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Guevarra DA, Louis CC, Gloe LM, Block SR, Kashy DA, Klump KL, Moser JS. Examining a window of vulnerability for affective symptoms in the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 147:105958. [PMID: 36332274 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Particular phases of the menstrual cycle may exacerbate affective symptoms for females with a diagnosed mental health disorder. However, there are mixed findings regarding whether affective symptoms change across the menstrual cycle in females without a clinical diagnosis. The window of vulnerability model proposes that natural increases in ovarian hormones in the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle lead to systematic changes in brain networks associated with affective processing. Consequently, the model posits that females may experience stress more intensely and remember negative events more readily in the mid-luteal phase, increasing their risk for higher affective symptoms. Using a 35-day longitudinal study design, we tested the window of vulnerability model in a non-clinical sample. We tracked naturally cycling females' daily stress and three types of affective symptoms: anxious apprehension, anxious arousal, and anhedonic depression. Using multilevel modeling, we simultaneously modeled within- and between-person associations among stress and menstrual phase for each affective symptom. We found increased anhedonic depression in the mid-luteal phase but not anxious apprehension or anxious arousal. Moreover, we detected a positive association between within- and between-person stress and anxious apprehension and anhedonic depression, but not anxious arousal. These associations were not stronger in the mid-luteal phase. Overall, we provide weak evidence for a window of vulnerability for affective symptoms in the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Our findings suggest that stress is a better predictor of fluctuations in affective symptoms than the menstrual cycle. Moreover, our findings highlight the importance of measuring multiple negative affective symptoms because they may be differentially related to stress and the menstrual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darwin A Guevarra
- Michigan State University, United States; University of California, San Francisco, United States.
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Estrogen and Glycemic Homeostasis: The Fundamental Role of Nuclear Estrogen Receptors ESR1/ESR2 in Glucose Transporter GLUT4 Regulation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010099. [PMID: 33430527 PMCID: PMC7827878 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired circulating estrogen levels have been related to impaired glycemic homeostasis and diabetes mellitus (DM), both in females and males. However, for the last twenty years, the relationship between estrogen, glycemic homeostasis and the mechanisms involved has remained unclear. The characterization of estrogen receptors 1 and 2 (ESR1 and ESR2) and of insulin-sensitive glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) finally offered a great opportunity to shed some light on estrogen regulation of glycemic homeostasis. In this manuscript, we review the relationship between estrogen and DM, focusing on glycemic homeostasis, estrogen, ESR1/ESR2 and GLUT4. We review glycemic homeostasis and GLUT4 expression (muscle and adipose tissues) in Esr1−/− and Esr2−/− transgenic mice. We specifically address estradiol-induced and ESR1/ESR2-mediated regulation of the solute carrier family 2 member 4 (Slc2a4) gene, examining ESR1/ESR2-mediated genomic mechanisms that regulate Slc2a4 transcription, especially those occurring in cooperation with other transcription factors. In addition, we address the estradiol-induced translocation of ESR1 and GLUT4 to the plasma membrane. Studies make it clear that ESR1-mediated effects are beneficial, whereas ESR2-mediated effects are detrimental to glycemic homeostasis. Thus, imbalance of the ESR1/ESR2 ratio may have important consequences in metabolism, highlighting that ESR2 hyperactivity assumes a diabetogenic role.
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Level of sex hormones and their association with acetylsalicylic acid intolerance and nasal polyposis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243732. [PMID: 33332460 PMCID: PMC7746182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic rhinosinusitis may be associated with nasal polyposis. Recurrence of disease is often observed and may be due to an intolerance of acetylsalicylic acid. Sex hormones are known to modulate allergic reactions and inflammation. Whether they may be involved in the development and progression of nasal polyposis has not been investigated yet. AIM Examine the relationship between levels of sex hormones and nasal polyposis. METHODS Hormonal levels (estradiol, testosterone and progesterone) in patients with nasal polyposis (n = 26) with or without acetylsalicylic acid-intolerance were determined and compared to hormonal levels in patients with septal deviation (n = 35). Cone-beam computed tomography scans were analysed by using scores as defined by Lund and Mackay and by Kennedy. RESULTS Our results show a 5 times greater odds (p = 0.01) for developing nasal polyposis in the presence of lowered estradiol plasma levels than in the presence of normal / elevated levels. When analyzing females and males separately, a 6 times greater odds for females to develop nasal polyposis in the presence of lowered estradiol plasma levels was calculated (p = 0.02). Thus, females are more likely to develop nasal polyposis when they have lowered estradiol levels than males. In addition, female patients showed an increased risk for developing ASA intolerance (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Variation of sex hormones may be involved in nasal polyposis. Further studies including more patients to validate the presented results are required. SIGNIFICANCE Retrospective clinical investigation suggesting a correlation between varying sex hormones and nasal polyposis.
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Symul L, Wac K, Hillard P, Salathé M. Assessment of menstrual health status and evolution through mobile apps for fertility awareness. NPJ Digit Med 2019; 2:64. [PMID: 31341953 PMCID: PMC6635432 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-019-0139-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
For most women of reproductive age, assessing menstrual health and fertility typically involves regular visits to a gynecologist or another clinician. While these evaluations provide critical information on an individual's reproductive health status, they typically rely on memory-based self-reports, and the results are rarely, if ever, assessed at the population level. In recent years, mobile apps for menstrual tracking have become very popular, allowing us to evaluate the reliability and tracking frequency of millions of self-observations, thereby providing an unparalleled view, both in detail and scale, on menstrual health and its evolution for large populations. In particular, the primary aim of this study was to describe the tracking behavior of the app users and their overall observation patterns in an effort to understand if they were consistent with previous small-scale medical studies. The secondary aim was to investigate whether their precision allowed the detection and estimation of ovulation timing, which is critical for reproductive and menstrual health. Retrospective self-observation data were acquired from two mobile apps dedicated to the application of the sympto-thermal fertility awareness method, resulting in a dataset of more than 30 million days of observations from over 2.7 million cycles for two hundred thousand users. The analysis of the data showed that up to 40% of the cycles in which users were seeking pregnancy had recordings every single day. With a modeling approach using Hidden Markov Models to describe the collected data and estimate ovulation timing, it was found that follicular phases average duration and range were larger than previously reported, with only 24% of ovulations occurring at cycle days 14 to 15, while the luteal phase duration and range were in line with previous reports, although short luteal phases (10 days or less) were more frequently observed (in up to 20% of cycles). The digital epidemiology approach presented here can help to lead to a better understanding of menstrual health and its connection to women's health overall, which has historically been severely understudied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Symul
- Department of Surgery, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA 94305-5317 USA
- Digital Epidemiology Lab, Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des mines 9, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Katarzyna Wac
- Department of Surgery, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA 94305-5317 USA
- Quality of Life Technologies lab, Institute of Services Science, Center for Informatics, University of Geneva, CUI Battelle bat A, Route de Drize 7, 1227 Carouge, Switzerland
- DIKU, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paula Hillard
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Dr. HH333, Stanford, CA 94305-5317 USA
| | - Marcel Salathé
- Digital Epidemiology Lab, Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des mines 9, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
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Abstract
With the onset of puberty a range of problems may be encountered by the young girl. Some of these include a range of gynaecological issues relating to delayed onset of puberty, delayed menarche, atypical pubertal changes and the identification of anomalies of the genital tract. The distinction between physiological events and pathological problems is important to avoid unnecessary distress and anxiety. The onset of cyclic hormonal changes also provokes a number of "non-gynaecological" problems - where the link to cyclic hormonal events is often overlooked and an important opportunity to potentially intervene and assist is missed. From a global perspective there are a range of problems that are particularly encountered with the onset of puberty including the risks of sexual violence, which in the setting of having achieved the age of reproductive potential result in unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions and adolescent pregnancy all of which pose life threatening risks. Sex education in its broadest sense is important for all young people. Access to contraception for adolescents is vital, such that clinicians across all streams of health care who are involved in the care of young people should take the opportunity to educate and provide this care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia R Grover
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville 3052, Australia.
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Barreto-Andrade JN, de Fátima LA, Campello RS, Guedes JAC, de Freitas HS, Machado MMOUF. Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) Enhances Slc2a4/GLUT4 Expression by a SP1 Cooperative Mechanism. Int J Med Sci 2018; 15:1320-1328. [PMID: 30275758 PMCID: PMC6158671 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.26774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Estrogens are involved in glycemic regulation, playing an important role in the development and/or progression of insulin resistance. For that, estrogens regulate the expression of the glucose transporter protein GLUT4 (codified by the solute carrier family 2 member 4 gene, Slc2a4), thus modulating adipose and muscle glucose disposal. This regulation is a balance between ESR1-mediated enhancer effect and ESR2-mediated repressor effect on Slc2a4 gene. However, molecular mechanisms involved in these effects are poorly understood. Since the specificity protein 1 (SP1) participates in several ESR-mediated genomic regulations, the aim of the present study is to investigate the participation of SP1 in the ESR1/2-mediated regulation of Slc2a4 gene. Methods: Differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were 24-hour challenged with 10 nM estradiol (E2) and 10 nM ESR1 agonist (PPT) or 100 nM ESR2 agonist (DPN), added or not with E2. Slc2a4 and Sp1 mRNAs (RT-qPCR), total GLUT4 and nuclear ESR1, ESR2 and SP1 proteins (Western blotting), SP1 binding activity into Slc2a4 promoter (EMSA), and nuclear complexation of SP1/ESR1 (immunoprecipitation) were analyzed. Results: E2 and PPT increased (25-50%) whereas DPN reduced (20-45%) Slc2a4 and GLUT4 expression. Nuclear content of ESR1 and ESR2 remained unchanged. Nuclear content of SP1 increased (50 to 90%) by PPT and DPN added or not with E2; the highest effect observed with PPT alone. PPT also increased the nuclear content of SP1/ESR1 complex and the SP1 binding into the Slc2a4 promoter. Conclusions: ESR1 activation in adipocytes increased the nuclear content of SP1 protein, the SP1/ESR1 interaction and SP1 binding into the Slc2a4 gene promoter, culminating with increased Slc2a4/GLUT4 expression. No involvement of SP1 seems to occur in ESR2-mediated repressor effect on Slc2a4. We expect that this ESR1/SP1 cooperative effect can contribute to the development of new approaches for prevention or treatment of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus.
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Ances BM, Detre JA. Perfusion Changes with Photic Stimulation During two Phases of the Menstrual Cycle: A Pilot Study Comparing Controls and True Menstrual Migraine Patients. Cephalalgia 2016; 23:907-13. [PMID: 14616933 DOI: 10.1046/j.1468-2982.2003.00625.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This pilot study investigated the effect of menstrual cycle phase (late luteal and mid-follicular) on cerebral perfusion changes during photic stimulation in both controls ( n = 5) and true menstrual migraine patients ( n = 5). No significant differences in resting baseline perfusion were observed between the two groups during either phase of the menstrual cycle. During the late luteal phase, changes in perfusion within the occipital lobe due to photic stimulation were similar for both groups. However, during the mid-follicular phase, occipital perfusion during visual stimulation decreased for controls but significantly increased for true menstrual migraine patients ( P < 0.05). A two way repeated measures ANOVA also demonstrated a significant difference between menstrual migraine patients and controls for photic activation ( P < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Ances
- Department of Neurology University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA
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Abstract
Depression is rapidly becoming a major health concern. Recent estimates rank it as the fourth leading cause of disease burden worldwide, and its incidence is steadily increasing. Women have a risk of experiencing depressive illnesses that is twice that of men. Women with depression also typically experience greater functional impairment. The incidence of depression dramatically increases during the reproductive years, which correspond to ages 25 to 44 years. During this time frame, women may experience several reproductive milestones or transitional events such as menarche, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, infertility, miscarriage, and perimenopause/menopause. These transitions evoke neuroendocrinologic changes that appear to influence the risk for depressive episodes. Common disorders associated with these hormonal fluctuations include premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum depression, and depression in the perimenopausal transition. Although the specific pathophysiologic association is still unclear, evidence supports that these reproductive transitions influence the risk of depression in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elka Serrano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterTulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
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Balık G, Hocaoğlu Ç, Kağıtcı M, Güvenda Güven ES. Comparison of the effects of PMDD and pre-menstrual syndrome on mood disorders and quality of life: a cross-sectional study. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2014; 35:616-20. [PMID: 25528894 DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2014.991283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we compared psychiatric symptoms, quality of life and disability in patients with pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). Forty-nine women with PMDD were compared with 43 women with PMS. All participants were asked to complete a socio-demographic data collection form, a Brief Disability Questionnaire, a medical study short form-36 (SF-36) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) forms. The patients with PMDD had higher HAD-A and HAD-D scores than the patients in PMS group (p < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were found on brief disability between two groups (p > 0.05), but both groups had medium level of brief disability. The PMDD group had a lower SF-36 scoring than the PMS group in every compared parameters (p < 0.01). PMS and PMDD may lead to brief disability, and PMDD may cause loss of quality of life and psychological problems. The evaluation of patients with PMS and PMDD pre-menstrual disorders should be more detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülşah Balık
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Medicine School , Rize , Turkey
| | - Çiçek Hocaoğlu
- b Department of Psychiatry , Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Medicine School , Rize , Turkey
| | - Mehmet Kağıtcı
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Medicine School , Rize , Turkey
| | - Emine Seda Güvenda Güven
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Medicine School , Rize , Turkey
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Ellaithy MI, Fathi HM, Farres MN, Taha MS. Skin test reactivity to female sex hormones in women with primary unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. J Reprod Immunol 2013; 99:17-23. [PMID: 23816482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The objective was to examine the hypothesis that primary unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss might be associated with an inappropriate immunologically mediated response to progesterone and/or estrogen. This prospective study included 47 women with two or more documented consecutive early pregnancy losses of unknown etiology, and no previous history of deliveries. Intradermal skin testing was performed in the luteal phase of the cycle (days 16-20) using estradiol benzoate, progesterone, and a placebo of refined sesame oil. Immediate (20 min) and late (24h and 1 week) skin test readings for all cases were compared with those of 12 parous women of comparable age with no history of spontaneous miscarriages, premenstrual disorders, pregnancy, or sex hormone-related allergic or autoimmune diseases. Main outcome measure was skin test reactivity to estradiol and/or progesterone. Immediate skin test reactivity to both hormones was observed among half of the cases at 20 min. A papule after 24h, which persisted for up to 1 week, was observed among 32 (68.1%) and 34 (72.3%) cases at the sites of estrogen and progesterone injection, respectively. 55.3% of cases had combined skin test reactivity to both estradiol and progesterone at 1 week. All women in the control group showed absence of skin test reactivity for both estradiol and progesterone at 20 min, 24h, and 1 week. None of the subjects in either group showed skin test reactivity to placebo. There is an association between primary unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and skin test reactivity to female sex hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed I Ellaithy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Kile KB, Tian N, Durand DM. Low frequency stimulation decreases seizure activity in a mutation model of epilepsy. Epilepsia 2010; 51:1745-53. [PMID: 20659150 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2010.02679.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate brain electrical activity in Q54 mice that display spontaneous seizures because of a gain-of-function mutation of the Scn2a sodium channel gene, and to evaluate the efficacy of low frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) for seizure frequency reduction. METHODS Electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and hippocampal deep electrodes were implanted into Q54 mice expressing an epileptic phenotype (n = 6). Chronic six channel recordings (wideband, 0.1-300 Hz) were stored 24 h a day for more than 12 days. Low frequency stimulation (LFS) (3 Hz, square wave, biphasic, 100 μs, 400 μA) was applied to the ventral hippocampal commissure (VHC) in alternating 5 min cycles (on or off) 24 h a day for a period of 4 days. RESULTS LFS (3 Hz) resulted in a significant reduction in seizure frequency and duration (21% and 35%, p < 0.05), when applied to the VHC of epileptic Q54 mice (n = 6). Seizure frequency was not directly affected by stimulation state ("on" vs. "off"). CONCLUSION LFS applied at a frequency of 3 Hz significantly reduced seizure frequency and duration in the Q54 model. Furthermore, the reduction of seizure frequency and duration by LFS was not immediate but had a delayed and lasting effect, supporting complex, indirect mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Buehrer Kile
- Neural Engineering Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
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Pinkerton JV, Guico-Pabia CJ, Taylor HS. Menstrual cycle-related exacerbation of disease. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2010; 202:221-31. [PMID: 20207238 PMCID: PMC3107848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2009.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2009] [Revised: 07/13/2009] [Accepted: 07/23/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Exacerbation of common medical and mental health disorders at specific phases of the menstrual cycle is a prevalent phenomenon. Although the precise cause is unclear, studies implicate complex interactions between the immune and neuroendocrine systems. The menstrual cycle also is a trigger for the onset of depressive disorders, including premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a disorder specific to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and depression associated with the transition to menopause. This article discusses common mental health problems exacerbated by the menstrual cycle, with a particular focus on premenstrual dysphoric disorder and perimenopausal depression. Throughout the reproductive lifespan, routine screening and assessment for the presence of common psychiatric disorders are critical for accurate diagnosis and provision of effective treatment. Management options include referral or consultation with a primary care provider or psychiatrist; treatment options for premenstrual dysphoric disorder and perimenopausal depression include pharmacotherapy with antidepressant agents and/or psychotherapy. Hormones may be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joann V Pinkerton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Virginia, PO Box 801104, Northridge Ste. 104, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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Phillips KP, Foster WG. Key developments in endocrine disrupter research and human health. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2008; 11:322-344. [PMID: 18368559 DOI: 10.1080/10937400701876194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Environmental etiologies involving exposures to chemicals that mimic endogenous hormones are proposed for a number of adverse human health effects, including infertility, abnormal prenatal and childhood development, and reproductive cancers (National Research Council, 1999; World Health Organization, 2002). Endocrine disrupters represent a significant area of environmental research with important implications for human health. This article provides an overview of some of the key developments in this field that may enhance our ability to assess the human health risks posed by exposure to endocrine disrupters. Advances in methodologies of hazard identification (toxicogenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics) are discussed, as well as epigenetics and emerging biological endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen P Phillips
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Itsekson AM, Seidman DS, Zolti M, Lazarov A, Carp HJA. Recurrent pregnancy loss and inappropriate local immune response to sex hormones. Am J Reprod Immunol 2007; 57:160-5. [PMID: 17217371 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2006.00461.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The cause of recurrent miscarriage is often unknown. Recurrent miscarriage may be associated with inappropriate responses to progesterone and estrogen. We examined whether the condition may be diagnosed by skin testing. METHOD OF STUDY In a longitudinal prospective study, the weal and flare reaction after intradermal injection of estradiol and progesterone was compared in 29 women with recurrent miscarriage to the response in 10 healthy women. Reactions were evaluated after 20 min, 24, and 48 hr and 5 days later. RESULTS Estrogen hypersensitivity was found in 23 patients, and progesterone hypersensitivity in 20 patients. No patient in the control group demonstrated sex hormone hypersensitivity. CONCLUSION Recurrent pregnancy loss may be associated with inappropriate local immune responses to sex hormones. Further research is necessary into the mechanisms of hypersensitivity to estrogen and progesterone and their interactions with other systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alek M Itsekson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula K Braverman
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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Barros RPA, Machado UF, Gustafsson JA. Estrogen receptors: new players in diabetes mellitus. Trends Mol Med 2006; 12:425-31. [PMID: 16890492 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2006.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2006] [Revised: 06/23/2006] [Accepted: 07/21/2006] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a systemic disease characterized by imbalance of energy metabolism, which is mainly caused by inadequate insulin action. Recent data have revealed a surprising role for estradiol in regulating energy metabolism and opened new insights into the role of the two estrogen receptors, ERalpha and ERbeta, in this context. New findings on gene modulation by ERalpha and ERbeta of insulin-sensitive tissues indicate that estradiol participates in glucose homeostasis by modulating the expression of genes that are involved in insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Drugs that can selectively modulate the activity of either ERalpha or ERbeta in their interactions with target genes represent a promising frontier in diabetes mellitus coadjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo P A Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, S-141 86 Novum, Sweden
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Barros RPA, Machado UF, Warner M, Gustafsson JA. Muscle GLUT4 regulation by estrogen receptors ERbeta and ERalpha. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:1605-8. [PMID: 16423895 PMCID: PMC1360576 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0510391103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen is known to influence glucose homeostasis with dominant effects in the liver, but the role of estrogen receptors in muscle glucose metabolism is unknown. In the present study, we investigated the expression of the two estrogen receptors, ERalpha and ERbeta, and their influence on regulation of the glucose transporter, GLUT4, and its associated structural protein, caveolin-1, in mouse gastrocnemius muscle. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that ERalpha and ERbeta are coexpressed in the nuclei of most muscle cells, and that their levels were not affected by absence of estradiol [in aromatase-knockout (ArKO) mice]. GLUT4 expression on the muscle cell membrane was not affected by loss of ERbeta but was extremely reduced in ERalpha(-/-) mice and elevated in ArKO mice. RT-PCR confirmed a parallel reduction in GLUT4 mRNA levels in ERalpha(-/-) mice. Upon treatment of ArKO mice with the ERbeta agonist 2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionitrile, GLUT4 expression was reduced. By immunofluorescence and Western blotting, caveolin-1 expression was higher in ArKO mice and lower in ERbeta(-/-) and ERalpha(-/-) mice than in WT littermates. GLUT4 and caveolin-1 were colocalized in WT and ArKO mice but not in ERbeta(-/-) and ERalpha(-/-) mice. These results reveal that ERalpha is a positive regulator of GLUT4 expression, whereas ERbeta has a suppressive role. Both ERbeta and ERalpha are necessary for optimal caveolin-1 expression. Taken together, these results indicate that colocalization of caveolin-1 and GLUT4 is not an absolute requirement for muscle glucose metabolism but that reduction in GLUT4 could be contributing to the insulin resistance observed in ERalpha(-/-) mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo P A Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, S-141 86 Novum, Sweden
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Palomba S, Orio F, Manguso F, Russo T, Falbo A, Lombardi G, Doldo P, Zullo F. Leuprolide acetate treatment with and without coadministration of tibolone in premenopausal women with menstrual cycle–related irritable bowel syndrome. Fertil Steril 2005; 83:1012-20. [PMID: 15820814 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2004] [Revised: 12/08/2004] [Accepted: 12/08/2004] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) with or without coadministration of tibolone in women with menstrual cycle-related irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). DESIGN Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING Universities of Catanzaro and Naples. PATIENT(S) One hundred twenty young premenopausal women with menstrual cycle-related IBS (Rome II criteria). INTERVENTION(S) Administration of leuprolide acetate depot (LAD, 11.25 mg IM/3 months) plus tibolone (group A), LAD plus placebo tablets (group B), and injection of a placebo solution plus placebo tablets (group C). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Severity of bowel symptoms or signs of IBS and quality of life (QoL), at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. RESULT(S) In all groups, the mean scores for each symptom or sign of IBS and for QoL were significantly improved after treatment. A significant difference was observed between group C and groups A and B. No difference between these last groups was detected in symptoms or signs of IBS. The QoL scores were significantly higher in group A than in group B. CONCLUSION(S) Gondotropin-releasing hormone agonist administration is effective in women with menstrual cycle-related IBS. The addition of tibolone does not reduce effectiveness compared with agonist alone and increases QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Palomba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Via Nicolardi 188, Naples 80131, Italy.
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Abstract
Chronic episodic disorders, such as depressive disorders, IBS, migraine, and FMS, have important commonalities, including cormorbidities, an absence of classic anatomic pathology in the tissues, a lack of objective findings on physical examination, and a lack of abnormal findings by routine laboratory and radiologic tests. These CED are more prevalent in women (perhaps due to changes in estrogen levels), are generally worsened by stress (with resultant hyperactivity of the HPA axis), and often improve with aerobic exercise and common classes of medications affecting serotonin function, such as antidepressants. Thus, an increased understanding of the CED may result in improved treatment and functioning of many patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Warnock
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center-Tulsa, 4502 East 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74135-2553, USA.
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Jones A. Homeopathic treatment for premenstrual symptoms. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PLANNING AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE 2003; 29:25-8. [PMID: 12626176 DOI: 10.1783/147118903101196855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are well-documented disorders causing significant morbidity in the female population. Treatments prescribed do not necessarily reflect proven clinical effectiveness. A recent systematic review from the Exeter Department of Complementary Medicine failed to endorse complementary therapies as a whole for treatment of PMS. However, a recent randomised controlled trial of homeopathic treatment for PMS confirms the clinical experience of homeopathic physicians that homeopathy is helpful in PMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Jones
- Luther Street Medical Centre, St. Aldates, Oxford, UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina S Sucato
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L Myers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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