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Poitras M, Shearzad F, Qureshi AF, Blackburn C, Plamondon H. Bloody stressed! A systematic review of the associations between adulthood psychological stress and menstrual cycle irregularity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105784. [PMID: 38950686 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Regular menstruation is a key indicator of general health and irregular menstrual parameters have been associated with elevated risk of adverse health outcomes. While psychological stress is believed to contribute to abnormal menstruation, little is known of the effects of discrete psychological stressors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on menstrual function. A systematic database search was performed and studies investigating the relation between psychological stress and menstrual cycle irregularity in otherwise healthy adults were included. Two independent investigators completed abstract and full-text screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. In the 41 included studies, a variety of stressors were assessed, namely COVID-19 pandemic stress, academic stress, and occupational stress. Our review found most studies report an association between psychological stress and menstrual dysfunction, with the most common disruptions being irregular menstruation and abnormal menstrual flow. Our findings also underlined notable discrepancies in the operational definitions used in the study of menstrual disorders. These observations emphasize the importance of psychological stress as a modifiable risk factor associated with irregular menstruation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilou Poitras
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Fatima Shearzad
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Aliya F Qureshi
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Cassandra Blackburn
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hélène Plamondon
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
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Poitras M, Lebeau M, Plamondon H. The cycle of stress: A systematic review of the impact of chronic psychological stress models on the rodent estrous cycle. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105730. [PMID: 38763179 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Stress is known to impair reproduction through interactions between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes. However, while it is well accepted that stress can alter estrous cycle regularity, a key indicator of female's HPG axis function, effects of different types of psychological stress have been inconsistent. This systematic review evaluated the impact of rodent models of psychological stress on estrous cyclicity, while reporting biological parameters pertaining to HPA or HPG axis function assessed within these studies. We performed a systematic database search and included articles that implemented a psychological stress model in rodents and reported estrous cyclicity for at least two cycles after initiation of stress. Of the 32 studies included, 62.5% reported post-stress alterations to estrous cyclicity, with Chronic Mild Stress (CMS) models showing the most conclusive effects. Twenty-five studies measured HPG or HPA axis markers, with cycle disruptions being commonly observed in parallel with altered estradiol and increased corticosterone levels. Our review highlights gaps in reporting estrous cyclicity assessments and makes recommendations to improve comparability between studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilou Poitras
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Madison Lebeau
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hélène Plamondon
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
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Awasthi SS, Bhattacharya S, Tandon A. Menstrual Irregularity: A Physiological Adaptation to Cope Perceived Stress. Cureus 2024; 16:e64522. [PMID: 39139343 PMCID: PMC11321447 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.64522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Menstrual cycle characteristics are regulated hormonally and are integrated at the level of the hypothalamus. Stress can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis. The objective of the study was to analyse the stress levels of women and compare their autonomic tone and menstrual characteristics. METHODOLOGY A group of 100 apparently healthy, young, female volunteers were included in this pilot cohort study. Subjects were assessed for perceived stress using the Perceived Stress Scale 14 Item (PSS-14) questionnaire, underwent a heart rate variability (HRV) test on the second, 10th, and 21st days of their menstrual cycle, and their menstrual history was recorded. The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 21.0; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) software. Metric data were expressed in terms of numerical value and analysed as mean ± SD. Paired Student's T-test was used to compare the HRV data of all three days of the menstrual cycle separately, and p value<0.05 was considered significant. Menstrual irregularity was complained of by 13 subjects (Group A), and the rest (87 subjects) reported regular menses (Group B). RESULT The perceived stress scores of Group A were significantly higher than Group B (32.53±5.062 vs 28.057±7.618; p=0.044). On second day, Group A had higher median R-R interval (714.38±106 vs 656.84±73.50 ms; p=0.015) and lower average heart rate (85.85±12.07 vs 92.39±9.98 bpm; p=0.034) than Group B, suggesting parasympathetic dominance. On the 10th day, Group A had a higher standard deviation of heart rate (7.09±1.88 vs 5.97±1.71 bpm; p=0.032) and a very low-frequency band (1105.94±984.12 vs 730.49±557.41 μs2; p=0.046) than Group B, indicating parasympathetic dominance in Group A. On the 21st day, Group A had a higher standard deviation of R-R interval (58.19±20.46 vs 44.85±14.55 ms; p=0.004), root mean square standard deviation (55.71±29.84 vs 31.89±15.99 ms; p<0.001), percentage of R-R differing by 50 ms (19.20±19.58 vs 10.87±10.31%; p=0.020), total power (3,440.23±2722.29 vs 2,068.28±1,322.49 μs2; p=0.004), high-frequency band (1,247.57±1173.54 vs 539.06±HPO438.92 μs2; p<0.001), standard deviation ratio of the Poincaré plot (0.53±0.19 vs 0.39±0.16; p=0.003), normalised HF (44.0±12.9 vs 35.4±10.6; p=0.009), and a lower LF/HF ratio (1.43±0.80 vs 2.11±1.16; p=0.043) and normalised LF (53.9±14.4 vs 64.1±11.9; p=0.006) than Group B, suggesting higher parasympathetic tone of Group A than Group B. CONCLUSION Analysing these results, it can be concluded that, in apparently healthy young women, menstrual irregularity is a physiological adaptation to combat perceived stress and maintain parasympathetic dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibu S Awasthi
- Physiology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, IND
| | | | - Akanksha Tandon
- Family Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, IND
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Siddiqui N, Saifi A, Chaudhary A, Tripathi PN, Chaudhary A, Sharma A. Multifaceted Neuroprotective Role of Punicalagin: A Review. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1427-1436. [PMID: 38085406 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04081-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide are currently afflicted with neurologic conditions like a seizure, depression, stress, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. However, the precise etiopathology of these diseases is still unknown. Substantial studies are being conducted to discover more treatments against these disorders because many patients do not experience the therapeutic benefits that would be expected from using existing pharmaceutical strategies. Herbal medicines which have been used in traditional medicine for millennia to treat various neurological problems are also being investigated and scientifically assessed. Punicalagin is a known polyphenol that has significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-proliferative, and anti-cancer properties. Around the world, traditional use of herbal drugs is gaining wider acceptance as a part of complementary and alternative medicine. The scientific community should pay attention to these many neuroprotective pharmacodynamic activities of Punicalagin to create effective pharmacotherapeutic plans, as evidenced by mounting data in pre-clinical research investigations. The current review describes the recent studies on the pharmacological effects of Punicalagin in a variety of neurological illnesses and paves the way for further study in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazia Siddiqui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, 250005, India.
| | - Alimuddin Saifi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, 250005, India
| | - Anurag Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, 250005, India
| | - Prabhash Nath Tripathi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, 250005, India
| | - Ankit Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, 250005, India
| | - Alok Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, 250005, India
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Orvieto R, Shamir C, Aizer A. Does extreme psychological burden (Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th, 2023) affect in vitro fertilization outcome? J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1585-1588. [PMID: 38520617 PMCID: PMC11224205 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03099-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to investigate the effect of extreme emotional and psychological trauma following Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th, 2023, on IVF cycle outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study population consisted of all couples undergoing 2 consecutive IVF attempts with ovum pick-up in our institute, before and during the week of October 8th to 12th, 2023. Embryological/ laboratory variables of the IVF cycles were assessed and compared between the patients' IVF cycle before and those that underwent OPU during the spoken week. RESULTS Twenty-three couples were eligible for analysis. There were no differences between the cycles in the length of ovarian stimulation, total dose of gonadotropin used, and the peak estradiol and progesterone levels. Furthermore, while no differences were observed in the number of oocytes and mature oocytes retrieved or fertilization rate, the mean number of top-quality embryos per OPU (1.1 ± 1.7 vs. 2.2 ± 2.9; p < 0.02) and ratio of top-quality embryos per number of fertilized oocytes (0.5 ± 0.3 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2; p < 0.01) were significantly lower during the spoken week. Semen total motile count was significantly reduced during the spoken week. CONCLUSIONS In the present study, we are witness to the effect of acute emotional and psychological trauma on IVF outcome, as reflected by its detrimental effect on sperm and embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoul Orvieto
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.
- Faculty of Medical and Health Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Coral Shamir
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Faculty of Medical and Health Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Adva Aizer
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Faculty of Medical and Health Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Bruinvels G, Blagrove RC, Goldsmith E, Shaw L, Martin D, Piasecki J. How Lifestyle Changes during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic Affected the Pattern and Symptoms of the Menstrual Cycle. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13622. [PMID: 36294200 PMCID: PMC9602509 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This research investigated the implications that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the menstrual cycle and any contributing factors to these changes. A questionnaire was completed by 559 eumenorrheic participants, capturing detail on menstrual cycle symptoms and characteristics prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period. Over half of all participants reported to have experienced lack of motivation (61.5%), focus (54.7%) and concentration (57.8%). 52.8% of participants reported an increase in cycle length. Specifically, there was an increase in the median cycle length reported of 5 days (minimum 2 days, maximum 32 days), with a median decrease of 3 days (minimum 2 days and maximum 17 days). A lack of focus was significantly associated with a change in menstrual cycle length (p = 0.038) reported to have increased by 61% of participants. Changes to eating patterns of white meat (increase p = 0.035, decrease p = 0.003) and processed meat (increase p = 0.002 and decrease p = 0.001) were significantly associated with a change in menstrual cycle length. It is important that females and practitioners become aware of implications of environmental stressors and the possible long-term effects on fertility. Future research should continue to investigate any long-lasting changes in symptoms, as well as providing education and support for females undergoing any life stressors that may implicate their menstrual cycle and/or symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgie Bruinvels
- Orreco, Ltd., London TW1 3DY, UK
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Richard C. Blagrove
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | | | - Laurence Shaw
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Daniel Martin
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7GA, UK
| | - Jessica Piasecki
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
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Levinson AL, Igonina TN, Rozhkova IN, Brusentsev EY, Amstislavsky SY. Psycho-emotional stress, folliculogenesis, and reproductive technologies: clinical and experimental data. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2022; 26:431-441. [PMID: 36128573 PMCID: PMC9450030 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-22-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern life, especially in large cities, exposes people to a high level of noise, high density of population, disrupted sleeping, large amount of excessive and controversial information as well as to other negative factors; all this may cause chronic psycho-emotional stress. The latest publications often use the term “Syndrome of megalopolis”, which means disruption of sleeping, high anxiety, and altered reproductive function. Medical treatment of infertility may also be considered as a stress factor, especially when infertility lasts for years and is aggravated with emotional frustration. Long-lasting distress may worsen health in general and suppress reproductive function, in particular. The review presents the data on the effects of maternal stress on folliculogenesis, especially when assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are used. Clinical data are presented alongside data from laboratory animal experiments. Different maternal stress models are taken into account in respect of their inf luence on oocyte maturation and embryo development. The interfering of psycho-emotional stress and reproductive function is the focus of the review. In these situations, exogenous hormones compensate for the stress-related disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. When ARTs are implemented, stress-induced disruption of oogenesis is realized not via a decrease in hypothalamic and pituitary hormones, but by other ways, which involve paracrine mechanisms described in this review. Based on the literature analysis, one may conclude that stress negatively affects oocyte maturation in the ovary and suppresses subsequent embryo development. The role of some ovarian paracrine factors, such as BDNF, GDF-9, HB-EGF, TNF-α, and some others has been elucidated
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Affiliation(s)
- A. L. Levinson
- Novosibirsk Center of Reproductive Medicine; Novosibirsk State University
| | - T. N. Igonina
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - I. N. Rozhkova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - E. Yu. Brusentsev
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - S. Ya. Amstislavsky
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Novosibirsk State University
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Vigil P, Meléndez J, Soto H, Petkovic G, Bernal YA, Molina S. Chronic Stress and Ovulatory Dysfunction: Implications in Times of COVID-19. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:866104. [PMID: 35677754 PMCID: PMC9168655 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.866104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is known to be associated with adverse health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns are examples of chronic stressors. Lockdown measures inadvertently caused significant psychological distress and became a powerful source of anxiety/stress, sleep disturbances, nutritional changes and weight gain. Stress is known to impact women's health specifically, through hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis dysfunction and resultant ovulatory dysfunction. Such dysfunction may manifest in menstrual irregularities and/or infertility due to hypothalamic hypogonadism. Here, we review the key physiological mediators of stress and associated ovulatory dysfunction. The kisspeptinergic system is comprised of sets of neurons located in the hypothalamus, the rostral periventricular region of the third ventricle (RP3V) and the arcuate nucleus (ARC). This system links nutrition, reproductive signals and stress. It plays a key role in the function of the HPG axis. During chronic stress, the kisspeptinergic system affects the HPG axis, GnRH pulsatility, and, therefore, ovulation. Leptin, insulin and corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) are thought to be additional key modulators in the behavioral responses to chronic stress and may contribute to stress-related ovulatory dysfunction. This mini-review also summarizes and appraises the available evidence on the negative impact of chronic stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. It proposes physiological mechanisms to explain the observed effects on women's reproductive health and well-being. The review suggests areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Vigil
- Reproductive Health Research Institute (RHRI), Santiago, Chile
- Fundación Médica San Cristóbal, Santiago, Chile
- *Correspondence: Pilar Vigil
| | - Jaime Meléndez
- Reproductive Health Research Institute (RHRI), Santiago, Chile
| | - Hugo Soto
- Reproductive Health Research Institute (RHRI), Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Yanara A. Bernal
- Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Santiago Molina
- Tallahassee Community College, Tallahassee, FL, United States
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Has Menstruation Disappeared? Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea-What Is This Story about? Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13082827. [PMID: 34444987 PMCID: PMC8401547 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a very common condition affecting women of procreative age. There are many reasons for this disorder, including a low availability of energy in the diet, low micro- and macronutrient intake, overly intensive physical activity, disturbed regeneration processes, sleep disorders, stress, and psychological disorders. The main determinant is long-term stress and an inability to handle the effects of that stress. FHA is a very complex disorder and often goes undiagnosed. Moreover, therapeutic interventions do not address all the causes of the disorder, which could have implications for women’s health. As shown by scientific reports, this condition can be reversed by modifying its causes. This review of the literature aims to update the current knowledge of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea and underscores the complexity of the disorder, with particular emphasis on the nutritional aspects and potential interventions for restoring balance.
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Delaney A, Burkholder AB, Lavender CA, Plummer L, Mericq V, Merino PM, Quinton R, Lewis KL, Meader BN, Albano A, Shaw ND, Welt CK, Martin KA, Seminara SB, Biesecker LG, Bailey-Wilson JE, Hall JE. Increased Burden of Rare Sequence Variants in GnRH-Associated Genes in Women With Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e1441-e1452. [PMID: 32870266 PMCID: PMC7947783 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) is a common, acquired form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism that occurs in the setting of energy deficits and/or stress. Variability in individual susceptibility to these stressors, HA heritability, and previous identification of several rare sequence variants (RSVs) in genes associated with the rare disorder, isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), in individuals with HA suggest a possible genetic contribution to HA susceptibility. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether the burden of RSVs in IHH-related genes is greater in women with HA than controls. DESIGN We compared patients with HA to control women. SETTING The study was conducted at secondary referral centers. PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS Women with HA (n = 106) and control women (ClinSeq study; n = 468). INTERVENTIONS We performed exome sequencing in all patients and controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The frequency of RSVs in 53 IHH-associated genes was determined using rare variant burden and association tests. RESULTS RSVs were overrepresented in women with HA compared with controls (P = .007). Seventy-eight heterozygous RSVs in 33 genes were identified in 58 women with HA (36.8% of alleles) compared to 255 RSVs in 41 genes among 200 control women (27.2%). CONCLUSIONS Women with HA are enriched for RSVs in genes that cause IHH, suggesting that variation in genes associated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal ontogeny and function may be a major determinant of individual susceptibility to developing HA in the face of diet, exercise, and/or stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Delaney
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Adam B Burkholder
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Christopher A Lavender
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Lacey Plummer
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Veronica Mericq
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulina M Merino
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Richard Quinton
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Katie L Lewis
- Medical Genomics & Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Brooke N Meader
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Alessandro Albano
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Natalie D Shaw
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Corrine K Welt
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kathryn A Martin
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stephanie B Seminara
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leslie G Biesecker
- Medical Genomics & Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Joan E Bailey-Wilson
- Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Janet E Hall
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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Ristić J, Bogdan D, Banović P. The impact of chronic restraint stress on the estrous cycle in NMRI female mice. MEDICINSKI PODMLADAK 2021. [DOI: 10.5937/mp72-28778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Stress represents a set of reactions in the organism activated by external factors. In order to maintain homeostasis and protect the organism, numerous mechanisms for adaptation to stress evolved. Stressors that act in short-term period cause acute stress reaction with generally positive effect on organism. When the stressor persists, and the organism fails to respond to the challenge, chronic stress develops, leading to pathological conditions, such as women's menstrual cycle disorders. Aim: To examine the impact of chronic restraint stress on the estrous cycle in NMRI female mice. Material and methods: A number of 12 mature female NMRI mice were randomly divided into control (n = 6) and experimental (n = 6) group. The induction of stress was performed for the experimental group by using restrain chambers 2 hours daily in 14 days. From the beginning of the experiment, vaginal lavages were taken from all mice for making smears that were analyzed to determine estrous cycle stages. For analysis of chronic stress effect, the frequency of estrus stages alternation observed in experimental group compared to control was examined. Results: The estrous cycle was observed and divided into proestrus, estrus, metestrus and diestrus. During the adaptation period, prolonged diestrus was dominantly present in both groups. When stress was induced, in the experimental group animals the absence of diestrus stage and oscillation to other stages was obseved, in contrast to the control group, where the diestus stage was frequently observed. Frequency of diestrus stage deviation in stressed animals was shown to be statistically significant (p < 0.01) when compared to control. Conclusion: The induction of chronic restraint stress in female NMRI mice leads to the alternation of the estrous cycle. Considering the fact that NMRI female mice share the similar hormonal regulation of the estrous cycle with women's menstrual cycle, they could present a solid model for studying women's reproductive disorders.
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Abstract
Background Puerperal period is an important and thought-provoking period for puerperal mothers. Surprisingly, reports have indicated that there is increasing number of women resuming menstruation within six weeks of childbirth (puerperal menstruation). To the best of knowledge, there is no prior study on predictors of puerperal menstruation. Objective To determine frequency and predictors of puerperal menstruation. Methods This was a single tertiary health institution cross-sectional study at ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria that included data from May 2015 to December 2018. Women were interviewed at the end of the first six weeks of their childbirth. Women with HIV positive or had uterine rupture or peripartum hysterectomy were excluded. Bivariate analysis was performed by the chi-squared test and conditional logistic regression analysis was used to determine variables associated with puerperal menstruation. Statistical significance was accepted when P- value is <0.05. Results A total of 371 women met the inclusion criteria. The return of menses within 6 weeks was present in 118(31.8%) women versus 253 (68.2%) women without puerperal menstruation, given a ratio of 1:3. Of the 371 women, 249 (67.1%) were on exclusive breastfeeding. The significant associated risk factors were age (p = 0.009), parity (p<0.001), early use of family planning (p = 0.001), socio-economic status (p<0.001) and manual removal of placenta (p = 0.007). At conditional logistic regression analysis, early use of family planning (p = 0.001), exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.027) and manual removal of placenta (p = 0.012) were independently associated with puerperal menstruation. Induction/augmentation of labor, postpartum misoprostol use and mode of delivery were not statistically significant (p>0.05, for all) Conclusion One in 3 women resumes menstruation within 6 weeks of childbirth. The major predictor was early initiation of family planning, and exclusive breastfeeding with manual removal of placenta a major protective factor. These interesting issues require further investigation to better understand the mechanism of puerperal menstruation.
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Giorgis-Allemand L, Thalabard JC, Rosetta L, Siroux V, Bouyer J, Slama R. Can atmospheric pollutants influence menstrual cycle function? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 257:113605. [PMID: 31806466 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A few experimental studies suggest that atmospheric pollutants could affect the endocrine system, and in particular stress hormones and the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-ovarian axis, which could in turn influence menstrual cycle function. We aimed to study the possible short-term effects of atmospheric pollutants on the length of the follicular and luteal phases and on the duration of the menstrual cycle in humans. To do so, from a nation-wide study on couples' fecundity, we recruited 184 women not using contraception who collected urine samples at least every other day during one menstrual cycle, from which a progesterone metabolite was assayed, allowing estimation of the duration of the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle. Atmospheric pollution (nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter with an aerodynamical diameter below 10 μm, PM10) levels were estimated from a dispersion model with a 1-km resolution combined with permanent monitoring stations measurements, allowing to estimate exposures in the 30-day, 1-10 and 11-30-day periods before the start of the menstrual cycle. Regression models allowed to quantify the change in cycle duration associated with atmospheric pollutants and adjusted for potential confounders. Follicular phase duration increased on average by 0.7 day (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.2; 1.3) for each increase by 10 μg/m3 in NO2 concentration averaged over the 30 days before the cycle and by 1.6 day (95% CI, 0.3; 2.9) for each increase by 10 μg/m3 in PM10. There was no strong evidence of associations of exposures in this time window with luteal phase or with total menstrual cycle durations (p > 0.2). Exposures in the 1-10 day period before the cycle start were also associated with increased follicular phase duration. This study is one of the first prospective studies to suggest short-term alterations in follicular phase duration following atmospheric pollutants exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Giorgis-Allemand
- Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Inserm, CNRS, University Grenoble Alpes, Institute of Advanced Biosciences, Joint Research Center (U1209), Grenoble (La Tronche), France; Université Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Ifsttar, UMRESTTE, UMR T_9405, Bron, France
| | - J C Thalabard
- Endocrinological Gynaecology - Unit, PR1- Hôpital Cochin, APHP, 75014, Paris, France; MAP5 UMR CNRS 8145, Université de Paris, Paris, 75006, France
| | - L Rosetta
- UPR 2147, CNRS, Paris, 75014, France
| | - V Siroux
- Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Inserm, CNRS, University Grenoble Alpes, Institute of Advanced Biosciences, Joint Research Center (U1209), Grenoble (La Tronche), France
| | - J Bouyer
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ. Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, INSERM, Villejuif, 94807, France
| | - R Slama
- Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Inserm, CNRS, University Grenoble Alpes, Institute of Advanced Biosciences, Joint Research Center (U1209), Grenoble (La Tronche), France.
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Lania A, Gianotti L, Gagliardi I, Bondanelli M, Vena W, Ambrosio MR. Functional hypothalamic and drug-induced amenorrhea: an overview. J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:1001-1010. [PMID: 30742257 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-019-01013-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a form of chronic anovulation not due to identifiable organic causes and with adverse health consequences. The identification of women with this disorder or the precocious identification of women at risk is based on the knowledge of lifestyle risk factors or behaviors such as stress, weight loss, and excessive physical exercise that are known to negatively impact gonadal axis activity. METHODS In this overview, we described the most common forms of FHA, in particular stress-induced amenorrhea and overtraining-induced amenorrhea. In addition, although its mechanisms can differ from those involved in FHA, we reviewed the available literature on drug-induced amenorrhea, highlighting the clear connection between this condition and psychoactive drugs such as antipsychotics, antidepressants and anti-epilectics thus raising concern about the role that the abuse of substances such as opioids or alcohol can possibly have on the growing unexplained infertility of the female population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lania
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University and Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - L Gianotti
- Division of Endocrinology Diabetology and Metabolism, S. Croce and Carle Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
| | | | | | - W Vena
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University and Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy.
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Xie L, Wu S, Cao D, Li M, Liu J, Nie G, Li Y, Yang H. Huyang yangkun formula protects against 4-Vinylcyclohexene diepoxide-induced premature ovarian insufficiency in rats via the Hippo–JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 116:109008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Husain I, Zameer S, Madaan T, Minhaj A, Ahmad W, Iqubaal A, Ali A, Najmi AK. Exploring the multifaceted neuroprotective actions of Emblica officinalis (Amla): a review. Metab Brain Dis 2019; 34:957-965. [PMID: 30848470 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-019-00400-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Today, neurological disorders such as epilepsy, depression, tardive dyskinesia, and stress, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia, and Huntington's disease affect millions of people all over the world. Existing pharmacological interventions do not meet the desired therapeutic benefits for a significant number of patients, and hence, numerous research studies are in progress to find novel therapies for these disorders. Herbal drugs, which have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, are also being explored and scientifically evaluated for the treatment of these neurological disorders. While substantial evidence exists for the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-hyperglycemic effects of Emblica officinalis, in vivo and in vitro studies, have also revealed its beneficial therapeutic activities in numerous neurological disorders. These diverse neuroprotective pharmacodynamic actions of E. officinalis corroborated by accumulating evidence in pre-clinical research studies deserve the attention of the scientific community to develop viable pharmacotherapeutic strategies. The present review elaborates upon the latest scientific evidence pertaining to the pharmacological effects of E. officinalis in numerous neurological and neurodegenerative disorders and also gives way for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibraheem Husain
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Saima Zameer
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Tushar Madaan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Akram Minhaj
- Department of Pharmacology, Maulana Azad Medical College & Hospital, Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Wasim Ahmad
- College of Pharmacy, Mohammad Al-Mana College for Health Sciences, Safa, Dammam, 34222, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asif Iqubaal
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Abuzer Ali
- College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Haweiah, Taif, 21974, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abul Kalam Najmi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India.
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