			Home About us Contact

Hormone Treatment (hormone + treatment)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	62%
Life Sciences	25%
Chemistry	6%

Distribution within Medical Sciences

Pediatrics	19%
Immunology	9%

Kinds of Hormone Treatment

growth hormone treatment

Selected Abstracts

Positive Linear Growth and Bone Responses to Growth Hormone Treatment in Children With Types III and IV Osteogenesis Imperfecta: High Predictive Value of the Carboxyterminal Propeptide of Type I Procollagen,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2003
Joan C Marini MD
Abstract Extreme short stature is a cardinal feature of severe osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), types III and IV. We conducted a treatment trial of growth hormone in children with OI and followed linear growth velocity, bone metabolism markers, histomorphometrics, and vertebral bone density. Twenty-six children with types III and IV OI, ages 4.5,12 years, were treated with recombinant growth hormone (rGH), 0.1,0.2 IU/kg per day for 6 days/week, for at least 1 year. Length, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP-3), bone metabolic markers, and vertebral bone density by DXA were evaluated at 6-month intervals. An iliac crest biopsy was obtained at baseline and 12 months. Approximately one-half of the treated OI children sustained a 50% or more increase in linear growth over their baseline growth rate. Most responders (10 of 14) had moderate type IV OI. All participants had positive IGF-I, IGFBP-3, osteocalcin, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase responses. Only the linear growth responders had a significant increase in vertebral DXA z-score and a significant decrease in long bone fractures. After 1 year of treatment, responders' iliac crest biopsy showed significant increases in cancellous bone volume, trabecular number, and bone formation rate. Responders were distinguished from nonresponders by higher baseline carboxyterminal propeptide (PICP) values (p < 0.05), suggesting they have an intrinsically higher capacity for collagen production. The results show that growth hormone can cause a sustained increase in the linear growth rate of children with OI, despite the abnormal collagen in their bone matrix. In the first year of treatment, growth responders achieve increased bone formation rate and density, and decreased fracture rates. The baseline plasma concentration of PICP was an excellent predictor of positive response. [source]

Effects of Long-Term Hormone Treatment and of Tibolone on Monoamines and Monoamine Metabolites in the Brains of Ovariectomised, Cynomologous Monkeys

JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 9 2006
R. B. Gibbs
The effects of long-term hormone treatment on monoamines and monoamine metabolites in different regions of the primate brain were examined and compared. Ovariectomised Cynomologous monkeys received daily oral administration of either conjugated equine oestrogens (CEE), CEE + medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), or a low or high dose of tibolone, for a period of 2 years. Tissue punches collected from frozen sections through various regions of the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain were assayed for levels of dopamine, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), serotonin, 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA), and norepinephrine by high-performance liquid chromatography. Few differences between hormone-treated animals and ovariectomised controls were observed. No statistically significant effects of CEE relative to controls were detected in any of the seven brain regions analysed. Animals treated with CEE + MPA showed significant reductions in 5-HIAA in the dorsal raphe nucleus, a significant reduction in dopamine in the hypothalamus, and a significant reduction in serotonin (5-HT) levels in area 8AD of the frontal cortex. Similar to CEE, no significant effects of tibolone relative to controls were detected; however, animals treated with high-dose tibolone showed a decrease in 5-HT levels in the frontal cortex that approached significance and was similar to the effect of CEE + MPA. Collectively, the findings suggest that long-term oral administration of these compounds has relatively few effects on the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and their primary metabolites in the primate brain. This differs from the significant effects on serotonergic and dopaminergic systems detected following parenteral treatment with oestradiol and progesterone, and likely reflects differences between the effects of treating with CEE + MPA versus oestradiol and progesterone on brain monoaminergic systems. [source]

Threshold analysis of selected dose-response data for endocrine active chemicals,

APMIS, Issue 3 2001
Robert M. Blair
Using a biologically relevant mathematical model, the Michaelis-Menten equation, we examined published data from endocrine active chemicals for evidence of no-threshold dose-response curves. Data were fit to a modified Michaelis-Menten equation which accounted for total background response. Subsequently, the data sets were analyzed using non-linear regression in order to estimate the four parameters of interest (non-hormone controlled background (Bnh), maximum response (Rmax), endogenous hormone level (D0), and the dose at which a half-maximal response was observed (ED50)) and to determine the fit to the fully modified Michaelis-Menten equation. Subsequently, response data were adjusted to account for Bnh and then normalized to Rmax, while dose data were adjusted to account for D0 and then normalized to the ED50. This data set was combined into a single, composite data set and fit to the fully modified Michaelis-Menten equation. We examined 31 data sets (24 endpoints) from studies on 9 different chemical/hormone treatments. Twenty-six of the data sets fit the modified Michaelis-Menten equation with high multiple correlation coefficients (r>0.90). The normalized data demonstrated a good fit to the modified Michaelis-Menten equation. These results indicate that a variety of biological responses fit the modified Michaelis-Menten equation, which does not have a threshold dose term. [source]

Growth hormone in short children: medically appropriate treatment

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 1 2001
R Macklin
Bolt and Mul argue persuasively against the "disease" approach and the "client" approach in addressing the question of whether growth hormone for short children properly belongs in the medical realm. Their own preferred approach, the "suffering" approach, is superior to the others but has practical problems that would arise in its application. An additional ethical issue, not addressed by Bolt and Mul, relates to justice in providing access for children from families of limited financial means to growth hormone treatment. [source]

The Influence of Exogenous Testosterone on the Dynamics of Nestling Provisioning in Dark-Eyed Juncos

ETHOLOGY, Issue 1 2007
Ethan D. Clotfelter
In many songbird species, application of exogenous testosterone (T) during the breeding season has the general effects of reducing male parental investment and increasing allocation of time and energy to mating. Most studies record the number of feeding trips made by males as a function of their hormone treatment, but few have investigated the ways in which testosterone affects the dynamics of male and female provisioning behavior or the quantity of food delivered by males. We attempt to fill these gaps in our understanding of testosterone and male parental effort by utilizing data from a long-term study on the behavioral endocrinology of the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis). We found that male and female feeding rates covaried positively, although to different degrees, throughout the nestling period, but that this relationship was degraded in pairs in which males were given T implants. We also found that the coefficients of variation in the duration of intervals between successive feeding trips by males and females were highly positively related in broods of older nestlings. Male hormone treatment, however, had no effect on the coefficients of variation in either male or female feeding intervals. Finally, we examined the quantity of prey delivered by males and found no significant effect of hormone treatment. [source]

Maternal yolk testosterone does not modulate parasite susceptibility or immune function in great tit nestlings

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2005
BARBARA TSCHIRREN
Summary 1Maternal yolk hormones can enhance the development and phenotypic quality of nestling birds. Nevertheless, within species large differences in yolk androgen concentrations among clutches are observed. This differential allocation of maternal yolk hormones might be explained by a trade-off between beneficial effects of yolk androgens and their associated costs. 2Potential costs include an increased susceptibility to parasites in nestlings exposed to high concentrations of yolk androgens during embryonic development, weaker immune response or increased levels of circulating corticosterone that indirectly reduce immune function. 3In a field study, we manipulated yolk testosterone in great tit (Parus major) eggs and tested the nestling's susceptibility to ectoparasites as measured by the parasites' effect on growth, the cellular immune response, and the levels of circulating corticosterone. 4At the end of the nestling period, nestlings originating from testosterone-injected eggs were heavier than control nestlings. This effect was strongest in nestlings at the end of the size hierarchy, as shown by a significant interaction between hormone treatment and the nestlings' size rank within nests. 5High levels of yolk testosterone promoted growth of the nestling's body mass similarly in parasite-infested and parasite-free nests, and neither affected the levels of plasma corticosterone, nor the nestling's cell-mediated immune response. 6In summary, our results do not show negative short-term effects of high concentrations of yolk testosterone on immune function or parasite susceptibility, but emphasize that maternal investment via deposition of yolk testosterone can promote fitness-related growth and development of nestlings. [source]

Rapamycin impairs trabecular bone acquisition from high-dose but not low-dose intermittent parathyroid hormone treatment

JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
P.J. Niziolek
The osteo-anabolic effects of intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment require insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling through the IGF-I receptor. A major downstream target of the IGF-I receptor (via Akt) is the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a kinase involved in protein synthesis. We investigated whether the bone-building effects of intermittent PTH require functional mTOR signaling. Mice were treated with daily PTH 1,34 (0, 10, 30, or 90,µg/kg) for 6 weeks in the presence or absence of rapamycin, a selective inhibitor of mTOR. We found that all PTH doses were effective in enhancing bone mass, whether rapamycin was present or not. Rapamycin had little to no effect on the anabolic response at low (10,µg) PTH doses, small effects in a minority of anabolic measures at moderate doses (30,µg), but the anabolic effects of high-dose PTH (90,µg) were consistently and significantly suppressed by rapamycin (,4,36% reduction). Serum levels of Trap5b, a marker of resorption, were significantly enhanced by rapamycin, but these effects were observed whether PTH was absent or present. Our data suggest that intermittent PTH, particularly at lower doses, is effective in building bone mass in the presence of rapamycin. However, the full anabolic effects of higher doses of PTH are significantly suppressed by rapamycin, suggesting that PTH might normally activate additional pathways (including mTOR) for its enhanced high-dose anabolic effects. Clinical doses of intermittent PTH could be an effective treatment for maintaining or increasing bone mass among patients taking rapamycin analogs for unrelated health issues. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 579,585, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Effects of Long-Term Hormone Treatment and of Tibolone on Monoamines and Monoamine Metabolites in the Brains of Ovariectomised, Cynomologous Monkeys

Differential expression of transcriptional repressor snail gene at implantation site in mouse uterus

MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2006
Xing-Hong Ma
Abstract The snail superfamily of zinc-finger transcription factors is involved in pronounced cell movements during both embryonic development and tumor progression. This study was to examine snail expression in mouse uterus during early pregnancy and its regulation under pseudopregnancy, delayed implantation, steroid hormone treatment, and artificial decidualization by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. There was a low level of snail mRNA signal and immunostaining in mouse uteri on day 1,4 of pregnancy. When embryo implanted on day 5, both snail mRNA signal and immunostaining were strongly detected in the subluminal stroma immediately surrounding the implanting blastocyst, but not detected in the inter-implantation sites. Under delayed implantation, there was no detectable snail expression. After delayed implantation was terminated by estrogen treatment and embryo implanted, there was a strong level of snail mRNA and immunostaining in the subluminal stroma surrounding the implanting blastocyst, which was similar to that on day 5 of pregnancy. Furthermore, there was no detectable snail expression in mouse uterus on day 5 of pseudopregnancy. From day 6,8 of pregnancy, both snail mRNA signal and immunostaining were detected in the decidua. Our data suggest that snail may play an important role during mouse embryo implantation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome Type 3 and growth hormone deficiency

PEDIATRIC DIABETES, Issue 6 2010
JB Quintos
Quintos JB, Grover M, Boney CM, Salas M. Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 3 and growth hormone deficiency. The simultaneous occurrence of prepubertal Graves' disease, type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM), and Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is uncommon. GHD has been reported in Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome (APS) Type 1 and Type 2 but not in APS Type 3. We report a 3-yr-old boy who presented simultaneously with type 1 DM and Graves' disease. After he developed urticarial rash to Propylthiouracil and Methimazole with persistent thyrotoxicosis, he received 8 millicuries of 131I at 5 yr of age. We diagnosed GHD at age 8 yr 8 months because of growth deceleration (from 95 to 25%) and abnormal growth rate (3 cm/yr) despite euthyroidism, fair glycemic control, and normal weight gain. Both insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 (90 ng/mL; normal 113,261 ng/mL) and IGFBP3 (1.3 mcg/mL; normal 2.1,4.2 mcg/mL) levels were low and peak growth hormone level measured by RIA was 5.2 ng/mL after L-Dopa and insulin tolerance test. The rest of his pituitary functions and magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland were normal. Growth hormone treatment (0.3 mg/kg/wk) was administered at 8 yr 9 months until near final adult height (FAH). Near FAH (172 cm) was close to midparental target height of 180 cm. GHD may be a component of all APS even though it is rare. Growth in treated children with Graves' disease should be followed closely as catch down growth below genetic height potential may be a harbinger of underlying GHD. [source]

Evaluation of HOMA and QUICKI as measures of insulin sensitivity in prepubertal children

PEDIATRIC DIABETES, Issue 3 2003
Wayne S. Cutfield
Abstract:, Background:,Simple fasting sample methods to measure insulin sensitivity (SI) such as homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI) have been widely promoted in adult studies but have not been formally evaluated in children. The aim of this study was to compare HOMA and QUICKI to the minimal model as measures of SI in prepubertal children. Method:, The study population consisted of twins (n = 44), premature (n = 17), small for gestational age (SGA) (15), and normal (n = 3) prepubertal children. The insulin-sensitivity index derived by the minimal model (SIMM) was calculated by the minimal model with plasma glucose and insulin data from a 90-min frequently sampled intravenous glucose test with tolbutamide. The HOMA resistance index (RHOMA) and QUICKI were calculated from fasting plasma glucose and insulin values. Results:, The correlation between RHOMA and SIMM (r = ,0.4, p < 0.001) was no better than that between fasting insulin and SIMM (r = ,0.4, p < 0.001). QUICKI was poorly correlated with SIMM (r = 0.2, p = 0.02). The correlation between SIMM and RHOMA is largely confined to low SI values (<10 × 10,4/min µU/mL). In seven SGA subjects, the introduction of growth hormone treatment led to an expected fall in SIMM by 8.2 ± 2.8 × 10,4/min µU/mL (p = 0.02) that was not detected by either RHOMA (p = 0.1) or QUICKI (p = 0.2). Similarly, SIMM values were lower in obese (n = 9) compared to non-obese subjects (p = 0.04); however, no difference was found between these two groups with either RHOMA (p = 0.21) or QUICKI (p = 0.8). Conclusion:, As measures of SI in prepubertal children, RHOMA is no better than fasting insulin and QUICKI, a poor measure. Neither RHOMA nor QUICKI was able to detect changes in SI induced by either obesity or growth hormone therapy. [source]

Antenatal steroid treatment prevents severe hyperkalemia in very low-birthweight infants*

PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2003
Naoki Uga
AbstractBackground:,Hyperkalemia is seen quite often in very low-birthweight (VLBW) infants and concentrations sometimes become high enough to cause cardiac arrhythmia. The purpose of the present study was to identify factors that increase serum concentrations of potassium in VLBW infants. Methods:,Retrospective comparative analysis was performed on 140 VLBW infants who had been admitted to the Toho University Perinatal Center between January 1993 and December 1999 and needed mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress. Serum concentrations of potassium at 24 and 48 h of age were compared in two groups of infants, those whose mothers did and did not receive antenatal steroid treatment. Risk factors for severe hyperkalemia were analyzed by multiple linear regression models and Pearson's partial correlation analysis. Results:,Antenatal steroid treatment reduced serum potassium concentrations significantly at 24 and 48 h, as well as the incidence of cardiac arrhythmia and necessity for glucose insulin treatment for severe hyperkalemia. Multiple linear regression showed the serum potassium concentration at 24 h of age was associated with antenatal steroid hormone treatment, 24 h fluid intake volume, serum sodium concentrations at 24 h, gestational weeks and sampling site. Serum concentration of potassium at 48 h of age was associated with blood urea nitrogen, gestational week, serum sodium concentration at 48 h of age and fluid intake between 24 and 48 h of age. Urine output volume and serum creatinine concentrations were not correlated with potassium concentrations at either age. Conclusion:,Antenatal steroid hormone treatment can reduce early hyperkalemia in VLBW infants and also the incidence of cardiac arrhythmia and the use of glucose insulin treatment. [source]

Growth hormone: licensing and prescription in children

PRESCRIBER, Issue 5 2008
Jeremy Kirk MD FRCPCH DCH
Our series Prescribing in children gives practical advice for successful management of childhood problems in general practice. Here, the author describes the historical background of growth hormone treatment, its currently licensed indications and its prescription by shared-care protocols Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd [source]

Integrated analytical approach in veal calves administered the anabolic androgenic steroids boldenone and boldione: urine and plasma kinetic profile and changes in plasma protein expression

PROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 17 2007
Rosa Draisci
Abstract Surveillance of illegal use of steroids hormones in cattle breeding is a key issue to preserve human health. To this purpose, an integrated approach has been developed for the analysis of plasma and urine from calves treated orally with a single dose of a combination of the androgenic steroids boldenone and boldione. A quantitative estimation of steroid hormones was obtained by LC-APCI-Q-MS/MS analysis of plasma and urine samples obtained at various times up to 36 and 24,h after treatment, respectively. These experiments demonstrated that boldione was never found, while boldenone ,- and ,-epimers were detected in plasma and urine only within 2 and 24,h after drug administration, respectively. Parallel proteomic analysis of plasma samples was obtained by combined 2-DE, MALDI-TOF-MS and ,LC-ESI-IT-MS/MS procedures. A specific protein, poorly represented in normal plasma samples collected before treatment, was found upregulated even 36,h after hormone treatment. Extensive mass mapping experiments proved this component as an N-terminal truncated form of apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), a protein involved in cholesterol transport. The expression profile of ApoA1 analysed by Western blot analysis confirmed a significant and time dependent increase of this ApoA1 fragment. Then, provided that further experiments performed with a growth-promoting schedule will confirm these preliminary findings, truncated ApoA1 may be proposed as a candidate biomarker for steroid boldenone and possibly other anabolic androgens misuse in cattle veal calves, when no traces of hormones are detectable in plasma or urine. [source]

Litter Size and Vagina,cervix Catheter Penetration Length in Gilts

REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 6 2001
S Martín Rillo
As in other species, the reproductive tract in pigs increases in size with age and body weight, and the development of the reproductive tract depends on a balance between development of the pituitary,ovarian axis and the influence of metabolic hormones. Two experiments were conducted in prepubertal Duroc gilts, 150,180 days of age, to determine whether litter size is related to vaginal,cervix catheter penetration length during insemination. In experiment 1, oestrus was induced in 452 gilts with a combined dose of 400 IU Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophine (PMSG) + 200 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The gilts were classified into three catheter penetration length groups: Ih, , 21 cm; IIh, > 21 and < 28 cm; IIIh, > 28 cm. The litter size was lowest in group Ih (7.35 ± 0.15) compared with groups IIh (7.81 ± 0.12; p < 0.05) and IIIh (10.0 ± 0.36; p < 0.001). In experiment 2, first oestrus was induced in 162 gilts by boar exposure. The gilts were classified into three catheter penetration length groups at insemination during their second oestrus: In, , 24 cm; IIn, > 24 and < 26 cm; IIIn, > 26 cm. As in experiment 1, the litter size was lowest in the group with the shortest catheter penetration length (8.32 ± 0.19). The litter size was not different among gilts of groups IIn and IIIn (8.84 ± 0.35 and 9.56 ± 0.46, respectively), but litter size was lower (p < 0.05) in group In than in group IIn. Based on the combined data from both experiments, the correlation between the catheter penetration length and total number of piglets born was expressed as: y=5.346 ± 0.104x; r=0.361 (p < 0.05). Fertility rate was not different among the groups of gilts induced into oestrus by hormone treatment or inseminated in the second oestrus; however, the total fertility rate of boar-exposed gilts was higher (p < 0.0001) than PMSG/hCG treated animals. Thus, it is possible to conclude that litter size at first farrowing is associated with vaginal,cervix catheter penetration length during insemination of the gilt. [source]

Stimulation of Uterine Cell Cytokine Production By Ovarian Hormones

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2000
J.A. DELOIA
PROBLEM: Although leukocytes do not possess significant numbers of ovarian steroid hormone receptors, their numbers in the endometrium vary consistently, relative to the menstrual cycle. The possibility that cell types within the endometrium express leukocyte-attracting genes in response to ovarian hormones was investigated. METHOD OF STUDY: Endometrial biopsies were collected 10 days post-leutinizing hormone surge; the cell types were separated and cultured individually for 5 days in the presence of increasing amounts of estrogen or progesterone. Following culture, RNA was collected from cells and reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine relative levels of gene expression of monocyte chemotactic proteins (MCP)-1, -2, and -3, and interleukin (IL)-12p35 and p40. RESULTS: Although both endometrial stroma and glands were able to make MCP mRNA, steady-state levels of gene expression did not vary significantly relative to hormone treatment. The same was found for the p35 molecule of the IL-12 gene; however, differences were observed for the p40 subunit. CONCLUSIONS: Within the human endometrium, chemokines other than MCP and IL-12 are most likely responsible for cycle-related leukocyte recruitment. [source]

Disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow following definitive radiotherapy for intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer,

THE PROSTATE, Issue 15 2008
Arne Berg
Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in bone marrow (BM) of clinically progression-free prostate cancer (PC) patients at least 2 years after curatively intended radiotherapy (RT) with or without adjuvant hormone treatment. Methods All patients were T1,3N0M0 with intermediate or high risk of progression. Median time from RT to BM sampling was 5 years (2,8). A standardized immunocytochemical method applying the anticytokeratin antibodies AE1/AE3 was used for DTCs detection in 130 patients. Morphological characterization of immunostained cells was performed to exclude false positive cells. The post-treatment BM was explored in relation to pre-treatment risk factors, treatment strategy and serum levels of Testosterone and PSA at the time of BM sampling. Longitudinal changes in BM status were studied in a sub-group of 109 patients who also had donated BM prior to treatment. Results Post-treatment BM-aspirates were positive for DTCs in 17% of cases without correlation to any of the tested variables. Out of 14 patients who had DTCs in BM prior to treatment, all but one had become post-treatment negative. Out of 95 patients with pre-treatment negative BM status, 18 (19%) had become post-treatment positive. Conclusions DTCs in BM were found in 17% of clinically progression-free PC patients following RT. The detection of these cells may provide PSA-independent prognostic information remaining to be explored by prolonged follow-up. Prostate 68: 1607,1614, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Manipulating sex ratios for conservation: short-term risks and long-term benefits

ANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 1 2002
C. Wedekind
Manipulating family sex ratio is often possible, either through non-invasive methods like changing sex-determining ecological or social factors, or through more invasive methods such as hormone treatment of embryos or sperm sexing prior to using assisted reproductive technologies. If the number of available eggs limits population growth, the production of relatively more daughters than sons may eventually lead to increased population growth in terms of absolute numbers. However, any deviation of the effective sex ratio from equality increases the rate of inbreeding and the loss of genetic variance in the next generation. I show here that there is a range of female biased sex ratios where increased population growth outweighs the effect of an enhanced inbreeding rate during the first generation or the first few generations after the start of a sex ratio manipulation programme. This is especially so in small and declining populations, where some sex ratio manipulations not only increase the effective population number Ne, but also shift the population quickly into population numbers that are safe against the Allee effect. Consequently, an optimal sex ratio manipulation with respect to the genetic quality of a population means sending an endangered population first through a genetic bottleneck to achieve increased Ne, and hence decreased rates of inbreeding, in the long run. [source]

Sex differences in stress responses to transportation in goats: Effects of gonadal hormones

ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 6 2003
Masato AOYAMA
ABSTRACT The present study examined sex differences and the involvement of gonadal hormones in stress responses caused by road transportation in Shiba goats. In experiment 1, we investigated the stress responses of males and females to transportation. Plasma levels of cortisol (Cor) significantly increased during 1 h of transportation, and those in females were significantly higher than those in males. Plasma glucose (Glu) and free fatty acid (FFA) levels also increased similarly in both females and males by transportation, and there were no sex differences. Food intake following transportation decreased only in males compared with that in the basal session, in which the animals were not transported. Experiment 2 examined the involvement of gonadal hormones in stress responses to transportation using castrated males. Goats were given cholesterol (Cho), 5,-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or 17,-estradiol (Es). The plasma Cor levels increased during transportation regardless of hormone treatment, and those in DHT treated goats were significantly lower than those in Cho or Es treated animals. Plasma Glu and FFA levels also increased during transportation, regardless of hormone treatment, and there were no differences between treatments. Food intake following transportation was significantly lower than that in the basal session only in goats given DHT. In conclusion, gender affects Cor secretion that is increased by transportation and the decrease of food intake following transportation in Shiba goats, and the major cause of these differences is androgen. [source]

Capture and handling stress affects the endocrine and ovulatory response to exogenous hormone treatment in snapper, Pagrus auratus (Bloch & Schneider)

AQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 11 2002
J J Cleary
Abstract Sexually mature female hatchery-reared snapper, Pagrus auratus (Bloch & Schneider) were captured from sea cages by handline and injected at first capture (control) or 24 h after capture, transport and subsequent confinement (delayed injection) with either saline, luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analogue, human chorionic gonadotropin, or 17,-hydroxyprogesterone. Blood was sampled before hormone treatment and again after 168 h, and fish were checked daily for ovulation. Plasma levels of 17,-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), 17,, 20, dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17, 20,P) and cortisol were determined by radioimmunoassay. The ovulatory response was assessed from the proportion of fish ovulating, ovulation volume, egg quality and fertility. A delay in injection resulted in significantly lower plasma E2 and T levels in response to hormone treatment, smaller ovulation volumes, and poorer egg quality than in control fish. The results are consistent with the generally inhibitory effects of stress on reproduction in fish, and confirm the requirement to treat fish with hormones designed to induce ovulation, as soon as possible after capture and disturbance. [source]

DNA-binding properties of Drosophila ecdysone receptor isoforms and their modification by the heterodimerization partner ultraspiracle

ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 2009
Simone Braun
Abstract Transcriptional activity of ecdysone receptor (EcR) isoforms varies considerably and is modified further by the heterodimerization partner and hormone treatment. To investigate whether differences in DNA binding of receptor complexes are responsible for these variations in transcriptional activity, interaction of Drosophila EcR isoforms, and variants of Ultraspiracle (Usp), the orthologue of RXR, with the ecdysone response elements (EcRE) hsp 27, PAL-1, and DR-1, were determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Receptor proteins were expressed in vertebrate cells (CHO-K1) in order to rule out an influence of endogenous receptor proteins. In the absence of a heterodimerization partner, weak DNA binding of EcR was detected even without hormone with EcR-A and -B1, but not EcR-B2. In the presence of hormone, all three isoforms show increased binding to the hsp 27 EcRE. The heterodimerization partner Usp increased DNA binding considerably. The hormone effect of heterodimers is more pronounced with both EcR-B isoforms compared to EcR-A. Two specific bands were obtained for EcR-A and B1 but only one band is visible with EcR-B2. Deletion of the C-domain of Usp still allows basal DNA binding of the heterodimer, but in contrast to full-length Usp, addition of hormone decreases the intensity of the retarded receptor band of all EcR isoforms and the EcREs hsp27 and DR-1 considerably, whereas interaction with the EcRE PAL-1 is only slightly affected. Synergistic effects on transcriptional activity are associated with the formation of different receptor DNA-complexes observed with 1×hsp27 and 3×hsp27. Comparison of DNA-binding properties of EcR isoforms and EcR/Usp heterodimers revealed that binding of receptor complexes to hsp 27 EcRE is dependent on the AB domain of EcR and the AB-, C-, and D-domains of the heterodimerization partner. Interaction with the hsp 27 EcRE correlates neither with ligand binding nor with transcriptional activity of the various receptor complexes. We, therefore, conclude that the different receptor functions are regulated separately, for example, by interaction with co-modulators or post-transcriptional modifications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]

Causes of spatial patterns of fruit set in waratah: Temporal vs. spatial interactions between flowers on an inflorescence

AUSTRAL ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
ROBERT J. WHELAN
Abstract Spatial patterns of fruit set within inflorescences may be controlled by pollination, nutrient allocation, or inflorescence architecture. Generally, flowers that have spatial and/or temporal precedence are more likely to set fruits. We sought to separate these factors by comparing patterns of fruit set on inflorescences of two species of Telopea (Proteaceae); one that flowers from the tip to the base of the rachis, the other from base to tip. In both species, most fruits were set at the top of the inflorescence (the last flowers to open for T. speciosissima) and this was extreme for T. mongaensis, where the top flowers open first. Fruit set was not generally limited by inadequate pollination for either T. mongaensis or T. speciosissima, as hand pollinations did not increase fruit set and many abscised flowers contained pollen tubes. In T. speciosissima, we tested whether removal of developing topmost fruits would ,release' those that had initiated but not yet aborted lower down. There was no significant effect. Plant hormones can increase the degree to which a developing fruit is a sink for nutrients, so we applied cytokinin to the developing lower fruits on some inflorescences. There was no significant effect of the hormone treatment. We conclude that temporal precedence may contribute to the skewed pattern of fruit set in T. mongaensis, because there was an extreme concentration of fruit set on the distal part of the inflorescences, but it cannot explain this pattern of fruit set in T. speciosissima, where the distal flowers are the last to open. Some other process must therefore constrain fruit set to the topmost flowers in an inflorescence. While cytokinin application had no significant effect, the power of this experiment was low and we consider that the hypothesis of hormonal control is worth further exploration. [source]

Tibolone and low-dose continuous combined hormone treatment: vaginal bleeding pattern, efficacy and tolerability

BJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 12 2007
ML Hammar
Objectives, The primary objective was to compare the vaginal bleeding pattern during administration of tibolone and low-dose continuous combined estradiol plus norethisterone acetate (E2/NETA). The secondary objectives were efficacy on vasomotor symptoms and vaginal atrophy. Design, A randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, group comparative intervention trial. Setting, Multicentre study executed in 32 centres in 7 European countries. Sample, Five hundred and seventy-two healthy symptomatic postmenopausal women, aged 45,65 years. Methods, Participants were randomised to receive 2.5 mg tibolone or 1 mg 17, estradiol plus 0.5 mg norethisterone acetate (E2/NETA) daily for 48 weeks. Main outcome measures, Prevalence of vaginal bleeding, hot flushes and adverse events. Results, The incidence of bleeding was significantly lower in the tibolone group during the first 3 months of treatment (18.3 versus 33.1%; P < 0.001) when compared with the E2/NETA group. This effect on the bleeding pattern was sustained throughout the study, although reaching statistical significance again only in 7,9 months of treatment (11 versus 19%; P < 0.05). In both treatment groups, vasomotor symptoms and vaginal atrophy were significantly reduced to a similar extent when compared with baseline. The prevalence of breast pain/tenderness was significantly lower with tibolone compared with E2/NETA (3.2 versus 9.8%; P < 0.001). Conclusion, Tibolone reduces menopausal symptoms to a similar extent as conventional low-dose continuous combined hormone therapy but causes significant less vaginal bleeding in the first 3 months of treatment. This constitutes an important argument for woman adherence to therapy. [source]

Expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 and of MIB-1 in patients with recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland

CANCER, Issue 8 2002
Afina S. Glas M.D.
Abstract BACKGROUND Patients with recurrent pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland are difficult to manage without considerable risk of facial nerve injury. The prognostic significance of progesterone receptor (PR) and estrogen receptor (ER) reported in these adenomas was evaluated in patients with recurrent pleomorphic adenomas, comparing the results in a group of patients with primary adenomas without recurrences during 10 years of follow-up. METHODS Paraffin embedded tumor samples from 52 patients with recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland were collected and stained immunohistochemically. Expression of PR, ER, Ki-67 antigen, and insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 (IGFR-1) was analyzed in resected samples of recurrent tumors and was compared with samples from a control group of patients with primary pleomorphic adenoma. RESULTS A difference (P < 0.05) in the type of tumor was observed between the recurrent group (more cell-poor variants) and the control group. ER expression was low in both groups (19% and 17%, respectively), but immunoreactivity for ER was higher (48%) in normal parotid gland tissue. PR expression in the recurrent group (96%) was higher compared with PR expression in the control group (61%; P < 0.001). PR expression and IGFR-1 expression were correlated weakly (correlation coefficient = 0.660; P = 0.053) in the recurrent group. The expression of growth fraction (Ki-67 score) and IGFR-1 was similar in both groups but was more extensive compared with normal parotid gland tissue. CONCLUSIONS PR seems to be a prognostic factor in recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland. The PR pathway can be considered a potential target for hormone treatment in patients with these recurrent adenomas. Cancer 2002;94:2211,16. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10445 [source]

Late effects of early growth hormone treatment in Down syndrome

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 5 2010
Å Myrelid
Abstract Objective:, Down syndrome (DS) is associated with short stature and psychomotor delay. We have previously shown that growth hormone (GH) treatment during infancy and childhood normalizes growth velocity and improves fine motor skill performance in DS. The aim of this study was to investigate late effects of early GH treatment on growth and psychomotor development in the DS subjects from the previous trial. Design:, Twelve of 15 adolescents with DS (3 F) from the GH group and 10 of 15 controls (5 F) participated in this follow-up study. Fifteen other subjects with DS (6 F) were included as controls in anthropometric analyses. Cognitive function was assessed with the Leiter International Performance Scale-Revised (Leiter-R) and selected subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Third edition (WISC-III). The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second edition (BOT-2), was used to assess general motor ability. Results:, Although early GH treatment had no effect on final height, the treated subjects had a greater head circumference standard deviation score (SDS) than the controls (,1.6 SDS vs. ,2.2 SDS). The adolescents previously treated with GH had scores above those of the controls in all subtests of Leiter-R and WISC-III, but no difference in Brief IQ-score was seen between the groups. The age-adjusted motor performance of all subjects was below ,2 SD, but the GH-treated subjects performed better than the controls in all but one subtest. Conclusion:, The combined finding of a greater head circumference SDS and better psychomotor performance indicates that DS subjects may benefit from early GH treatment. [source]

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Should short children born small for gestational age with a distance to target height <1 standard deviation score be excluded from growth hormone treatment?

CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Annemieke J. Lem
Summary Context, The criteria for starting growth hormone (GH), an approved treatment for short children born small for gestational age (SGA), differ between Europe and the USA. One European requirement for starting GH, a distance to target height (DTH) of ,1 standard deviation score (SDS), is controversial. Objective, To investigate the influence of DTH on growth during GH treatment in short SGA children and to ascertain whether it is correct to exclude children with a DTH <1 SDS from GH. Patients, A large group of short prepubertal SGA children (baseline n = 446; 4 years GH n = 215). Measurements, We analysed the prepubertal growth response during 4 years of GH. We investigated the influence of the continuous variable DTH SDS on growth response and a possible DTH SDS cut-off level below which point the growth response is insufficient. Results, Height gain SDS during 4 years of GH showed a wide variation at every DTH SDS level. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that, after correction for other significant variables, an additional DTH of 1 SDS resulted in 0·13 SDS more height gain during 4 years of GH. We found no significant differences in height gain below and above certain DTH SDS cut-off levels. Conclusions, DTH SDS had a weak positive effect on height gain during 4 years of GH, while several other determinants had much larger effects. We found no support for using any DTH cut-off level. Based on our data, excluding children with a DTH <1 SDS from GH treatment is not justified. [source]

The effect of growth hormone treatment on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors is similar in preterm and term short, small for gestational age children

CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
Sandra W. K. De Kort
Summary Context, We previously reported that short, small for gestational age (SGA) children who were born preterm have a lower body fat percentage and a higher blood pressure, insulin secretion and disposition index than short SGA children born at term. Whether preterm birth also influences these parameters during GH treatment is unknown. Objective, To compare blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function and body composition during 4 years of GH treatment, between preterm and term short SGA children. Patients, A total of 404 prepubertal non-GH-deficient short SGA children were divided into 143 preterm (< 36 weeks) and 261 term children. Outcome measures, Height, blood pressure (n = 404), body composition measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (n = 138) and insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function calculated from a frequent sampling intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT) with tolbutamide (n = 74) or from the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (n = 204). Results, In preterm and term children, GH treatment resulted in a similar decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body fat percentage, limb fat/total fat ratio and insulin sensitivity, and a similar increase in insulin secretion and disposition index. Lean body mass (LBM) corrected for gender and height increased in term children and did not change in preterm children. Multiple regression analysis revealed that this difference in GH effect on LBM was not associated with gestational age. Conclusion, The effect of GH treatment on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors is similar in preterm and term short, SGA children. [source]

Thyroid hormone levels in children with Prader,Willi syndrome before and during growth hormone treatment

CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
D. A. M. Festen
Summary Background, Prader,Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurogenetic disorder characterized by muscular hypotonia, psychomotor delay, obesity and short stature. Several endocrine abnormalities have been described, including GH deficiency and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Published data on thyroid hormone levels in PWS children are very limited. Objective, To evaluate thyroid function in children with PWS, before and during GH treatment. Design/patients, At baseline, serum levels of T4, free T4 (fT4), T3, reverse T3 (rT3) and TSH were assessed in 75 PWS children. After 1 year, assessments were repeated in 57 of the them. These children participated in a randomized study with two groups: group A (n = 34) treated with 1 mg GH/m2/day and group B (n = 23) as controls. Results, Median age (interquartile range, IQR) of the total group at baseline was 4·7 (2·7,7·6) years. Median (IQR) TSH level was ,0·1 SDS (,0·5 to 0·5), T4 level ,0·6 SDS (,1·7 to 0·0) and fT4 level ,0·8 SDS (,1·3 to ,0·3), the latter two being significantly lower than 0 SDS. T3 level, at 0·3 SDS (,0·3 to 0·9), was significantly higher than 0 SDS. After 1 year of GH treatment, fT4 decreased significantly from ,0·8 SDS (,1·5 to ,0·2) to ,1·4 SDS (,1·6 to ,0·7), compared to no change in untreated PWS children. However, T3 did not change, at 0·3 SDS (,0·1 to 0·8). Conclusions We found normal fT4 levels in most PWS children. During GH treatment, fT4 decreased significantly to low-normal levels. TSH levels remained normal. T3 levels were relatively high or normal, both before and during GH treatment, indicating that PWS children have increased T4 to T3 conversion. [source]

Improved final height with long-term growth hormone treatment in Noonan syndrome

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 9 2005
Deborah Osio
Abstract Aim: To assess whether children with Noonan syndrome on long-term growth hormone (GH) therapy improve their final height to near mid-parental height. Methods: Twenty-five prepubertal children (13 girls) with Noonan syndrome (NS) were studied. A single clinician made the diagnosis based on clinical criteria. GH treatment started at an age ranging from 3.1 to 13.8 y and was continued for at least 2 y. Improvement or "gain" in final height (FH) was defined as either the difference between adult height SD scores (SDS) and pre-treatment height SDS (the childhood component of the Swedish reference) or height SDS compared to the Noonan reference. Results: Ten children received a GH dose of 33 ,g/kg/d (mean age at start 7.7±2.1 y, mean age at stop 17.6±1.7 y) and 15 received a dose of 66 ,g/kg/d (mean age at start 8.6±3.3 y, mean age at stop 18.4±2.1 y). Eighteen out of 25 patients reached FH. A substantial improvement in FH of 1.7 SDS, equivalent to 10.4 cm compared to pre-treatment height, was observed. No significant difference was seen between the two GH doses. Females gained a mean height of 9.8 cm and males 1,13 cm (FH 174.5±7.8 cm vs mean adult height of 162.5±5.4 cm for males with NS) at final height. Moreover, 60% reached a mid-parental height of±1 SD. Conclusion: GH treatment improves final height in patients with Noonan syndrome, with a mean gain of 1.7 SDS. The prepubertal height gain is maintained to final height and the children achieve a height close to their mid-parental height. [source]

AGEING, OESTROGEN, PLATELETS AND THROMBOTIC RISK

CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 8 2007
Virginia M Miller
SUMMARY 1Adverse thrombotic cardiovascular events increase in women coincident with the onset of menopause. 2Age past menopause may be an important variable in defining the benefit/risk of hormone treatments. 3Few studies have examined hormonal status as a variable of ageing using a polygenomic approach of both humoral and cellular components of the coagulation system. 4Longitudinal studies of a global set of platelet functions that define procoagulant activity (i.e. adhesion, aggregation, secretion and thrombin production) in individuals with documented hormonal status are needed to better understand how hormonal changes associated with ageing impact thrombotic risk. [source]