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Di Luigi L, Greco EA, Fossati C, Aversa A, Sgrò P, Antinozzi C. Clinical Concerns on Sex Steroids Variability in Cisgender and Transgender Women Athletes. Int J Sports Med 2023; 44:81-94. [PMID: 36174581 DOI: 10.1055/a-1909-1196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
In the female athletic community, there are several endogenous and exogenous variables that influence the status of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis and serum sex steroid hormones concentrations (e. g., 17β-estradiol, progesterone, androgens) and their effects. Moreover, female athletes with different sex chromosome abnormalities exist (e. g., 46XX, 46XY, and mosaicism). Due to the high variability of sex steroid hormones serum concentrations and responsiveness, female athletes may have different intra- and inter-individual biological and functional characteristics, health conditions, and sports-related health risks that can influence sports performance and eligibility. Consequently, biological, functional, and/or sex steroid differences may exist in the same and in between 46XX female athletes (e. g., ovarian rhythms, treated or untreated hypogonadism and hyperandrogenism), between 46XX and 46XY female athletes (e. g., treated or untreated hyperandrogenism/disorders of sexual differentiation), and between transgender women and eugonadal cisgender athletes. From a healthcare perspective, dedicated physicians need awareness, knowledge, and an understanding of sex steroid hormones' variability and related health concerns in female athletes to support physiologically healthy, safe, fair, and inclusive sports participation. In this narrative overview, we focus on the main clinical relationships between hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis function, endogenous sex steroids and health status, health risks, and sports performance in the heterogeneous female athletic community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Di Luigi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela A Greco
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy.,Department of Science of Movement, Università degli Studi Niccolò Cusano, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Fossati
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Paolo Sgrò
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Antinozzi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Foro Italico', Rome, Italy
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Dipla K, Kraemer RR, Constantini NW, Hackney AC. Relative energy deficiency in sports (RED-S): elucidation of endocrine changes affecting the health of males and females. Hormones (Athens) 2021; 20:35-47. [PMID: 32557402 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-020-00214-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to present a different perspective of the relative energy deficiency syndrome, to improve understanding of associated endocrine alterations, and to highlight the need for further research in this area. The term "female athlete triad" was coined over 25 years ago to describe three interrelated components: disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mass. The syndrome's etiology is attributed to energy intake deficiency relative to energy expenditure required for health, function, and daily living. Recently, it became clear that there was a need to broaden the term, as the disorder is not an issue of only three interrelated problems but of a whole spectrum of insults resulting from low energy availability (LEA; i.e., insufficient energy availability to cover basic physiological demands) that can potentially affect any exerciser, irrespective of gender. The new model, termed relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), has received greater scrutiny in sports medicine due to its effects on both health and performance in athletes of both sexes. RED-S results from low-energy diets (intentional or unintentional) and/or excessive exercise. Energy deficiency reduces hypothalamic pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, this impairing anterior pituitary release of gonadotropins. In women, reduced FSH and LH pulsatility produces hypoestrogenism, causing functional hypothalamic amenorrhea and decreased bone mass. In men, it reduces testosterone and negatively affects bone health. Moreover, LEA alters other hormonal pathways, causing physiological consequences, such as alteration of the thyroid hormone signaling pathways, leptin levels, carbohydrate metabolism, the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis, and sympathetic/parasympathetic tone. This review explains and clarifies the effects of RED-S in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Dipla
- Department of Sports Science, Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Robert R Kraemer
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA, USA.
| | - Naama W Constantini
- Heidi Rotberg Sport Medicine Center, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Anthony C Hackney
- Department of Exercise & Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Rauf S, Soesatyo MH, Agustiningsih D, Partadiredja G. Moderate intensity intermittent exercise upregulates neurotrophic and neuroprotective genes expression and inhibits Purkinje cell loss in the cerebellum of ovariectomized rats. Behav Brain Res 2020; 382:112481. [PMID: 31954098 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Decreases in estrogen levels due to menopause or ovariectomy may disrupt cerebellar motor functions. This study aimed at investigating the effects of Moderate Intensity Intermittent Exercise (MIEx) on the cerebellum of ovariectomized rats by analyzing neurotrophic and neuroprotective markers, as well as cerebellar motor functions. Thirty-two female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups, i.e. Sham and ovariectomy (Ovx) of non-MIEx (NMIEx) groups, and Sham and Ovx with MIEx groups. MIEx was performed 5 days a week on treadmill for 6 weeks. Motor functions were assessed using rotarod, footprint, open field, and wire hanging tests. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of Pgc-1α, BDNF, synaptophysin, Bcl-2, and Bax. Unbiased stereology was used to estimate the total number of cerebellar Purkinje cells. The Ovx MIEx group had higher Pgc-1α and Bcl-2 mRNA expressions, and number of Purkinje cells, but lower Bax mRNA expression than the Ovx NMIEx group. All motor functions of MIEx groups were better than the Sham and Ovx groups without MIEx. Motor functions on rotarod task, OFT, and FPT correlated significantly with the mRNAs expression of Bcl-2, Bax, BDNF, synaptophysin, Pgc-1α, and the number of cerebellar Purkinje cells in ovariectomized rats. MIEx improves cerebellar neurotrophic and neuroprotective markers, as well as motor functions of ovariectomized rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saidah Rauf
- Doctoral Program, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Masohi Nursing Study Program, Maluku Health Polytechnic, Maluku, Indonesia.
| | - Marsetyawan Hne Soesatyo
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Denny Agustiningsih
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ginus Partadiredja
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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Jia W, Xu B, Wu J. Circular RNA expression profiles of mouse ovaries during postnatal development and the function of circular RNA epidermal growth factor receptor in granulosa cells. Metabolism 2018; 85:192-204. [PMID: 29634953 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs that can regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The contribution of circRNAs in the regulation of granulosa cells (GCs) functions is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to analyze circRNA expression in adult and neonate ovaries, uncover the biological roles of circ_0002861 (circEGFR) and identify the mechanism by which it modulates follicular development. BASIC PROCEDURES The circRNA expression profiles of adult and neonatal mouse ovaries were explored by high-throughput sequencing. The function of circEGFR was measured by RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, overexpression, knockdown, RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays in GCs. MAIN FINDINGS Numerous differentially expressed circRNAs were identified in adult and neonatal ovaries. Through circRNAs expression patterns and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, estrogen signaling was found to be upregulated in adult ovaries compared with neonate ovaries. Further analysis revealed that the expression of circEGFR (circ_0002861, ID: mmu_circ_0002861 in circBase) was increased in adult ovaries compared with neonate ovaries. circEGFR is formed by splicing from exons 14 and 15 of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene to produce a covalently linked 249-nucleotide circRNA. Overexpression of circEGFR increased estradiol (E2) production and GCs growth, whereas circEGFR knockdown enhanced progesterone production and inhibited (E2) secretion by GCs. Bioinformatic screening identified several binding sites for miR-125a-3p in the circEGFR sequence. RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that circEGFR may act as a sponge for miR-125a-3p, thus modulating Fyn expression. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS These findings illustrate that circEGFR may play a vital role in ovarian GCs by modulating Fyn via competitive binding with miR-125a-3p. Our results suggest potential applications of circEGFR in reproductive and steroid-related disorder therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Jia
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ji Wu
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Rutherfurd-Markwick K, Starck C, Dulson DK, Ali A. Salivary diagnostic markers in males and females during rest and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2017; 14:27. [PMID: 28811748 PMCID: PMC5553796 DOI: 10.1186/s12970-017-0185-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Saliva is a useful diagnostic tool for analysis in sports, exercise and nutrition research, as collection is easy and non-invasive and it contains a large number of analytes affected by a range of physiological and pathological stressors and conditions. This study examined key salivary electrolytes and stress and immune markers in males and females at rest and during exercise. Methods Unstimulated whole saliva from 20 healthy, recreationally active participants (8 males and 12 females) was analysed for flow rate, osmolality, sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl−), secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), α-amylase activity and cortisol during both rest and moderate intensity (70% peak power) cycling exercise in a randomised crossover design. Each trial lasted 60 min and sampling was carried out at 15 and 45 min after the start of the trial. Saliva was collected using the gold-standard drool method; participants were required to provide at least 1 mL sample over 2 or 3-min period. Results Females showed a greater response to steady-state exercise stress than males, with significant increases in osmolality (P < 0.001), α-amylase activity (P = 0.001) and secretion rate (P = 0.023) and SIgA secretion rate (P = 0.023), with trends for an increase in K+ (P = 0.053) and decrease in Cl− (P = 0.067). There were no differences between rest and exercise for any salivary analytes in males. In addition, females showed a trend for higher levels of cortisol than males at both rest (P = 0.099) and exercise (P = 0.070), as well as a higher heart rate (P < 0.001) and greater ratings of perceived exertion (P < 0.001) during the exercise trial. The coordination of the two stress response pathways (α-amylase vs cortisol) was positive in males (r = 0.799; P = 0.017) yet negative in females (r = −0.475; P = 0.036). Conclusions Males and females show a markedly different response to steady-state exercise stress as measured in unstimulated whole saliva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Rutherfurd-Markwick
- School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand.,Centre for Metabolic Health Research, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Carlene Starck
- Centre for Metabolic Health Research, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Riddet Institute Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Deborah K Dulson
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ajmol Ali
- Centre for Metabolic Health Research, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
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Otağ A, Hazar M, Otağ İ, Beyleroğlu M. Effect of increasing maximal aerobic exercise on serum gonadal hormones and alpha-fetoprotein in the luteal phase of professional female soccer players. J Phys Ther Sci 2016; 28:807-10. [PMID: 27134362 PMCID: PMC4842443 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.28.807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] The performance of female athletes during their menstrual period has attracted the attention of researchers for many years. It is known that the menstrual period changes with exercise. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an oncofetal protein. In this study, the effect of maximal aerobic exercise in the luteal phase on some hormones and AFP in female athletes was researched. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve volunteers and healthy female footballers with normal menstrual cycles volunteered for this study as subjects. All the participants performed a shuttle run test. Blood samples were taken before, after, and one hour after exercise. Serum AFP, estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) values were measured using an auto analyzer and original kits. Heart rate measurements were performed before and after the exercise. [Results] AFP activity had significantly decreased after 1 h of recovery from the exercise in the female soccer players, and estrogen and LH activity had significantly increased immediately after the exercise. Progesterone activity had significantly decreased immediately after the exercise. FSH values had significantly increased immediately after the exercise. [Conclusion] The results of the present study show there were significant decreases in the values of AFP, which is a cancer parameter, 1 hour after the exercise. This result may be valuable in future physiotherapy studies on the relationship between exercise and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aynur Otağ
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cumhuriyet University, Turkey
| | - Muhsin Hazar
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Gazi University, Turkey
| | - İlhan Otağ
- Vocational School of Health Services, Cumhuriyet University, Turkey
| | - Malik Beyleroğlu
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Sakarya University, Turkey
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Omoto M, Matsuse H, Hashida R, Takano Y, Yamada S, Ohshima H, Tagawa Y, Shiba N. Cycling Exercise with Electrical Stimulation of Antagonist Muscles Increases Plasma Growth Hormone and IL-6. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2015; 237:209-17. [PMID: 26522057 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.237.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Performing aerobics and resistance exercise at exactly the same time has not been available although combining both types of exercise in one training program has been attempted. The hybrid training system (HTS) is a resistance exercise that combines voluntary concentric muscle contractions with electrically stimulated eccentric muscle contractions. We devised an exercise technique using HTS on a cycle ergometer (HCE). Growth hormone (GH) and lactate are indicators of adequate training intensity. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) reflects enhancing lipid metabolism. The purpose of this study was to show that HCE provides sufficient exercise to stimulate the secretion of GH, lactate and IL-6. We compared an HCE test with cycle ergometer alone (CE). Ten healthy male subjects performed HCE and CE tests for 30 minutes each. The workload of both tests was set the same at 40% of each subject's peak oxygen uptake. For HCE, 2-minute HTS and 1-minute rest intervals were repeated. GH, lactate, and IL-6 were evaluated before and immediately after exercise, and at 15, 30 and 60 minutes. GH and lactate increased immediately after HCE. Moreover, the degree of the increases in GH after HCE (0 and 15 minutes) was higher than that after CE. IL-6 increased after HCE at 30 min, and the rate of change was higher than for CE. These results showed that HCE was more efficient in stimulating acute increases in GH, lactate and IL-6 than CE at the same workload. We may be able to combine electrically stimulated resistance exercise with aerobic exercise using HCE.
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Kraemer RR, Castracane VD. Endocrine alterations from concentric vs. eccentric muscle actions: a brief review. Metabolism 2015; 64:190-201. [PMID: 25467839 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2014.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Resistance exercise has a positive effect on many tissues, including heart, bone, skeletal muscle, and nervous tissue. Eccentric muscle actions offer a unique and a potentially beneficial form of exercise for maintaining and improving health. During resistance exercise, the effects of gravity, and mechanical properties of the sarcomere and connective tissue in skeletal muscle allow a greater muscle load during an eccentric (lengthening) muscle contraction than a concentric (shortening) muscle contraction. Consequently, older patients, patients with muscle or limb movement limitations or injuries, as well as cancer patients may be able to benefit from isolated eccentric muscle actions. There are specific physiological responses to eccentric muscle contractions. This review will describe the effects of different eccentric muscle contraction protocols on endocrine responses that could have positive effects on different tissues and recommend direction for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert R Kraemer
- Deparment of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA, 70402.
| | - V Daniel Castracane
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 701 W. 5th St. Odessa, TX, 79763
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Geat M, Stel G, Poser S, Driussi C, Stenner E, Francescato MP. Whole-body glucose oxidation rate during prolonged exercise in type 1 diabetic patients under usual life conditions. Metabolism 2013; 62:836-44. [PMID: 23375550 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Revised: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fuel oxidation during exercise was studied in type 1 insulin-dependent (T1DM) patients mainly under quite constant insulin and glycemia; these protocols, however, likely do not reflect patients' usual metabolic conditions. The glucose oxidation rate (GLUox) in T1DM patients under usual life conditions was thus investigated during prolonged exercise (3-h) and its behavior was described mathematically. MATERIALS/METHODS Whole-body GLUox was determined in eight T1DM patients (4/8 M; aged 35-59 years) and eight well-matched healthy subjects. Venous blood was drawn prior to and every 30 min until the end of exercise; glycemia, insulin, cortisol, and growth hormone concentrations were determined. Oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and ventilation were measured at rest and thereafter every 30 min of the exercise. To prevent hypoglycemia, patients were given fruit fudge (93% sucrose) prior to / during exercise. RESULTS Insulin concentration and glycemia were significantly higher in patients across the entire exercise period (group effect, p<0.001 for both). GLUox decreased significantly with increasing exercise duration (time effect, p<0.001), but no significant difference was detected between the two groups (group effect, p=NS). GLUox, expressed as the percentage of the starting value, was described by an exponential function showing a time constant of 90 min (n=96; mean corrected R(2)=0.666). CONCLUSIONS GLUox in T1DM patients was not significantly different from the rate observed in the control subjects. The function describing the time course of GLUox may be useful to correct an estimated GLUox for the duration of exercise and help T1DM patients avoiding exercise-induced glycemic imbalances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Geat
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, 33100-Udine, Italy
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