bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic and cardiopulmonary effects of detraining after a structured exercise training programme in young PCOS women
Authors: Orio Francesco , Giallauria Francesco , Palomba Stefano , Manguso Francesco , Orio Marcello , Tafuri Domenico , Lombardi Gaetano , Carmina Enrico , Colao Annamaria , Vigorito Carlo 
Published: May 2008

SummaryObjective  The aim of the present study was to determine if the favourable cardiopulmonary and metabolic benefits induced by exercise training (ET) programme are maintained after its cessation.Patients  Thirty‐two young overweight polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women matched for age and body mass index (BMI) with other 32 PCOS patients was enrolled. The first group [PCOS‐T (trained)] underwent 24‐week ET programme, whereas the second [PCOS‐DT (detrained)] underwent 12‐week ET programme followed by 12‐week detraining period.Methods  At baseline, after 12‐ and 24‐week follow‐up, all PCOS women were studied for their hormonal (ovarian and adrenal androgens), metabolic (glucose and insulin) and lipid profile, and underwent cardiopulmonary exercise test.Results  After the initial 12‐week ET programme, both PCOS‐T and PCOS‐DT groups, without differences between groups, showed a similar significant (P < 0·05) improvement in BMI, fasting insulin, areas under curve insulin (AUCINS), glucose and insulin AUC (AUCGLU/INS), high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) and maximal oxygen consumption at cardiopulmonary exercise test (VO2max). At 24‐week follow‐up, PCOS‐T group showed a significant (P < 0·05) improvement in BMI, fasting insulin, AUCINS, AUCGLU/INS, LDL‐C, HDL‐C and VO2max, in comparison to baseline and 12‐week follow‐up. At same follow‐up visit, the all parameters resulted significantly (P < 0·05) worsened in PCOS‐DT group in comparison to 12‐week follow‐up and PCOS‐T group. In PCOS‐DT group, no parameter assessed at 24‐week follow‐up was significantly different in comparison with baseline.Conclusion  In young PCOS women, 12‐week detraining resulted in a complete loss of the favourable adaptations obtained after ET.
Immunohistochemical localization of somatostatin receptor subtypes in benign and malignant adrenal tumours
Authors: Unger Nicole , Serdiuk Inna , Sheu Sien‐Yi , Walz Martin K. , Schulz Stefan , Saeger Wolfgang , Schmid Kurt W. , Mann Klaus , Petersenn Stephan 
Published: May 2008

SummaryBackground  Somatostatin mediates its action through five receptor subtypes (sst1–5) that are widely distributed in various endocrine tissues and tumours. Because of the inhibitory effects of somatostatin, long‐acting analogues have been synthesized. In contrast to their well‐established use in neuroendocrine and pituitary tumours, little is known about their potential use in adrenal tumours.Objective  We examined somatostatin receptor protein expression in adrenal tumours of various aetiologies. Immunostaining was performed with specific polyclonal antibodies for sst1–5.Design  Seven benign and eight malignant pheochromocytomas (PHEOs), eight aldosterone‐secreting adenomas (APAs), nine cortisol‐secreting adenomas (CPAs), seven nonfunctioning adrenal tumours (NFAs) and 25 adrenal carcinomas (CAs) as well as eight normal adrenal glands were investigated.Measurements  Staining pattern, distribution and subcellular localization of the somatostatin receptor subtypes were evaluated.Results  In the majority of normal cortices the expression of sst1–5 was limited to the reticular zone. The medulla was predominantly positive for sst3. Most cortical adenomas were positive for all five subtypes. However, in the majority of these tumours, less than 30% of cells were positively stained. A high expression of sst4 was found in CPAs but only very few cortical carcinomas exhibited sst immunostaining. All benign PHEOs were positive for sst3. The majority presented with more than 60% of tumour cells stained. By contrast, only six out of eight malignant PHEOs were positive for sst3.Conclusions  Somatostatin receptor subtypes are expressed in PHEOs as well as in tumours of the adrenal cortex with tumour‐specific distribution patterns. This may offer new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities.
Safety of GH replacement in hypopituitary patients with nonirradiated pituitary and peripituitary tumours
Authors: Chung T. T. , Evanson J. , Walker D. , Akker S. A. , Besser G. M. , Monson J. P. , Grossman A. B. , Drake W. M. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryBackground  Published data suggest that growth hormone replacement (GHR) may be given safely to patients with hypopituitarism consequent upon a pituitary/peripituitary tumour. However, a preponderance of patients treated with external pituitary irradiation were included.Objective  To assess the safety of GHR in nonirradiated pituitary/peripituitary tumour.Design  Prospective audit.Setting  Tertiary university referral centre.Patients  We imaged prospectively the pituitary glands of 48 patients (18 males; mean age 51·6 years range 21–77) who had adult onset growth hormone deficiency (AO‐GHD) after appropriate treatment for a pituitary/peripituitary tumour but who did not receive external pituitary irradiation.Intervention  All patients were treated with a dose titration regimen of GH to maintain serum IGF‐1 between the median and upper end of the age‐related reference range. Pituitary surveillance imaging was performed prior to the commencement of GHR, at 6–12 months and then yearly. For patients with secretory tumours, biochemical markers (cortisol and prolactin) were used as evidence of tumour recurrence.Results  48 patients with median follow up since commencement of GHR was 38 months (range 9–104). Three patients were judged to have an apparent increase in tumour volume and/or marker, although only one was thought to be possibly GH related – a patient with a cystic chromophobe adenoma who demonstrated a marginal increase in residual tumour volume 4 years after commencement of GHR.Conclusion  These data add to the growing body of evidence for the safety of GHR in hypopituitary patients consequent upon pituitary/peripituitary mass lesions and represents the first reported series in a heterogeneous group of nonirradiated patients.
GH receptor d3 polymorphism in Dutch patients with MPHD and IGHD born small or appropriate for gestational age
Authors: De Graaff L. C. G. , Meyer S. , Els C. , Hokken‐Koelega A. C. S. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryObjective  GH acts through the GH receptor (GHR). The GHR gene contains a genetic polymorphism caused by a deletion of exon 3 (d3), with high frequency in the normal population. There is a continuing controversy whether the presence or absence of the exon 3 deletion (d3+ vs. d3–) affects the effect of GH in human growth.Design, patients and measurements  For 144 patients with idiopathic isolated GH deficiency (IGHD, n = 72) or multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD, n = 72), amplification of the region around exon 3 of the GHR gene was performed. Clinical data and response to GH treatment were compared between GHR d3+and d3– IGHD and MPHD patients born either small for gestational age (SGA) or appropriate for gestational age (AGA).Results  IGHD patients born SGA had a significantly higher d3+frequency (82%) than IGHD patients born AGA (35%, P = 0·006). Within the group of IGHD patients born SGA, d3– patients showed a slightly better spontaneous catch up growth before start of GH treatment than d3+ patients (1·1 ± 1·1 SD vs. 0·6 ± 1·1 SDS, P = 0·040) There was no difference in patients first year's response to GH treatment between GHR d3+ and d3– patients.Conclusions  In IGHD and MPHD patients, response to GH treatment was independent of GHR genotype. GHR‐d3 was significantly more frequent among IGHD patients born SGA. As we are the third to report an association between birth size and GHR d3 status, it is conceivable that the GHR‐d3 might affect prenatal growth in IGHD patients by a yet unknown mechanism.
High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, C‐reactive protein, and prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease in 5641 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography
Authors: Alber H. F. , Wanitschek M. M. , De Waha S. , Ladurner A. , Suessenbacher A. , Dörler J. , Dichtl W. , Frick M. , Ulmer H. , Pachinger O. , Weidinger F. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTBackground  Although high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) are well‐established predictors for future cardiovascular events, little information is available regarding their correlation with the prevalence and severity of angiographically evaluated coronary artery disease (CAD).Material and methods   Five thousand six hundred forty‐one consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography for the evaluation of CAD were analysed. Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed by routine blood chemistry and questionnaire. CAD severity was graded by visual estimation of lumen diameter stenosis with significant stenoses defined as lumen diameter reduction of ≥ 70%. Coronary angiograms were graded as one‐, two‐ or three‐vessel disease, as nonsignificant CAD (lumen irregularities < 70%) or non‐CAD.Results   HDL‐C (60·3 ± 18·5 vs. 51·9 ± 15·3 mg dL−1; P < 0·001) was higher and CRP was lower (0·65 ± 1·68 vs. 1·02 ± 2·38 mg dL−1; P < 0·001) in non‐CAD (n = 1517) compared to overall CAD patients (n = 4124). CAD patients were older (65·2 ± 10·5 years vs. 59·9 ± 11·4 years), more often diabetics (19·2% vs. 10·6%) and hypertensives (79·2% vs. 66·0%) and included more smokers (18·8% vs. 16·5%) (all P < 0·005). Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (124·5 ± 38·3 vs. 126·0 ± 36·3 mg dL−1; P = NS) was similar in overall CAD and non‐CAD patients with more statin users (43·4% vs. 27·9%; P < 0·001) among CAD patients. Comparing non‐CAD with different CAD severities using analysis of variance, results did not change substantially. In a multivariate analysis, HDL‐C and CRP remained independently associated with the prevalence of CAD. In addition, HDL‐C is also a potent predictor for the severity of CAD.Conclusions   In this large consecutive patient cohort, HDL‐C and CRP are independently associated with the prevalence of CAD. In this analysis, HDL‐C is an even stronger predictor for CAD than some other major classical risk factors.
Inflammatory markers in relation to insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Ingelsson E. , Hulthe J. , Lind L. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTBackground  Inflammation has repeatedly been demonstrated to be associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insulin resistance, but the relative importance of different aspects of the inflammatory process is largely unexplored.Design  We measured circulating interleukins (IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10); other cytokines (tumour necrosis factor‐α, interferon gamma and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1), cell adhesion molecules [vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, E‐selectin, P‐selectin, l‐selectin], and systemic inflammation markers [C‐reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte count] in 943 70 year old participants (50% women) of the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study. We related these biomarkers to MetS and the homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA‐IR).Results  In a multivariable model including all inflammatory markers conjointly together with sex, log VCAM‐1 [odds ratio (OR), 1·45; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1·22–1·72 per 1 SD increase; P < 0·0001], log E‐selectin (OR, 1·33; 95% CI, 1·12–1·57 per 1SD increase; P = 0·001), and log CRP (OR, 1·41; 95% CI, 1·20–1·66 per 1‐SD increase; P < 0·0001) were independently associated with MetS. These biomarkers were also independently associated with HOMA‐IR.Conclusions  Among 17 inflammatory biomarkers, most of them previously not examined in relation to MetS and insulin resistance, VCAM‐1, E‐selectin and CRP demonstrated the strongest associations with MetS and insulin resistance in our community based sample of the elderly. The relative importance of these biomarkers in predicting the development of MetS, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease needs to be further examined in a longitudinal setting.
Inhibition of Leydig Cell Function Through Hormonal Regulatory Mechanisms
Authors: Dufau Maria L. , Hsueh Aaron J. , Cigorraga Selva , Baukal Albert J. , Catt Kevin J. 
Published: May 2008

The regulation of testicular endocrine function by hormonal mechanisms depends upon the integrated actions of gonadotropins (LH, FSH and prolactin) and steroids (estrogen and androgen) upon the Leydig cell. Withdrawal of gonadotropic support by hypophysectomy causes partial loss of LH receptors and testosterone responses, whereas cyclic AMP responses are normal or increased. Thus, the major effects of hypophysectomy are on processes beyond receptor activation and cyclic AMP formation. Treatment with FSH increases LH receptors and testosterone responses to hCG, and reduces the elevated cyclic AMP responses to hCG in vitro. In FSH‐treated hypophysectomized rats, direct inhibitory actions of estrogen upon LH receptors and testosterone responses are demonstrable, indicating that intratesticular regulation of androgen biosynthesis could be exerted by locally formed estrogen.While low concentrations of LH are necessary for maintenance of Leydig cell function, elevation of plasma LH by treatment with LHRH or exogenous gonadotropin has a marked negative effect on LH receptors and subsequent steroidogenic responses. Such hormone‐induced loss of LH receptors leads to decreased sensitivity of the Leydig cell to gonadotropin, an effect that is most evident after subcutaneous treatment with hCG. More acute increases in plasma gonadotropin are followed by a post‐receptor lesion in the steroidogenic pathway, with loss of the maximum testosterone response during stimulation by gonadotropin or cyclic AMP in vitro. The retention of pregnenolone responses and the accumulation of progesterone and 17‐hydroxylated steroids in partially desensitized Leydig cells indicates that a transitory block of the 17–20 desmolase step is rcsponsible for the second lesion in receptor‐depleted Leydig cells. Thus, the negative effects of LH and hCG on Leydig cell responses result from the combination of receptor loss and enzymatic defect(s), attributable to the local inhibitory effects of steroids, such as estrogens, that are formed during the acute tcsticular response to gonadotropin.
A “Living Cell Method” for Testing the Early Effects of Antispermatogenic Compounds: Model Experiments with Two Alkylating Agents ThioTepa and Nitrogen Mustard
Authors: Parvinen Leena‐Maija , Parvinen Martti 
Published: May 2008

An accurate identification of stages of spermatogenesis in freshly isolated unstained seminiferous tubules is possible by a simple transillumination. Physiologically, the acrosome and maturation phase spermatids are arranged in bundles or as a continous layer and give rise to light absorption patterns characteristic for different cell associations. The damaged and dying cells cause alterations in the light absorption pattern which helps their specific selection for further analyses by morphological and biochemical methods.In model experiments, we have analyzed the early stage‐specific effects of two alkylating anticancer agents, nitrogen mustard and ThioTepa. Increased light absorption was seen in segments V–VI caused by degenerating early spermatids and mid‐pachytene spermatocytes, and in segments XII–I caused mainly by pachytene spermatocytes. Phase contrast microscopy proved to be valuable in analysis of the phagocytosing function of the Sertoli cells. Electron microscopy revealed that probably the earliest observable alterations were disintegrations of the developing acrosomic system, of the chromatoid body in early spermatids and of the spermatid nuclei during the late acrosome phase. Biochemical analyses revealed an inhibition of physiological DNA and RNA syntheses and an activation of unscheduled repair‐DNA synthesis.The “living cell method” gives new possibilities for combined morphological and biochemical analyses of specific effects of antifertility and anticancer drugs on different stages of mitotic and meiotic cell cycles during spermatogenesis.
Chlorinated Sugars: A Biochemical Approach to the Control of Male Fertility
Authors: Ford W. C. L. , Waites G. M. H. 
Published: May 2008

6‐Chloro‐6‐deoxyglucose (120 μmol; 24 mg kg b.wt.), 6‐chloro‐6‐deoxyfructose (< 240 μ 48 mg/kg b.wt.), 6‐chloro‐6‐deoxysucrose (240 μmol; 85 mg/kg b.wt.), ′6‐chloro‐′6‐deoxysucrose (< 240 μmol; 85 mg/kg b.wt.) and 6.′6‐dichloro‐6,′6‐dideoxysucrose (240 μmol; 89 mg/kg b.wt.) administered to male rats daily, by oral gavage, render them infertile after 7 days treatment. The effect is sustained through at least 4 weeks of treatment and is reversed 3 to 6 weeks after treatment is withdrawn. Spermatozoa from the cauda epididymidis of treated rats oxidize only 10% as much glucose as spermatozoa from controls and their ATP and total adenine nucleotide content fall more rapidly during incubation with 2 mM [U14C]D‐glucose. These biochemical effects are associated with a more rapid decline in cell motility. The LD50 for 6‐chloro‐6‐deoxyglucose in the rat is > 16 g/kg b.wt.Administration of [36Cl] ′6‐chloro‐′6‐deoxysucrose has shown this compound to be extensively dechlorinated in vivo.Chlorodeoxy sugars are discussed as potential male antifertility agents worthy of further investigation.
In Vitro Metabolism of [3H]Progesterone in Testicular Tissue Derived from Seven Males Treated with Oestrogens
Authors: Kjessler B. , Berg A. Å:son , Fritjofsson Å 
Published: May 2008

Oestrogens administered to adult males are known to suppress the synthesis of androgens in the testicles. A main effect of this treatment on testicular steroid metabolism in vitro seems to be a significant reduction of 17α‐hydroxylase activity. A concomitant increase in the 20α‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was, however, observed in four young oestrogen‐treated transsexual males (Rodriques et al. 1976).We have analysed the metabolism of [3H]progesterone in vitro in testicular tissue incubates derived from six males on current oestrogen treatment and from one male 19 weeks after cessation of oestrogen therapy.The metabolism in general of [3H]progesterone in vitro was observed to be decreased in all males on oestrogen treatment as compared to control subjects. The metabolite 20α‐dihydroprogesterone was found to constitute between 85–91 per cent of all metabolites formed in the patients under treatment.On the contrary, the metabolic pattern observed in the previously treated male, appeared to be fully consistent with the patterns observed in non‐treated control subjects. Thus, the main alterations in intratesticular progesterone‐metabolism caused by exogenous administration of oestrogens, at least for 23 consecutive weeks, seem to be completely reversible.
Seminal Pepsinogen: Quantitation and Correlation with the Spermiogram
Authors: Hirsch‐Marie H. , Delafontaine D. 
Published: May 2008

The statistical correlation between the concentrations of seminal pepsinogen (Pg III) and the spermiograms of 84 normozoospermic, oligozooazoospermic subjects were studied.A large dispersion of the concentrations of Pg III was noted: ranging from 0.28 units Pg III per ejaculate (E) – the minimal value found in one polyzoospermic subject – to 31.8 units Pg III/E, the maximal value found in one oligozoospermic semen.The seminal pepsinogen levels were above 10 U Pg III/E in almost half of the cases of oligozoo‐and polyzoospermia, demonstrating and suggesting that consumption of this proenzyme may occur in inverse relationship to the number of spermatozooa.The activities of Pg III were equivalent in the different parts of fractionated ejaculates, suggesting that Pg III is produced by both the seminal vesicles and the prostate.
Seasonal Change in Fine Structure and Function of Leydig Cells in the Blue Fox (Alopex lagopus)
Authors: Andersen Kjell 
Published: May 2008

The correlation between ultrastructural alterations and presumptive change in endocrine activity was studied in the Leydig cells of 17 blue foxes castrated at different times of the year.In the reproductive season (March and April), with high concentrations of plasma testosterone and very active spermatogenesis the Leydig cells had large and light nuclei, few lipid droplets, ovoid mitochondria with tubular cristae, and a well developed agranular endoplasmic reticulum (AER). During early regression the mitochondria became large and pleomorphic, and the AER was arranged in concentric whorls. Later, when the activity seemed to have reached basal levels, the nuclei were small and dark, the number of lipid droplets increased, the mitochondria were rod‐shaped with lamellar cristae, and the whorls of AER decreased. During the period of increasing activity the nuclei enlarged, the endoplasmic reticulum displayed both granular and agranular profiles, the mitochondria were sometimes dark and cup‐shaped, and the number of lipid droplets decreased gradually.
Comparison of Colprimetric and Fluorometric Methods for Estimation of Sperm Concentration in Human Ejaculate and Rat Epididymal Sperm
Authors: (Frenkel) G. Paz , Homonnai Z. T. , Kornblum Halina , Kraicer P. F. 
Published: May 2008

Estimation of sperm concentration with ethidium bromide was found to be simple and rapid. The estimated value of DNA per human spermatozoon, 2.7 pg, agreed with published values. The method is also applicable to rat epididymal spermatozoa, although the apparent concentration of DNA is only 1.5 pg/spermatozoon. In spectrophotometry, falsely high values were noted. These were, however, reproducible and did not interfere with sperm estimation.Although fluorometry is not more sensitive than spectrephotometry, it is simpler, avoiding corrosive reagents, and more rapid.A standardized method is outlined and calibration equations, based on correlation analysis, are presented.
Index of Longevity — A new Definition of an Index for Sperm Quality Evaluation
Authors: Makler Amnon 
Published: May 2008

A new index by which sperm longevity can be evaluated quantitatively is suggested for a routine semen analysis, and was calculated in seminal specimens of 50 donors. This index of longevity is defined according to each one of 2 different characteristics of sperm motility analyzed by the MEP method:ILM — the ratio between per cent of motile sperm measured four h and one h after ejaculation.ILV — the ratio between sperm velocity measured four and one h after ejaculation.The ratio clearly shows whether motility, tested in vitro, is stable or drops rapidly with time.ILM was found to range between 0.2 and 1.3 with average 0.8. ILV ranged from 0.5 to 1.8 and average 1.14. Neither ILM nor ILV showed any correlation with sperm concentration, abnormal forms, initial per cent of motility or initial sperm velocity and thus it was impossible to predict sperm longevity from any known sperm characteristics. However. a coefficient of correlation of 0.44 was found between ILM and ILV which means that to a certain extent, cases with well‐preserved percentage of motility may also reveal a well‐preserved sperm velocity.With the aid of this index it is possible to investigate if there is any correlation between sperm longevity and fertility rate, sperm survival in various media, alleged sperm stimulants or treatment given to the male.