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Volume 1, December
 
 

Endocrines, Volume 1, Issue 1 (September 2020) – 6 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a stress-induced reproductive failure. Several neuroendocrine impairments trigger FHA. The use of hyper-low estradiol doses supports the hypothesis that very-low-dose estradiol promotes and restores impaired neuroendocrine function in patients with FHA. View this paper
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9 pages, 988 KiB  
Communication
Recent Progress in Stem Cell Research of the Pituitary Gland and Pituitary Adenoma
by Masataro Toda, Ryota Tamura and Masahiro Toda
Endocrines 2020, 1(1), 49-57; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/endocrines1010006 - 27 Jul 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3675
Abstract
Regenerative medicine and anti-tumoral therapy have been developed through understanding tissue stem cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs). The concept of tissue stem cells has been applied to the pituitary gland (PG). Recently, PG stem cells (PGSCs) were successfully differentiated from human embryonic [...] Read more.
Regenerative medicine and anti-tumoral therapy have been developed through understanding tissue stem cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs). The concept of tissue stem cells has been applied to the pituitary gland (PG). Recently, PG stem cells (PGSCs) were successfully differentiated from human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, showing an in vivo therapeutic effect in a hypopituitary model. Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are common intracranial neoplasms that are generally benign, but treatment resistance remains a major concern. The concept of CSCs applies to PA stem cells (PASCs). Genetic alterations in human PGSCs result in PASC development, leading to treatment-resistant PAs. To determine an efficient treatment against refractory PAs, it is of paramount importance to understand the relationship between PGSCs, PASCs and PAs. The goal of this review is to discuss several new findings about PGSCs and the roles of PASCs in PA tumorigenesis. Full article
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3 pages, 201 KiB  
Editorial
Endocrines: A Passion for Endocrinology
by Antonio Brunetti
Endocrines 2020, 1(1), 46-48; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/endocrines1010005 - 12 Jun 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3268
Abstract
Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind [...] Full article
11 pages, 1003 KiB  
Article
Administration of Very Low Doses of Estradiol Modulates the LH Response to a GnRH Bolus and the LH and Cortisol Responses to Naloxone Infusion in Patients with Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA): A Pilot Study
by Alessandro D. Genazzani, Giulia Despini, Alessia Prati, Alba Manzo, Tabatha Petrillo, Veronica Tomatis, Andrea Giannini and Tommaso Simoncini
Endocrines 2020, 1(1), 35-45; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/endocrines1010004 - 08 Jun 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4323
Abstract
Background: Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) is a stress-induced blockade of the reproductive axis. Such impairment is mainly due to altered control of GnRH-induced gonadotropin secretion as well as alterations of other endocrine functions. Methods: Seventeen patients with FHA participated in the study. Basal [...] Read more.
Background: Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) is a stress-induced blockade of the reproductive axis. Such impairment is mainly due to altered control of GnRH-induced gonadotropin secretion as well as alterations of other endocrine functions. Methods: Seventeen patients with FHA participated in the study. Basal hormonal profiles and GnRH and Naloxone tests for LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and for LH and cortisol responses, respectively, were performed before and after two weeks of administration of a very low dose of estradiol (2.5 ng two times a day). Results: The treatment improved both gonadotropins, mainly LH. The LH response to the GnRH test improved in terms of the peak amplitude, as evaluated using Instantaneous Secretory Rates (ISR) computation. Moreover, when performing the Naloxone test after the treatment interval, FHA patients showed a quicker LH response and recovery of the cortisol response. Conclusions: Our study supports the relevance of very low dose estradiol priming to promote and restore impaired neuroendocrine function in patients with FHA. Full article
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13 pages, 906 KiB  
Communication
Multiple Roles of Prostaglandin E2 Receptors in Female Reproduction
by Yao Ye, Peng Lin, Junyan Zhu, Udo Jeschke and Viktoria von Schönfeldt
Endocrines 2020, 1(1), 22-34; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/endocrines1010003 - 06 May 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 9047
Abstract
Among prostaglandins, Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (PGE2) is considered especially important for decidualization, ovulation, implantation and pregnancy. Four major PGE2 receptor subtypes, EP1, EP2, EP3, EP4, as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), mediate various PGE2 effects via their coupling to distinct signaling pathways. [...] Read more.
Among prostaglandins, Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (PGE2) is considered especially important for decidualization, ovulation, implantation and pregnancy. Four major PGE2 receptor subtypes, EP1, EP2, EP3, EP4, as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), mediate various PGE2 effects via their coupling to distinct signaling pathways. This review summarizes up-to-date literatures on the role of prostaglandin E2 receptors in female reproduction, which could provide a broad perspective to guide further research in this field. PGE2 plays an indispensable role in decidualization, ovulation, implantation and pregnancy. However, the precise mechanism of Prostaglandin E2 (EP) receptors in the female reproductive system is still limited. More investigations should be performed on the mechanism of EP receptors in the pathological states, and the possibility of EP agonists or antagonists clinically used in improving reproductive disorders. Full article
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9 pages, 1636 KiB  
Article
Effects of Eating While Walking on Blood Glucose Concentrations
by Majid Mufaqam Syed-Abdul, Dhwani Satishkumar Soni, Xin Liu and Jason Daniel Wagganer
Endocrines 2020, 1(1), 13-21; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/endocrines1010002 - 10 Mar 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6017
Abstract
Eating while walking is a commonly growing practice in the United States, in part due to an increase in the number of convenient dietary products (i.e., snack bars, shakes, drinks, etc.). Although eating while walking has been shown to increase total food consumption [...] Read more.
Eating while walking is a commonly growing practice in the United States, in part due to an increase in the number of convenient dietary products (i.e., snack bars, shakes, drinks, etc.). Although eating while walking has been shown to increase total food consumption and weight gain, the acute effects of eating while walking on blood glucose (BG) concentrations are still unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of eating while walking on BG. Twenty-two apparently healthy, male, physically active (PA, n = 10) and sedentary (Sed, n = 12) individuals volunteered for this study. Participants randomly performed the control [sit+snack (SS)] and experimental [walk+snack (WS)] protocol, with one week between protocols. Both protocols showed a significant increase in post-BG concentrations [SS (p < 0.001); WS (p < 0.01)], but post-BG concentrations for WS were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than SS. During SS, significantly higher post-BG concentrations were exhibited for the PA (p < 0.05) and Sed (p < 0.01) groups, whereas the WS protocol post-BG concentrations were significantly increased for the Sed group (p < 0.01). Lastly, individuals who exercised more and had a lower body mass index (BMI) were significantly correlated to lower BG concentrations in response to the 47 g carbohydrate (CHO) snack. However, these data are preliminary and may need further investigation. Full article
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12 pages, 1287 KiB  
Article
The Diagnostic Value of Chromogranin A in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms is Potentiated by Clinical Factors and Inflammatory Markers
by Olga Papalou, Melpomeni Peppa, Eleni A. Kandaraki, Evanthia Diamanti-Kandarakis and George C. Nikou
Endocrines 2020, 1(1), 1-12; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/endocrines1010001 - 05 Mar 2020
Viewed by 4467
Abstract
Objective: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogenous group of indolent tumors, with variable clinical behavior and steadily rising incidence. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical and laboratory factors that contribute in predicting the aggressiveness and invasiveness of NENs. Special [...] Read more.
Objective: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogenous group of indolent tumors, with variable clinical behavior and steadily rising incidence. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical and laboratory factors that contribute in predicting the aggressiveness and invasiveness of NENs. Special focus is given to clinical parameters that would enhance the diagnostic value of chromogranin A (CgA), via formalizing an integrated probability model, which would contribute to the timely and accurate identification of patients at high risk for metastatic disease at initial diagnosis. Designs and Methods: We identified a total of 93 patients with NENs, recruited at a specialized academic center in Athens, Greece. Anthropometric, clinical, laboratory, and pathological data were obtained from every patient before any therapeutic intervention. Results: Age over 50 years and male gender were accompanied by increased risk for metastases at the time of initial diagnosis. Additionally, when these parameters were combined with CgA levels, they were shown to enhance the predictive capacity of CgA. Different patient scenarios combining age, gender, and CgA levels are associated with different probabilities for metastatic disease, demonstrated schematically in a gradually escalating model, as age and CgA levels increase in both males and females. The lowest risk is observed in women aged <50 years old with CgA levels <200 ng/dl (6.5%), while the highest one is in males over 50 years old with CgA > 200 ng/dl (62.9%). Finally, it was shown that c-reactive protein (CRP) can predict disease extent at the time of diagnosis. Conclusions: CgA levels can not only be used as a direct predictor of tumor load in patients with NENs, but also, when interpolated with the effects of age and gender, cumulatively predict whether a NEN would be metastatic or not at the time of initial diagnosis, via a risk-escalating probability model. Full article
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