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Than WW, Hossain Parash MT, Binti Abdul Majeed N, Nyein Yin K, Pg Baharuddin DMB, Fahmy EHAM, Mohd Daud MNB. A Case-Control Study on Factors Associated With Secondary Amenorrhea Among the Medical Students of Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Cureus 2023; 15:e47625. [PMID: 38022313 PMCID: PMC10667791 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM This study aimed to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI), anxiety, stress, depression, hormones, and secondary amenorrhea among female medical students at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). METHODS In this case-control study, UMS undergraduate female medical students aged 19-25 years who did not menstruate in the last three months (with a previous history of a regular menstrual cycle) or six months (with a history of irregular menstruation) were included as cases (40 students), and students with similar criteria but no menstrual irregularities were recruited in the study as controls (40 students). The study was conducted at Polyclinic UMS from January 1, 2021, until December 31, 2022. The chi-squared test and odd ratio examined the association of the above-mentioned factors with the secondary amenorrhea. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant, and an odds ratio if the confidence interval did not contain one was considered significant. RESULT Both the groups had a similar frequency of different BMI grades. The cases exhibited significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than the controls. Again, the cases demonstrated higher estradiol (E2), testosterone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and lower levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) than those with regular menstruation. The research also revealed that a one-unit decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels corresponds to a threefold increase in the risk of experiencing secondary amenorrhea, while the risk escalates to fourfold for LH. Moreover, E2, testosterone, and TSH levels exhibited protective effects on secondary amenorrhea. CONCLUSION Anxiety, serum LH, and FSH were significantly associated with secondary amenorrhea. Future studies should address the diurnal variation of the hormones and consider the participants' circumstances to get a proper effect of hormonal influence and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Win Win Than
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) University, Bedong, MYS
| | - M Tanveer Hossain Parash
- Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, MYS
| | | | - Khin Nyein Yin
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Hospital Universiti Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu, MYS
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, MYS
| | | | - Ehab Helmy Abdel Malek Fahmy
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, MYS
| | - Mohd Nazri Bin Mohd Daud
- Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, MYS
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Torstveit MK, Ackerman KE, Constantini N, Holtzman B, Koehler K, Mountjoy ML, Sundgot-Borgen J, Melin A. Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs): a narrative review by a subgroup of the IOC consensus on REDs. Br J Sports Med 2023; 57:1119-1126. [PMID: 37752004 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-106932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) is common among female and male athletes representing various sports at different performance levels, and the underlying cause is problematic low energy availability (LEA). It is essential to prevent problematic LEA to decrease the risk of serious health and performance consequences. This narrative review addresses REDs primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies and recommends best practice prevention guidelines targeting the athlete health and performance team, athlete entourage (eg, coaches, parents, managers) and sport organisations. Primary prevention of REDs seeks to minimise exposure to and reduce behaviours associated with problematic LEA. Some of the important strategies are educational initiatives and de-emphasising body weight and leanness, particularly in young and subelite athletes. Secondary prevention encourages the early identification and management of REDs signs or symptoms to facilitate early treatment to prevent development of more serious REDs outcomes. Recommended strategies for identifying athletes at risk are self-reported screening instruments, individual health interviews and/or objective assessment of REDs markers. Tertiary prevention (clinical treatment) seeks to limit short-term and long-term severe health consequences of REDs. The cornerstone of tertiary prevention is identifying the source of and treating problematic LEA. Best practice guidelines to prevent REDs and related consequences include a multipronged approach targeting the athlete health and performance team, the athlete entourage and sport organisations, who all need to ensure a supportive and safe sporting environment, have sufficient REDs knowledge and remain observant for the early signs and symptoms of REDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathryn E Ackerman
- Wu Tsai Female Athlete Program, Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Naama Constantini
- Sport Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Bryan Holtzman
- Wu Tsai Female Athlete Program, Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karsten Koehler
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
| | - Margo L Mountjoy
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Anna Melin
- Department of Sport Science, Linnaeus University, Vaxjo/Kalmar, Sweden
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3
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Barbagallo F, Pedrielli G, Bosoni D, Tiranini L, Cucinella L, Calogero AE, Facchinetti F, Nappi RE. Sexual functioning in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: exploring the relevance of an underlying polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-phenotype. J Endocrinol Invest 2023:10.1007/s40618-023-02021-7. [PMID: 36735200 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02021-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study sexual function and distress in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) compared to women with FHA and an underlying polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-phenotype, considering also their psychometric variables. As a secondary aim, we explored the relationship between sexual functioning and hormonal milieu in these women. METHODS This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted on 36 women with typical FHA and 43 women with FHA + PCOS-phenotype. The following validated psychometric questionnaires were administered: Female Sexual Functional Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), Body Attitude Test (BAT), Bulimia Investigation Test (BITE), State Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS). Available hormones to formulate FHA diagnosis in the standard routine were considered. RESULTS Women with typical FHA reported a significantly lower FSFI total score than women with FHA + PCOS-phenotype (95% CI for median 16-21.3 vs. 21.1-24.1, p = 0.002), whereas the FSDS-R score was similar in the two groups (95% CI for median 6-16 vs. 6-16.3). No statistically significant differences were evident in body attitude, state and trait anxiety, depression, bulimic risk, and perfectionism between the two groups, confirming the two FHA groups were superimposable from a psychometric perspective. State anxiety correlated negatively with the FSFI total score in both typical FHA (rho: - 0.33, p = 0.05) and FHA + PCOS-phenotype (rho: - 0.40, p = 0.009). In the entire study population, a positive correlation was found between luteinizing hormone, androstenedione, and 17ß-estradiol and the total FSFI score (rho: 0.28, p = 0.01; rho: 0.27, p = 0.01, rho: 0.27, p = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION Women with FHA showed a very high rate of sexual symptoms as part of their condition, but those with a typical diagnosis displayed a more severe sexual impairment as compared with the FHA + PCOS-phenotype, in spite of a similar psychometric profile. Sexual distress was equally present in both groups (approximately 4 out of 10 women). Further studies should be designed to investigate the potential role of sex hormones, mainly LH-driven androstenedione, in influencing women's sexual functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Barbagallo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Policlinico "G. Rodolico", via S. Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - G Pedrielli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - D Bosoni
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - L Tiranini
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - L Cucinella
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - A E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Policlinico "G. Rodolico", via S. Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - F Facchinetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - R E Nappi
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Vanden Brink H, Jarrett BY, Pereira N, Spandorfer SD, Hoeger KM, Lujan ME. Diagnostic Performance of Ovarian Morphology on Ultrasonography across Anovulatory Conditions-Impact of Body Mass Index. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13030374. [PMID: 36766481 PMCID: PMC9914229 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13030374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The study objectives were to determine whether ovarian morphology can distinguish between women with regular menstrual cycles, normo-androgenic anovulation (NA-Anov), and PCOS and whether body mass index (BMI)-specific thresholds improved diagnostic potential. Women with PCOS (biochemical and/or clinical hyperandrogenism and irregular cycles; N = 66), NA-Anov (irregular cycles without clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism; N = 64), or regular cycles (controls; cycles every 21-35 days in the absence of clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism; N = 51) were evaluated. Participants underwent a reproductive history, physical exam, transvaginal ultrasound, and a fasting blood sample. Linear regression analyses were used to assess the impact of BMI on ovarian morphology across groups. The diagnostic performance of ovarian morphology for anovulatory conditions, and by BMI (lean: <25 kg/m2; overweight: ≥25 kg/m2), was tested using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. Follicle number per ovary (FNPO) and ovarian volume (OV), but not follicle number per cross-section (FNPS), increased across controls, NA-Anov, and PCOS. Overall, FNPO had the best diagnostic performance for PCOS versus controls (AUCROC = 0.815) and NA-Anov and controls (AUCROC = 0.704), and OV to differentiate between PCOS and NA-Anov (AUCROC = 0.698). In lean women, FNPO best differentiated between PCOS and controls (AUCROC = 0.843) and PCOS versus NA-Anov (AUCROC = 0.710). FNPS better distinguished between NA-Anov and controls (AUCROC = 0.687), although diagnostic performance was lower than when thresholds were generated using all participants. In women with overweight and obesity, OV persisted as the best diagnostic feature across all analyses (PCOS versus control, AUCROC = 0.885; PCOS versus NA-Anov, AUCROC = 0.673; NA-Anov versus controls, AUCROC = 0.754). Ovarian morphology holds diagnostic potential to distinguish between NA-Anov and PCOS, with marginal differences in diagnostic potential when participants were stratified by BMI suggesting that follicle number may provide better diagnostic performance in lean women and ovarian size in those with overweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Vanden Brink
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
| | | | - Nigel Pereira
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Steven D. Spandorfer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Kathy M. Hoeger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Marla E. Lujan
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Correspondence:
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Zhu Y, Ji H, Niu Z, Liu H, Wu X, Yang L, Wang Z, Chen J, Fang Y. Biochemical and Endocrine Parameters for the Discrimination and Calibration of Bipolar Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:875141. [PMID: 35795028 PMCID: PMC9251015 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.875141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Conventional biochemical indexes may have predictive values in clinical identification between bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS This study included 2,470 (BD/MDD = 1,333/1,137) hospitalized patients in Shanghai as training sets and 2,143 (BD/MDD = 955/1,188) in Hangzhou as test sets. A total of 35 clinical biochemical indexes were tested, including blood cells, immuno-inflammatory factors, liver enzymes, glycemic and lipid parameters, and thyroid and gonadal hormones. A stepwise analysis of a multivariable logistic regression was performed to build a predictive model to identify BD and MDD. RESULTS Most of these biochemical indexes showed significant differences between BD and MDD groups, such as white blood cell (WBC) in the hematopoietic system, uric acid (UA) in immuno-inflammatory factors, direct bilirubin (DBIL) in liver function, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in enzymes, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in glucolipid metabolism (p-values < 0.05). With these predictors for discrimination, we observed the area under the curve (AUC) of the predictive model to distinguish between BD and MDD to be 0.772 among men and 0.793 among women, with the largest AUC of 0.848 in the luteal phase of women. The χ2 values of internal and external validation for male and female datasets were 2.651/10.264 and 10.873/6.822 (p-values < 0.05), respectively. The AUCs of the test sets were 0.696 for males and 0.707 for females. CONCLUSION Discrimination and calibration were satisfactory, with fair-to-good diagnostic accuracy and external calibration capability in the final prediction models. Female patients may have a higher differentiability with a conventional biochemical index than male patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION ICTRP NCT03949218. Registered on 20 November 2018. Retrospectively registered. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03949218?id=NCT03949218&rank=1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuncheng Zhu
- Division of Mood Disorders, Shanghai Hongkou Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Research Center and Division of Mood Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haifeng Ji
- Division of Psychiatry, Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiang Niu
- Clinical Research Center and Division of Mood Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongmei Liu
- Clinical Research Center and Division of Mood Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohui Wu
- Clinical Research Center and Division of Mood Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Clinical Research Center and Division of Mood Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zuowei Wang
- Division of Mood Disorders, Shanghai Hongkou Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Clinical Research Center and Division of Mood Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiru Fang
- Clinical Research Center and Division of Mood Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai, China
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di Clemente N, Racine C, Pierre A, Taieb J. Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Female Reproduction. Endocr Rev 2021; 42:753-782. [PMID: 33851994 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), also called Müllerian inhibiting substance, was shown to be synthesized by the ovary in the 1980s. This article reviews the main findings of the past 20 years on the regulation of the expression of AMH and its specific receptor AMHR2 by granulosa cells, the mechanism of action of AMH, the different roles it plays in the reproductive organs, its clinical utility, and its involvement in the principal pathological conditions affecting women. The findings in respect of regulation tell us that AMH and AMHR2 expression is mainly regulated by bone morphogenetic proteins, gonadotropins, and estrogens. It has now been established that AMH regulates the different steps of folliculogenesis and that it has neuroendocrine effects. On the other hand, the importance of serum AMH as a reliable marker of ovarian reserve and as a useful tool in the prediction of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and primary ovarian failure has also been acknowledged. Last but not least, a large body of evidence points to the involvement of AMH in the pathogenesis of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie di Clemente
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Chrystèle Racine
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ICAN, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris-Diderot Université, Paris, France
| | - Alice Pierre
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris-Diderot, CNRS, INSERM, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative UMR 8251, Physiologie de l'Axe Gonadotrope U1133, Paris, France
| | - Joëlle Taieb
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris-Diderot, CNRS, INSERM, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative UMR 8251, Physiologie de l'Axe Gonadotrope U1133, Paris, France
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7
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Phylactou M, Clarke SA, Patel B, Baggaley C, Jayasena CN, Kelsey TW, Comninos AN, Dhillo WS, Abbara A. Clinical and biochemical discriminants between functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2021; 95:239-252. [PMID: 33354766 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secondary oligo/amenorrhoea occurs in 3%-5% of women of reproductive age. The two most common causes are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (2%-13%) and functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) (1%-2%). Whilst both conditions have distinct pathophysiology and their diagnosis is supported by guidelines, in practice, differentiating these two common causes of menstrual disturbance is challenging. Moreover, both diagnoses are qualified by the need to first exclude other causes of menstrual disturbance. AIM To review clinical, biochemical and radiological parameters that could aid the clinician in distinguishing PCOS and FHA as a cause of menstrual disturbance. RESULTS FHA is uncommon in women with BMI > 24 kg/m2 , whereas both PCOS and FHA can occur in women with lower BMIs. AMH levels are markedly elevated in PCOS; however, milder increases may also be observed in FHA. Likewise, polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) is more frequently observed in FHA than in healthy women. Features that are differentially altered between PCOS and FHA include LH, androgen, insulin, AMH and SHBG levels, endometrial thickness and cortisol response to CRH. Other promising diagnostic tests with the potential to distinguish these two conditions pending further study include assessment of 5-alpha-reductase activity, leptin, INSL3, kisspeptin and inhibin B levels. CONCLUSION Further data directly comparing the discriminatory potential of these markers to differentiate PCOS and FHA in women with secondary amenorrhoea would be of value in defining an objective probability for PCOS or FHA diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Phylactou
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sophie A Clarke
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Bijal Patel
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Caitlin Baggaley
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Channa N Jayasena
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Tom W Kelsey
- School of Computer Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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8
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Vanden Brink H, Pea J, Lujan ME. Ultrasonographic features of ovarian morphology capture nutritional and metabolic influences on the reproductive axis: implications for biomarker development in ovulatory disorders. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 70:42-47. [PMID: 33248350 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasonographic imaging of ovarian morphology is used widely to inform reproductive health status in women. Metabolic disturbances induced by a negative energy balance (e.g. undernutrition) or positive energy balance (e.g. overnutrition, obesity) are known to drive or exacerbate reproductive dysfunction. Whether the utility of ultrasonographic metrics of ovarian morphology could be extended as biomarkers that detect and monitor the integration of metabolic and reproductive dysfunction is an emerging research area, and recent evidence is discussed. We note that unique variations in ovarian morphology emerge across the adiposity spectrum and highlight the potential for reproductive and metabolic 'tipping points' upon which such morphological variations may be detected on ultrasonography.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey Pea
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Marla E Lujan
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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9
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Using Aptamers as a Novel Method for Determining GnRH/LH Pulsatility. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197394. [PMID: 33036411 PMCID: PMC7582658 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are a novel technology enabling the continuous measurement of analytes in blood and other body compartments, without the need for repeated sampling and the associated reagent costs of traditional antibody-based methodologies. Aptamers are short single-stranded synthetic RNA or DNA that recognise and bind to specific targets. The conformational changes that can occur upon aptamer–ligand binding are transformed into chemical, fluorescent, colour changes and other readouts. Aptamers have been developed to detect and measure a variety of targets in vitro and in vivo. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a pulsatile hypothalamic hormone that is essential for normal fertility but difficult to measure in the peripheral circulation. However, pulsatile GnRH release results in pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) release from the pituitary gland. As such, LH pulsatility is the clinical gold standard method to determine GnRH pulsatility in humans. Aptamers have recently been shown to successfully bind to and measure GnRH and LH, and this review will focus on this specific area. However, due to the adaptability of aptamers, and their suitability for incorporation into portable devices, aptamer-based technology is likely to be used more widely in the future.
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10
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Alemyar A, van der Kooi ALLF, Laven JSE. Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Ovarian Morphology in Women With Hypothalamic Hypogonadism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5805240. [PMID: 32170295 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Different phenotypical features of women with hypothalamic hypogonadism (HH), also known as World Health Organization-1 anovulation, including ovarian morphology, have been scarcely described in large cohorts. Some studies have reported increased levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in women with HH. OBJECTIVE To assess whether women with HH, compared with healthy controls, have increased serum levels of AMH and what proportion of these women erroneously meet the Rotterdam Criteria for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective cohort study in a Dutch academic medical center including 83 women with neither anovulation nor menstrual cycle disorders (healthy controls), 159 women with HH and 3640 women with PCOS. Age matching was used between the HH and PCOS group (1:2 ratio) to create a second group consisting of 318 age-matched women with PCOS. INTERVENTION None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AMH levels and ovarian morphology. RESULTS Median AMH serum levels for the HH group were 3.8 (<0.1-19.8), compared with 7.5 (<0.1-81.0) in the PCOS group and 1.9 (<0.1-21.5) in the control group (P < 0.001). In the HH group, 58 (36%) erroneously met the Rotterdam Criteria for PCOS (meeting 2 of 3 criteria). CONCLUSIONS AMH levels are increased in women with HH. We hypothesize that this increase, although there was no increase in follicle count, may be explained by the presence of a relatively large pool of antral follicles smaller than 2 mm in diameter, that are undetectable by transvaginal ultrasound. This study highlights the importance of measuring gonadotropins and estradiol before diagnosing a patient with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amoon Alemyar
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne-Lotte L F van der Kooi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joop S E Laven
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Carmina E, Fruzzetti F, Lobo RA. Features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) may be reversible with recovery of menstrual function. Gynecol Endocrinol 2018; 34:301-304. [PMID: 29073797 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2017.1395842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Since features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have been found to be prevalent in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA), we wished to determine what happens to these features after recovery of menstrual function in FHA Design: Prospective cohort study. Twenty-eight women with FHA and 30 age-matched ovulatory controls were studied. METHODS Twenty-eight women with FHA and 30 age-matched ovulatory controls were studied. We measured serum estradiol, LH, FSH, testosterone, DHEAS, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), body mass index, and ovarian morphology on transvaginal ultrasound. RESULTS At baseline, 12 of the 28 women (43%) had increased AMH (>4.7 ng/mL), and higher testosterone and larger ovaries compared to the other 16 women with normal AMH. One year after recovery of menstrual function, in the 12 women with increased AMH, serum AMH, testosterone and ovarian size decreased, while LH and estradiol increased. At one year, only one of the 12 women in the high AMH group developed clinical features of PCOS. CONCLUSIONS In the majority of women with FHA who have PCOS-like features, these features may be due to the hypothalamic state and appear to be reversible. Few women may develop clinical PCOS after recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Carmina
- a Endocrinology Unit, Department of Health Sciences and Mother and Child Care , University of Palermo , Palermo , Italy
| | | | - Roger A Lobo
- c Department of Ob/GYN , Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
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Dewailly D. Diagnostic criteria for PCOS: Is there a need for a rethink? Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2016; 37:5-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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