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Liu L, Han X, Shan G, Fu L, Dou D. Mechanism difference of ginseng medicines with different natures on hyperthyroidism. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117194. [PMID: 37742875 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Medicinal nature is a unique index in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to measure the efficacy of Chinese medicines. Hyperthyroidism, qi-Yin deficiency syndrome in TCM was regarded as the classic heat syndrome category in Chinese medicine. Moreover, it is extensively employed to evaluate the medicinal nature of herbs within the framework of the 'hot/cold' nature theory. Ginseng, red and black ginseng (GS, RG, and BG, respectively), and ginseng leaves (GL) are qi-tonifying herbs with different medicinal natures and were just right used to examine the underlying mechanisms between the nature of ginseng medicines and their tonifying effect. AIM OF THE STUDY To examine the different mechanisms between different natures of ginseng medicines and their qi-tonifying action by comparison of their effects on hyperthyroidism and elucidate the nature of BG. MATERIALS AND METHODS The hyperthyroidism model was induced through the oral administration of Euthyrox. Steroids belonging to hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic pituitary gonadal (HPG) axes were determined with an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) method. Furthermore, the biochemical indexes associated with energy metabolism, including the serum cyclic nucleotide system and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways were examined. Additionally, the gut microbiota was subjected to 16 S rDNA sequencing, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). RESULTS GS, RG, and BG could treat hyperthyroidism rats by regulating the hypothalamus pituitary thyroid (HPT) axis. The RG also had a strong regulatory effect on the HPA and HPG axis. The BG has a regulatory effect on the HPG axis. GL had a strong regulatory effect on HPA, HPG, and HPT axes. GS had the ability to regulate Firmicutes/Bacteroides of the intestinal flora, and GS, RG, and BG ameliorated the decrease of SCFAs induced by hyperthyroidism. According to PCA, BG is similar to GS, indicating a mild-warm nature. CONCLUSION The nature of BG was attributable to mild-warm and the GL with cold nature is best for the treatment of hyperthyroidism based on PCA analysis with all the bio-indices. In addition, the mechanism study indicated that the qi-tonifying effects of ginseng medicines are involved in HPT, HPA, and HPG axes to alleviate hyperthyroidism. In addition, the primary indexes reflected different natures of ginseng medicines are cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), AchE, and substance metabolism associated with Na+-K+-ATPase and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, which are potential biomarkers for evaluation on the natures of qi-tonifying medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Liu
- Department of Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China
| | - Xueying Han
- Department of Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China
| | - Guoshun Shan
- Department of Processing of Chinese Medicine, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China.
| | - Li Fu
- Dalian Fusheng Natural Medicine Development Co.Ltd, China
| | - Deqiang Dou
- Department of Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China.
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Huang R, Hong Y, Wu Y, Li W, Liu W. Simultaneous quantification of total and free testosterone in human serum by LC-MS/MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:6851-6861. [PMID: 37747569 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04963-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone (TTe) and free testosterone (FTe) are clinically important indicators for the diagnosis of androgen disorders, so accurate quantitative determination of them in serum is clinically of paramount significance. Currently, there is no available method suitable for routine and simultaneous measurement of TTe and FTe. Here, we developed a new UPLC-MS/MS method to quantify serum TTe and FTe simultaneously and accurately. Rapid equilibrium dialysis was used to obtain FTe in serum followed by derivatization with hydroxylamine hydrochloride. With these strategies, TTe and FTe could be measured in single injection. After optimizing the extraction and derivatization conditions, the performance of LC-MS/MS was evaluated and applied to quantify the levels of TTe and FTe in clinical samples from 42 patients. The assays were linear for TTe within the range of 0.2-30 ng/mL and for FTe within the range of 1.5-1000 pg/mL. This improved method provided a limit of quantification for TTe of 0.2 ng/mL and for FTe of 1.5 pg/mL. The intra- and inter-run CVs were less than 4.3% and 3.6% for TTe and less than 8.2% and 6.7% for FTe, respectively. The intra- and inter-run accuracies for both TTe and FTe were in the range of 96.1-108.1%. Interference, carryover effect, and matrix effect were in acceptable range. In conclusion, our new LC-MS/MS method is simple to perform and can serve as a reliable method for simultaneous determination of TTe and FTe in clinical practice, providing important information for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of androgen-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongmei Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Hong
- The Center for Medical Genetics & Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Yike Wu
- The Center for Medical Genetics & Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Weifeng Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
- The Center for Medical Genetics & Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China.
| | - Wenlan Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
- The Center for Medical Genetics & Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China.
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Boga A, Stapleton F, Chapman M, Golebiowski B. Effects of elevated serum estrogen on dry eye in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:511-520. [PMID: 37422153 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sex hormones impact inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases. During IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatment, circulating estrogen levels increase dramatically (10-50x) alongside changes in other hormones. This study examined changes in dry eye with IVF and its relationship with sex hormones. METHODS A two visit study was conducted on first day of menstruation when estrogen levels are lowest (baseline visit), and on day 9-11 (peak estrogen visit (PO)) of IVF. Symptoms of dry eye and ocular pain and signs of dry eye were examined. Serum hormone levels were assessed using mass spectrometry and immunoassay. Changes in signs and symptoms and associations were explored. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis assessed factors contributing to signs and symptoms. RESULTS 40 women (36.2 ± 4.0 years) completed the study. Baseline and PO oestradiol (E2) levels were 28.9 pg/ml (20) (median (IQR)); 1360 pg/ml (1276) respectively. Ocular pain and dry eye symptoms worsened (p = 0.02 and p < 0.01) and tear break up and tear secretion values decreased (p = 0.005 and 0.01) at PO. Higher E2 and lower luteinizing hormone (LH) were associated with worsening of dry eye symptoms (ρ = 0.34 p = 0.03, ρ = -0.49 p = 0.001). Reduction in LH and increase in progesterone (P4) were associated with increased ocular pain (ρ = 0.45, p = 0.004 and ρ = 0.39, p = 0.01). Dry eye symptoms were predicted by LH and tear break up (p = 0.02; R2 = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS IVF treatment resulted in significantly increased ocular symptoms and tear film alterations although these changes were not clinically significant. Dry eye signs and symptoms were poorly predicted by hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Boga
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, Australia.
| | - Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, Australia.
| | - Michael Chapman
- St.George's Hospital and School of Women's & Children's Health UNSW Sydney, Australia; IVF Australia, Southern Sydney, Australia.
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Crean AJ, Afrin S, Niranjan H, Pulpitel TJ, Ahmad G, Senior AM, Freire T, Mackay F, Nobrega MA, Barrès R, Simpson SJ, Pini T. Male reproductive traits are differentially affected by dietary macronutrient balance but unrelated to adiposity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2566. [PMID: 37142562 PMCID: PMC10160019 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38314-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary factors influence male reproductive function in both experimental and epidemiological studies. However, there are currently no specific dietary guidelines for male preconception health. Here, we use the Nutritional Geometry framework to examine the effects of dietary macronutrient balance on reproductive traits in C57BL/6 J male mice. Dietary effects are observed in a range of morphological, testicular and spermatozoa traits, although the relative influence of protein, fat, carbohydrate, and their interactions differ depending on the trait being examined. Interestingly, dietary fat has a positive influence on sperm motility and antioxidant capacity, differing to typical high fat diet studies where calorie content is not controlled for. Moreover, body adiposity is not significantly correlated with any of the reproductive traits measured in this study. These results demonstrate the importance of macronutrient balance and calorie intake on reproductive function and support the need to develop specific, targeted, preconception dietary guidelines for males.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Crean
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - S Afrin
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - H Niranjan
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - T J Pulpitel
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - G Ahmad
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Department of Andrology, Royal Women's and Children's Pathology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - A M Senior
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - T Freire
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - F Mackay
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - M A Nobrega
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - R Barrès
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark
- Institut de Pharmacologie Mole´ culaire et Cellulaire, Universite´ Coˆ te d'Azur & Centre National pour la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Valbonne, 06560, France
| | - S J Simpson
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - T Pini
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.
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Fanelli F, Magagnoli M, Mezzullo M, Lispi M, Limoncella S, Tommasini A, Pelusi C, Santi D, Simoni M, Pagotto U, Casarini L. Exploring the human chorionic gonadotropin induced steroid secretion profile of mouse Leydig tumor cell line 1 by a 20 steroid LC-MS/MS panel. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 229:106270. [PMID: 36764496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The canonical androgen synthesis in Leydig cells involves Δ5 and Δ4 steroids. Besides, the backdoor pathway, eompassing 5α and 5α,3α steroids, is gaining interest in fetal and adult pathophysiology. Moreover, the role of androgen epimers and progesterone metabolites is still unknown. We developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for measuring 20 steroids and used it to investigate the steroid secretion induced by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the mouse Leydig tumor cell line 1 (mLTC1). Steroids were extracted from 500 µL supernatants from unstimulated or 100 pM hCG-exposed mLTC1 cells, separated on a Luna C8 100 × 3 mm, 3 µm column, with 100 µM NH4F and methanol as mobile phases, and analyzed by positive electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring. Sensitivity ranged within 0.012-38.0 nmol/L. Intra-assay and inter-assay imprecision were < 9.1% and 10.0%, respectively. Trueness, recovery and matrix factor were within 93.4-122.0, 55.6-104.1 and 76.4-106.3%, respectively. Levels of 16OH-progesterone, 11-deoxycortisol, androstenedione, 11-deoxycorticosterone, testosterone, 17OH-progesterone, androstenedione, epitestosterone, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone, androsterone and 17OH-allopregnanolone were effectively measured. Traces of 17OH-dihydroprogesterone, androstanediol and dihydroprogesterone were found, whereas androstenediol, 17OH-pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, pregnenolone and allopregnanolone showed no peak. hCG induced an increase of 80.2-102.5 folds in 16OH-progesterone, androstenedione and testosterone, 16.6 in dihydrotestosterone, 12.2-27.5 in epitestosterone, progesterone and metabolites, 8.1 in 17OH-allopregnanolone and ≤ 3.3 in 5α and 5α,3α steroids. In conclusion, our LC-MS/MS method allows exploring the Leydig steroidogenesis flow according to multiple pathways. Beside the expected stimulation of the canonical pathway, hCG increased progesterone metabolism and, to a low extent, the backdoor route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Fanelli
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy.
| | - Matteo Magagnoli
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Mezzullo
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Lispi
- International Ph.D. School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Global Medical Affair, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Silvia Limoncella
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Alessia Tommasini
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Carla Pelusi
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy; Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Uberto Pagotto
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy; Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Fraissinet F, Pereira T, Violin A, Feugray G, Bach-Ngohou K, Brunel V. A novel fully-automated method to measure steroids in serum by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Mass Spectrom Adv Clin Lab 2022; 27:24-32. [PMID: 36593910 PMCID: PMC9804132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsacl.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Steroids play a key role in numerous physiological processes. Steroid determination is a useful tool to explore various endocrine diseases. Because of its specificity, mass spectrometry is considered to be a reference method for the determination of steroids in serum compared to radioimmunoassay. This technology could progress towards more automation for the optimal organization of clinical laboratories and ultimately for the benefit of patients. Methods A fully automated ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and fully validated to determine five steroids in serum. Sample preparation was based on protein precipitation with filtration followed by online solid phase extraction. Chromatographic separation was performed using a biphenyl stationary phase. Results The method was successfully validated according to European Medicine Agency guidelines. Coefficients of variation did not exceed, respectively, 8.4% and 8.1% for intra- and inter-assay precision. Method comparison with radioimmunoassay showed a proportional bias for all compounds, except for testosterone in men. Comparison with another LC-MS/MS method demonstrated acceptable concordance for all steroids, although a small bias was observed for androstenedione. Conclusion The novelty of this method is that it has been fully automated. Automation provides benefits in traceability and allows significant savings in cost and time.
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Key Words
- 11DF, 11-deoxycortisol
- 17OHP, 17-hydroxyprogesterone
- 2D-UHPLC-MS/MS, Two dimensional ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
- Automation
- D4, delta4-androstenedione
- DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone
- EMA, European Medicine Agency
- GC–MS/MS, Gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
- LC-MS/MS, Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
- LLE, Liquid-liquid extraction
- LLOQ, Lower limit of quantification
- Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
- MRM, Multiple reaction monitoring
- PTFE, Polytetrafluoroethylene
- QC, Quality control
- RIA, Radioimmunoassay
- Radioimmunoassay
- SLE, Supported liquid extraction
- SPE, Solid phase extraction
- SRM, Standard reference material
- Steroids
- T, Testosterone
- Testosterone
- UHPLC, Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography
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Affiliation(s)
- François Fraissinet
- Department of General Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, 76000 Rouen, France,Corresponding author.
| | - Tony Pereira
- Department of General Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Alizée Violin
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Biochemistry, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Guillaume Feugray
- Department of General Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, 76000 Rouen, France,Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1096 Rouen, France
| | - Kalyane Bach-Ngohou
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Biochemistry, F-44000 Nantes, France,Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, IMAD, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Valéry Brunel
- Department of General Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, 76000 Rouen, France
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Phan MAT, Gibson E, Golebiowski B, Stapleton F, Jenner AM, Bucknall MP. Analysis of sex steroids in human tears using LC-MS and GC-MS: Considerations and developments to improve method sensitivity and accuracy. Exp Eye Res 2022; 225:109283. [PMID: 36273577 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroids play a role in regulation of tear film function and may exert their action locally at the ocular surface. However, measurement of sex steroids in tears is difficult due to small-volume tear samples and very low concentrations of the hormones. This short communication highlights what has been achieved to date in the analysis of tear sex steroids using ultra-performance LC-MS (UPLC-MS) as previously published, and reports further and more recent investigations toward optimising mass spectrometry method sensitivity and accuracy. The published UPLC-MS method successfully measured progesterone, androsterone glucuronide and 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol in pooled basal tears of postmenopausal women, and fourteen sex steroid standards in methanol. Limitations included sub-optimal limits of detection (LOD) and lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) for some analytes (particularly oestrogens), exclusion of sample matrix effects and no use of internal standards. This update reports on further experiments carried out to improve sensitivity and accuracy. Sample matrix effects, internal standard spiking, and derivatisation with dansyl chloride and oximes were investigated. Dansylation significantly improved the LOD and LLOQ of oestrogens and their metabolites, by a factor of 10 for oestradiol and a factor of 5 for oestrone, but sensitivity of this updated method is not sufficient however for analysis of these oestrogens in human tears. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as an alternative technique to LC-MS, improved sensitivity for derivatised oestradiol is reported. This work demonstrates the need to develop higher sensitivity methods and points researchers towards specific MS ionisation techniques for future analysis of sex steroids in tears, in order to progress current understanding of the role of sex steroids in tear function and dry eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Anh Thu Phan
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Emma Gibson
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia; Optometry, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Blanka Golebiowski
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Andrew M Jenner
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Martin P Bucknall
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia; Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Design and Validation of a Sensitive Multisteroid LC-MS/MS Assay for the Routine Clinical Use: One-Step Sample Preparation with Phospholipid Removal and Comparison to Immunoassays. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314691. [PMID: 36499017 PMCID: PMC9736865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid analysis in clinical laboratories is dominated by immunoassays (IAs) that have a high sample turnover but are inherently limited in trueness, precision, and sensitivity. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has proved to be a far more capable tool, delivering better sensitivity, specificity, and the possibility of parallel analysis of multiple steroids and metabolites, providing the endocrinologist with more reliable and comprehensive diagnostic information. An LC-MS/MS assay with gradient elution over less than eight minutes and a one-step sample preparation combining protein precipitation with phospholipid removal of off-line solid-phase extraction was developed and validated. It allowed the quantification of 11-deoxycorticosterone (11-DOC), 11-deoxycortisol (11-DF), 17-OH-progesterone (17P), 21-deoxycortisol (21-DF), androstenedione (ANDRO), aldosterone (ALDO), corticosterone (CC), cortisol (CL), cortisone (CN), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2), progesterone (PROG), and testosterone (TES) in human serum. Interday imprecision was generally better than 15%, trueness was proven by recovery experiments with ISO 17034-certified reference materials, proficiency testing (UK NEQAS), and measuring serum reference standards. In-house comparison against IVD-CE-certified immunoassays (IA) for 17P, ANDRO, CL, DHEAS, E2, PROG, and TES was conducted by assessing leftover routine patient samples and purpose-built patient serum pools. None of the compared routine IAs were meeting the standards of the LC-MS/MS. Insufficient overall comparability was found for ANDRO and 17P (mean bias > +65%). Accuracy limitations at lower concentrations were present in IAs for PROG, E2, and TES.
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9
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Establishing and Verifying a Robust Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method to Simultaneously Measure Seven Androgens Present in Plasma Samples. SEPARATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/separations9110377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To develop a robust liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method to simultaneously measure seven human plasma androgens, namely testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androstenedione (A4), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KetoT), and 11β-hydroxytestosterone (11β-OHT). Design and Methods: Plasma was extracted via a solid phase extraction method, and the analytical performance of the assay was validated according to the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Overall, 73 apparently healthy volunteers were recruited to evaluate the distribution of these seven androgens; their levels in 25 females with acne and 33 obese females were also evaluated. Results: The developed method exhibited a good precision, with the total coefficient variations (CV) and the intra-assay CVs being within 10%. Furthermore, the recoveries of T, DHT, A4, DHEA, DHEAS, 11-KetoT, and 11β-OHT were 90.3–105.8, 88.7–98.1, 92.4–102.5, 90.5–106.7, 87.6–99.9, 93.3–105.3, and 90.2–104.4%, respectively, and no significant matrix effect was observed after internal standard correction (<20%). Moreover, the limits of quantification were 0.01, 0.01, 0.01, 0.10, 5.00, 0.02, and 0.02 ng/mL for T, DHT, A4, DHEA, DHEAS, 11-KetoT, and 11β-OHT, respectively, which are adequate for their accurate measurement in human plasma samples. It was also determined that patients diagnosed with acne had significantly higher levels of DHT, A4, and DHEAS, while those suffering from obesity had significantly higher levels of T and A4 but lower levels of DHT. Conclusions: A robust LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of seven androgens in plasma samples was successfully established and validated, which plays important roles in clinical application.
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Ni H, Schmidli R, Savkovic S, Strasser SI, Hetherington J, Desai R, Handelsman DJ. Depot Pure GnRH Antagonist for Long-term Treatment of Ovarian Hyperthecosis Monitored by Multisteroid LCMS Profiling. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab167. [PMID: 34877444 PMCID: PMC8645162 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian hyperthecosis (OHT), severe hyperandrogenism after menopause in the absence of ovarian or adrenal tumors, is usually treated by surgical excision. We report a 58-year-old woman presenting with severe hyperandrogenism (serum testosterone 15.7-31.0 nmol/L, normal female <1.8 nmol/L) with menopausal gonadotropins and virilization but no adrenal or ovarian lesions. Multisteroid profiling by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) of adrenal and ovarian vein samples identified strong gradients in the left ovarian vein (10- to 30-fold vs peripheral blood in 17OHP4, 17 hydroxyprogesterone, 17 hydroxypregnenolone, androstenedione, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone) but the right ovarian vein could not be cannulated with the same findings in a second ovarian vein cannulation. OHT diagnosis was confirmed by an injection of a depot pure gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist (80 mg Degarelix, Ferring) producing a rapid (<24 hour) and complete suppression of ovarian steroidogenesis as well as serum luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone lasting at least 8 weeks, with reduction in virilization but injection site reaction and flushing and vaginal spotting ameliorated by an estradiol patch. Serum testosterone remained suppressed at 313 days after the first dose despite recovery of menopausal gonadotropins by day 278 days. This illustrates use of multisteroid LCMS profiling for confirmation of the OHT diagnosis by ovarian and adrenal vein sampling and monitoring of treatment by peripheral blood sampling. Injection of a depot pure GnRH antagonist produced rapid and long-term complete suppression of ovarian steroidogenesis maintained over 10 months. Hence a depot pure GnRH antagonist can not only rapidly confirm the OHT diagnosis but also induce long-term remission of severe hyperandrogenism without surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajing Ni
- Department of Andrology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert Schmidli
- Department of Endocrinology, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sasha Savkovic
- Department of Andrology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Simone I Strasser
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology & Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julie Hetherington
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Reena Desai
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Department of Andrology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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de Nys R, Kumar R, Gecz J. Protocadherin 19 Clustering Epilepsy and Neurosteroids: Opportunities for Intervention. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9769. [PMID: 34575929 PMCID: PMC8469663 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroids yield great influence on neurological development through nuclear hormone receptor (NHR)-mediated gene regulation. We recently reported that cell adhesion molecule protocadherin 19 (encoded by the PCDH19 gene) is involved in the coregulation of steroid receptor activity on gene expression. PCDH19 variants cause early-onset developmental epileptic encephalopathy clustering epilepsy (CE), with altered steroidogenesis and NHR-related gene expression being identified in these individuals. The implication of hormonal pathways in CE pathogenesis has led to the investigation of various steroid-based antiepileptic drugs in the treatment of this disorder, with mixed results so far. Therefore, there are many unmet challenges in assessing the antiseizure targets and efficiency of steroid-based therapeutics for CE. We review and assess the evidence for and against the implication of neurosteroids in the pathogenesis of CE and in view of their possible clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah de Nys
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (R.d.N.); (R.K.)
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Raman Kumar
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (R.d.N.); (R.K.)
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Jozef Gecz
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (R.d.N.); (R.K.)
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Esparza LA, Terasaka T, Lawson MA, Kauffman AS. Androgen Suppresses In Vivo and In Vitro LH Pulse Secretion and Neural Kiss1 and Tac2 Gene Expression in Female Mice. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5930836. [PMID: 33075809 PMCID: PMC7671291 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Androgens can affect the reproductive axis of both sexes. In healthy women, as in men, elevated exogenous androgens decrease gonad function and lower gonadotropin levels; such circumstances occur with anabolic steroid abuse or in transgender men (genetic XX individuals) taking androgen supplements. The neuroendocrine mechanisms by which endogenous or exogenous androgens regulate gonadotropin release, including aspects of pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, remain unknown. Because animal models are valuable for interrogating neural and pituitary mechanisms, we studied effects of androgens in the normal male physiological range on in vivo LH secretion parameters in female mice and in vitro LH secretion patterns from isolated female pituitaries. We also assessed androgen effects on hypothalamic and gonadotrope gene expression in female mice, which may contribute to altered LH secretion profiles. We used a nonaromatizable androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), to isolate effects occurring specifically via androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Compared with control females, DHT-treated females exhibited markedly reduced in vivo LH pulsatility, with decreases in pulse frequency, amplitude, peak, and basal LH levels. Correlating with reduced LH pulsatility, DHT-treated females also exhibited suppressed arcuate nucleus Kiss1 and Tac2 expression. Separate from these neural effects, we determined in vitro that the female pituitary is directly inhibited by AR signaling, resulting in lower basal LH levels and reduced LH secretory responses to gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulses, along with lower gonadotropin gene expression. Thus, in normal adult females, male levels of androgen acting via AR can strongly inhibit the reproductive axis at both the neural and pituitary levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes A Esparza
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Tomohiro Terasaka
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Mark A Lawson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Alexander S Kauffman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Correspondence: Dr. Alexander S. Kauffman, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Leichtag Building, Room 3A-15, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, #0674, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA. E-mail:
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Gravitte A, Archibald T, Cobble A, Kennard B, Brown S. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry applications for quantification of endogenous sex hormones. Biomed Chromatogr 2020; 35:e5036. [PMID: 33226656 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, presents a powerful tool for the quantification of the sex steroid hormones 17-β estradiol, progesterone and testosterone from biological matrices. The importance of accurate quantification with these hormones, even at endogenous levels, has evolved with our understanding of the role these regulators play in human development, fertility and disease risk and manifestation. Routine monitoring of these analytes can be accomplished by immunoassay techniques, which face limitations on specificity and sensitivity, or using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. LC-MS/MS is growing in capability and acceptance for clinically relevant quantification of sex steroid hormones in biological matrices and is able to overcome many of the limitations of immunoassays. Analyte specificity has improved through the use of novel derivatizing agents, and sensitivity has been refined through the use of high-resolution chromatography and mass spectrometric technology. This review highlights these innovations, among others, in LC-MS/MS steroid hormone analysis captured in the literature over the last decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Gravitte
- James H Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Timothy Archibald
- Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Allison Cobble
- Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Benjamin Kennard
- Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Stacy Brown
- Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Johnson City, TN, USA
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Rodriguez Paris V, Solon-Biet SM, Senior AM, Edwards MC, Desai R, Tedla N, Cox MJ, Ledger WL, Gilchrist RB, Simpson SJ, Handelsman DJ, Walters KA. Defining the impact of dietary macronutrient balance on PCOS traits. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5262. [PMID: 33067453 PMCID: PMC7568581 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19003-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lifestyle, mainly dietary, interventions are first-line treatment for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the optimal diet remains undefined. We combined a hyperandrogenized PCOS mouse model with a systematic macronutrient approach, to elucidate the impact of dietary macronutrients on the development of PCOS. We identify that an optimum dietary macronutrient balance of a low protein, medium carbohydrate and fat diet can ameliorate key PCOS reproductive traits. However, PCOS mice display a hindered ability for their metabolic system to respond to diet variations, and varying macronutrient balance did not have a beneficial effect on the development of metabolic PCOS traits. We reveal that PCOS traits in a hyperandrogenic PCOS mouse model are ameliorated selectively by diet, with reproductive traits displaying greater sensitivity than metabolic traits to dietary macronutrient balance. Hence, providing evidence to support the development of evidence-based dietary interventions as a promising strategy for the treatment of PCOS, especially reproductive traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rodriguez Paris
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | | | - Alistair M Senior
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Melissa C Edwards
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2139, Australia
| | - Reena Desai
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2139, Australia
| | - Nicodemus Tedla
- School of Medical Sciences, Department of Pathology, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Madeleine J Cox
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - William L Ledger
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Stephen J Simpson
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2139, Australia
| | - Kirsty A Walters
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2139, Australia.
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Yee WLS, Drum CL. Increasing Complexity to Simplify Clinical Care: High Resolution Mass Spectrometry as an Enabler of AI Guided Clinical and Therapeutic Monitoring. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201900163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Loong Sherman Yee
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineDepartment of MedicineNational University of Singapore Singapore 119077 Singapore
- Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI)National University Health System Singapore 119228 Singapore
| | - Chester Lee Drum
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineDepartment of MedicineNational University of Singapore Singapore 119077 Singapore
- Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI)National University Health System Singapore 119228 Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineDepartment of BiochemistryNational University of Singapore Singapore 119077 Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1)National University of Singapore Singapore 119077 Singapore
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Davis SR, Bell RJ, Robinson PJ, Handelsman DJ, Gilbert T, Phung J, Desai R, Lockery JE, Woods RL, Wolfe RS, Reid CM, Nelson MR, Murray AM, McNeil JJ. Testosterone and Estrone Increase From the Age of 70 Years: Findings From the Sex Hormones in Older Women Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:6291-6300. [PMID: 31408149 PMCID: PMC6830527 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-00743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT There is a lack of understanding of what is normal in terms of sex steroid levels in older women. OBJECTIVE To determine whether sex steroid levels vary with age in and establish reference ranges for women >70 years of age. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional, community-based study. PARTICIPANTS Included 6392 women ≥70 years of age. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sex steroids measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A reference group, to establish sex steroid age-specific reference ranges, excluded women using systemic or topical sex steroid, antiandrogen or glucocorticoid therapy, or an antiglycemic agent. RESULTS The reference group of 5326 women had a mean age of 75.1 (±4.2) years, range of 70 to 94.7 years. Median values (range) were 181.2 pmol/L (3.7 to 5768.9) for estrone (E1), 0.38 nmol/L (0.035 to 8.56) for testosterone (T), 2.60 nmol/L (0.07 to 46.85) for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and 41.6 nmol/L (2.4 to 176.6) for SHBG. Estradiol and DHT were below method sensitivity in 66.1% and 72.7% of the samples, respectively. Compared with women aged 70 to 74 years, women aged ≥85 years had higher median levels of E1 (11.7%, P = 0.01), T (11.3%, P = 0.02), and SHBG (22.7%, P < 0.001) and lower DHEA (30% less, P < 0.001). Women with overweight and obesity had higher E1 (P < 0.001) and T (P < 0.03) and lower SHBG (P < 0.001) than did women with normal body mass index. Smokers had 17.2% higher median T levels (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION From the age of 70 years, T and E1 increase with age, despite a steady decline in DHEA. Whether E1 and T are biomarkers for longevity or contribute to healthy aging merits investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan R Davis
- Women’s Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
| | - Robin J Bell
- Women’s Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
| | - Penelope J Robinson
- Women’s Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tom Gilbert
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - James Phung
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Reena Desai
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica E Lockery
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robyn L Woods
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rory S Wolfe
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher M Reid
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mark R Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Anne M Murray
- Berman Center for Outcomes and Clinical Research, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - John J McNeil
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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