Low body weight and menstrual dysfunction are common findings in both elite and amateur ballet dancers

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported that low body weight and menstrual alterations are very frequent findings in elite dancers, suggesting they could be at risk for associated medical problems. However, it is still largely unknown whether these alterations are also common in the very large number of young amateur dancers.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess whether there is an increased prevalence of menstrual dysfunction also in amateur dancers.

MATERIAL/SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Ninety-two professional ballet dancers, 93 non-professional ballet dancers, and 293 (160 sedentary, 133 physically active) control women, ranging in age 14-23 yr, were included in the study. In these subjects, a detailed questionnaire that included questions on weight, height, age at menarche, training profile and menstrual alterations was administered.

RESULTS

BMI was lower in both professional and non-professional dancers than in controls. Frequency of menstrual dysfunction was 51%, 34% and 21% in professional dancers, non-professional dancers and controls, respectively (p<0.0001). Amenorrhea was reported by 23% of professional dancers, vs 1-7% in the other groups (p<0.0001). Age at menarche occurred later in professional dancers than in the other groups. Logistic regression analyses showed that menstrual dysfunction was associated with the training profile in professional dancers, and with BMI in non-professional dancers. Age at menarche was associated with menstrual dysfunction in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that low body weight and menstrual dysfunction are frequent findings also in amateur ballet dancers.

Divergences in insulin resistance between the different phenotypes of the polycystic ovary syndrome

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE

Current diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have generated distinct PCOS phenotypes, based on the different combinations of diagnostic features found in each patient. Our aim was to assess whether either each single diagnostic feature or their combinations into the PCOS phenotypes may predict insulin resistance in these women.

PATIENTS/DESIGN

A total of 137 consecutive Caucasian women with PCOS, diagnosed by the Rotterdam criteria, underwent accurate assessment of diagnostic and metabolic features. Insulin sensitivity was measured by the glucose clamp technique.

RESULTS

Among women with PCOS, 84.7% had hyperandrogenism, 84.7% had chronic oligoanovulation, and 89% had polycystic ovaries. According to the individual combinations of these features, 69.4% of women had the classic phenotype, 15.3% had the ovulatory phenotype, and 15.3% had the normoandrogenic phenotype. Most subjects (71.4%) were insulin resistant. However, insulin resistance frequency differed among phenotypes, being 80.4%, 65.0%, and 38.1%, respectively, in the 3 subgroups (P < .001). Although none of the PCOS diagnostic features per se was associated with the impairment in insulin action, after adjustment for covariates, the classic phenotype and, to a lesser extent, the ovulatory phenotype were independently associated with insulin resistance, whereas the normoandrogenic phenotype was not. Metabolic syndrome frequency was also different among phenotypes (P = .030).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a scale of metabolic risk among women with PCOS. Although no single diagnostic features of PCOS are independently associated with insulin resistance, their combinations, which define PCOS phenotypes, may allow physicians to establish which women should undergo metabolic screening. In metabolic terms, women belonging to the normoandrogenic phenotype behave as a separate group.

Exercise for hepatic fat accumulation in type 2 diabetic subjects

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by frequent ectopic fat accumulation in several tissues and organs. In particular, a number of studies showed that these subjects frequently have hepatic fat accumulation, which may play a role in the metabolic abnormalities typical of diabetes and has been also linked to increased risk for cardiovascular disease. In the last decade, the effect of exercise on ectopic fat content of type 2 diabetic patients has raised growing interest. However, there are only a few small randomized controlled trials on this topic. Results from these intervention studies indicate that exercise training, independent of dietary modifications, may reduce hepatic fat content and serum transaminases in these patients, suggesting that exercise per se may be an effective strategy to be combined with the traditional dietary interventions. As regards the different training modalities, there is recent evidence that both aerobic and resistance exercise may equally reduce hepatic fat accumulation in type 2 diabetic subjects. However, information regarding the effect of exercise on liver histology and fat accumulation in other ectopic sites is still very limited.

Ten-week whole-body vibration training improves body composition and muscle strength in obese women

This work explored the short-term effect of whole body vibration (WBV) training on anthropometry, body composition and muscular strength in obese women. Fifty obese women (age = 46.8 ± 7.81[SD]y; BMI = 35.1 ± 3.55 kg/m(2)) were assigned to a ten-week WBV training period, two times a week (in each session, 14 min vibration training, 5 min rest; vibration amplitude 2.0-5.0mm, frequency 40-60 Hz), with (n = 18) or without (n = 17) radiofrequency, or to a non-exercise control group (n = 15). Subjects were instructed not to change their habitual lifestyle. Before and after the ten-week experimental period, anthropometric measurements, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and the leg press, leg curl and leg extension strength tests were carried out. All changes in the two groups of WBV training, with or without radiofrequency, were similar and these groups were combined in a single WBV intervention group. As compared to controls, subjects submitted to WBV training had significantly lower BMI, total body and trunk fat, sum of skinfolds and body circumferences. On the other hand, lower limb strength tests were increased in the WBV group. These preliminary results suggest that WBV training may improve body composition and muscular strength in obese women and may be a useful adjuvant to lifestyle prescriptions.

Differences in the acute effects of aerobic and resistance exercise in subjects with type 2 diabetes: results from the RAED2 Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE

Both aerobic (AER) and resistance (RES) training, if maintained over a period of several months, reduce HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetes subjects. However, it is still unknown whether the short-term effects of these types of exercise on blood glucose are similar. Our objective was to assess whether there may be a difference in acute blood glucose changes after a single bout of AER or RES exercise.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty-five patients participating in the RAED2 Study, a RCT comparing AER and RES training in diabetic subjects, were submitted to continuous glucose monitoring during a 60-min exercise session and over the following 47 h. These measurements were performed after 10.9+0.4 weeks of training. Glucose concentration areas under the curve (AUC) during exercise, the subsequent night, and the 24-h period following exercise, as well as the corresponding periods of the non-exercise day, were assessed. Moreover, the low (LBGI) and high (HBGI) blood glucose indices, which summarize the duration and extent of hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia, respectively, were measured.

RESULTS

AER and RES training similarly reduced HbA1c. Forty-eight hour glucose AUC was similar in both groups. However, a comparison of glucose AUC during the 60-min exercise period and the corresponding period of the non-exercise day showed that glucose levels were lower during exercise in the AER but not in the RES group (time-by-group interaction p = 0.04). Similar differences were observed in the nocturnal periods (time-by-group interaction p = 0.02). Accordingly, nocturnal LBGI was higher in the exercise day than in the non-exercise day in the AER (p = 0.012) but not in the RES group (p = 0.62).

CONCLUSIONS

Although AER and RES training have similar long-term metabolic effects in diabetic subjects, the acute effects of single bouts of these exercise types differ, with a potential increase in late-onset hypoglycaemia risk after AER exercise.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01182948.

Hyperinsulinemia amplifies GnRH agonist stimulated ovarian steroid secretion in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

CONTEXT

In vitro data show that insulin may enhance basal and LH-stimulated ovarian androgen secretion, particularly in theca cells from women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, in vivo studies gave inconsistent results.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to assess whether hyperinsulinemia affects in vivo ovarian steroid secretion and steroid metabolism.

DESIGN AND SETTINGS

This was a controlled cross-sectional study, conducted in a tertiary care academic center.

PARTICIPANTS

Nine young PCOS women participated in the study.

INTERVENTION

Participants were submitted, in two separate days, to a GnRH agonist stimulation (buserelin 100 μg, s.c.), during a 17-h hyperinsulinemic (80 mU/m(2) · min) euglycemic clamp and, as a control, during saline infusion. Adrenal steroid secretion was suppressed by dexamethasone.

MAIN MEASURES

During both protocols, before and after GnRH agonist stimulation, serum insulin, gonadotropins, cortisol, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, estradiol, and urinary androgen metabolites were measured.

RESULTS

Insulin increased from 25.1 ± 13.3 to 341.5 ± 102.6 mU/liter during the clamp, whereas it did not significantly change during saline infusion. Baseline steroids and gonadotropins were similar in the two protocols. During hyperinsulinemia, GnRH agonist-stimulated serum progesterone and androstenedione were significantly higher than during saline infusion, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone was of borderline significance. Moreover, 24 h after GnRH agonist stimulation, testosterone was higher after hyperinsulinemia. Serum gonadotropins and estradiol response did not differ between the protocols. Urinary androgen metabolites excretion significantly increased after GnRH agonist stimulation, but the increase was similar during insulin and saline infusions.

CONCLUSIONS

These in vivo data show that sustained hyperinsulinemia potentiates gonadotropin-stimulated ovarian androgen steroidogenesis. Insulin-induced increase in ovarian hormone secretion is not accompanied by an increased steroid metabolism.

Metabolic effects of aerobic training and resistance training in type 2 diabetic subjects: a randomized controlled trial (the RAED2 study)

OBJECTIVE

To assess differences between the effects of aerobic and resistance training on HbA(1c) (primary outcome) and several metabolic risk factors in subjects with type 2 diabetes, and to identify predictors of exercise-induced metabolic improvement.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Type 2 diabetic patients (n = 40) were randomly assigned to aerobic training or resistance training. Before and after 4 months of intervention, metabolic phenotypes (including HbA(1c), glucose clamp-measured insulin sensitivity, and oral glucose tolerance test-assessed β-cell function), body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue by magnetic resonance imaging, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular strength were measured.

RESULTS

After training, increase in peak oxygen consumption (V(O(2peak))) was greater in the aerobic group (time-by-group interaction P = 0.045), whereas increase in strength was greater in the resistance group (time-by-group interaction P < 0.0001). HbA(1c) was similarly reduced in both groups (-0.40% [95% CI -0.61 to -0.18] vs. -0.35% [-0.59 to -0.10], respectively). Total and truncal fat, VAT, and SAT were also similarly reduced in both groups, whereas insulin sensitivity and lean limb mass were similarly increased. β-Cell function showed no significant changes. In multivariate analyses, improvement in HbA(1c) after training was independently predicted by baseline HbA(1c) and by changes in V(O(2peak)) and truncal fat.

CONCLUSIONS

Resistance training, similarly to aerobic training, improves metabolic features and insulin sensitivity and reduces abdominal fat in type 2 diabetic patients. Changes after training in V(O(2peak)) and truncal fat may be primary determinants of exercise-induced metabolic improvement.

Epidemiology, diagnosis and management of hirsutism: a consensus statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society

BACKGROUND

Hirsutism, defined by the presence of excessive terminal hair in androgen-sensitive areas of the female body, is one of the most common disorders in women during reproductive age.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and critical assessment of the available evidence pertaining to the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of hirsutism.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hirsutism is ~10% in most populations, with the important exception of Far-East Asian women who present hirsutism less frequently. Although usually caused by relatively benign functional conditions, with the polycystic ovary syndrome leading the list of the most frequent etiologies, hirsutism may be the presenting symptom of a life-threatening tumor requiring immediate intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Following evidence-based diagnostic and treatment strategies that address not only the amelioration of hirsutism but also the treatment of the underlying etiology is essential for the proper management of affected women, especially considering that hirsutism is, in most cases, a chronic disorder needing long-term follow-up. Accordingly, we provide evidence-based guidelines for the etiological diagnosis and for the management of this frequent medical complaint.

Insulin enhances ACTH-stimulated androgen and glucocorticoid metabolism in hyperandrogenic women

OBJECTIVE

In hyperandrogenic women, hyperinsulinaemia amplifies 17 α-hydroxycorticosteroid intermediate response to ACTH, without alterations in serum cortisol or androgen response to stimulation. The aim of the study is to assess whether acute hyperinsulinaemia determines absolute changes in either basal or ACTH-stimulated adrenal steroidogenesis in these subjects.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Twelve young hyperandrogenic women were submitted in two separate days to an 8 h hyperinsulinaemic (80  mU/m² × min) euglycaemic clamp, and to an 8 h saline infusion. In the second half of both the protocols, a 4 h ACTH infusion (62.5  μg/h) was carried out. Serum cortisol, progesterone, 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), 17 α-hydroxypregnenolone (17-OHPREG), DHEA and androstenedione were measured at basal level and during the protocols. Absolute adrenal hormone secretion was quantified by measuring C19 and C21 steroid metabolites in urine collected after the first 4 h of insulin or saline infusion, and subsequently after 4 h of concurrent ACTH infusion.

RESULTS

During insulin infusion, ACTH-stimulated 17-OHPREG and 17-OHP were significantly higher than during saline infusion. No significant differences in cortisol and androgens response to ACTH were found between the protocols. Nevertheless, urinary excretion of ACTH-stimulated C19 and C21 steroid metabolites was significantly higher during hyperinsulinaemia than at basal insulin levels (both P < 0.005). Changes in steroid metabolites molar ratios suggested stimulation by insulin of 5 α-reductase activity.

CONCLUSIONS

These in vivo data support the hypothesis that insulin acutely enhances ACTH effects on both the androgen and glucocorticoid pathways.

Supervised walking groups to increase physical activity in type 2 diabetic patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of an exercise program organized into supervised walking groups in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Fifty-nine diabetic subjects were randomized to a control group receiving standard lifestyle recommendations or an intervention group assigned to three supervised walking sessions per week and counseling. Changes in metabolic features, weight, 6-min walk test, prescription of antidiabetic medications, and overall physical activity were assessed.

RESULTS

Functional capacity and overall physical activity were higher in the intervention group, whereas metabolic changes were not different between groups after 4 months. However, in subjects who attended at least 50% of scheduled walking sessions, changes in A1C and fasting glucose were greater than in control subjects. Discontinuation or reduction of antidiabetic drugs occurred in 33% of these patients versus 5% of control subjects (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Supervised walking may be beneficial in diabetic subjects, but metabolic improvement requires adequate compliance.

Disorders of coagulation and hemostasis in abdominal obesity: emerging role of fatty liver

Abdominal obesity represents a public health concern because its prevalence is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide, and it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and other pathological conditions. A large body of evidence suggests that abdominal obesity is associated with a prothrombotic tendency, which may, at least in part, contribute to the increased risk of atherothrombosis in these individuals. This review briefly summarizes the evidence of direct and indirect effects of the accumulation of excess lipid in visceral adipose tissue on coagulation and fibrinolysis. In addition, this article critically appraises the rapidly expanding body of experimental and clinical data that support a potential direct contribution for the accumulation of excess lipid in the liver (i.e., nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a very frequent pathological condition in subjects with abdominal obesity) in the pathogenesis of the obesity-induced disorders of coagulation and fibrinolysis.

Body fat and insulin resistance independently predict increased serum C-reactive protein in hyperandrogenic women with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Increased serum C-reactive protein (CRP), an independent predictor of coronary heart disease, was reported in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It remains unclear whether this finding is due to the association between PCOS and either insulin resistance, obesity, or androgen excess, which are all common features of this condition. The aims of this study were to assess whether increased serum CRP is a specific feature of PCOS and to investigate the mechanisms underlying this association.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Serum high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) was measured in 86 hyperandrogenic women (age 21.6+/-4.2 years, body mass index (BMI) 23.6+/-3.5 kg/m2), 50 with PCOS and 36 with idiopathic hyperandrogenism (HA). Thirty-five BMI-matched healthy women were also studied as controls. In these subjects, endocrine and metabolic profiles were assessed. In all hyperandrogenic subjects and 14 controls, insulin sensitivity was measured by the glucose clamp technique. Body fat was measured by bioelectrical impedance.

RESULTS

Hs-CRP concentrations were higher in PCOS women (3.43+/-2.01 mg/l) than in HA subjects and healthy women (2.43+/-1.04, P<0.005; and 2.75+/-0.86 mg/l, P<0.05 respectively versus PCOS). In multiple regression analyses, increased serum hs-CRP was independently predicted by higher body fat and lower insulin sensitivity. However, in lean women, serum-free testosterone was an additional, negative, predictive variable.

CONCLUSIONS

PCOS is accompanied by a low-grade chronic inflammation. Body fat appears the main determining factor of this finding, which is only partly explained by insulin resistance. At least in lean women, androgen excess per se seems to play an additional, possibly protective, role in this association.

Chromosome translocation frequency after radioiodine thyroid remnant ablation: a comparison between recombinant human thyrotropin stimulation and prolonged levothyroxine withdrawal

BACKGROUND

Thyroid remnant ablation of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients is traditionally performed after levothyroxine withdrawal. Recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) administration increases serum TSH levels without inducing hypothyroidism.

AIM

The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency of chromosome translocations in DTC patients after the first (131)I therapeutic dose and compare the frequency of translocations between DTC patients off levothyroxine and those receiving rhTSH.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 20 DTC patients were randomly assigned to levothyroxine withdrawal [(30 d) group A; n=10, nine women; mean age 48.5+/- 19.2 yr] or rhTSH injections [(0.9 mg im per 2 consecutive days) group B; n=10, eight women; mean age 50.4+/- 18.8 yr] before undergoing (131)I activity (3.7 GBq). The frequency of translocations in peripheral lymphocytes was analyzed by tricolor fluorescence in situ hybridization with whole-chromosome-specific probes for chromosomes 1, 4, and 8. Lymphocytes were stained routinely (about 500 each time).

RESULTS

The two groups showed similar baseline translocation frequency. After (131)I administration, the total chromosomal translocation rate was significantly lower in group B than group A (P = 0.02). The frequency of translocations increased significantly in group A only (P = 0.01 vs. baseline). Rearrangement specifically involved chromosomes 4 and 8 (P = 0.02 vs. baseline).

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary data show that in hypothyroid status (131)I ablation therapy induces a higher translocation rate, especially in chromosomes 4 and 8. This finding, in agreement with previous dosimetric reports, suggests that whereas inducing a low extrathyroid exposure, rhTSH reduces the potential risk of chromosomal aberration associated with blood irradiation.

Abnormal serum alanine aminotransferase levels are associated with impaired insulin sensitivity in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are both associated with insulin resistance.We assessed whether NAFLD is associated with impaired insulin sensitivity in PCOS women independently of age and total adiposity.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We enrolled 14 young PCOS women with NAFLD, 14 women with PCOS alone and 14 healthy controls, who were matched for age, body mass index, and total body fat (by bio-impedance analyzer). NAFLD was diagnosed by the surrogate measure of abnormal serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations (defined as ALT>19 U/l) after excluding other secondary causes of liver disease (alcohol, virus, and medications). Insulin sensitivity was measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp.

RESULTS

Insulin sensitivity was markedly decreased (p<0.001) in PCOS women with abnormal ALT levels, whereas it was similar between PCOS women with normal ALT levels andmatched healthy controls (8.3+/-2.5 vs 12.1+/-1.7 vs 13.2+/-1.8 mg/min x kg of fat-free mass, respectively). PCOS women with abnormal ALT levels also had higher plasma triglycerides and lower HDLcholesterol concentrations than those with PCOS alone. There was a strong inverse association between serum ALT levels and insulin sensitivity in the whole group of PCOS women (r=-0.59, p=0.0013).

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal serum ALT levels, as surrogate measure of NAFLD, are closely associated with impaired insulin sensitivity in young PCOS women in a manner that is independent from the contribution of age and total adiposity. Early recognition of NAFLD by radiological imaging tests in this group of young patients is warranted.

Abnormal serum alanine aminotransferase levels are associated with impaired insulin sensitivity in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are both associated with insulin resistance.We assessed whether NAFLD is associated with impaired insulin sensitivity in PCOS women independently of age and total adiposity.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We enrolled 14 young PCOS women with NAFLD, 14 women with PCOS alone and 14 healthy controls, who were matched for age, body mass index, and total body fat (by bio-impedance analyzer). NAFLD was diagnosed by the surrogate measure of abnormal serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations (defined as ALT>19 U/l) after excluding other secondary causes of liver disease (alcohol, virus, and medications). Insulin sensitivity was measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp.

RESULTS

Insulin sensitivity was markedly decreased (p<0.001) in PCOS women with abnormal ALT levels, whereas it was similar between PCOS women with normal ALT levels andmatched healthy controls (8.3+/-2.5 vs 12.1+/-1.7 vs 13.2+/-1.8 mg/min x kg of fat-free mass, respectively). PCOS women with abnormal ALT levels also had higher plasma triglycerides and lower HDLcholesterol concentrations than those with PCOS alone. There was a strong inverse association between serum ALT levels and insulin sensitivity in the whole group of PCOS women (r=-0.59, p=0.0013).

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal serum ALT levels, as surrogate measure of NAFLD, are closely associated with impaired insulin sensitivity in young PCOS women in a manner that is independent from the contribution of age and total adiposity. Early recognition of NAFLD by radiological imaging tests in this group of young patients is warranted.

Association between serum TSH, free T4 and serum liver enzyme activities in a large cohort of unselected outpatients

OBJECTIVE

Although overt thyroid dysfunction is associated with some liver abnormalities, there is a dearth of information on liver function tests across thyroid function tests. We assessed the relationship between serum liver enzyme activity and thyroid function tests in a cohort of adult individuals.

DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

We performed a retrospective analysis on the database of the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory at the Verona University Hospital to retrieve results of serum liver enzyme activities [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)] and thyroid function tests (TSH and free T4), which have been performed on the whole cohort of outpatient adults consecutively referred by general practitioners for routine blood testing during the last 3 years.

RESULTS

Cumulative results for serum GGT, ALT and TSH concentrations were retrieved for 10 292 (68.3% females) outpatient adults with a wide range of age and thyroid function tests. Subjects were categorized according to serum TSH concentrations as follows: < 0.1, 0.1-0.35, 0.36-4.5, 4.6-10 and >10 mU/l. Serum GGT and ALT concentrations increased steadily across the increasing TSH categories (P < 0.0001 for trends), ranging from mean values of 36 to 62 U/l for GGT and from 29 to 41 U/l for ALT, respectively. Similarly, there was a negative, graded, relationship between serum GGT and ALT concentrations and free T4 categories. The results did not change after adjusting for gender, age, lipids and fasting glucose concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that hypothyroidism and thyroid function tests, even within the reference range, are associated with slightly increased serum GGT and ALT activity concentrations.

Effect of moderate aerobic exercise on sympatho-vagal balance in Type 2 diabetic patients

AIMS

The purpose of the study was to determine long-term cardiovascular autonomic adaptation to moderate endurance aerobic exercise in people with Type 2 diabetes in order to test the hypothesis of an enhanced vagal drive.

METHODS

We analysed the power spectral density of heart rate cyclic variations at rest, while lying, and while standing in 12 sedentary, non-smoking, Type 2 diabetic individuals. Testing was performed before and after a 6-month, supervised, progressive, aerobic training programme, twice weekly. Heart rate variability was assessed by autoregressive power spectral analysis (PSA); this method allows reliable quantification of low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) components, which are considered to be under mainly sympathetic and purely parasympathetic control, respectively.

RESULTS

In 10-min electrocardiogram recordings, mean RR intervals values lying and standing were similar before and after physical exercise. Likewise, total heart rate variability, expressed as total power spectral density (PSD), was not altered by exercise. In contrast, on standing, the HF component, expressed in normalized units, was significantly higher (20.1 +/- 4 vs. 30.4 +/- 5, P < 0.01), whereas the LF component was significantly lower (68.1 +/- 7 vs. 49.8 +/- 8, P < 0.01) after exercise; hence, on standing, the LF/HF ratio, reflecting the sympathetic vs. parasympathetic balance, was markedly lower (16.2 +/- 11 vs. 5.2 +/- 3.2, P = 0.003). No significant exercise-related changes in these PSA components were observed on lying.

CONCLUSIONS

A twice-weekly, 6-month, moderate, aerobic exercise programme, without a concomitant weight loss diet, is associated with significant improvements in cardiovascular autonomic function in overweight, non-smoking, Type 2 diabetic individuals.

Circulating ghrelin levels in girls with central precocious puberty are reduced during treatment with LHRH analog

Decreased levels of ghrelin have been measured in growing children during puberty. No data are available for girls with central precocious puberty (CPP).

AIMS

To explore ghrelin changes before, during, and after GnRH analog treatment in girls with CPP.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A sample of 20 Caucasian girls (8.08 +/- 0.65 years of age) with CPP was recruited. Height and weight, bone age, LH, FSH, 17beta estradiol (E(2)), and ghrelin were measured before starting treatment with GnRH analog, 18 months after therapy began and again 6 months after therapy discontinuation.

RESULTS

LH and E(2) serum levels decreased significantly during treatment (2.45 +/- 2.03 vs 0.67 +/- 0.49 UI/l, P < 0.01 and 28.17 +/- 9.7 vs 15 pmol/l, P < 0.01 respectively), returning to baseline levels after the discontinuation of therapy (4.75 +/- 1.66 UI/l and 29.23 +/- 6.99 pmol/l respectively). LH peaked following LHRH stimulation significantly (P < 0.01) decreased during treatment (24.45 +/- 14.17 vs 1.3 +/- 0.18 UI/l) and then increased after therapy discontinuation (12.58 +/- 6.09, P < 0.01). Ghrelin decreased significantly (P < 0.05) during treatment (1849 +/- 322 vs 1207 +/- 637 pg/ml), and increased, though not significantly (P = 0.09) after therapy withdrawal (1567 +/- 629 pg/ml).

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to what is expected in physiologic puberty, where ghrelin is progressively reduced, the prepubertal hormone milieau induced by GnRHa treatment in patients suffering from central precocious puberty (CPP) did not promote an increase in ghrelin circulating levels. Therefore, in CPP, ghrelin secretion seems to be independent from pubertal development per se. Concomitant estrogen suppression during treatment may play a potential role in the regulation of ghrelin secretion in these girls.

Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome with spironolactone plus licorice

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of spironolactone (antagonist of mineralocorticoid and androgen receptors) versus spironolactone plus licorice (agonist of mineralocorticoid receptors and mild inhibitor of androgen synthesis) on plasma renin activity, aldosterone and androgen levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

STUDY DESIGN

Thirty-two women with PCOS were divided into two groups: 16 received 100 mg spironolactone and 16 spironolactone plus 3.5 g of licorice a day. Blood pressure, body mass index, serum electrolytes, plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone and cortisol, serum testosterone, and urinary tetrahydrocortisol/tetrahydrocortisone ratio were measured before and during treatment.

RESULTS

Mean blood pressure was significantly reduced during spironolactone treatment, while it was unchanged in women receiving spironolactone plus licorice. Twenty percent of women treated with spironolactone and none treated with the addition of licorice complained of symptoms related to volume depletion. Consistently, the activation of the renin-aldosterone system was significantly lower during spironolactone plus licorice than with spironolactone alone. The prevalence of metrorrhagia was lower in the combined therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with PCOS the mineralocorticoid properties of licorice can reduce the prevalence of side effects related to the diuretic activity of spironolactone.

Use of antiandrogens as therapy for women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Because androgen excess plays a fundamental role in symptoms and, it is likely, in pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome, attenuation of hyperandrogenism appears to be of paramount importance in the therapy of this condition. Consistently, drugs inhibiting androgen receptor binding not only are an effective tool in hirsutism treatment but also show favorable effects on body composition and metabolic features of these women.

Treatment of hirsutism and acne in hyperandrogenism

Hirsutism and acne are common and highly distressing complaints in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Drugs are only partially effective on terminalized hairs, and removal of these hairs is usually required. Therefore, management of hirsutism is generally based upon a dual approach: a pharmacological therapy to reduce androgen secretion and/or androgen action, and removal of terminal hair already present. Ovarian suppression of androgen secretion with oral contraceptives is widely used in these women, but its efficacy appears limited. The most effective medical therapy for hirsutism is by anti-androgen drugs. Electrolysis and laser photothermolysis are considered the most effective cosmetic procedures, although the effects of these methods should not be considered permanent. Acne may be treated with different tools, according to the severity of the condition and other characteristics of the patient. These tools include topical and systemic retinoids and antibiotics, topical antibacterial agents, androgen suppression by oral contraceptives, and anti-androgen drugs.