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Mastnak L, Herman R, Ferjan S, Janež A, Jensterle M. Prolactin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Metabolic Effects and Therapeutic Prospects. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2124. [PMID: 38004264 PMCID: PMC10672473 DOI: 10.3390/life13112124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorder in premenopausal women, characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. Patients frequently present comorbidities, including obesity, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose and lipid metabolism. The diverse clinical presentation may mimic various endocrine disorders, making the diagnosis challenging in some clinical circumstances. Prolactin (PRL) is a recommended biomarker in the initial diagnostic workup to rule out hyperprolactinemia (HPRL). The traditional role of PRL is linked to lactation and the reproductive system. Recent research highlights PRL's emerging role in metabolic homeostasis. PRL influences metabolism directly by interacting with the pancreas, liver, hypothalamus, and adipose tissue. Its influence on an individual's metabolism is intricately tied to its serum concentration. While deficient and very high levels of PRL can negatively affect metabolism, intermediate-normal to moderately high levels may promote metabolic health. In women with PCOS, PRL levels may be altered. Research results on different aspects of the relationship between PCOS and the impact of various levels of PRL on metabolic homeostasis are limited and inconsistent. In this narrative literature review, we comprehensively examined data on serum PRL levels in PCOS patients. We investigated the correlation between a favorable metabolic profile and serum PRL levels in this population. Furthermore, we explored the concept of beneficial PRL effects on metabolism and discussed the potential therapeutic application of dopamine agonists in PCOS treatment. Lastly, we emphasized several promising avenues for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Mastnak
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rok Herman
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Ferjan
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrej Janež
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Jensterle
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Xu P, Zhu Y, Ji X, Ma H, Zhang P, Bi Y. Lower serum PRL is associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:523. [PMID: 36526972 PMCID: PMC9758822 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02619-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become an epidemic worldwide and has been linked to a series of metabolic co-morbidities. Prolactin (PRL) has recently been found to have a negative effect on NAFLD, but a causal relationship is not well-understood. Here we investigated the causative relationship between PRL and NAFLD occurrence. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we enrolled patients without NAFLD who were diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography undergone serum PRL testing at 8.00 a.m. at baseline, and followed up for a median of 32 (19, 46) months. RESULTS This study enrolled 355 persons [215 men and 140 women; media age 56 (49, 64) years], in which 72 (20.28%) patients who eventually developed NAFLD. Compared with those in the non-NAFLD group, basal serum PRL levels of patients were lower in the NAFLD group [male: 7.35 (5.48, 10.60) vs. 9.13 (6.92, 12.50) ug/L, P = 0.002; female: 5.66 (4.67, 9.03) vs. 9.01 (6.31, 11.60) ug/L, P = 0.009]. The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly decreased along with the increased quartile of basal serum PRL levels in both genders (P < 0.05). Serum PRL concentration was independently associated with NAFLD development [male: OR, 0.881 (0.777, 0.998), P = 0.047; female: OR, 0.725 (0.554, 0.949), P = 0.019]. CONCLUSION Our study is the first to find that basal serum PRL level can predict the occurrence of NAFLD and it may be a potential biomarker to prevent and treat NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xu
- grid.428392.60000 0004 1800 1685Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China ,grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XDepartment of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing, China ,grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XEndocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ye Zhu
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XDepartment of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing, China ,grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XEndocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinlu Ji
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XDepartment of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing, China ,grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XEndocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Huayang Ma
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XDepartment of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing, China ,grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XEndocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Pengzi Zhang
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XDepartment of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing, China ,grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XEndocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Bi
- grid.428392.60000 0004 1800 1685Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China ,grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XDepartment of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing, China ,grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XEndocrine and Metabolic Disease Medical Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
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Jayashankar CA, Manohar A, Joshi A, Dwarakanathan V, Pinnelli VBK, Sarathi V, Gada LM. Association of Serum Prolactin With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study From South India. Cureus 2022; 14:e23721. [PMID: 35509763 PMCID: PMC9060740 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association of serum prolactin (PRL) with diabetes is still uncertain, with a paucity of data in the south Indian population. This study aims to compare the serum PRL levels between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and normoglycaemic volunteers and correlate the serum PRL level with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and the lipid profile in the study population. METHODS This was a comparative cross-sectional study among 112 T2DM participants and 112 healthy volunteers in a tertiary care centre in India. All participants were tested for FPG, PPG, HbA1c, fasting serum lipid profile, and serum PRL, which were compared between T2DM patients and healthy volunteers. RESULTS The serum PRL in T2DM patients was significantly lower compared to healthy volunteers (8.67 ± 4.37 vs. 13.76 ± 6.55 ng/ml, P < 0.001). FPG, PPG, and HbA1c correlated inversely with serum PRL in our study population. On multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age and sex, a higher serum PRL level within the physiological range was protective for T2DM (adjusted odds ratio: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77-0.90, P < 0.001). Serum PRL levels were inversely correlated with serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, but not with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS A high serum PRL within the physiological range was inversely associated with the prevalence of T2DM in the south Indian population. Serum PRL also correlated inversely with glycaemic and blood lipid parameters. Larger longitudinal studies are required to further validate the association of serum PRL with various components of metabolic syndrome in the south Indian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Jayashankar
- Internal Medicine, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore, IND
| | - Akshatha Manohar
- Internal Medicine, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore, IND
| | - Amey Joshi
- Internal Medicine, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore, IND
| | | | | | - Vijaya Sarathi
- Endocrinology and Diabetes, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore, IND
| | - Lakshmi Meghana Gada
- Internal Medicine, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore, IND
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Macotela Y, Ruiz-Herrera X, Vázquez-Carrillo DI, Ramírez-Hernandez G, Martínez de la Escalera G, Clapp C. The beneficial metabolic actions of prolactin. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1001703. [PMID: 36213259 PMCID: PMC9539817 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1001703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of prolactin (PRL) favoring metabolic homeostasis is supported by multiple preclinical and clinical studies. PRL levels are key to explaining the direction of its actions. In contrast with the negative outcomes associated with very high (>100 μg/L) and very low (<7 μg/L) PRL levels, moderately high PRL levels, both within but also above the classically considered physiological range are beneficial for metabolism and have been defined as HomeoFIT-PRL. In animal models, HomeoFIT-PRL levels counteract insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, adipose tissue hypertrophy and fatty liver; and in humans associate with reduced prevalence of insulin resistance, fatty liver, glucose intolerance, metabolic syndrome, reduced adipocyte hypertrophy, and protection from type 2 diabetes development. The beneficial actions of PRL can be explained by its positive effects on main metabolic organs including the pancreas, liver, adipose tissue, and hypothalamus. Here, we briefly review work supporting PRL as a promoter of metabolic homeostasis in rodents and humans, the PRL levels associated with metabolic protection, and the proposed mechanisms involved. Finally, we discuss the possibility of using drugs elevating PRL for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
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Kirsch P, Kunadia J, Shah S, Agrawal N. Metabolic effects of prolactin and the role of dopamine agonists: A review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1002320. [PMID: 36246929 PMCID: PMC9562454 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1002320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone that is well known for its role in reproductive physiology. Recent studies highlight its role in neurohormonal appetite regulation and metabolism. Elevated prolactin levels are widely associated with worsening metabolic disease, but it appears that low prolactin levels could also be metabolically unfavorable. This review discusses the pathophysiology of prolactin related metabolic changes, and the less commonly recognized effects of prolactin on adipose tissue, pancreas, liver, and small bowel. Furthermore, the effect of dopamine agonists on the metabolic profiles of patients with hyperprolactinemia are discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polly Kirsch
- New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jessica Kunadia
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shruti Shah
- New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nidhi Agrawal
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Nidhi Agrawal,
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Nappi RE, Di Ciaccio S, Genazzani AD. Prolactin as a neuroendocrine clue in sexual function of women across the reproductive life cycle: an expert point of view. Gynecol Endocrinol 2021; 37:490-496. [PMID: 33703987 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2021.1897783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolactin is a proteic hormone best known for its role in enabling the production of milk by female mammals. Secreted by the pituitary gland in response to the stimuli of eating, estrogen treatment, mating, ovulation and nursing, prolactin is involved in over 300 separate processes in a range of vertebrates, including humans. The hormone is released in a pulsatile manner and plays an essential role in metabolism, as well as in the regulation of the immune system and pancreatic development. Nevertheless, prolactin exerts other relevant roles, as it acts at the central nervous system level to modulate behavior, arousal and sexuality. In this experts' opinion, we aim to give insights into the main activities of prolactin to advance the ability of medical doctors and specialists in obstetrics and gynecology to provide more emphasis in their clinical practices to the link between prolactin and sexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella E Nappi
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro D Genazzani
- Gynecological Endocrinology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Macotela Y, Triebel J, Clapp C. Time for a New Perspective on Prolactin in Metabolism. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2020; 31:276-286. [PMID: 32044206 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL) regulates a variety of functions beyond reproduction. The association between physiological (pregnancy) and pathological (prolactinoma) hyperprolactinemia and metabolic alterations led to the concept of this hormone being diabetogenic. However, large cohort clinical studies have recently shown that low circulating PRL levels are associated with metabolic disease and represent a risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D), whereas high PRL levels are beneficial. Moreover, PRL acts on the pancreas, liver, adipose tissue, and hypothalamus to maintain and promote metabolic homeostasis. By integrating basic and clinical evidence, we hypothesize that upregulation of PRL levels is a mechanism to maintain metabolic homeostasis and, thus, propose that the range of PRL levels considered physiological should be expanded to higher values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazmín Macotela
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, 76230 Querétaro, México.
| | - Jakob Triebel
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry, Laboratory Medicine, and Transfusion Medicine, Nuremberg General Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Carmen Clapp
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, 76230 Querétaro, México
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Ponce AJ, Galván-Salas T, Lerma-Alvarado RM, Ruiz-Herrera X, Hernández-Cortés T, Valencia-Jiménez R, Cárdenas-Rodríguez LE, Martínez de la Escalera G, Clapp C, Macotela Y. Low prolactin levels are associated with visceral adipocyte hypertrophy and insulin resistance in humans. Endocrine 2020; 67:331-343. [PMID: 31919769 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-019-02170-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Low prolactin (PRL) serum levels are associated with glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes in adults, and with metabolic syndrome and obesity in children. In obese rodents, PRL treatment promotes insulin sensitivity by maintaining adipose tissue fitness, and lack of PRL signaling exacerbates obesity-derived metabolic alterations. Since adipose tissue dysfunction is a key factor triggering metabolic alterations, we evaluated whether PRL serum levels are associated with adipocyte hypertrophy (a marker of adipose tissue dysfunction), insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome in lean, overweight, and obese adult men and women. METHODS Samples of serum and adipose tissue from 40 subjects were obtained to evaluate insulin resistance index (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)), signs of metabolic syndrome (glucose levels, high-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, blood pressure, and waist circumference), as well as adipocyte size and gene expression in fat. RESULTS Lower PRL serum levels are associated with adipocyte hypertrophy, in visceral but not in subcutaneous fat, and with a higher HOMA-IR. Furthermore, low systemic PRL levels together with high waist circumference predict an elevated HOMA-IR whereas low serum PRL values in combination with high blood glucose predicts visceral adipocyte hypertrophy. In agreement, visceral fat from insulin resistant subjects shows reduced expression of prolactin receptor. However, there is no association between PRL levels and obesity or signs of metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Our results support that low levels of PRL are markers of visceral fat dysfunction and insulin resistance, and suggest the potential therapeutic value of medications elevating PRL levels to help maintain metabolic homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J Ponce
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, 76230, Querétaro, México
| | - Tomás Galván-Salas
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, 76230, Querétaro, México
- Hospital General de Querétaro, Servicio de Cirugía General, SESEQ, 76170, Querétaro, México
| | | | - Xarubet Ruiz-Herrera
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, 76230, Querétaro, México
| | - Tomás Hernández-Cortés
- Hospital General de Querétaro, Servicio de Cirugía General, SESEQ, 76170, Querétaro, México
| | | | - Laura E Cárdenas-Rodríguez
- Hospital General de Querétaro, Centro Estatal de Diagnóstico Especializado, SESEQ, 76170, Querétaro, México
| | - Gonzalo Martínez de la Escalera
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, 76230, Querétaro, México
| | - Carmen Clapp
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, 76230, Querétaro, México
| | - Yazmín Macotela
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, 76230, Querétaro, México.
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