1
|
Goh Z, Phillips I, Hunt PJ, Soule S, Cawood TJ. Three-year follow up of adrenal incidentalomas in a New Zealand centre. Intern Med J 2021; 50:350-356. [PMID: 31058434 DOI: 10.1111/imj.14332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The international guidelines for management of adrenal incidentalomas (AI) are becoming more conservative. These changes are based on the growing body of evidence suggesting that non-functioning adenomas have a low likelihood of becoming functional or malignant over time. AIMS To follow up at least 100 patients for 3 years who were originally found to have benign adrenal adenomas which were non-functional or had subclinical Cushing syndrome (SCS). METHODS This study prospectively evaluated consecutive patients aged 18 years or older with benign adrenal incidentalomas (AI), not treated with adrenalectomy, which were non-functioning or had SCS. The initial and follow-up evaluation, including clinical assessment, hormonal investigations and imaging were coordinated via a standardised nurse-led AI clinic. RESULTS Of 233 patients referred to the AI clinic, 101 patients met the inclusion criteria and completed 3-year follow up. Most of those excluded were due to incomplete initial or follow-up evaluation or were not true AI. Most AI either remained stable or decreased in size on repeat imaging, while 5% of patients had AI enlargement of >5 mm diameter. No patient developed features suggesting adrenal carcinoma. Ninety-two patients had an initial diagnosis of non-functioning adenoma and nine patients had SCS. After 3 years (range 2.9-4.7 years), five of the nine patients with SCS showed normalisation of cortisol parameters (44%), and five of the 92 non-functional AI patients developed SCS (5%). CONCLUSION After 3 years of follow up, approximately half of patients with SCS normalised, while 5% of patients with initially non-functioning adenomas developed biochemical evidence of SCS. This study found a low likelihood of progressive hormonal excess with no evidence of malignancy developing on follow-up evaluation, providing support for the shift towards the more conservative approach to management of AI recommended in recent guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Goh
- Department of Endocrinology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ian Phillips
- Endocrine and Steroid Laboratory, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Penny J Hunt
- Department of Endocrinology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Steven Soule
- Department of Endocrinology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Tom J Cawood
- Department of Endocrinology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu L, Liu X, Chen C, Dias ACP, Zhang X. Determination of Dehydroepiandrosterone in Dietary Supplements and Pharmaceutical Products by a Competitive Chemiluminescent Enzyme Immunoassay. ANAL LETT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2020.1784913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Long Xu
- Chinese-German Joint Institute for Natural Product Research, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, China
- Department of Biology, Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Xiang Liu
- Chinese-German Joint Institute for Natural Product Research, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Chinese-German Joint Institute for Natural Product Research, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, China
| | - Alberto C. P. Dias
- Department of Biology, Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Xiaoying Zhang
- Chinese-German Joint Institute for Natural Product Research, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, China
- Department of Biology, Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lima D, Inaba J, Clarindo Lopes L, Calaça GN, Los Weinert P, Lenzi Fogaça R, Ferreira de Moura J, Magalhães Alvarenga L, Cavalcante de Figueiredo B, Wohnrath K, Andrade Pessôa C. Label-free impedimetric immunosensor based on arginine-functionalized gold nanoparticles for detection of DHEAS, a biomarker of pediatric adrenocortical carcinoma. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 133:86-93. [PMID: 30909017 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.02.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric adrenocortical carcinoma (pACC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy of high occurrence in Southern Brazil. pACC is characterized by the usual overproduction of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), whose detection in serum or plasma can be effective to the early diagnosis of the disease. Therefore, the present paper reports, for the first time, the construction and application of a label-free impedimetric immunosensor to detect DHEAS, which was based on the modification of an oxidized glassy carbon electrode with arginine-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs-ARG) and anti-DHEA IgM antibodies (ox-GCE/AuNPs-ARG/IgM). AuNPs-ARG was synthesized by a green route, and characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, DLS, and XRD. The construction of ox-GCE/AuNPs-ARG/IgM was optimized through factorial design and response surface methodology. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were employed to characterize the optimized immunosensor. The DHEAS detection principle was based on the variation of charge transfer resistance (∆Rct) relative to the Fe(CN)64-/3- electrochemical probe after immunoassays in the presence of the biomarker. A linear relationship between ∆Rct and DHEAS concentration was verified in the range from 10.0 to 110.0 µg dL-1, with a LOD of 7.4 µg dL-1. Besides the good sensitivity, the immunosensor displayed accuracy, stability, and specificity to detect DHEAS. The promising analytical performance of ox-GCE/AuNPs-ARG/IgM was confirmed by quantifying DHEAS in real patient plasma samples, with results that were comparable to the reference chemiluminescence assay. Our results suggest that the presented immunosensor can find clinical applications in the early diagnosis of pACC and to monitor DHEAS levels in other adrenal pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dhésmon Lima
- Department of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Av. General Carlos Cavalcanti, 4748, 84030-900 Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Juliana Inaba
- Department of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Av. General Carlos Cavalcanti, 4748, 84030-900 Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Luma Clarindo Lopes
- Department of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Av. General Carlos Cavalcanti, 4748, 84030-900 Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Giselle Nathaly Calaça
- Department of Chemistry, Instituto Federal do Paraná, Rodovia PR 323, KM 310, 87507-014 Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Los Weinert
- Department of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Av. General Carlos Cavalcanti, 4748, 84030-900 Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Lenzi Fogaça
- Department of Basic Pathology, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Coronel Francisco H. dos Santos, 100, 81530-000 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Juliana Ferreira de Moura
- Department of Basic Pathology, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Coronel Francisco H. dos Santos, 100, 81530-000 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Larissa Magalhães Alvarenga
- Department of Basic Pathology, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Coronel Francisco H. dos Santos, 100, 81530-000 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Bonald Cavalcante de Figueiredo
- Department of Community Health, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Rua Padre Camargo, 261, 80069-240 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Av. Silva Jardim, 1632, 80250-060 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Karen Wohnrath
- Department of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Av. General Carlos Cavalcanti, 4748, 84030-900 Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Christiana Andrade Pessôa
- Department of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Av. General Carlos Cavalcanti, 4748, 84030-900 Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Goh Z, Phillips I, Hunt PJ, Soule S, Cawood TJ. Characteristics of adrenal incidentalomas in a New Zealand centre. Intern Med J 2018; 48:173-178. [PMID: 29068510 DOI: 10.1111/imj.13651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Revised: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of adrenal incidentalomas (AI) is becoming more conservative, based on international data showing a low incidence of functional or malignant lesions. The clinical characteristics of AI in New Zealand are unknown. Therefore, whether the AI guidelines apply to the New Zealand population is also unknown. AIMS To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with AI presenting to a tertiary-care centre in New Zealand. METHOD This study prospectively evaluated consecutive patients aged 18 or older with AI, 1 cm or larger, diagnosed in Canterbury, New Zealand. A standardised nurse-led dedicated AI clinic was used, including clinical assessment, hormonal evaluation and imaging. RESULTS From January 2010 to April 2016, 306 patients were referred to the AI clinic, 228 met the inclusion criteria. Most of those excluded were not true AI, due to imaging performed for known or suspected non-adrenal malignancy. The most common reason for imaging was abdominal pain (46%). Most cases were benign (96.5%) and 88.6% of all cases were non-functional. Of the functioning tumours (26 patients), 18 had subclinical Cushing syndrome, four had late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia, two had phaeochromocytoma and one had primary hyperaldosteronism. Three patients had primary adrenal cancer, one of whom was secreting excess cortisol. One adrenal metastasis was diagnosed. CONCLUSION This study found a similar prevalence of functional and malignant AI as international centres, although mild cortisol excess and primary aldosteronism may be under-represented. Therefore, the conservative approach to management of AI recommended in current guidelines is likely to be applicable to New Zealand population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Goh
- Department of Endocrinology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ian Phillips
- Endocrine and Steroid Laboratory, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Penny J Hunt
- Department of Endocrinology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Steven Soule
- Department of Endocrinology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Tom J Cawood
- Department of Endocrinology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang C, Kim J, Zhu Y, Yang J, Lee GH, Lee S, Yu J, Pei R, Liu G, Nuckolls C, Hone J, Lin Q. An aptameric graphene nanosensor for label-free detection of small-molecule biomarkers. Biosens Bioelectron 2015; 71:222-229. [PMID: 25912678 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents an aptameric graphene nanosensor for detection of small-molecule biomarkers. To address difficulties in direct detection of small molecules associated with their low molecular weight and electrical charge, we incorporate an aptamer-based competitive affinity assay in a graphene field effect transistor (FET), and demonstrate the utility of the nanosensor with dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), a small-molecule steroid hormone, as the target analyte. In the competitive affinity assay, DHEA-S specifically binds to aptamer molecules pre-hybridized to their complementary DNA anchor molecules immobilized on the graphene surface. This results in the competitive release of the strongly charged aptamer from the DNA anchor and hence a change in electrical properties of the graphene, which can be measured to achieve the detection of DHEA-S. We present experimental data on the label-free, specific and quantitative detection of DHEA-S at clinically appropriate concentrations with an estimated detection limit of 44.7 nM, and analyze the trend observed in the experiments using molecular binding kinetics theory. These results demonstrate the potential of our nanosensor in the detection of DHEA-S and other small molecules in biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Microelectronic Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jinho Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Yibo Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jaeyoung Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Gwan-Hyoung Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120749, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunwoo Lee
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jaeeun Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Renjun Pei
- Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Guohua Liu
- Department of Microelectronic Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Colin Nuckolls
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - James Hone
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Qiao Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Most steroid disorders of the adrenal cortex come to clinical attention in childhood and in order to investigate these problems, there are many challenges to the laboratory which need to be appreciated to a certain extent by clinicians. The analysis of sex steroids in biological fluids from neonates, over adrenarche and puberty present challenges of specificities and concentrations often in small sample sizes. Different reference ranges are also needed for interpretations. For around 40 years, quantitative assays for the steroids and their regulatory peptide hormones have been possible using immunoassay techniques. Problems are recognised and this review aims to summarise the benefits and failings of immunoassays and introduce where tandem mass spectrometry is anticipated to meet the clinical needs for steroid analysis in paediatric endocrine investigations. It is important to keep a dialogue between clinicians and the laboratory, especially when any laboratory result does not make sense in the clinical investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John W Honour
- Clinical Biochemistry, University College London Hospitals, London, England.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lewis JG, Rehm BHA. ZZ polyester beads: an efficient and simple method for purifying IgG from mouse hybridoma supernatants. J Immunol Methods 2009; 346:71-4. [PMID: 19397912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2009.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2009] [Revised: 04/17/2009] [Accepted: 04/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ZZ polyester beads are polyhydroxyalkanoate granules which display, at high density, the ZZ domain of protein A as a fusion protein covalently linked to the polyester core. These granules are produced directly, in one step, by recombinant E. coli. We have used these granules produced in a one step process to purify mouse IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b from mouse hybridoma supernatants. Purified immunoglobulins were analysed by enzyme-linked immonosorbent assay, agarose gel electrophoresis and SDS-PAGE. The results showed that the recovery of IgG is 70% or greater with a significant degree of purity. ZZ polyester beads hence offer a rapid and novel method to purify IgG from mouse hybridoma culture supernatants. As a negative control we used culture supernatant from an IgM secreting hybridoma and showed that it did not bind to ZZ polyester beads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John G Lewis
- Steroid and Immunobiochemistry Laboratory, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lewis JG, Nakajin S, Ohno S, Warnock A, Florkowski CM, Elder PA. Circulating levels of isoflavones and markers of 5alpha-reductase activity are higher in Japanese compared with New Zealand males: what is the role of circulating steroids in prostate disease? Steroids 2005; 70:974-9. [PMID: 16137729 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2005.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2005] [Revised: 04/29/2005] [Accepted: 06/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence implicates dietary isoflavone intake as protective against prostate disease. A putative mechanism is attenuated circulating androgen levels in male populations consuming an isoflavone rich diet. We investigated this hypothesis by collecting plasma from 60 Japanese and 60 New Zealand males aged between 21 and 31 years each consuming their traditional diets. We measured plasma testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), the combined levels of androsterone sulfate and epiandrosterone sulfate (AoS/epiAoS), sex hormone-binding globulin, and cortisol and corticosteroid-binding globulin as well as the isoflavones genistein and equol. Plasma genistein and equol levels were several times higher in Japanese males as would be expected from an isoflavone rich diet. However, androstenedione, DHEAS, calculated free testosterone and paradoxically markers of 5alpha-reductase, DHT and AoS/epiAoS were all also significantly higher in Japanese rather than the New Zealand male counterparts. All other comparisons were not significant. Plasma DHT and DHEAS correlated positively with plasma equol and plasma AoS/epiAoS correlated positively with genistein levels. Taken together the results suggest that, rather than reduced levels of steroidogenesis, Japanese males may have increased 5alpha-reductase activity and possibly altered 17beta OH steroid dehydrogenase activity. Significantly the positive association between isoflavones levels and 5alpha-steroids is counter-intuitive to isoflavone intake offering prostate protection, unless this is postulated to occur through other mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J G Lewis
- Steroid & Immunobiochemistry Laboratory, Canterbury Health Laboratories, P.O. Box 151, Christchurch 8001, New Zealand.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Markowitz JS, DeVane CL, Lewis JG, Chavin KD, Wang JS, Donovan JL. Effect ofGinkgo bilobaExtract on Plasma Steroid Concentrations in Healthy Volunteers: A Pilot Study. Pharmacotherapy 2005; 25:1337-40. [PMID: 16185177 DOI: 10.1592/phco.2005.25.10.1337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine if a standardized ginkgo supplement significantly alters concentrations of circulating androgenic steroids in humans. DESIGN Open-label, fixed-treatment order, crossover study. SETTING University general clinical research center. SUBJECTS Eleven healthy volunteers (six men, five women). INTERVENTION Volunteers received ginkgo biloba 240 mg/day for 14 days. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Plasma concentrations of cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, sex hormone-binding globulin, androstenedione, and free testosterone, as well as free androgen index and combined concentrations of androsterone sulfate and epiandrosterone sulfate, were analyzed in all subjects before and after their 14-day course of ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo biloba did not significantly alter endogenous steroid levels compared with baseline values (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION A 14-day oral administration of a widely used, standardized ginkgo extract at a generally advocated dosage of 240 mg/day did not significantly alter concentrations of major circulating steroids in men and women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John S Markowitz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Children's Research Institute, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Inder WJ, Prickett TCR, Mulder RT. Normal opioid tone and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in chronic fatigue syndrome despite marked functional impairment. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2005; 62:343-8. [PMID: 15730417 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2005.02220.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the functional impairment seen in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is associated with reduced levels of central opioids and/or deficiency of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. DESIGN Single-blinded case-control study measuring functional and psychological status, basal hormonal parameters and ACTH/cortisol response to naloxone and ovine corticotrophin-releasing hormone (oCRH) vs. placebo in people with CFS and healthy controls. PATIENTS Twelve people with CFS and 11 age-matched controls. MEASUREMENTS Hormonal parameters: basal levels of 09:00 h plasma cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and IGF-1. 24-h urinary free cortisol. Plasma ACTH and cortisol response to naloxone 125 microg/kg, oCRH 1 microg/kg and placebo (normal saline). Psychological parameters: SF-36, Hamilton Depression Score, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Fatigue Scale. RESULTS There were highly significant differences between the CFS subjects and the controls with respect to the measures of fatigue and physical functioning. However, there were no differences in basal levels of 09:00 h cortisol (367 +/- 37 vs. 331 +/- 39 nmol/l, P = 0.51), DHEAS (4.2 +/- 0.6 vs. 4.0 +/- 0.5 micromol/l, P = 0.81), 24-h urinary free cortisol (182 +/- 27 vs. 178 +/- 21 nmol/24 h, P = 0.91) or IGF-1 (145 +/- 19 vs. 130 +/- 11 microg/l, P = 0.52) between the CFS group and controls, respectively. There was also no difference between the groups with respect to the ACTH and cortisol response to either oCRH or naloxone. CONCLUSIONS Our data do not support an aetiological role for deficiency in central opioids or the HPA axis in the symptoms of CFS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Warrick J Inder
- Department of Endocrinology, Christchurch Hospital, and Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Donovan JL, DeVane CL, Lewis JG, Wang JS, Ruan Y, Chavin KD, Markowitz JS. Effects of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) extract on plasma androgen concentrations in healthy men and women: a pilot study. Phytother Res 2005; 19:901-6. [PMID: 16261523 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.1755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
St John's wort extract (SJW; Hypericum perforatum L.) is taken extensively as a putative herbal antidepressant. It has been shown to induce the activity of cytochrome P-450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and to increase the clearance of numerous drugs and steroids such as cortisol and ethinyl estradiol. This study was conducted to determine if SJW exposure also alters the concentrations of circulating androgenic steroid hormones. The study was conducted using healthy volunteers (6M, 6F) studied before and after a 14-day treatment period with a SJW preparation previously demonstrated to induce the activity of CYP3A4. Plasma concentrations of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and the combined concentrations of androsterone sulfate (AoS) and epiandrosterone sulfate (epiAoS) were measured by immunoassay methods. The results of analysis demonstrated that SJW did not significantly alter the majority of the androgens studied (p > 0.05) although the combined concentrations of the 5alpha-reduced steroids, AoS and epiAoS, significantly declined following treatment in all subjects (p = 0.02), and in males (p = 0.04). Furthermore, the testosterone to DHT ratio was increased in both men and women. Although the latter increase did not reach statistical significance, it is also consistent with the possible inhibition of 5alpha-reductase by SJW. It is concluded that despite significant induction of CYP3A4, short term administration of SJW does not significantly alter the concentrations of most circulating androgens in men and women but may produce a dimunition in some of the circulating 5alpha-reduced androgens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Donovan
- Laboratory of Drug Disposition and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, North Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lewis JG, Morris JC, Clark BM, Elder PA. The effect of isoflavone extract ingestion, as Trinovin, on plasma steroids in normal men. Steroids 2002; 67:25-9. [PMID: 11728518 DOI: 10.1016/s0039-128x(01)00129-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Plasma testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androsterone and epiandrosterone sulfates, cortisol and sex hormone binding globulin were measured in six adult men before and during daily isoflavone extract ingestion (40 mg) in the form of Trinovin tablets. Although modest plasma genistein levels were achieved following three weeks of Trinovin ingestion (106-356 nmol/l) there were no significant changes in most of the analytes tested. However plasma levels of dihydrotestosterone showed an increase that reached significance when combined basal levels were compared to levels following Trinovin treatment. The results suggest that the daily ingestion of isoflavones in the form of Trinovin (1 tablet/day), over a short term, does not alter most plasma steroid levels. We therefore question the value of Trinovin, at the recommended dosage, as offering protective effects against prostate disease by mechanisms involving either significant modulation of plasma steroid or SHBG levels. In contrast the increase in dihydrotestosterone plasma levels could be seen as possibly detrimental.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John G Lewis
- Steroid & Immunobiochemistry Laboratory, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Higashi T, Daifu Y, Shimada K. Studies on neurosteroids XIV. Levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in rat brain and serum determined with newly developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Steroids 2001; 66:865-74. [PMID: 11711114 DOI: 10.1016/s0039-128x(01)00125-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), one of the neurosteroids, has been developed for measuring its brain and serum levels in rats without deconjugation. 11 alpha-Hemiglutaryloxy-DHEAS was newly synthesized, conjugated with bovine serum albumin (BSA), and immunized to rabbits for the production of anti-DHEAS antibodies. A bridge-heterologous ELISA system employing the sequential saturation method exhibited a high sensitivity with a midpoint of 100 pg. Although the antibody significantly cross-reacted with epiandrosterone sulfate, it easily discriminated the unconjugated steroids and pregnenolone sulfate, which is reported to exist in the brain at a much higher level when compared with DHEAS. The brain homogenate or serum was treated with hexane to remove the lipophilic compounds and purified with an OASIS HLB cartridge. The DHEAS levels were then determined by ELISA. The overall recovery rate through the pretreatment was a satisfactory and constant (81.8 +/- 3.4% for brain, 89.3 +/- 3.0% for serum, mean +/- standard deviation). This ELISA afforded a satisfactory serial dilution study and recovery test. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were lower than 13%, which showed the precision of the proposed method. The applied method showed that DHEAS was not detected in some brain samples and its levels were much lower than those previously reported and than its serum levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Higashi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Affiliation(s)
- John G Lewis
- Steroid and Immunobiochemistry Laboratory, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Clinical Biochemistry Unit, P.O. Box 151, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Peter A Elder
- Steroid and Immunobiochemistry Laboratory, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Clinical Biochemistry Unit, P.O. Box 151, Christchurch, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lewis JG, George PM, Elder PA. Plasma androsterone/epiandrosterone sulfates as markers of 5 alpha-reductase activity: effect of finasteride in normal men. Steroids 1997; 62:632-5. [PMID: 9292937 DOI: 10.1016/s0039-128x(97)00048-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Plasma androsterone/epiandrosterone sulfates, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dihydrotestosterone, testosterone, androstenedione, and cortisol were measured in three normal adult men before and following finasteride administration (5 mg/day). Plasma androsterone/epiandrosterone sulfates and dihydrotestosterone declined in parallel to 50% of basal levels with little change in either dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, cortisol, or androstenedione. The results suggest that the direct measurement of plasma androsterone/epiandrosterone sulfates by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay provide similar information to plasma dihydrotestosterone and therefore provide a simple alternative for the assessment of 5 alpha-reductase activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J G Lewis
- Steroid & Immunobiochemistry Laboratory, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | | |
Collapse
|