Impact of aerobic and resistance training on fatigue, quality of life, and physical activity in prostate cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent cancer with significant morbidity and mortality rates. In most cases, prostate cancer remains asymptomatic until advanced disease manifests with symptoms, such as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Timely detection and better management have improved overall survival in patients with prostate cancer, and fatigue, reduced physical activity, and impaired quality of life (QoL) remain major challenges that impact daily life.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of aerobic and resistance training on fatigue, quality of life, and physical activity in prostate cancer patients undergoing treatment.

MATERIAL METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov databases, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. Twenty studies, involving 1393 participants, were included in the final analysis. The inclusion criteria were Studies that evaluated the effects of exercise interventions relative to passive controls in patients with prostate cancer were included. The primary outcomes of interest were fatigue, QoL, and PA.. Data from eligible studies were extracted, and a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.40.

RESULTS

Twenty studies met our inclusion criteria. Data Analysis of the included studies demonstrated a significant improvement in quality of life among prostate cancer patients in the exercise group compared to the control group (SMD=0.20, 95% CI=0.07 to 0.34, P=0.003). However, there was no significant association between exercise and fatigue (SMD=0.07, 95% CI=-0.13, 0.26, P=0.51). Sensitivity analysis did not alter these findings. Regarding physical activity outcomes, the control group exhibited superior performance in the 400-meter walk test (P<0.05). No significant associations were found between exercise and the 6-meter walk test or up-and-go time.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review revealed that aerobic and resistance training enhance the quality of life of patients with prostate cancer, although it has a limited impact on fatigue and physical activity levels. These findings advocate a shift in clinical practice and positioning exercise as a core component of comprehensive cancer care. Tailoring exercise regimens according to individual patient needs and treatment stages should become the norm in treatment planning. This approach goes beyond physical wellness and addresses the psychological and emotional facets of cancer management. Moreover, there is an evident need for further research to develop holistic exercise interventions that effectively address the complex dynamics of fatigue, physical activity, and QoL in this patient group.

Interleukin-6 and the determinants of severe COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study

Cytokines, notably interleukin-6 (IL-6), increase considerably in patients with severe corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This vigorous immune response may cause end-organ failure or death; hence, measuring IL-6 in the context of patient characteristics may help predict outcomes and encourage early comprehensive therapy. This study investigated the association between serum IL-6 levels, COVID-19 severity, and demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics. COVID-19 inpatients in NMC hospitals were investigated between November 2020 and November 2021. Several patient variables related to serum IL-6 and COVID-19 severity have been examined. The study included 374 COVID-19 inpatients, 235 of whom had severe disease with a median age of 51. The elderly had an increased risk of severe COVID-19 (73.8%) compared with young adults (71%), with higher white blood cells, D-dimer, Lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, ferritin, prothrombin time, Procalcitonin, and fibrinogen levels (P < .001). C-reactive protein, troponin, intensive care unit admission, disease severity score, and mortality were significantly associated with higher serum IL-6 levels (P = .05) in the univariate analysis, but this significance disappeared in the multivariate analysis. IL-6, along with other demographic and clinical variables affected COVID-19 severity. These characteristics may predict patients at risk of severe disease and assist in establishing early comprehensive disease outcome strategies. Large-scale clinical research is needed to emphasize IL-6 and COVID-19.

Comparison Between Fast-Track and Conventional Anesthesia for Children Undergoing Closure of Ventricular Septal Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is common in pediatric patients. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of using fast-track anesthesia and comparing it to traditional anesthesia, among children undergoing a transthoracic device closure for VSD. A systematic review following the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted. Relevant literature was identified through specific search terms in the Scopus, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica database (Embase), Web of Science, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Google Scholar databases. The inclusion criteria focused on observational studies that compared fast-track anesthesia with conventional anesthesia in pediatric VSD closure cases. Data extraction, quality assessment, and meta-analysis were performed using standard differences in means. Initially, 6,535 papers were identified, and subsequent screening of titles and abstracts led to the inclusion of four retrospective studies from a total of 51 studies. The analysis encompassed 477 patients, with 235 in the fast-track anesthesia group and 242 in the conventional anesthesia group. No statistically significant disparities were observed between the two groups concerning the operative duration and hemodynamic variations post-intubation or post-procedure (P >0.05). Nevertheless, the fast-track anesthesia group demonstrated significantly reduced healthcare expenses as well as shorter periods of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, and overall hospitalization compared to conventional anesthesia (P <0.05). The use of fast-track anesthesia in combination with transthoracic device closure for VSD demonstrates a safe and effective approach for pediatric patients. This approach results in reduced healthcare costs (10,000 Renminbi (RMB)) and shorter durations of mechanical ventilation, ICU admission, and hospitalization compared to conventional anesthesia. Further clinical trials are necessary to confirm these results and assess long-term outcomes.

Intestinal tuberculosis and inflammatory bowel disease; the usual challenging differential diagnoses: A case report

Intestinal Tuberculosis (TB) is a very rare presentation of TB, presenting with a nonspecific symptom that mimics Crohn's disease, making diagnosis challenging. We present a case of intestinal tuberculosis in a 37-year-old female who had long-term abdominal pain and diarrhea and showed all the signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during a thorough clinical, endoscopic, radiologic, and histologic examination. Seven months of right mid- and lower-abdominal discomfort brought a 37-year-old woman to our hospital with pain, diarrhea, bloating, and tiredness worsening after meals. A CT scan of the abdomen highly suggested inflammatory bowel disease. A colonoscopy revealed a patulous ileocecal valve with terminal ileum ulcerations, ileal stenosis, cecum, and valve ulcers, where biopsies findings suggesting also IBD. While planned to start mesalazine; PCR TB testing of biopsy material confirmed tuberculosis. She recovered well following conventional intestinal TB therapy. Intestinal TB is called the great mimicker because its symptoms resemble different illnesses. Misdiagnosis can lead to incorrect treatment, life-threatening complications, and mortality. This paper's radiology, macroscopy, and histopathology highly suggested Crohn's disease, however, intestinal TB was the diagnosis. TB quadrable treatment significantly benefited patients. Consider intestinal TB in this scenario, especially in patients coming from endemic TB areas is highly recommended. The importance of our case report is increasing the awareness that intestinal TB can mimic inflammatory bowel disease and other disorders such as chronic disease and malignancy, for which the treatment is completely different and could lead to fetal outcome; therefore, we should maintain a high level of suspicion when evaluating patients with nonspecific symptoms, particularly in endemic areas of the disease, to obtain a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Drug-induced endocrinopathies and diabetes: a combo-endocrinology overview

In the currently overwhelming era of polypharmacy, the balance of the dynamic and delicate endocrine system can easily be disturbed by interfering pharmaceutical agents like medications. Drugs can cause endocrine abnormalities via different mechanisms, including direct alteration of hormone production, changes in the regulation of the feedback axis, on hormonal transport, binding and signaling, as well as similar changes to counter-regulatory hormone systems. Furthermore, drugs can interfere with the hormonal assays, leading to erroneous laboratory results that disorientate clinicians from the right diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to cover a contemporary topic, the drug-induced endocrinopathies, which was presented in the monothematic annual Combo Endo Course 2018. This challenging part of endocrinology is constantly expanding particularly during the last decade, with the new oncological therapeutic agents, targeting novel molecular pathways in the process of malignancies. In this new context of drug-induced endocrine disease, clinicians should be aware that drugs can cause endocrine abnormalities via different mechanisms and mimic a variety of clinical scenarios. Therefore, it is extremely important for clinicians not only to promptly recognize drug-induced hormonal and metabolic abnormalities, but also to address the therapeutic issues for timely intervention.

Structural and functional studies of the metalloregulator Fur identify a promoter-binding mechanism and its role in Francisella tularensis virulence

Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative bacterium causing tularaemia. Classified as possible bioterrorism agent, it may be transmitted to humans via animal infection or inhalation leading to severe pneumonia. Its virulence is related to iron homeostasis involving siderophore biosynthesis directly controlled at the transcription level by the ferric uptake regulator Fur, as presented here together with the first crystal structure of the tetrameric F. tularensis Fur in the presence of its physiological cofactor, Fe²⁺. Through structural, biophysical, biochemical and modelling studies, we show that promoter sequences of F. tularensis containing Fur boxes enable this tetrameric protein to bind them by splitting it into two dimers. Furthermore, the critical role of F. tularensis Fur in virulence and pathogenesis is demonstrated with a fur-deleted mutant showing an attenuated virulence in macrophage-like cells and mice. Together, our study suggests that Fur is an attractive target of new antibiotics that attenuate the virulence of F. tularensis.

Pérard et al. report the structure of Francisella tularensis Fur (FtFur) with its physiological cofactor Fe²⁺, and show that FtFur is important for virulence. This study identifies a promoter-driven tetramer splitting mechanism that may provide insight into future antibiotics development.

The Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Nervous System Effects of Two Natural Sources of Caffeine in Healthy Adult Males

This double‐blind crossover clinical trial randomized 12 adult males to receive 200 mg of caffeine from a green coffee extract, a guayusa leaf extract, and a synthetic control to compare their safety, absorption, and effect on neurotransmitters. The results showed no statistically significant changes in blood pressure or heart rate from baseline to 120 min postdose of each natural source compared with changes from baseline in the control (0.094 < = P < = 0.910). The ratios of C_max, AUC_0‐4, and AUC_0‐∞ of each natural source to the control were bioequivalent by US Food and Drug Administration standards (90% CI within 80–125%). The guayusa leaf extract stimulated a significantly lower increase in epinephrine compared with the control (+0.5 vs. +2.78 μg/gCr, P = 0.04), while the green coffee extract provoked an increase in epinephrine similar to the control (+3.21 vs. +2.78 μg/gCr, P = 0.569). Implications for future clinical research are discussed.

Health-related Quality of Life in Patients After Treatment of Cushing's Disease

BACKGROUND

Patients suffering from Cushing's disease are known to be restricted due to a wide range of symptoms. Despite biochemical cure, symptoms might last life-long. These include - among well-known somatic symptoms - several neuropsychiatric symptoms that cannot be as easily tested, but lead to a serious negative impact on quality of life. We aimed to evaluate what factors diminish the self-perceived quality of life the most using 3 questionnaires visualizing those impairments. Furthermore we investigated whether there would be differences in quality of life between patients still being affected by the disease and those that are already in remission.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed patient charts treated between April 2008 and June 2012 for Cushing's disease and sent 3 questionnaires to the patients for evaluation. For this purpose we used the SF-36, the BDI and the Tuebingen CD-25. 54 patients complied with our request and returned the completed questionnaires. The average time after surgery was 36 months.

RESULTS

In all 8 dimensions of the SF-36 significant differences between the patient collective and the expected age- and gender-specific scores could be observed and thus a detectable impairment in quality of life. The BDI revealed that every other patient suffering from Cushing's disease presented depressive symptoms, partially with clinical relevance. In all 6 dimensions of the Tuebingen CD-25 there were notable restrictions in patients. Those restrictions particularly concerned bodily restrictions and cognitive performance. The self-perceived quality of life of active patients was - although not statistically significant - in almost all measured fields worse than the test results of patients in remission after TSS.

CONCLUSION

Former and active Cushing's disease patients suffer from a wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Those symptoms might dominate the clinical picture and lead to a serious impairment in quality of life as well as extend periods of suffering and might persist even years after being found healthy. Therefore it is important to evaluate quality of life as an independent factor in every patient being affected by Cushing's disease and to include a holistic view in their therapy. Concomitant therapeutic measures should be accessible at any time for Cushing's disease patients as the normalization of pathologically increased laboratory values doesn't obligatory lead to an improvement of the patients subjectively felt well-being.

Simultaneous three-dimensional tracking of individual signals from multi-trap optical tweezers using fast and accurate photodiode detection

Multiple-beam optical traps facilitate advanced trapping geometries and exciting discoveries. However, the increased manipulation capabilities come at the price of more challenging position and force detection. Due to unrivaled bandwidth and resolution, photodiode based detection is preferred over camera based detection in most single/dual-beam optical traps assays. However, it has not been trivial to implement photodiode based detection for multiple-beam optical traps. Here, we present a simple and efficient method based on spatial filtering for parallel photodiode detection of multiple traps. The technique enables fast and accurate 3D force and distance detection of multiple objects simultaneously manipulated by multiple-beam optical tweezers.

Infertility and pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) usually spans a woman's reproductive years. While treatment of androgenic symptoms is often a primary concern, periodically, the regimen has to be modified because of a desire for pregnancy. At this time the couple should be evaluated for factors that may contribute to infertility and this should include semen analysis. However, for many, anovulation is likely to be the cause of infertility and ovulation induction is generally required. The premise on which ovulation induction in PCOS is based is two-fold: increasing ovarian exposure to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and/or correcting hormonal derangements. Potential differences in pathogenesis, evidenced clinically by phenotypic diversity, would suggest that treatment should be individualized. After a brief overview of factors relating to infertility, this paper outlines treatments available for ovulation induction in women with PCOS and provides a critical appraisal of management options. These options include the use of clomiphene citrate, insulin sensitizers, and the combination. Protocols for ovulation induction with FSH injections are outlined and the relative risks of multiple gestation and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome of these various protocols discussed. The use of aromatase inhibitors and the occasional use of glucocorticoids are briefly reviewed, and indications for in vitro fertilization and laparoscopic ovarian diathermy outlined. Pregnancy outcome in this patient population is also discussed.

Ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome

Management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) usually spans a woman's reproductive years. While treatment of androgenic symptoms is often a primary concern, periodically, the regimen has to be modified because of a desire for pregnancy. As these women are usually anovulatory, ovulation induction is generally required. The premise on which ovulation induction in PCOS is based is two-fold: increasing ovarian exposure to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and/or correcting hormonal derangements. Potential differences in pathogenesis, evidenced clinically by phenotypic diversity, suggest that treatment should be individualized. This paper is an overview of treatments available and also provides a critical appraisal of management options. These options include the use of clomiphene citrate, insulin sensitizers, and the combination. Protocols for ovulation induction with FSH injections are outlined and the relative risks of multiple gestation and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome of these various protocols discussed. The use of aromatase inhibitors and the occasional use of glucocorticoids are briefly reviewed. Finally, the role of laparoscopic ovarian diathermy in the management of anovulatory infertility in PCOS is outlined.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, oral contraceptives and metabolic issues: new perspectives and a unifying hypothesis

In the chronic treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are commonly used to induce regular menses, protect the endometrium and ameliorate androgenic symptoms. However, the long-term safety of OCP use in PCOS has not been established, and the literature reveals conflicting data concerning the metabolic effects of OCPs in this patient population, with outcomes ranging from improvement of glucose tolerance to the development of frank diabetes. This article presents new perspectives and a unifying hypothesis concerning the effects of OCPs on carbohydrate metabolism in PCOS and attempts to explain the divergent findings in published reports.

Magnetic resonance imaging in sheehan's syndrome: case report and literature review of imaging studies

OBJECTIVE

To present the first documentation of pituitary atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a patient with Sheehan's syndrome and review the published radiologic findings in this syndrome.

METHODS

We describe the clinical and laboratory findings in a young woman with Sheehan's syndrome, provide the MRI results, and discuss the previously published radiologic studies of this syndrome.

RESULTS

A 31-year-old woman, who was examined 11 months after severe postpartum hemorrhage, had clinical and biochemical findings consistent with Sheehan's syndrome (loss of axillary hair, amenorrhea, and impaired pituitary reserve for luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyrotropin, growth hormone, and corticotropin). MRI showed a partially empty sella in conjunction with invagination of the optic chiasm anteriorly into the pituitary fossa.

CONCLUSION

Because of its greater spatial resolution, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and potential for multiplanar images, MRI can provide more precise and detailed findings than other radiologic studies and can facilitate diagnosis of Sheehan's syndrome.

Assessment of analysis by gender in the Cochrane reviews as related to treatment of cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading killer of women in the United States, yet medical care is often based on evidence from clinical trials performed predominantly with men. Numerous studies show that CVD risk factors, clinical presentation, treatment, and treatment outcomes can vary between men and women.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library maintains a large database of critically appraised evidence including meta-analyses of clinical trials, called Systematic Reviews. There were 30 Systematic Reviews pertaining to the treatment of CVD published collectively by the Cochrane Heart Group, Hypertension Group, and Peripheral Vascular Diseases Groups at the time of our study. We examined these 30 Systematic Reviews and the great majority of the clinical trials used for their meta-analyses for inclusion of women and gender-based data analyses. Women comprised only 27% of the pooled population of 258 clinical trials.

RESULTS

Of those trials that included both men and women (n = 196), only 33% examined outcomes by gender. In trials that performed a gender-based analysis, 20% reported significant (p < 0.05) differences in cardiovascular-related outcomes by gender.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that (1) there are not enough large-scale clinical trials or meta-analyses concerning CVD in women to determine if their medical treatment should differ from that of men, (2) all clinical trials relating to CVD treatment should have significantly more female participants, and gender-based analyses should be performed, as currently recommended for National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored research by the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993, and (3) the Cochrane Library would be a more useful tool for the evidence-based healthcare of women if the Systematic Reviews used all available gender-specific information in their analyses.

Improvement in right ventricular systolic function after surgical correction of isolated tricuspid regurgitation

Chronic tricuspid regurgitation (TR) may lead to impairment in right ventricular (RV) function. Whether surgical correction results in restoration of normal RV geometry and function is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether surgical correction of TR results in improved RV geometry and function. Measurements of RV areas were made from digitized 4-chamber echocardiographic views. Right ventricular end-diastolic volume (RVEDV), right ventricular end-systolic volume (RVESV), and ejection fraction (EF) were calculated with the single-plane subtraction method. There was a significant decrease in RVEDV (109.06 +/- 12.45 versus 71.63 +/- 6. 83; P =.005) and RVESV (76.2 +/- 9.83 versus 44.5 +/- 5.58; P =.002) and a significant increase in RVEF (0.30 +/- 0.05 versus 0.38 +/- 0. 05; P =.01) at a mean follow-up of 130 +/- 63 days after surgery. These results demonstrate significant remodeling of the right ventricle with reduction in size and improved EF after tricuspid valve surgery.

Elevated circulating levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha in patients with hemodynamically significant pressure and volume overload

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine whether serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels are elevated in patients with hemodynamically significant pressure and volume overload.

BACKGROUND

It has been previously shown that TNF-alpha messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein are rapidly expressed in the hearts of animal models subjected to abrupt hemodynamic overloading. The clinical significance of these experimental findings has not been tested in pathophysiologically relevant clinical models in human subjects.

METHODS

We prospectively measured serum TNF-alpha levels and serum TNF receptor 1 and 2 levels in 21 patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), in 26 patients with 3+ to 4+ mitral regurgitation (MR) and in normal age- and gender-matched control subjects. Patients with AS and MR were either in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I or II and had no significant coronary disease. We compared the cytokine levels among the groups using analysis of variance. We related cytokine levels to the severity of AS using simple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Serum TNF-alpha levels in patients with AS (2.1 +/- 1.6 pg/ml, n = 21) and MR (1.3 +/-0.7 pg/ml, n = 26) were significantly higher than those in the control subjects (0.7 +/-0.2 pg/ml, n = 28). Serum TNF receptor 1 and 2 levels were also higher in patients with AS and MR than in control subjects. Cytokine levels were higher in patients in NYHA class II than in those in class I. In patients with a normal ejection fraction (>50%, n = 16), there was a mild positive correlation (r = 0.56, p = 0.025) between serum TNF-alpha levels and the mean gradient across the aortic valve.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that serum TNF-alpha is elevated in patients with chronic hemodynamic overloading and early cardiac decompensation. Furthermore, these findings suggest not only that peripheral TNF-alpha levels correlate with the severity of the hemodynamic pressure overload, but also that peripheral TNF-alpha and TNF receptor levels increase in direct relation to deteriorating NYHA functional class.

Intractable nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in a Mexican woman with No recent travel history

A 45-year-old Mexican woman with a history of noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), hypertension, and coronary artery disease presented to the hospital after 2 months of intractable nausea, vomiting and diarrhea-all made worse by eating and drinking. She reported fever, chills, anorexia and a documented 50-pound weight loss during this period. She denied the signs and symptoms of melena, hematochezia, steatorrhea or constipation. She also reported left leg pain and decreased sensation and strength of her left leg compared to the right leg. She had been hospitalized 2 weeks prior to admission with the same symptoms and a diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis. She was also treated for H. pylori, but subsequent biopsy results were negative by Steiner stain.

Review: Ageing and hormones

With ageing, there is a decline in hormone levels, including oestrogen, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and growth hormone. Replacement of these hormones has been investigated and reviewed in this paper. There are still controversies regarding the benefits and risks of replacement therapy.

Analysis of the persistence of humoral and cellular immunity in children and adults immunized with varicella vaccine

The persistence of humoral and cellular immunity to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was evaluated in 60 children and 18 adults immunized with live attenuated VZV vaccine. At a mean of 5 years after vaccination, 93% of children and 94% of adults had IgG antibodies to VZV as determined by ELISA. VZV antibody concentrations were significantly higher at 5 years than at 1 year after immunization in children and adults. Cell-mediated immunity to VZV was detected in 87% of children and 94% of adults at 5 years. The mean stimulation index was significantly higher at 5 years than at 1 year among children and adults. Cytokine responses to VZV, including interleukin-2, interferon-gamma, and interleukin-10 were equivalent between children and adults at 5 years. In summary, varicella immunization induced long-term humoral and cellular immunity, and initial differences between cell-mediated responses in children and adults diminished over time.

The effect of a desogestrel-containing oral contraceptive on glucose tolerance and leptin concentrations in hyperandrogenic women

Ovarian hyperandrogenism can be associated with insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance, and obesity. High levels of the lipostatic hormone, leptin, have also been reported in this condition. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of an oral contraceptive (OC) of low androgenicity containing desogestrel on glucose tolerance in hyperandrogenic women and the impact of changes in androgenic/estrogenic status on leptin concentrations. Sixteen nondiabetic hyperandrogenic women, aged 29 +/- 1 yr with a body mass index (BMI) of 36.8 +/- 1.8 kg/m2, underwent an oral glucose tolerance test before and after 6 months of therapy with the OC. Free testosterone decreased and sex hormone-binding globulin increased after therapy (P < 0.001). Glucose tolerance deteriorated significantly, and two women developed diabetes. Body weight, BMI, and leptin did not change significantly. Leptin correlated with BMI before (r = 0.56; P = 0.02) and after (r = 0.51; P = 0.04) treatment, but not with glucose, insulin, total and free testosterone, or sex hormone-binding globulin before or after treatment. In conclusion, 1) glucose tolerance should be monitored in hyperandrogenic women using OC, even those of low androgenicity; and 2) changes in androgenic/estrogenic status had no effect on the leptin concentration, suggesting that its sexual dimorphism is not related to sex steroids.

Early reconstitution of immunity and decreased severity of herpes zoster in bone marrow transplant recipients immunized with inactivated varicella vaccine

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes herpes zoster after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The immunogenicity of heat-inactivated varicella vaccine and effects on VZV pathogenesis were evaluated in 75 BMT patients randomized to receive vaccine or no intervention. Among 14 patients given a single dose at 1 month after transplantation, the mean (+/-SE) stimulation index (SI) was 12.20 +/- 3.13 compared with 4.83 +/- 2.74 (P = .036) in 14 unvaccinated patients, but clinical disease was not altered. Among 24 patients vaccinated at 1, 2, and 3 months, mean SI was 8.43 +/- 3.89 versus 2.00 +/- 0.33 (P = .014) in 23 unvaccinated patients at 4 months and 8.56 +/- 2.81 versus 5.30 +/- 2.47 (P = .043) at 5 months. Disease severity associated with VZV reactivation was decreased dramatically in vaccinees given three doses; severity scores were 6.4 +/- 1.0 versus 11.8 +/- 1.1 (P = .007). This experience with varicella vaccine in BMT patients is the first evidence that active immunization can reduce morbidity due to herpesvirus reactivation in high-risk populations.

Spinal cord surgery and galactorrhea: a case report

We report the case of a 39-year-old nonpregnant woman with amenorrhea and galactorrhea after spinal cord surgery. Activation of the afferent neuroendocrine pathway is postulated to have occurred at surgery.

Euthyroid sick syndrome in psychiatric inpatients

Numerous disorders are associated with euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS). This retrospective study examines the incidence and circumstances of ESS among 3188 psychiatric inpatients. There were 324 patients (10.2%) who met strictly defined criteria for ESS. Of these, 95 were hyperthyroxinemic (HT), 6 were hypothyroxinemic, 179 had mildly elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (HTSH), and 47 had suppressed TSH. All were classified by DSM-III-R discharge diagnoses, encompassing five categories. chi 2 tests of significance of the 95 HT and 179 HTSH subjects revealed the following: 1) no relationship with age or gender; 2) the frequencies of HT and HTSH differed significantly (p < .05 and p < .01, respectively) across the five psychiatric categories; 3) HT frequency was highest in mood disorders (HT in mood versus others p < .02); and 4) HTSH frequency was highest in substance abuse (HTSH in substance abuse versus others p < .02). In conclusion, ESS is common in psychiatric inpatients, especially HT and HTSH; pathophysiologic mechanisms may vary according to psychiatric diagnosis.

Recurrent hyperthyroidism in consecutive pregnancies characterized by hyperemesis

A 34-year-old Caucasian woman was seen and evaluated for hyperemesis and abnormal thyroid function tests, consistent with hyperthyroidism, during her second pregnancy. Her hyperemesis and hyperthyroidism both resolved during the second trimester of this pregnancy. She recounted very similar symptoms of similar duration in her first pregnancy. She was again monitored in a third pregnancy during which hyperemesis and hyperthyroidism were once more documented, resolving during the second trimester. The recurrence of hyperemesis in three consecutive singleton pregnancies, with documentation of transient hyperthyroidism in two of these pregnancies, is suggestive of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-mediated hyperthyroidism. Either the trophoblasts synthesized hCG of high thyrotropic grade or, alternatively, hCG could be modified in the maternal tissues, resulting in molecules with greater thyrotropic activity. These potential mechanisms are discussed.

Bioassayable and immunoassayable prolactin responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone: use of the Nb2 lymphoma cell bioassay

The peak prolactin response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) varies among patients. "Exaggerated" responses have been described and linked to ovulatory dysfunction. Herein we describe our initial observations on bioassayable prolactin (BA-PRL) versus immunoassayable prolactin (RIA-PRL) in women with normal baseline RIA-PRL concentrations but with varying peak RIA-PRL responses to TRH. Twenty-three women of reproductive age with baseline RIA-PRL of =25 ng/mL were administered 500 microg of TRH, and baseline and peak RIA-PRL concentrations were determined. Aliquots of the baseline sample and the sample representing the peak RIA-PRL were used for measuring BA-PRL by means of the Nb2 lymphoma cell bioassay. For each sample, BA/RIA-PRL ratios were determined. Positive correlations were found between peak RIA-PRL and baseline BA/RIA-PRL ratios (P<0.05) and also between baseline and peak BA/RIA-PRL ratios (P<0.001). Negative correlations were found between baseline RIA-PRL and both baseline and peak BA/RIA-PRL ratios (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). We conclude that (1) the lactotroph response to TRH in women with normal RIA-PRL may, in part, be governed by the amount of biologically active prolactin at baseline and (2) the relative proportion of BA-PRL to RIA-PRL produced at baseline is maintained at peak response. Finally, in light of the greater availability of bioactive prolactin in women with exaggerated TRH responses, our findings support the use of bromocriptine in those patients with such responses and ovulatory dysfunction.

Repetitive responses to clomiphene citrate in normal women of late reproductive age

The hormonal response to clomiphene citrate (CC) has been used to evaluate ovarian reserve. In the current study, we tested the reproducibility of response to 100 mg of CC administered for 5 days in a group of 20 women, 35 to 40 years of age, with regular menstrual cycles who completed 57 cycles during the study. Individual hormonal responses to repeated stimulation were not identical. When ovarian responsiveness to CC was categorized as "low" (E(2) and E(2)/FSH ratios =200 pg/mL and =20, respectively) or "high" (E(2) =400 pg/mL and E(2 /FSH ) =61), however, responses of individual subjects seldom spanned both categories. Specifically, only 3 of 20 subjects had both low and high E(2) and low and high E(2/FSH ) ratios (P<0.001). In addition, seven subjects were identified as FSH hyperresponsive in at least one cycle (post-CC FSH =10 IU/L). Only 2 of 21 cycles in these seven subjects had post-CC E(2)/FSH ratios =61, in comparison with 20 of 36 cycles in the other 13 subjects (P<0.01). Thus, despite the cycle-to-cycle variations, the hormonal response of an individual subject could usually be categorized as occurring at one or the other end of the spectrum of ovarian function, these two extremes probably signifying good and poor ovarian reserve. This prediction is further strengthened by the observation of a significant negative correlation between the FSH and E(2) responses after administration of CC (P=0.05).

Age-related differences in cell-mediated immunity to varicella-zoster virus among children and adults immunized with live attenuated varicella vaccine

Live attenuated varicella vaccine elicits protection against varicella-zoster virus (VZV), but adults require two doses to achieve optimal seroconversion rates. To assess the potential role of cell-mediated immunity (CMI), T cell proliferation to VZV antigen was compared in children and adults. Mean stimulation indices (SI) in two cohorts of 39 children tested 6 weeks after vaccination were 28.6 +/- 6.21 and 22.1 +/- 3.84, whereas 20 adult vaccines had a mean SI of 9.1 +/- 0.99 (P = .04). Vaccinees had significant increases in CMI after a second dose of vaccine. At 1 year, VZV CMI was significantly lower in adults after two doses (10.0 +/- 1.13 vs. 15.6 +/- 1.77; P = .02), even though 82% of children received one dose. Limitations in the adult helper T cell response to VZV antigens may explain the need for booster doses to elicit effective immunity and the more frequent occurrence of varicella when adult vaccines are exposed to wild type virus.

Effects of beta-blockade on neurohumoral responses and neurochemical markers in pacing-induced heart failure

We investigated neurohumoral profiles and transmitter and neuroenzyme markers of cardiac autonomic innervation in control (unpaced) dogs and three groups of dogs with pacing-induced heart failure (paced, paced + beta-adrenergic blockade, and paced + cardiac denervation). Left ventricular ejection fraction decreased significantly and to a comparable extent in all paced groups. Pacing increased plasma norepinephrine (NE); increases in NE were not attenuated but instead tended to be exaggerated by treatment with propranolol or cardiac denervation. Atrial hypertrophy occurred in all paced groups compared with the control group. However, atrial and right ventricular hypertrophy were not as pronounced in the paced plus cardiac denervation group as in the paced and paced plus propranolol groups. Pacing also depleted neuropeptide Y and NE from all heart chambers; propranolol treatment did not modify these local tissue changes. Pacing caused selective depletion of neuroenzymes predominantly in the left ventricle; again, propranolol did little to modify these changes. In this study of paced animals with experimentally maintained cardiac dysfunction, failure to modify noradrenergic responses with intrapericardial cardiac denervation suggests that noncardiac sources contribute predominantly to high plasma NE. Failure to modify neurohumoral, neuropeptide, and neuroenzyme responses with beta-antagonist suggests this treatment has little practical direct influence on sympathetic vasomotor activity or neuronal function in heart failure.

Serum androgens in hyperinsulinemic Pima Indian and obese Caucasian women and their response to short-term insulin infusion

Insulin resistance and its attendant hyperinsulinemia has been linked with hyperandrogenism. Insulin resistance is characteristic of the Pima Indians of the Gila River Indian community in central Arizona. Serum androgens, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were quantitated at baseline and in response to low- and high-dose insulin infusion in 11 obese, hyperinsulinemic Pima Indian and 10 obese, hyperinsulinemic Caucasian women and were compared with baseline androgens in 16 nonobese Caucasian women. While there was no significant testosterone or DHEA-S response to short-term insulin infusion in either Pimas or obese Caucasians, both these groups had higher baseline testosterone concentrations (67 +/- 6.5 ng/dl in the Pimas, 55 +/- 5.9 ng/dl in the obese Caucasians) as compared with the nonobese Caucasians (28 +/- 2 ng/dl; p < 0.001). Baseline DHEA-S concentrations were not significantly different in the three groups. Given the hyperinsulinemic status of both the Pimas and the obese Caucasians, the finding of higher testosterone concentrations in these subjects as compared with nonobese Caucasians supports a role for insulin in ovarian androgen production and demonstrates that hormonal interactions that may be operating in obese hyperinsulinemic Caucasian subjects also operate in obese, hyperinsulinemic Pima Indians.

The effect of haloperidol on aldosterone secretion

Haloperidol (0.02 mg/kg, intravenous) did not stimulate aldosterone secretion in six normal controls or in six schizophrenic subjects. This is contrary to our hypothesis, which was based on the finding that peripheral D2 receptor antagonists stimulate aldosterone secretion, including haloperidol in rats and chlorpromazine in man. We speculated that a different dose of haloperidol would stimulate aldosterone in man. As expected, prolactin release was markedly stimulated in both groups of subjects, but no difference was found between groups.

Kinetics and viral protein specificity of the cytotoxic T lymphocyte response in healthy adults immunized with live attenuated varicella vaccine

The cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response was evaluated in adults given live attenuated varicella vaccine, using target cells expressing varicella-zoster virus (VZV) immediate-early protein (IE62) or VZV glycoproteins gpI, gpIV, or gpV to determine viral protein specificity. The frequency of CTL that recognized IE62 was 1:171,000 +/- 46,000 SE in subjects tested 10 days to 8 weeks after the initial vaccine dose; the induction of CTL specific for gpI was equivalent. CTL recognition of VZV proteins was mediated by CD4+ or CD8+ cells. CTL recognition of IE62 and gpIV persisted in vaccinees (tested approximately 4 years later) and was comparable to that in the naturally immune. The mean frequency of CTL specific for gpV was lower (but not significantly) in vaccinees than in naturally immune subjects. Assay of responder cell frequencies showed persistence of equivalent numbers of T lymphocytes that recognized IE62 and gpI in vaccinees and naturally immune subjects. Immunization with this vaccine elicited memory T lymphocyte responses to VZV comparable to those induced by natural infection.

Comparison of Nb2 lymphoma cell bioassay with immunoassay for human prolactin: the role of estrogen

The Nb2 lymphoma cell bioassay (BA-PRL) is a sensitive measure of serum prolactin under physiologic conditions. Since estrogens prime the lactotroph, prolactin heterogeneity and hence bioassayable prolactin may be influenced. A study was performed to observe the effect on BA-PRL of changing estradiol (E2) concentrations. In 13 normal subjects clomiphene citrate was administered to stimulate ovarian activity and blood samples were obtained before and after stimulation. Estradiol, BA-PRL and immunoassayable prolactin (RIA-PRL) were measured. While there was a substantial increase in E2 post-stimulation (p less than 0.001), there was no significant change in BA-PRL, RIA-PRL or BA/RIA-PRL ratios. Despite the lack of change in the mean BA/RIA-PRL ratio over a wide range of E2 concentrations that include and exceed those normally seen in spontaneous menstrual cycles, it is difficult to drawn conclusions regarding an association between E2 and BA/RIA-PRL ratios as there was no discernible change in the concentration of prolactin (possibly due to the antiestrogenic effect of clomiphene citrate).

Endogenous luteinizing hormone surges following administration of human chorionic gonadotropin: further evidence for lack of loop feedback in humans

The existence of inhibitory short- and ultrashort-loop feedback mechanisms for luteinizing hormone (LH), while documented in animals, has been questioned in humans. Since human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) binds to LH receptors but can be distinguished from LH in immunoassays, it is possible to identify LH surges in the face of exogenously administered hCG. The present study demonstrates LH surges at midcycle in normal volunteers and in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, given hCG. This provides further evidence for lack of loop feedback control of LH secretion in humans.

Use of the hormonal response to clomiphene citrate as an endocrinological indicator of ovarian ageing

We compared the gonadotrophin and oestradiol responses to clomiphene citrate (CC) in women aged 18-25 versus 35-40 years. Despite similar baseline hormone concentrations and the attainment of similar concentrations of the E and Z isomers of clomiphene, higher follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were observed in the older women, possibly indicative of their ageing ovaries. Furthermore, diminished oestradiol responses occurred in a subgroup of women showing FSH hyper-responsiveness to CC. These preliminary results support the concept that the hormonal response to CC may be an indicator of approaching perimenopause.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and the androgen-insulin connection

The association of hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and polycystic ovarian disease is well established. The accompanying hyperinsulinemia results in acanthosis nigricans, an epiphenomenon of this syndrome. The knowledge that states of insulin resistance of diverse causes are associated with ovarian hyperandrogenism makes the argument for insulin-driven ovarian androgen secretion compelling. However, equally compelling evidence suggests that hyperandrogenism may contribute to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. The irreconcilable differences between these two hypotheses have resulted in an array of contradictory studies. In this article a unified concept of polycystic ovary syndrome and its androgen-insulin connection is proposed. The hypothesis incorporates the role of hyperinsulinemia in the androgen excess observed (and vice versa); the key to this connection is the androgen-dependent change in regional body fat distribution and its metabolic consequence. The pathophysiologic features of polycystic ovary syndrome, which has important clinical sequelae, deserve further consideration.

Premenstrual syndrome. Tailoring treatment to symptoms

Despite the interest in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) taken by the media and the public in recent years, some women still do not recognize the cyclic nature of their symptoms. Thus, PMS continues to elude diagnosis. Dr Nader discusses the major categories of symptoms and when they occur, summarizes theories on the cause of PMS, and comments on how well these theories have been substantiated by testing. Choosing agents for treatment on the basis of symptoms to be controlled is also described.

Prolactin response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone in normoprolactinemic patients with ovulatory dysfunction and its use for selection of candidates for bromocriptine therapy

It has been suggested in the past that some normoprolactinemic patients with amenorrhea or infertility respond to treatment with bromocriptine. However, the beneficial effect of this therapy in normoprolactinemic women remains controversial. Some authors have suggested that the responders suffer with "reactive" hyperprolactinemia and that this may be detected with thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation. In this study, we performed TRH stimulation tests in 538 patients with ovulatory dysfunction. Only those patients showing a peak prolactin response after TRH which exceeded 40 ng/ml were treated with bromocriptine. A direct correlation between peak prolactin level after TRH and a favorable response to treatment was observed. Serum testosterone and DHEA-sulfate levels did not correlate with prolactin response to TRH. A majority of patients with prolactin hyperresponse to TRH did not show a hyperresponse of TSH to TRH. This study suggests that incidence of beneficial response to bromocriptine therapy in normoprolactinemic women with ovulatory dysfunction is significantly higher in subjects exhibiting excessive prolactin response to TRH stimulation.

Study of the pharmacokinetics of human chorionic gonadotropin and its relation to ovulation

The pharmacokinetics of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was studied in 15 normal volunteers and 15 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each subject received 6000 IU hCG, intramuscularly (im), at midcycle, and serum was assayed for hCG frequently for 16 hr. All 30 subjects achieved hCG concentrations greater than or equal to 10 IU/liter within 2 hr and 19 (63%) did so within 1 hr of injection. The time taken to attain concentrations of greater than or equal to 20 and greater than or equal to 40 IU/liter correlated positively with the subjects' weight and/or surface area, but the correlation was not strong. Eleven of the 15 IVF patients had oocytes retrieved 34-35 + hr post hCG. Three of the 11 showed evidence of prior "undetected ovulation" at the time of surgery (definite in one, presumed in two). Taking into consideration the pharmacokinetics of hCG and other factors that could lead to undetected ovulation, the authors conclude that (1) hCG is rapidly absorbed in the majority of subjects following im injection, (2) ovulation may occur earlier than 36 hr following hCG in some individuals, and (3) implementation of a shorter (than 35 hr) hCG-to-oocyte retrieval interval would be advised if undetected ovulation is to be avoided.

Pituitary disorders and pregnancy

In conclusion, the physiologic changes that occur in the pituitary during pregnancy make women harboring pituitary tumors more vulnerable to tumor complications, namely tumor expansion resulting in either visual defects or hormone deficiencies. Fortunately, vast experience with the most common of these tumors (prolactinomas) allows us to make specific recommendations to women with such tumor embarking upon pregnancy. These recommendations have been outlined. In addition to tumors, the anterior lobe of the pituitary may be the seat of two rare conditions (Sheehan's syndrome and lymphocytic hypophysitis) that afflict pregnant women predominantly. Their importance lies in the fact that hypopituitarism, sometimes requiring urgent treatment, may result. Finally, pregnancy may have an unfavorable impact upon women with diabetes insipidus, necessitating careful observation. Given the availability of a specific and highly effective therapeutic agent, desmopressin acetate, the management of these women is rarely problematic.

Luteal-phase support in stimulated cycles in an in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer program: progesterone versus human chorionic gonadotropin

A study was undertaken to compare the hormonal parameters [serum concentrations of estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P) and P/E2 ratios] of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer to whom either progesterone in oil or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was administered as luteal support. Seventeen patients were studied in 20 cycles. In 10 randomly assigned cycles 25 mg of intramuscular progesterone in oil was administered daily from the day of embryo transfer (day +4) until day +18. In the other 10 cycles, 1500 IU of hCG was given intramuscularly on days +4, +7, +10, and +13. Even when accounting for the differences in recruitment in the two groups, the hCG-treated group had significantly higher concentrations of serum P (P less than 0.01) and E2 (P less than 0.05) during the luteal phase. The luteal P/E2 ratios were higher in the progesterone-treated group because of the lower E2 levels in that group, although the difference was not statistically significant. The ratio of the mean luteal P to the preovulatory serum E2 was significantly higher in the hCG-treated group (P less than 0.01). There were three clinical pregnancies in the hCG-treated group. We conclude that (1) higher P concentrations are achieved with hCG treatment than with progesterone treatment during the luteal phase; (2) high luteal P/E2 ratios per se may not be an important determinant of implantation; (3) progesterone production by the corpus luteum is not maximal in progesterone-treated cycles; and (4) the usefulness of hCG as a luteal support agent should be further evaluated.

Ovarian response to human menopausal gonadotropin after therapy with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist leuprolide

Two of three patients receiving leuprolide, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, demonstrated a decreased ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation that was consistent with that of an earlier report involving two cases. It would appear that this agonist has direct antigonadal actions.

Patterns of increase in serum estradiol in response to ovarian stimulation and their relationship to oocyte fertilization and cleavage in vitro

The in vitro fertilization and cleavage rates of oocytes obtained from patients exhibiting two different patterns of increase in serial serum concentrations of estradiol (E2) in response to ovarian stimulation were compared. Forty-two cycles (from 38 stimulated patients) were evaluated because they fulfilled requirements from two pre-defined patterns of E2 response to ovarian stimulation. In 16 cycles, serial serum E2 concentrations followed a "plateau" pattern (group A), viz., the rate of increase in the serum concentration of E2 decreased prior to the administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In 26 cycles, serial serum E2 concentrations followed a "leap" pattern (group B), in which the rate of increase in serum concentrations of E2 increased progressively up to and including the day of hCG administration. There was no significant difference in the fertilization rate of oocytes obtained from patients exhibiting either pattern A or pattern B (78 versus 74%) but the cleavage rate was significantly higher in ova obtained from patients who exhibited pattern A rather than pattern B (72 vs 50%; P less than or equal to 0.01). In addition, embryos resulting from fertilized ova obtained from women in group A were of better quality morphologically than those obtained from women in group B (mean embryo grades, 3.9 vs 3.2; P less than or equal to 0.005). We conclude that cycles in which serial serum concentrations of E2 follow pattern A in response to stimulation give rise to oocytes that, when fertilized, yield higher cleavage rates and better-quality embryos than oocytes obtained from women in whom serial serum E2 concentrations follow pattern B.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)