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Tammaro A, Lori G, Martinelli A, Cancemi L, Tassinari R, Maranghi F. Risk assessment of transgender people: implementation of a demasculinizing-feminizing rodent model including the evaluation of thyroid homeostasis. Biol Direct 2024; 19:5. [PMID: 38166984 PMCID: PMC10759629 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00450-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals whose gender identity differs from the biological sex and the social norms are defined as transgender. Sometimes transgender undergo gender affirming hormone therapy, which lasts for the entire life making essential to evaluate its potential long-term effects. Moreover, transgender can represent a susceptible sub-group of population and specific attention is needed in risk assessment, including the development of targeted animal models. Aim of the study is the implementation of a rodent demasculinizing-feminizing model through the setting of appropriate dose of hormone therapy and the selection of specific biomarkers to evaluate the sex transition. Specific attention is paid to thyroid homeostasis due to the close link with reproductive functions. Four male adult rats/group were subcutaneously exposed to three doses plus control of β-estradiol valerate plus cyproterone acetate at: 0.045 + 0.2 (low), 0.09 + 0.2 (medium) and 0.18 + 0.2 (high) mg/dose, five times/week. The doses were selected considering the most recent recommendations for transgender woman. Sperm count, histopathological analysis (testis, liver, thyroid), testosterone, estradiol, triiodothyronine and thyroid-stimulating hormone serum levels and gene expression of sex dimorphic CYP450 were evaluated. RESULTS The doses induced feminizing-demasculinizing effects: decreased testosterone serum levels at the corresponding cisgender, increased estradiol, impairment of male reproductive function and reversal of sex-specific CYP liver expression. However, the medium and high doses induced marked liver toxicity and the low dose is considered the best choice, also for long-term studies in risk assessment. The alterations of thyroid indicated follicular cell hypertrophy supported by increased thyroid-stimulating hormone serum levels at the higher doses. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of animal models that mimic the effects of gender affirming hormone therapy is essential for supporting clinical studies in transgender people and filling data gap in order to ensure an appropriate risk assessment and a more accurate, personalized care for transgender people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Tammaro
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Lori
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Martinelli
- Experimental Animal Welfare Sector, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigia Cancemi
- Experimental Animal Welfare Sector, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Tassinari
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Maranghi
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Zhang K, Zhao L, Bin Y, Guo M, Zhou X, Li M, Han L, Li Q. Serum prolactin and gonadal hormones in hemodialysis women: a meta-analysis. BMC Endocr Disord 2023; 23:203. [PMID: 37749539 PMCID: PMC10518945 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-023-01452-w] [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: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A meta-analysis followed by PRISMA 2020 statement was performed aiming to present a whole prolactin and sex hormone profile in hemodialysis women. METHODS Literatures were searched in PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase, and Web of science before March 11, 2023. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to test the conclusiveness of this meta-analysis. Egger's test and trim-and-fill analysis was used to test publication bias. We took standardized mean difference (SMD) as pool effect of hormones values including prolactin (PRL), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P). This study was registered in PROSPERO and the number was CRD42023394503. RESULTS Twenty-two articles from 13 countries were analyzed. Combining the results of TSA and meta-analysis, we found that compared with healthy control, hemodialysis women had higher PRL, follicular FSH and LH values and lower P levels (PRL: I2 = 87%, SMD 1.24, 95% CI: 0.79-1.69, p < 0.00001; FSH: I2 = 0%, SMD 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13-0.55, p = 0.002; LH: I2 = 39%, SMD 0.64, 95% CI: 0.34-0.93, p < 0.00001; P: I2 = 30%, SMD - 1.62, 95% CI: -2.04 to -1.20, p < 0.00001). What's more, compared with women after renal transplantation, hemodialysis women had higher PRL levels (I2 = 0%, SMD 0.51, 95% CI: 0.25-0.78, p = 0.0001). There was not enough evidence to draw a conclusion on the comparison of hormones between regular and irregular menses hemodialysis women. Egger's test and trim-and-fill analysis didn't show significant publication bias. CONCLUSIONS Hemodialysis women had higher serum PRL, follicular phase FSH, LH and lower serum P values compared with healthy control. PRL values of hemodialysis women were also higher than that of women after renal transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailu Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Lanbo Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yadi Bin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Miao Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Lu Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Qiling Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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Ren B, Zhu Y. A New Perspective on Thyroid Hormones: Crosstalk with Reproductive Hormones in Females. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052708. [PMID: 35269847 PMCID: PMC8911152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that thyroid hormones (THs) are vital for female reproductive system homeostasis. THs regulate the reproductive functions through thyroid hormone receptors (THRs)-mediated genomic- and integrin-receptor-associated nongenomic mechanisms, depending on TH ligand status and DNA level, as well as transcription and extra-nuclear signaling transduction activities. These processes involve the binding of THs to intracellular THRs and steroid hormone receptors or membrane receptors and the recruitment of hormone-response elements. In addition, THs and other reproductive hormones can activate common signaling pathways due to their structural similarity and shared DNA consensus sequences among thyroid, peptide, and protein hormones and their receptors, thus constituting a complex and reciprocal interaction network. Moreover, THs not only indirectly affect the synthesis, secretion, and action of reproductive hormones, but are also regulated by these hormones at the same time. This crosstalk may be one of the pivotal factors regulating female reproductive behavior and hormone-related diseases, including tumors. Elucidating the interaction mechanism among the aforementioned hormones will contribute to apprehending the etiology of female reproductive diseases, shedding new light on the treatment of gynecological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingtao Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China;
| | - Yan Zhu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Pharmacology, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-21-64438416
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Abstract
Sarcopenia describes low muscle mass and strength associated with ageing, whilst reduced physical performance indicates the severity of the condition. It can happen independently of other medical conditions and can be a key feature of the frailty phenotype. Frailty is a syndrome of increased vulnerability to incomplete resolution of homeostasis, following a stressor event. Researchers have described the implications of hypothalamic pituitary dysregulation in the pathogenesis of both entities. This review summarizes the recent evidence in this area as well as other endocrine factors such as insulin resistance and vitamin D status and outlines current research priorities. We conducted searches to PubMed and Embase databases for articles, reviews and studies reporting new data on the interaction between hormones of the endocrine system and frailty and/ or sarcopenia in the last 5 years. Interventional studies, cohort studies, case-control studies and animal studies were included. Clinical trials register was also searched to identify ongoing relevant studies. Studies have given us insights into the complex relationships between factors such as anabolic hormones, glucocorticoids and vitamin D on muscle strength and performance and their involvement in ageing phenotypes. However, robust randomized controlled trials are needed to consolidate existing evidence in humans and inform clinical practice. Current evidence supports hormone replacement in patients with confirmed deficiencies, to optimize health and prevent complications. Hormone replacement has limited use for age-related conditions. Current interest is focused on muscle/bone/fat interactions and health outcomes in "sarcopenic obesity." A life-course approach to improving 'health-span' is advocated. Lifestyle factors such as nutrition and physical activity have important interactions with body composition, physical function and metabolic outcomes. Large-scale clinical trials will determine the efficacy and long-term safety of hormone supplementation in the management of sarcopenia and frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky Kamwa
- Musculoskeletal Endocrinology Research Group, Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK - .,Academic Metabolic Bone Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK - .,Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK -
| | - Carly Welch
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zaki K Hassan-Smith
- Musculoskeletal Endocrinology Research Group, Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK.,Academic Metabolic Bone Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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Colella M, Cuomo D, Giacco A, Mallardo M, De Felice M, Ambrosino C. Thyroid Hormones and Functional Ovarian Reserve: Systemic vs. Peripheral Dysfunctions. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1679. [PMID: 32492950 PMCID: PMC7355968 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) exert pleiotropic effects in different mammalian organs, including gonads. Genetic and non-genetic factors, such as ageing and environmental stressors (e.g., low-iodine intake, exposure to endocrine disruptors, etc.), can alter T4/T3 synthesis by the thyroid. In any case, peripheral T3, controlled by tissue-specific enzymes (deiodinases), receptors and transporters, ensures organ homeostasis. Conflicting reports suggest that both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, assessed by mean of circulating T4, T3 and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), could affect the functionality of the ovarian reserve determining infertility. The relationship between ovarian T3 level and functional ovarian reserve (FOR) is poorly understood despite that the modifications of local T3 metabolism and signalling have been associated with dysfunctions of several organs. Here, we will summarize the current knowledge on the role of TH signalling and its crosstalk with other pathways in controlling the physiological and premature ovarian ageing and, finally, in preserving FOR. We will consider separately the reports describing the effects of circulating and local THs on the ovarian health to elucidate their role in ovarian dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Colella
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via De Sanctis, 82100 Benevento, Italy; (M.C.); (A.G.)
- IRGS, Biogem-Scarl, Via Camporeale, Ariano Irpino, 83031 Avellino, Italy
| | - Danila Cuomo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Antonia Giacco
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via De Sanctis, 82100 Benevento, Italy; (M.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Massimo Mallardo
- Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Mario De Felice
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
- Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- IEOS-CNR, Via Pansini 6, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Concetta Ambrosino
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via De Sanctis, 82100 Benevento, Italy; (M.C.); (A.G.)
- IRGS, Biogem-Scarl, Via Camporeale, Ariano Irpino, 83031 Avellino, Italy
- IEOS-CNR, Via Pansini 6, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Abstract
In all vertebrates, the thyroid axis is an endocrine feedback system that affects growth, differentiation, and reproduction, by sensing and translating central and peripheral signals to maintain homeostasis and a proper thyroidal set-point. Fish, the most diverse group of vertebrates, rely on this system for somatic growth, metamorphosis, reproductive events, and the ability to tolerate changing environments. The vast majority of the research on the thyroid axis pertains to mammals, in particular rodents, and although some progress has been made to understand the role of this endocrine axis in non-mammalian vertebrates, including amphibians and teleost fish, major gaps in our knowledge remain regarding other groups, such as elasmobranchs and cyclostomes. In this review, we discuss the roles of the thyroid axis in fish and its contributions to growth and development, metamorphosis, reproduction, osmoregulation, as well as feeding and nutrient metabolism. We also discuss how thyroid hormones have been/can be used in aquaculture, and potential threats to the thyroid system in this regard.
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