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Wahid S, Ramli MDC, Fazleen NE, Naim RM, Mokhtar MH. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): A Mini-Review of Lipid Profile, Blood Glucose, and Ovarian Histological Improvements. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:150. [PMID: 38276279 PMCID: PMC10817691 DOI: 10.3390/life14010150] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women that is characterized by fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries and various symptoms, including high androgen levels, endometrial irregularities, and cysts. Although the main cause of PCOS remains unknown, it has been linked to genetic, endocrine, and metabolic factors, and there are several treatment options, including lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery. Natural products such as medicinal plants and fruits are being explored as potential treatments for PCOS because of their bioactive compounds with pharmacological effects related to antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. Some of these compounds improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and enhance glucose metabolism, thereby benefiting patients with PCOS. This mini-review examined the effects of natural products on PCOS, including their effects on ovarian histological changes, blood glucose, sex hormones, and lipid profiles, based on animal and human studies. This study suggests that the use of natural products as complementary medicines can be a promising resource for the development of effective therapeutics for PCOS; however, further research is needed to fully understand their benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syawany Wahid
- School of Graduate Studies, Management and Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Malaysia; (S.W.)
| | | | - Nur Ezza Fazleen
- International Medical School, Management and Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Malaysia
| | - Rosli Muhammad Naim
- School of Graduate Studies, Management and Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Malaysia; (S.W.)
| | - Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia
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Positive Effects of α-Lactalbumin in the Management of Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153220. [PMID: 35956395 PMCID: PMC9370664 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, the involvement of α-Lactalbumin (α-LA) in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) refers to its ability to improve intestinal absorption of natural molecules like inositols, overcoming the inositol resistance. However, due to its own aminoacidic building blocks, α-LA is involved in various biological processes that can open new additional applications. A great portion of women with PCOS exhibit gastrointestinal dysbiosis, which is in turn one of the triggering mechanisms of the syndrome. Due to its prebiotic effect, α-LA can recover dysbiosis, also improving the insulin resistance, obesity and intestinal inflammation frequently associated with PCOS. Further observations suggest that altered gut microbiota negatively influence mental wellbeing. Depressive mood and low serotonin levels are indeed common features of women with PCOS. Thanks to its content of tryptophan, which is the precursor of serotonin, and considering the strict link between gut and brain, using α-LA contributes to preserving mental well-being by maintaining high levels of serotonin. In addition, considering women with PCOS seeking pregnancy, both altered microbiota and serotonin levels can induce later consequences in the offspring. Therefore, a deeper knowledge of potential applications of α-LA is required to transition to preclinical and clinical studies extending its therapeutic advantages in PCOS.
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Desroziers E. Unusual suspects: Glial cells in fertility regulation and their suspected role in polycystic ovary syndrome. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13136. [PMID: 35445462 PMCID: PMC9489003 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing-hormone (GnRH) neurons sitting within the hypothalamus control the production of gametes and sex steroids by the gonads, therefore ensuring survival of species. As orchestrators of reproductive function, GnRH neurons integrate information from external and internal cues. This occurs through an extensively studied neuronal network known as the "GnRH neuronal network." However, the brain is not simply composed of neurons. Evidence suggests a role for glial cells in controlling GnRH neuron activity, secretion and fertility outcomes, although numerous questions remain. Glial cells have historically been seen as support cells for neurons. This idea has been challenged by the discovery that some neurological diseases originate from glial dysfunction. The prevalence of infertility disorders is increasing worldwide, with one in four couples being affected; therefore, it remains essential to understand the mechanisms by which the brain controls fertility. The "GnRH glial network" could be a major player in infertility disorders and represent a potential therapeutic target. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common infertility disorder of reproductive aged women worldwide, the brain is considered a prime suspect. Recent studies have demonstrated pathological neuronal wiring of the "GnRH neuronal network" in PCOS-like animal models. However, the role of the "GnRH glial network" remains to be elucidated. In this review, I aim to propose glial cells as unusual suspects in infertility disorders such as PCOS. In the first part, I state our current knowledge about the role of glia in the regulation of GnRH neurons and fertility. In the second part, based on our recent findings, I discuss how glial cells could be implicated in PCOS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Desroziers
- Department of Physiology, Centre for NeuroendocrinologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine – Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Neuroplasticity of Reproductive Behaviours TeamParisFrance
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Salivary microbiome differences in prepubertal children with and without adrenal androgen excess. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:1797-1803. [PMID: 34341500 PMCID: PMC8807752 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01661-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature adrenarche is a condition of childhood adrenal androgen excess (AAE) in the absence of gonadotropin-dependent puberty, and has been linked to insulin resistance and progression to metabolic syndrome. Microbial dysbiosis is associated with progression of inflammatory states and chronic diseases. Here, we aimed to examine the salivary microbiomes of children with AAE and assess the relationship with adrenal androgens and metabolic parameters. METHODS In a prospective cross-sectional study of children with AAE and healthy controls, adrenal and metabolic parameters were characterized and salivary microbiome was profiled using V3-V4 16S rDNA gene amplicon sequencing. RESULTS There was increased α-diversity in AAE (5 M, 15 F) compared to controls (3 M, 8 F), with positive correlation of 11OHA4, 11KA4, testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA, and DHEAS. Subanalyses showed increased α-diversity in both overweight/obese AAE and normal weight AAE compared to normal weight controls. Genus Peptostreptococcus, Veillonella, and Streptococcus salivarius were increased in normal weight AAE. Genus Prevotella, Abiotrophia, and Neisseria were increased in overweight/obese AAE. CONCLUSION These pilot data demonstrate differences in salivary microbiome profiles of children with and without AAE. Further studies are needed to assess the causal relationships between adrenal androgens, metabolic dysfunction, and salivary microbiome composition. IMPACT This study is the first to report the salivary microbiome of prepubertal children with adrenal androgen excess (AAE). α-Diversity is increased in the salivary microbiome of children with AAE independent of weight status, and in this study cohort several serum androgens are positively associated with α-diversity. Several taxa that have been associated with periodontal disease and inflammation are found to be significantly increased in AAE.
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Rodgers A, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Developmental programming of offspring adipose tissue biology and obesity risk. Int J Obes (Lond) 2021; 45:1170-1192. [PMID: 33758341 PMCID: PMC8159749 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-021-00790-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions and imposes major negative health crises and an economic burden in both high and low income countries. The multifaceted nature of obesity represents a major health challenge, with obesity affecting a variety of different organs and increases the risk of many other noncommunicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, dementia, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. The defining organ of obesity is the adipose tissue, highlighting the need to more comprehensively understand the development and biology of this tissue to understand the pathogenesis of obesity. Adipose tissue is a miscellaneous and highly plastic endocrine organ. It comes in many different sizes and shades and is distributed throughout many different locations in the body. Though its development begins prenatally, quite uniquely, it has the capacity for unlimited growth throughout adulthood. Adipose tissue is also a highly sexually dimorphic tissue, patterning men and women in different ways, which means the risks associated with obesity are also sexually dimorphic. Recent studies show that environmental factors during prenatal and early stages of postnatal development have the capacity to programme the structure and function of adipose tissue, with implications for the development of obesity. This review summarizes the evidence for a role for early environmental factors, such as maternal malnutrition, hypoxia, and exposure to excess hormones and endocrine disruptors during gestation in the programming of adipose tissue and obesity in the offspring. We will also discuss the complexity of studying adipose tissue biology and the importance of appreciating nuances in adipose tissue, such as sexual dimorphism and divergent responses to metabolic and endocrine stimuli. Given the rising levels of obesity worldwide, understanding how environmental conditions in early life affects adipose tissue phenotype and the subsequent development of obesity is of absolute importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Rodgers
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Hu T, Wei Z, Ju Q, Chen W. Sexualhormone und Akne: Aktueller Stand. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2021; 19:509-516. [PMID: 33861017 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14426_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Hu
- Abteilung Dermatologie, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Ziyu Wei
- Abteilung Dermatologie, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Qiang Ju
- Abteilung Dermatologie, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - WenChieh Chen
- Abteilung Dermatologie und Allergologie, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
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Hu T, Wei Z, Ju Q, Chen W. Sex hormones and acne: State of the art. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2021; 19:509-515. [PMID: 33576151 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Acne is an androgen-dependent inflammatory disease of sebaceous follicles. Herein, we reviewed and discussed the underlying pathways of androgen biosynthesis and metabolism, non-genomic regulation of androgen receptor expression and function, posttranslational regulation of androgen excess in acne and acne-associated syndromes, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. We provide insights into the involvement of sex hormones, particularly androgens, in skin homeostasis and acne pathogenesis, including comedogenesis, lipogenesis, microbiota, and inflammation. Advanced understanding of the action mechanisms of classical acne treatment and new development of antiandrogens, both topical and systemic, are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Hu
- Department of Dermatology, South Campus, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziyu Wei
- Department of Dermatology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Ju
- Department of Dermatology, South Campus, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Dermatology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - WenChieh Chen
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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The Role of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Hirsutism. FERMENTATION 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation7010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Probiotics and synbiotics are known to have beneficial effects on human health and disease. Hirsutism, a disorder that is characterised by the presence of coarse terminal hairs in a male-like pattern, is usually caused by elevated androgen levels in blood plasma. This disorder is usually observed in PCOS women and it is linked to insulin resistance (IR). Although idiopathic hirsutism (IH) is not shown to have excess androgen production from the ovarian and adrenal glands, increased 5α-reductase in peripheral tissues and insulin resistance are common observations. The effect of probiotics and synbiotics have been recently studied on PCOS women; androgens were also included in the hormonal groups that were investigated. Only a few studies focus on hirsutism and the potential effect of the beneficial microbes mentioned, whereas the increasing interest on insulin resistance and synbiotics indicate a potential beneficial effect on hirsutism through the management of insulin resistance.
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Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) presents as a constellation of clinical manifestations that can be varied among patients; however, the hormonal derangement associated with PCOS is uniformly characterized by excess androgens and abnormal insulin activity. The alteration in the normal hormonal milieu in these patients and subsequently during their pregnancies is theorized to alter the normal development of the fetus. This in utero exposure and its relationship with behavioral development, metabolic disease, and reproductive outcomes in male and female offspring of mothers with PCOS are under investigation and remains controversial.
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Shawky NM, Patil CN, Dalmasso C, Maranon RO, Romero DG, Drummond H, Reckelhoff JF. Pregnancy Protects Hyperandrogenemic Female Rats From Postmenopausal Hypertension. Hypertension 2020; 76:943-952. [PMID: 32755410 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.15504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome, the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, is characterized by hyperandrogenemia, obesity, insulin resistance, and elevated blood pressure. However, few studies have focused on the consequences of pregnancy on postmenopausal cardiovascular disease and hypertension in polycystic ovary syndrome women. In hyperandrogenemic female (HAF) rats, the hypothesis was tested that previous pregnancy protects against age-related hypertension. Rats were implanted with dihydrotestosterone (7.5 mg/90 days, beginning at 4 weeks and continued throughout life) or placebo pellets (controls), became pregnant at 10 to 15 weeks, and pups were weaned at postnatal day 21. Dams and virgins were then aged to 10 months (still estrous cycling) or 16 months (postcycling). Although numbers of offspring per litter were similar for HAF and control dams, birth weights were lower in HAF offspring. At 10 months of age, there were no differences in blood pressure, proteinuria, nitrate/nitrite excretion, or body composition in previously pregnant HAF versus virgin HAF. However, by 16 months of age, despite no differences in dihydrotestosterone, fat mass/or lean mass/body weight, previously pregnant HAF had significantly lower blood pressure and proteinuria, higher nitrate/nitrite excretion, with increased intrarenal mRNA expression of endothelin B receptor and eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), and decreased ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme), AT1aR (angiotensin 1a receptor), and endothelin A receptor than virgin HAF. Thus, pregnancy protects HAF rats against age-related hypertension, and the mechanism(s) may be due to differential regulation of the nitric oxide, endothelin, and renin-angiotensin systems. These data suggest that polycystic ovary syndrome women who have experienced uncomplicated pregnancy may be protected from postmenopausal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha M Shawky
- From the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (N.M.S., D.G.R., H.D., J.F.R.), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.,The Women's Health Research Center (N.M.S., D.G.R., J.F.R.), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Chetan N Patil
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (C.N.P.)
| | | | | | - Damian G Romero
- From the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (N.M.S., D.G.R., H.D., J.F.R.), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.,The Women's Health Research Center (N.M.S., D.G.R., J.F.R.), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Heather Drummond
- From the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (N.M.S., D.G.R., H.D., J.F.R.), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.,Department of Physiology (H.D.), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Jane F Reckelhoff
- From the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (N.M.S., D.G.R., H.D., J.F.R.), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.,The Women's Health Research Center (N.M.S., D.G.R., J.F.R.), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
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