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Forma E, Urbańska K, Bryś M. Menopause Hot Flashes and Molecular Mechanisms Modulated by Food-Derived Nutrients. Nutrients 2024; 16:655. [PMID: 38474783 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The causes of vasomotor symptoms, including hot flashes, are not fully understood, may be related to molecular factors, and have a polygenic architecture. Nutrients and bioactive molecules supplied to the body with food are metabolized using various enzymatic pathways. They can induce molecular cell signaling pathways and, consequently, activate effector proteins that modulate processes related to hot flashes in menopausal women. In this review, we analyzed the literature data from the last 5 years, especially regarding genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis, and selected molecular factors and cell signaling pathways that may potentially be related to hot flashes in women. These are the kisspeptin-GnRH pathway, adipocyte-derived hormones, aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling, catechol estrogens and estrogen sulfotransferase, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, and glucose availability. Then, single compounds or groups of food ingredients were selected that, according to experimental data, influence the course of the discussed molecular pathways and thus can be considered as potential natural therapeutic agents to effectively reduce the troublesome symptoms of menopause in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Forma
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Karina Urbańska
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bryś
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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Custódio IDD, Nunes FSM, Lima MTM, Carvalho KPD, Machado AM, Lajolo PP, Paiva CE, Maia YCDP. Health-Related quality of life by 31-item Cervantes scale in breast cancer survivors undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2024; 79:100324. [PMID: 38325021 PMCID: PMC10864830 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2024.100324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Instruments to manage adverse effects of endocrine therapy with Aromatase inhibitors (AI) may improve adherence and persistence to treatment and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL). The 31-item Cervantes Scale (CS-31) is an HRQL questionnaire with particularities of the perimenopausal and postmenopausal period that could be an appropriate instrument to assess HRQL in Breast Cancer (BC) survivors. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to perform additional validation of the CS-31 for BC survivors undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy. METHODS This prospective study was performed at three time points named T0, T1, and T2: initial, intermediate, and final follow-up period, respectively, totaling 24 months of follow-up. At each time point, the participants completed the CS-31, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue (FACIT-F), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The internal consistency, construct validity, responsiveness analyses, and known-group validity of CS-31 were evaluated. RESULTS This study included 89 postmenopausal women diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive early BC in adjuvant endocrine therapy with AI. The internal consistency was good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). Construct validity received a positive rating, with 100% of results consistent with prior hypotheses. A prospective improvement in HRQL was identified for the CS-31 Global Score and FACIT-F Total Score and for most of their domains. Furthermore, women with anxiety and depression by HADS presented worse HRQL by CS-31. CONCLUSION The authors identified that the CS-31 seems to be appropriate for use in oncology medical routine and may help to monitor adverse effects and HRQL of BC survivors during adjuvant endocrine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isis Danyelle Dias Custódio
- Molecular Biology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Nutrition Course, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Silva Mazzutti Nunes
- Molecular Biology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Nutrition Course, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Mariana Tavares Miranda Lima
- Molecular Biology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Nutrition Course, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Kamila Pires de Carvalho
- Molecular Biology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Nutrition Course, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Andressa Miranda Machado
- Molecular Biology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Nutrition Course, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Paula Philbert Lajolo
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Yara Cristina de Paiva Maia
- Molecular Biology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Nutrition Course, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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Acquarulo EL, Hernandez EC, Kodzodziku F, Nemec EC. The efficacy of purified pollen extract for reducing vasomotor symptoms in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Menopause 2024; 31:154-159. [PMID: 38194609 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Menopause impacts the quality of life for women, with symptoms varying from hot flashes to night disturbances. When menopausal hormonal therapy is contraindicated or women refuse menopausal hormonal therapy, many consider alternatives such as pollen extract for treating vasomotor symptoms. OBJECTIVE This meta-analysis focuses on the impact of using purified pollen extract as a treatment option to reduce vasomotor symptoms in women, specifically focusing on symptoms such as hot flashes, night disturbances, myalgias, and depression. EVIDENCE REVIEW A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the following Boolean search string "women OR females" AND "purified pollen OR pollen extract OR cytoplasmic pollen OR Bonafide OR Femal OR Estroven OR Serelys" AND "menopausal symptoms OR vasomotor symptoms OR hot flashes OR night sweats OR sleep disturbance." Publications in English from 2003 to the present were included. To assess the risk of bias, authors used the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias 2 for a randomized controlled trial and Risk-of-Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) for observational studies. Using ReviewManager, a Der Simonian-Laird random-effects model meta-analysis was conducted to determine the standardized mean differences (SMDs) in the outcomes for each study. FINDINGS Five articles were retained: one randomized controlled trial and four observational studies ( N = 420). An overall decrease in scores from the baseline of studies compared with a 3-month follow-up after purified cytoplasm of pollen (PCP) treatment was recognized when compiling the data. Overall, there was significant improvement across all outcomes at 3 months: hot flashes demonstrated an overall improvement in SMD of -1.66 ( P < 0.00001), night disturbance scores were improved with an SMD of -1.10 ( P < 0.0001), depression scores were improved with an SMD of -1.31 ( P < 0.0001), and myalgia had an improvement in SMD of -0.40 ( P < 0.00001). When controlled studies were pooled for meta-analysis, outcomes, however, were no longer statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Evaluating the risk-to-benefit ratio of alternative therapies, such as PCP extract, is important to care for women who cannot take traditional vasomotor symptom therapies. Pooled data from controlled studies evaluating PCP extract suggest that vasomotor symptom improvements seen in noncontrolled studies may have been due to the placebo effect; however, its use was not associated with significant adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L Acquarulo
- From the Sacred Heart University College of Health Professions, Fairfield, CT
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Patel B, Koysombat K, Mills EG, Tsoutsouki J, Comninos AN, Abbara A, Dhillo WS. The Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Kisspeptin and Neurokinin B. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:30-68. [PMID: 37467734 PMCID: PMC10765167 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KP) and neurokinin B (NKB) are neuropeptides that govern the reproductive endocrine axis through regulating hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal activity and pulsatile GnRH secretion. Their critical role in reproductive health was first identified after inactivating variants in genes encoding for KP or NKB signaling were shown to result in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and a failure of pubertal development. Over the past 2 decades since their discovery, a wealth of evidence from both basic and translational research has laid the foundation for potential therapeutic applications. Beyond KP's function in the hypothalamus, it is also expressed in the placenta, liver, pancreas, adipose tissue, bone, and limbic regions, giving rise to several avenues of research for use in the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy, metabolic, liver, bone, and behavioral disorders. The role played by NKB in stimulating the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center to mediate menopausal hot flashes has led to the development of medications that antagonize its action as a novel nonsteroidal therapeutic agent for this indication. Furthermore, the ability of NKB antagonism to partially suppress (but not abolish) the reproductive endocrine axis has supported its potential use for the treatment of various reproductive disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis. This review will provide a comprehensive up-to-date overview of the preclinical and clinical data that have paved the way for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic applications of KP and NKB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijal Patel
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Kanyada Koysombat
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Edouard G Mills
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Jovanna Tsoutsouki
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
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Abstract
Most women worldwide experience menopausal symptoms during the menopause transition or postmenopause. Vasomotor symptoms are most pronounced during the first four to seven years but can persist for more than a decade, and genitourinary symptoms tend to be progressive. Although the hallmark symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, disrupted sleep, and genitourinary discomfort, other common symptoms and conditions are mood fluctuations, cognitive changes, low sexual desire, bone loss, increase in abdominal fat, and adverse changes in metabolic health. These symptoms and signs can occur in any combination or sequence, and the link to menopause may even be elusive. Estrogen based hormonal therapies are the most effective treatments for many of the symptoms and, in the absence of contraindications to treatment, have a generally favorable benefit:risk ratio for women below age 60 and within 10 years of the onset of menopause. Non-hormonal treatment options are also available. Although a symptom driven treatment approach with individualized decision making can improve health and quality of life for midlife women, menopausal symptoms remain substantially undertreated by healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Duralde
- Division of Women's Health, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Talia H Sobel
- Division of Women's Health Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - JoAnn E Manson
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Grazioli E, Cerulli C, Tranchita E, Moretti E, Mauri C, Broccatelli M, De Bellonia S, Abalașei BA, Dumitru IM, Moraru CE, Iacob RM, Blancafort-Alias S, González AI, Riau ÀD, Giménez i Sanz A, Ramos GI, Pekel HA, Altunsoy M, Ozkan S, Dikmen AU, Sacchetti M, Parisi A. Dropout and compliance to physical exercise in menopausal osteopenic women: the European "happy bones" project. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1221409. [PMID: 37440873 PMCID: PMC10333592 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1221409] [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] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Decline in muscle mass and bone density seem to be two of the most disabling side effects of menopause that negatively affect women's quality of life. Promoting physical activity protocols in the workplace can represent a focal point in the prevention and management of several diseases. The study aims to evaluate the compliance and drop-out of menopausal osteopenic women engaged in combined training performed inside and outside the workplace. Strength and balance were analyzed to evaluate the effect of this protocol on osteoporosis prevention and the risk of falling. Methods 73 menopausal women were enrolled in 5 European countries. They performed 72 lessons of a combined training proposed in the working place (IW) or sport center (SC). Results Out of the total 39 women enrolled in the IW, 12.8% had to leave the program, while out of the 34 women enrolled in SC, 41.2% did not complete the training. According to the compliance results, 47% of women that completed the trained IW and 85% in the SC recorded high compliance (p = 0.019). Moreover, the strength of the lower limbs (p < 0.001) and static balance (p = 0.001) significantly improved in the whole group. Discussion In conclusion, proposing well-structured training in the workplace for menopausal women seems to reduce drop-out. Strength and balance results suggest its positive impact on bone health and risk of falls, despite where it is performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Grazioli
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Cerulli
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Moretti
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Mauri
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Iulian-Marius Dumitru
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, University “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” of Iași, Iași, Romania
| | - Cristina-Elena Moraru
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, University “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” of Iași, Iași, Romania
| | - Radu-Mihai Iacob
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, University “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” of Iași, Iași, Romania
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Haci Ahmet Pekel
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Gazi University, Yenimahalle/Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Mustafa Altunsoy
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Gazi University, Yenimahalle/Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Secil Ozkan
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Yenimahalle/Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Asiye Ugras Dikmen
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Yenimahalle/Ankara, Türkiye
| | | | - Attilio Parisi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
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Hassan F, Saleem A, Samuel SS, Sarfraz Z, Sarfraz A, Sarfraz M, Kc M. Neurokinin 1/3 receptor antagonists for menopausal women: A current systematic review and insights into the investigational non-hormonal therapy. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33978. [PMID: 37335635 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 75% of menopausal women experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as night sweats and hot flashes. Despite the prevalence of these symptoms, there is limited data on non-hormonal therapies to alleviate them. METHODS PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Ovid, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.Gov were searched for relevant studies. The search was performed using the following keywords, which were customized to suit the specific databases/registers: menopause, women, neurokinin 3, and/or Fezolinetant. The search was conducted until December 20, 2022. This systematic review was conducted in compliance with the PRISMA Statement 2020 guidelines. RESULTS A total of 326 records were found, with 10 studies (enrolling 1993 women) selected for inclusion. The women received 40-mg doses of NK1/3 receptor antagonists twice daily, with follow-ups at 1 to 3 weeks. Moderately strong evidence was found suggesting that NK1/3 receptor antagonists can help limit the frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women. CONCLUSION While the results should be interpreted with caution until further clinical trials validate the efficacy and safety of NK1/3 receptor antagonists among menopausal women, these findings suggest that they are promising targets for future pharmacological and clinical studies in addressing vasomotor symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anam Saleem
- Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | | | - Manish Kc
- KIST Medical College, Lalitpur, Nepal
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Valsdottir TD, Øvrebø B, Kornfeldt TM, Litleskare S, Johansen EI, Henriksen C, Jensen J. Effect of aerobic exercise and low-carbohydrate high-fat diet on glucose tolerance and android/gynoid fat in overweight/obese women: A randomized controlled trial. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1056296. [PMID: 36760521 PMCID: PMC9902511 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1056296] [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] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The study was designed to compare the effects of weight loss induced by a low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet or a normal diet, with and without exercise, on glucose tolerance measured as area under the curve (AUC), and android (A) and gynoid (G) fat distribution. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov; NCT04100356. In total, 57 women classified as overweight or obese (age 40 ± 3.5 years, body mass index 31.1 ± 2.6 kg/m2) were randomly assigned and completed a 10-week intervention using a low-carbohydrate high-fat diet or a normal diet, with or without aerobic interval exercise. An equal deficit of 700 kcal/day was prescribed, either restricting the diet only, or moderately restricting diet and including three 50-min high-intensity bicycle sessions per week. There were thus four groups: normal diet (NORM); low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet (LCHF); normal diet with exercise (NORM-EX); and low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet with exercise (LCHF-EX). Linear mixed models was used to assess differences between groups. With all groups pooled, the intervention resulted in a weight loss of 6.7 ± 2.5% (p < 0.001). The intervention did not result in differences between groups in AUC glucose, nor in fasting glucose or indicis for insulin resistance such as Homeostatic Model Assessment, Matsuda Insulin Sensitivity Index, insulinogenic index and disposition index. Post-intervention android fat was lower in LCHF than NORM (3,223 ± 727 vs. 2,533 ± 535 g, p = 0.041). LCHF reached a lower A/G ratio than NORM (0.94 ± 0.12 vs. 1.04 ± 0.09, p = 0.011) and LCHF-EX (0.94 ± 0.12 vs. 1.09 ± 0.09, p < 0.001) after the intervention. LCHF resulted in lower android fat mass compared to NORM and the lowest A/G ratio compared to the other matched groups, but with no accompanying improvement in AUC glucose. In conclusion, although all groups achieved improvements in glucose tolerance, no superior effect was observed with the LCHF diet, neither with nor without exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorhildur Ditta Valsdottir
- Institute of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway,Department of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway,*Correspondence: Thorhildur Ditta Valsdottir,
| | - Bente Øvrebø
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Thea Martine Kornfeldt
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Sigbjørn Litleskare
- Department of Sports and Physical Education, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
| | - Egil Ivar Johansen
- Department of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christine Henriksen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jørgen Jensen
- Department of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway
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Constantin S. Targeting KNDy neurons to control GnRH pulses. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 67:102316. [PMID: 36347163 PMCID: PMC9772270 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the final output of the central nervous system that drives fertility. A characteristic of GnRH secretion is its pulsatility, which is driven by a pulse generator. Each GnRH pulse triggers a luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse. However, the puzzle has been to reconcile the synchronicity of GnRH neurons with the scattered hypothalamic distribution of their cell bodies. A leap toward understanding GnRH pulses was the discovery of kisspeptin neurons near the distal processes of GnRH neurons, which secrete kisspeptins, potent excitatory neuropeptides on GnRH neurons, and equipped with dual, but opposite, self-modulatory neuropeptides, neurokinin B and dynorphin. Over the last decade, this cell-to-cell communication has been dissected in animal models. Today the 50-year quest for the basic mechanism of GnRH pulse generation may be over, but questions about its physiological tuning remain. Here is an overview of recent basic research that frames translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Constantin
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Ye Y, Zhang B, Li Y, Xu HD, Liu XM, Huang SM, Wang R, Li D. Yin Huo Tang, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, relives ovariectomy and empty bottle stimulation-induced menopause-like symptoms in mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:994642. [PMID: 36339416 PMCID: PMC9627159 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.994642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yin Huo Tang (YHT), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, is effectively used for the clinical treatment of menopause-like symptoms in China. This study aimed to investigate its efficacy on menopause-like symptoms in mice using behavioral tests and histopathological assessment, and to determine its possible mechanism of action based on network pharmacology. METHODS Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technology was used to identify the potential active ingredients of YHT. In mice, menopause-like symptoms were induced by combination of bilateral ovariectomy and empty bottle stimulation. The mice were then treated with the YHT aqueous extract for three weeks. Behavior, sleep state, body weight, organ index, and histomorphology were analyzed separately. Additionally, network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to predict the mechanisms underlying the action of YHT. Finally, serum estradiol was quantified to preliminarily verify the results of network pharmacology. RESULTS YHT not only improved the behavior of mice (attack and explore behavior reduced; modify behavior increased) but also ameliorated the sleep state (sleep time increased and incubation time reduced). YHT reduced body weight, increased uterine weight, and improved the histomorphology of some organs. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses revealed that the estrogen signaling pathway might play a key role in attenuating menopause-like symptoms. Furthermore, YHT treatment reversed the reduction in serum estradiol levels. CONCLUSIONS YHT alleviates menopause-like symptoms in a mouse model, providing a rationale for using it as a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ye
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute for Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Dan Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Wuxi Higher Health Vocational Technology School, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiu-Min Liu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Ming Huang
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute for Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Research Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
- *Correspondence: Rui Wang, ; Dong Li,
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Rui Wang, ; Dong Li,
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