Search NEL Online

Clinical Trial 2004; 25(4): 278-282 PubMed PMID: 15361817 Citation  Keywords:  Adrenocorticotropic Hormone:blood, Adult, Cesarean Section, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone:blood, Dehydroepiandrosterone:blood, Female, Fetal Blood:metabolism, Humans, Hydrocortisone:blood, Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System:metabolism, Infant, Newborn:blood.   

OBJECTIVES: The changes in corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in maternal and fetal plasma were estimated in two group of women undergoing labour after oxytocin induction, or elective cesarean section to correlate changes in maternal and fetal HPA axis to the different stressor conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood was sampled from a maternal peripheral vein two days before labour, during the second stage of labour and on the second postnatal day, and also from umbilical vessels just after delivery. Hormone concentrations were measured by RIA and ELSA methods. The maternal plasma CRH concentration before and after labour was similar in both studied groups.

RESULTS: Plasma CRH levels measured before labour in both groups were similar, but during labour after oxytocin infusion declined, and was in group of women with elective cesarean section rose, after the delivery there was no difference between groups. The plasma ACTH prior to the delivery was at the same level in all subjects, during the third stage of labour ACTH rose in the both groups, but was statistically higher in group with oxytocin infusion. The concentrations of cortisol before delivery was similar in both groups, then rose to the same level during the delivery and then declined to the level observed before delivery. The DHEA concentration was similar in both groups, did not change during the labour, there was no difference between its level in the umbilical vein and artery. In the group with oxytocin-induction there was no correlation between maternal CRH and ACTH or cortisol concentration, but such a correlation occurred in the group with elective cesarean section. The concentration of ACTH and DHEA in umbilical artery was similar in both groups but the concentrations of CRH and cortisol in umbilical artery in group of newborns delivered after elective cesarean section were statistically higher.

CONCLUSION: The activity of the mother's HPA axis is partially inhibited rather by psychological stressors, than events connected with mode of parturition. The newborn's HPA axis responds in a specific way to mother's HPA-axis. The communication between mother's and newborn's HPA is possibly related to many other factors than placental CRH and ACTH. It is necessary to consider effects of central CRH and ACTH on the fine-tune regulation of HPA axis in the late pregnancy and parturition, not detectable due to the high levels of placental hormones....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Journal Article 2003; 24(3-4): 249-254 PubMed PMID: 14523365 Citation  Keywords:  17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone:blood, Adolescent, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone:blood, Adult, Female, Hirsutism:blood, Humans, Hydrocortisone:blood, Hyperandrogenism:genetics, Pituitary-Adrenal System:physiopathology, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:genetics, Stero.   

OBJECTIVES: Impaired adrenal function is common in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Abnormal regulation of cytochrome P450 17 alpha is believed to cause the exaggerated 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) response to ACTH stimulation. The aim of the study was to evaluate cortisol and 17OHP response to low dose (1 microg) ACTH test and to compare it with the standard ACTH (250 microg) test in hyperandrogenic women with PCOS.

DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS: We studied 27 PCOS and 22 control women. All participants were examined for mutations of the CYP21 gene, Cortisol and 17OHP levels before, 30 and 60 minutes after the IV injection of 250 microg ACTH (SDT) and after 1 microg ACTH (LDT). Fasting serum levels of LH, FSH, testosterone, DHEAS were determined in all participants.

RESULTS: Basal and ACTH stimulated Cortisol during the SDT (470+/-138 nmol/L and 761+/-143, respectively) were significantly higher in PCOS vs. controls (232+/-124 and 670+/-130, respectively) (p<0.03, p<0.02, respectively). Basal 17OHP (6.1+/-2.1 nmol/L) and the peak response to SDT (14.2+/-3.6 nmol/L) were significantly higher in PCOS vs. controls (4.2+/-2.1, 10.9+/-3.0, respectively) (p<0.003, p<0.004, respectively). Abnormally elevated 17OHP response to SDT was detected in 6/27 PCOS women (22%). No statistically significant difference between the PCOS and control groups were noted during the LDT in both cortisol and 17OHP levels.

CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the exaggerated 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) response to ACTH stimulation in PCOS is revealed by stimulation at a pharmacological dose (250 microg) but not by a physiological dose (1 microg)....

Read abstract

Clinical Trial 2003; 24(3-4): 197-202 PubMed PMID: 14523357 Citation  Keywords:  Adrenocorticotropic Hormone:blood, Adult, Anxiety:physiopathology, Blood Pressure:physiology, Conflict (Psychology), Heart Rate:physiology, Hemodynamics:physiology, Hormones:blood, Human Growth Hormone:blood, Humans, Hydrocortisone:blood, MMPI, Military P.   

OBJECTIVES: Pilots are exposed to the "stress of flight" and the chronically activated stress response may play an important role in circulatory system disease progression. We studied the effect of an experimental mental stress on cardiovascular and neuroendocrine activity, in Air Force Academy cadets, before and after one month intensive course.

DESIGN: Nine cadets were submitted to a psychometric evaluation before Stroop test (ST), including Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI X1 and X2 form) and Reaction Scheme Test. After ST, subjects completed a STAI X1 form. Heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were monitored and serum prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH), adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol levels were determined, during ST. The protocol was repeated at the end of the course.

RESULTS: No significant differences were evident in PRL, GH and ACTH levels. Cortisol concentrations were significantly higher before the course. ST did not modify hormone secretion. ST induced a significant and reproducible elevation of HR and SBP. Basal HR, SBP and DBP values were significantly elevated after the course. Two subjects presented a particular psychometric profile, a different cardiovascular response to ST and did not pass the course.

CONCLUSIONS: acute mental stress significantly activated cardiovascular response without modifying endocrine responses, in relation to the psychological profiles. A significant increase of cardiovascular parameters was present after the course, with enhanced dichotomy between the endocrine and sympathetic system, suggesting a careful evaluation and follow-up for circulatory system diseases in cadets....

Read abstract

Clinical Trial 2003; 24(1-2): 50-53 PubMed PMID: 12743532 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Apomorphine:pharmacology, Disease Progression, Human Growth Hormone:blood, Humans, Hydrocortisone:blood, Male, Neoplasm Metastasis, Neoplasms:physiopathology, Neurosecretory Systems:drug effects, Prolactin:blood,.   

OBJECTIVES: The clinical approach of the Psychooncology is generally limited to the investigation of the only psychological status of cancer patients, without taking into consideration the well demonstrated cancer progression-related psychoneuroendocrine alterations, namely consisting of a progressive decline in the pineal endocrine function and an anomalous activity of brain opioid system. The endocrine response to apomorphine, a dopaminergic agent, has been proven to reflect the dopaminergic sensitivity, which would be involved at least in part in pleasure-related neurochemical mechanisms. The present study was performed to analyze the endocrine response to apomorphine in metastatic cancer patients, as a preliminary approach to the investigation of pleasure-related neuroendocrine mechanisms in human neoplasms.

MATERIALS & METHODS: The study included 10 metastatic cancer male patients and 6 male volunteers as a control group. Apomorphine was given orally at 0.01 mg/kg body weight in the morning, and venous blood samples were collected before, and at 20, 60 and 120 minutes after apomorphine administration. The endocrine analysis consisted of the measurement of serum levels of GH, PRL and cortisol.

RESULTS: All cancer patients presented alterations involving one or more endocrine responses to apomorphine. GH and cortisol mean levels after apomorphine were significantly higher in controls than in cancer patients, whereas no substantial difference occurred in those of PRL.

CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study, by showing an altered endocrine response to apomorphine in metastatic cancer patients, would suggest that cancer progression may be associated with an altered dopaminergic sensitivity. Because of the involvement of the dopaminergic system in pleasure-related neurochemical mechanisms, this finding would demonstrated that the decline in the perception of pleasure with cancer progression may depend not only on psychological factors, but also, at least in part, on psychochemical alterations occurring during the clinical course of the neoplastic disease....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Clinical Trial 2002; 23(Suppl 1): 17-19 PubMed PMID: 12019346 Citation  Keywords:  Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Antioxidants:pharmacology, Blood Cell Count, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate:blood, Estradiol:blood, Female, Humans, Hydrocortisone:blood, Melatonin:pharmacology, Pilot Projects, Sleep:drug effects, Sleep Wake Disorders:drug therap.   

OBJECTIVES: The role of melatonin is aging is still under debate. Therefore, an open pilot study on the effects of melatonin administration on some sleep parameters, routine hematological and biochemical parameters, and concentrations of hormones was performed in elderly women.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was performed on 14 women (volunteers), aged from 64 to 80 years (mean age 71+/-4.6 years). Melatonin (2 mg daily at 19:00 h) was administered during 6 months. Before and after melatonin treatment the peripheral venous blood samples were taken in the morning (approx. at 08:00 h) after the overnight fast. The total blood count, glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides were estimated by routine laboratory methods. The serum concentrations of the following hormones were determined: 17-beta-estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), cortisol, and somatomedin C (IGF-I). Additionally, before and after 6 months of melatonin therapy the investigated subjects answered to a questionnaire dealing with sleep parameters and self-estimation of general health status.

RESULTS: In 35.7% of investigated subjects an improvement in general sleep quality and in such sleep parameters as sleep initiation, sleep latency, number of awakenings episodes, wake time after sleep onset, was observed. A significant decrease of estradiol concentrations was observed after 6 months of the melatonin treatment in comparison to initial levels. IGF-I was found to be slightly but significantly increased after the 6 months melatonin therapy. Cortisol levels did not change significantly, during the melatonin treatment. DHEAS concentrations increased after melatonin therapy. Moreover, a tendency towards a higher DHEAS/cortisol ratio was found after 6 months of treatment. Melatonin treatment did not influence significantly either the parameters of total blood count or glucose and serum lipids levels.

CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this preliminary open study it seems that melatonin administration may be beneficial for elderly subjects....

Read abstract

Journal Article 2018; 39(4): 342-348 PubMed PMID: 30531700 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Human Growth Hormone:blood, Humans, Hydrocortisone:blood, Insulin-Like Growth Factor I:metabolism, Male, Resistance Training, Testosterone:blood, Time Factors, Weight Lifting,.   

OBJECTIVE: Research indicates that among the many elements of resistance exercise protocols, training volume and total training load are the key factors for post-exercise increase in the secretion of testosterone (T), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and cortisol (C). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of resistance exercises with variable volume and constant intensity and movement tempo on post-exercise concentrations of selected anabolic and catabolic hormones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 28 experienced powerlifters (27.8 ± 2.9 years, with 6.64 ± 1.29 years of training experience, average body mass of 85.3 ± 3.3 kg and body height of 165.8 ± 10.3 cm) who compete at the national and international level performed three repetitions of barbell squats with a constant external load of 90% 1RM and variable volume (3, 6 and 12 sets of squats) in three stages (pre-exercise, immediately post exercise, and 1h after exercise) over three consecutive weeks. Venous blood samples (10ml) were collected from the antecubital vein, to determine pre- and post-exercise values of the following variables T, GH, IGF-1, C, at rest, immediately after the cessation of the last set of squats, and after 60 minutes of recovery. RESULTS: The T test showed that performing 6 and 12 sets resulted in increases of post exercise GH (p<0.01). Performing 6 sets of squats resulted in post exercise decrease (p<0.01) in IGF-1 and C. Performing 3 sets of squats resulted in immediate post exercise decrease of IGF-1 (p<0.01), which was not maintained 1h after exercise. There were no other significant differences in analysed variables, with the training volume of three sets of three repetitions, confirming previous data suggesting that low volume is the limiting factor in increased post-exercise secretion. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that in terms of endocrine response, the optimal volume of high intensity strength exercise is six sets. Therefore, intentionally high volume (12 sets) or low volume (3 sets) are not an effective stimuli for endocrine responses of trained individuals. The 6 sets of squats seems to drive hormonal responses of GH, C and IGF-1, which may play a significant role in stimulating muscle growth and tissue regeneration....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Journal Article 2018; 39(4): 288-293 PubMed PMID: 30531699 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Chile, Circadian Rhythm, Depression:blood, Female, Humans, Hydrocortisone:blood, Male, Middle Aged, Primary Health Care,.   

BACKGROUND: Cortisol dysregulation has a potential role in depression. AIM AND METHODS: We evaluated depressive symptoms using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression in 48 primary care subjects without history of previous or current depression and its association with cortisol dysregulation (morning plasma cortisol, 24-hour urinary free cortisol and cortisol metabolites). Presence of metabolic syndrome and inflammatory parameters were also assessed. RESULTS: Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression correlated significantly with morning cortisol, but not with urinary free cortisol or metabolites. A significant increase in morning cortisol by Hamilton groups (asymptomatic ≤8; mild to moderate: 9-18; moderate to severe: ≥19) was observed even when adjusted by age/gender. We observed no association of depressive symptoms with metabolic or inflammatory parameters. CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms in primary care subjects not consulting for their mood are associated with higher morning plasma cortisol, but not urinary cortisol or its metabolites. These observations suggest that systemic hypercortisolism and related metabolic disorders are not observed in mild/initial states of depressive disorders....

Read abstract  Full text PDF