Spontaneous endogenous pulsatile release of kisspeptin is temporally coupled with luteinizing hormone in healthy women

Objective To evaluate the presence of a spontaneous pulsatile release of kisspeptin and whether it is temporally coupled to LH pulses. Design Experimental study. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Thirty young healthy eumenorrheic women aged 20-37 years were included in the study group. All subjects were white women admitted to the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland. Intervention(s) Kisspeptin, FSH, LH, E2, PRL, and insulin were evaluated in all subjects at baseline. Main Outcome Measure(s) All women underwent a pulsatility study measuring LH and kisspeptin plasma concentrations to assess the spontaneous episodic secretion of both hormones, sampling every 10 minutes for 2 hours from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. for a total of 12 blood samples. Detection and specific concordance (SC) algorithms were used to detect pulses and their concordance. Result(s) A significant endogenous secretory pattern was demonstrated for both LH and kisspeptin over the 2-hour duration of the study (2.4 ± 0.1 peaks/2 h). The computation of the SC index showed for the first time that kisspeptin and LH are cosecreted and temporally coupled at time "0," and their peaks occur at the same point in time. Conclusion(s) The present study provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that kisspeptin is highly relevant in the regulation and modulation of reproductive functions in humans

the facial expression of emotions recognition in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background. A facial expression of emotions recognition is one of the basic psychological abilities. Sex steroids are able to strongly modulate the process of interpretation of facial expressions, as it has been shown in Turner syndrome patients.Objective. The aim of this study was the assessment of ability to interpret the facial emotions in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods. Participants completed a visual emotional task in which they were asked to recognize the emotion expressed of 80 randomly chosen facial expressions from NimStim set (Tottenham et al., 2009). With dedicated software we were able to assess the accuracy of patients facial emotion recognition (in comparison to NimStim validation set) and time required to provide the answer. Patients with psychotic personality have been excluded using Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). All the patients underwent also hormonal tests including gonadotropins, estradiol and androgen concentrations.Patients. 80 women diagnosed with PCOS and hyperandrogenemia were included to the study. The control group consisted of 60 healthy, euovulatory women matched by age.Intervention. Each patient underwent visual emotional and EPQ tasks using specifically designed software.Main outcome measures. The accuracy rate (AR) and time required to recognize emotion (TE) of following emotions: anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, surprise, calm and neutral has been measured.Results. Patients with PCOS showed significantly reduced AR for calm (0.76¬+/-0.09) and surprise (0.67+/-0.18) emotions in comparison to controls (0.81+/-0.09, 0.79+/-0.08 respectively). The TE for the anger was higher in PCOS group. Estradiol concentrations showed a statistic tendency (p=0.07) for correlation with TE for the happiness in controls. Conclusions. In this study we showed for the first time that patients affected by hyperandrogenism shows signs of disturbed recognition of facial expression of emotions

Peripartum prolactin and cortisol level changes. A prospective pilot study

Although the role of prolactin and cortisol in the human lactation process seems to be undisputed, the changes in postpartum serum concentrations in mothers make data interpretation difficult. To determine the factors that possibly influence these hormones, we examined a group of patients who were admitted to the Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinical Hospital in Poznan for labor induction and/or in the active phase of the first labor period. The serum levels of cortisol and prolactin were assessed in these full-term pregnant women during admission to labor, in the third stage of labor, and on the second day postpartum. The prolactin and cortisol levels were also measured in the umbilical cord for the assessment of newborn babies. The results showed a significant relationship between maternal age and the level of prolactin measured before childbirth and fluctuations in cortisol level with respect to labor duration. In addition, we observed a strong correlation between the level of prolactin assessed before childbirth and the pH and base excess of the umbilical cord artery. Most importantly, a correlation was noted between breastfeeding within two hours after the labor and the level of cortisol measured after childbirth, which is worth mentioning to emphasize the significance of early maternal–neonatal skin-to-skin contact

Menopause and diabetes : EMAS clinical guide

Introduction: Whether menopause increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) independently of ageing has been a matter of debate. Controversy also exists about the benefits and risks of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in women with T2DM. Aims: To summarise the evidence on 1) the effect of menopause on metabolic parameters and the risk of T2DM, 2) the effect of T2DM on age at menopause, 3) the effect of MHT on the risk of T2DM, and 4) the management of postmenopausal women with T2DM. Materials and methods: Literature review and consensus of experts' opinions. Results and conclusion: Metabolic changes during the menopausal transition include an increase in and the central redistribution of adipose tissue, as well as a decrease in energy expenditure. In addition, there is impairment of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity and an increase in the risk of T2DM. MHT has a favourable effect on glucose metabolism, both in women with and in women without T2DM, while it may delay the onset of T2DM. MHT in women with T2DM should be administered according to their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In women with T2DM and low CVD risk, oral oestrogens may be preferred, while transdermal 17 beta-oestradiol is preferred for women with T2DM and coexistent CVD risk factors, such as obesity. In any case, a progestogen with neutral effects on glucose metabolism should be used, such as progesterone, dydrogesterone or transdermal norethisterone. Postmenopausal women with T2DM should be managed primarily with lifestyle intervention, including diet and exercise. Most of them will eventually require pharmacological therapy. The selection of antidiabetic medications should be based on the patient's specific characteristics and comorbidities, as well on the metabolic, cardiovascular and bone effects of the medications.Peer reviewe

Kisspeptin Modulation of Reproductive Function

Kisspeptin is a peptide expressed mainly in the infundibular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Kisspeptin plays a crucial role in the regulation of reproductive functions. It is regarded as the most important factor responsible for the control of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, the onset of puberty, and the regulation of menstruation and fertility. Kisspeptin activity influences numerous processes such as steroidogenesis, follicular maturation, ovulation, and ovarian senescence. The identification of kisspeptin receptor mutations that cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism has initiated studies on the role of kisspeptin in puberty. Pathologies affecting the neurons secreting kisspeptin play a major role in the development of PCOS, functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, and perimenopausal vasomotor symptoms. Kisspeptin analogs (both agonists and antagonists), therefore, may be beneficial as therapy in those afflicted with such pathologies. The aim of this review is to summarize the influence of kisspeptin in the physiology and pathology of the reproductive system in humans, as well as its potential use in therapy

Inositol and human reproduction. From cellular metabolism to clinical use

Inositol is an organic compound of high biological importance that is widely distributed in nature. It belongs to the sugar family and is mainly represented by its two dominant stereoisomers: myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol that are found in the organism in the physiological serum ratio 40:1. Inositol and its derivatives are important components of the structural phospholipids of the cell membranes and are precursors of the second messengers of many metabolic pathways. A high concentration of myoinositol is found in the follicular fluid and in semen. Inositol deficiency and the impairment of the inositol-dependent pathways may play an important role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and hypothyroidism. The results of the research also point out the potential beneficial role of inositol supplementation in polycystic ovarian syndrome and in the context of assisted reproduction technologies and in vitro fertilization. The main aim of the article is to overview the major inositol-dependent metabolic pathways and to discuss its importance for reproduction

Association of Obesity and Bariatric Surgery on Hair Health

Obesity and obesity-related conditions today constitute a public health problem worldwide. Obesity is an “epidemic” chronic disorder, which is defined by the WHO as normal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. It is also defined for adults as a BMI that is greater than or equal to 30. The most common obesity-related diseases are type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and certain types of cancer. It has been also proven that obesity can have a negative effect on hair. It can lead to hair thinning. Patients with obesity can undergo bariatric surgery if they meet the inclusion criteria. The four common types of weight loss surgery include a duodenal switch with biliopancreatic diversion, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy. Bariatric surgery can affect skin and hair and is associated with telogen effluvium due to weight loss, microelement deficiency, anesthesia, low calorie intake, and low protein intake. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery can experience post-bariatric surgery depression. Hair loss can have a major impact on self-esteem, negatively affecting one’s self-image. The purpose of this narrative review is to critically review how obesity, obesity-related diseases, and bariatric surgery affect hair health in general and the hair development cycle, and how they influence hair loss

The facial expression of emotions recognition in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background. A facial expression of emotions recognition is one of the basic psychological abilities. Sex steroids are able to strongly modulate the process of interpretation of facial expressions, as it has been shown in Turner syndrome patients.Objective. The aim of this study was the assessment of ability to interpret the facial emotions in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods. Participants completed a visual emotional task in which they were asked to recognize the emotion expressed of 80 randomly chosen facial expressions from NimStim set (Tottenham et al., 2009). With dedicated software we were able to assess the accuracy of patients facial emotion recognition (in comparison to NimStim validation set) and time required to provide the answer. Patients with psychotic personality have been excluded using Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). All the patients underwent also hormonal tests including gonadotropins, estradiol and androgen concentrations.Patients. 80 women diagnosed with PCOS and hyperandrogenemia were included to the study. The control group consisted of 60 healthy, euovulatory women matched by age.Intervention. Each patient underwent visual emotional and EPQ tasks using specifically designed software.Main outcome measures. The accuracy rate (AR) and time required to recognize emotion (TE) of following emotions: anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, surprise, calm and neutral has been measured.Results. Patients with PCOS showed significantly reduced AR for calm (0.76¬+/-0.09) and surprise (0.67+/-0.18) emotions in comparison to controls (0.81+/-0.09, 0.79+/-0.08 respectively). The TE for the anger was higher in PCOS group. Estradiol concentrations showed a statistic tendency (p=0.07) for correlation with TE for the happiness in controls. Conclusions. In this study we showed for the first time that patients affected by hyperandrogenism shows signs of disturbed recognition of facial expression of emotions