Effect of danazol on gonadal steroidogenesis in patients with a complete form of testicular feminization

The relationship between genome structure and function

Precise patterns of gene expression in metazoans are controlled by three classes of regulatory elements: promoters, enhancers and boundary elements. During differentiation and development, these elements form specific interactions in dynamic higher-order chromatin structures. However, the relationship between genome structure and its function in gene regulation is not completely understood. Here we review recent progress in this field and discuss whether genome structure plays an instructive role in regulating gene expression or is a reflection of the activity of the regulatory elements of the genome.

Thermoregulatory and endocrine effects of a low dose of danazol in postmenopausal women: interaction with the effect of naloxone

Before and on the 30th day of danazol administration (200 mg/day), in six postmenopausal women the activity of endogenous opioid peptides has been indirectly evaluated by the effect on LH secretion and body temperature (measured as rectal temperature) exerted by the infusion of the opioid antagonist naloxone (1.6 mg/h x 4 h preceded by 1.6 mg iv bolus). Before and during danazol administration a GnRH test (100 mcg iv bolus) was also performed to evaluate possible variations in pituitary responsiveness to GnRH. Danazol significantly reduced mean plasma levels of LH and FSH (p less than 0.01), and their response to GnRH stimulus (p less than 0.05). Either before or during danazol administration mean plasma LH and FSH levels did not vary during the infusion of naloxone, while body temperature significantly decreased (p less than 0.01). The decrease in body temperature was significantly greater (p less than 0.05) during danazol than before treatment. The present data suggest that in postmenopausal women a low dose of danazol exerts an antigonadotropic effect mainly reducing the pituitary responsiveness to GnRH. The enhanced hypothermic response to naloxone observed during danazol administration also seems to suggest that in postmenopausal women a low dose of danazol enhances the thermoregulatory role of endogenous opioid peptides.

Comparison of the pharmacology of nafarelin and danazol

The pharmacologic profiles of danazol and nafarelin differ considerably from each other. Danazol interacts with multiple classes of proteins, whereas the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist nafarelin interacts only with the pituitary gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor. Differences in the molecular, endocrine, and clinical pharmacologic properties of these agents may provide clues to their varying effects in the management of women with endometriosis.

Serum estradiol and danazol. I. Endometriosis response, side effects, administration interval, concurrent spironolactone and dexamethasone

Serum estradiol (E2) levels and resolution of endometriosis were evaluated in 42 women after 75 days of danazol treatment. Complete or almost complete remission occurred when radioimmunoassay E2 levels were less than 15 pg/ml in extensive, less than 22 pg/ml in severe, and less than 41 pg/ml in moderate endometriosis. E2 less than or equal to 20 pg/ml occurred in 23% of 104 patients given 400 mg every 12 hours but in none weighing over 150 pounds (68 kg). E2 greater than 100 pg/ml occurred in 7%. The mean E2 levels were identical with 400 mg every 12 hours and 200 mg every 8 hours. The E2 level was 40% lower with 200 mg every 6 hours than with 400 mg every 12 hours (P less than 0.001). Dexamethasone further decreased E2 levels by 61% (P less than 0.001). Spironolactone decreased androgen symptoms but increased E2 levels by 49% (P less than 0.01).