coletou-se sangue para dosagens de estradiol, progesterona e prolactina, em seguida removidos os globos oculares para estudo histomorfométrico da córnea. RESULTADOS: As espessuras do epitélio, estroma, endotélio e a espessura total das córneas dos grupos experimentais: MET1 e MET2 mostraram-se mais espessados quando comparados com os grupos controles: CTR1 e CTR2, respectivamente. Houve redução dos níveis hormonais do estrogênio e da progesterona nos animais que receberam metoclopramida em comparação com os respectivos controles (CTR1: estradiol = 156,6±42,2 pg/ml; progesterona = 39,4±5,1 ng/ml; prolactina = 130,4±26,2 ng/ml; MET1: estradiol = 108,0±33,1 pg/ml; progesterona = 28,0±6,4 ng/ml; prolactina = 551,5± 23,3 ng/ml; CTR2: estradiol = 354,0±56,0 pg/ml; progesterona = 251,0± 56,0 ng/ml; prolactina = 423,2±28,1 ng/ml; MET2: estradiol = 293,0± 43,0 pg/ml; progesterona = 184,0±33,0 ng/ml; prolactina = 823,1±51,1 ng/ml). CONCLUSÃO: A hiperprolactinemia induzida pela metoclopramida produziu espessamento da córnea, sobretudo, em camundongas prenhes. Possivelmente este efeito está relacionado com a redução da produção hormonal de estrogênio e de progesterona.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the morphological changes in murine cornea upon metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemia during the proestrous phase or pregnancy. METHODS: Forty adult mice were divided into two groups: (control) CTR1 and (treated with metoclopramide (MET1). After fifty days, half of the mice were sacrificed. The remaining animals were mated, and then labeled as pregnant controls (CTR2). Part of these animals were treated with metoclopramide and constituted the metoclopramide-treated pregnant (MET2) group. The groups CTR2 and MET2 were sacrificed on the 6th day of pregnancy. The hormonal levels were assessed by chemioluminescence and radioimmunoassay methods and the cornea was removed for the histomorphometric study. RESULTS: The epithelial, stromal, endothelial and total thickness in the experimental group was: MET1 and MET2 were higher than one in the control group: CTR1 and CTR2. There was a significant reduction of the hormonal level in the animals that received metoclopramide as compared to controls (CTR1: estradiol = 156.6±42.2 pg/ml; progesterone = 39.4±5.1 ng/ml; prolactin = 130.4±26.2 ng/ml; MET1: estradiol = 108.0±33.1 pg/ml; progesterone = 28.0±6.4 ng/ml; prolactin = 551.5±23.3 ng/ml; CTR2: estradiol = 354.0±56.0 pg/ml; progesterone = 251.0±56.0 ng/ml; prolactin = 423.2±28.1 ng/ml; MET2: estradiol = 293.0±43.0 pg/ml; progesterone = 184.0±33.0 ng/ml; prolactin = 823.1±51.1 ng/ml). CONCLUSION: The metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemia may increase corneal layers, mainly in pregnant mice. Possibly, this effect is related to reduction in estrogen and progesterone production.