Evaluating the Influence of Rosemary Leaves Extract on Hormonal and Histopathological Alterations in Male Rabbits Exposed to Cypermethrin

Rosemary Leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis) gained importance as natural antioxidants which strengthen the endogenous antioxidant defenses through die. The present experience was designed to assess the protective effect of ethanolic extract of rosemary leaves on the adrenal gland and testicular toxicity in male rabbits exposed to Cypermethrin. Forty healthy male rabbits were distributed into four groups of 10 animals each; the animals were administered cypermethrin 66.5 mg/kg alone or concurrent with Rosemary extract in both dosages (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 45 days, and the blood samples were taken from all animals for estimation hormones indices, the Anaesthetized animals were euthanized and adrenal gland and testes were separated for histopathological analysis. Results revealed that the exposure to Cypermethrin induced stress and infertility as evidenced by elevation in the level of cortisol concurrently with a lowering in ACTH level. Also, recording elevation in FSH and LH levels and a significant decline in estradiol level related to a reduction in testosterone levels observed noticeable compared to healthy control. While Concurrent exposure to Cypermethrin and Rosemary extract significantly improved hormone criteria compared to rabbits exposed to Cypermethrin alone. Histological lesions in this study include: the adrenal gland appeared thick fibrous capsule surrounding the adrenal tissue, destruction of adrenal cortex and vacuolation of three layers of the cortex, while in testes marked inhibition of spermatogenesis and degeneration of Sertoli cells with few numbers of Leydig cells were shown. These alterations were brought about by cypermethrin toxicity, while the treatment of Rosemary leaves extract with Cypermethrin alleviated the deleterious effect of Cypermethrin on the adrenal gland and testes and also restored spermatogenesis. The results showed that the extract of rosemary leaves possesses anti-infertility and strong antioxidant activities and can be used as a fertility-increasing drug to control sexual hormones also spermatogenesis, preventing toxicity and its pathophysiological consequences.

Evaluation of Possible Association between Serum Levels of Aldosterone and Cortisol with Clinical Symptoms Progression in COVID-19 Suspicious Outpatients Tested for SARS-CoV2 RT-PCR: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Aldosterone is a key component of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS). The RAAS could play a substantial role in the pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Moreover, the dynamics of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis may have changed in COVID-19. Cortisol, as an important factor in assessing immune system activity, is an important part of this axis. The present study compared the serum levels of aldosterone and cortisol in COVID-19 outpatients with those of potentially non-infected participants. It was also aimed to assess the possible association between serum levels of aldosterone and cortisol with clinical symptoms progression in COVID-19 outpatients. Demographic characteristics (i.e., gender and age) and clinical data (i.e., oxygen saturation [SPO2], respiratory rate [RR], and heart rate) were collected. Serum cortisol and aldosterone measurements were conducted using the ELISA technique. Clinical symptoms of the positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) group were followed up on for 28 days in weekly intervals. SPO2 was significantly lower in the positive PCR group; however, the RR was significantly higher (P=0.03 and P=0.001, respectively). Significantly higher levels of aldosterone were found in males of the negative PCR group, compared to females (P=0.05). Cortisol (OR=0.937, P=0.033) and aldosterone (OR=1.005, P=0.020) levels had a decreasing and increasing effect on the chances of respiratory symptoms occurring over time, respectively. Furthermore, over time, women were twice as likely as men to develop neurologic symptoms (OR=0.530, P=0.015). According to the findings of this study, cortisol and aldosterone are associated with the chance of respiratory symptoms occurring over time. However, the levels of these two markers do not seem to be related to the progression of clinical symptoms of lower grades of COVID-19.

Effect of Daily Rhythms of Cortisol Secretion on the Rate of Aging in Men

The phenomenon of human aging is the result of a complex interaction among several factors in which the immune system plays a key role. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal gland and has a specific secretion pattern. The current study aimed at identifying the cause and pathogenesis of premature aging using biological markers. This study was performed based on the results of clinical and instrumental examinations on 91 middle-aged men aged 45-59 years. VaseraVS-1500 sphygmomanometer based on standard methods was used to measure biological age. The relationship between biological age and circadian rhythms of cortisol secretion was calculated to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of aging development. The recorded data showed that the violation of the circadian rhythms of cortisol secretion characterized by a consistently high level of the hormone throughout the day was typical among individuals with accelerated types of aging. Based on the obtained data, a formula for determining the biological age of the studied groups of patients was prepared by considering the circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion, which can be an additional tool for early detection of aging in men.

Autologous Adrenal Transplantation for the Treatment of Refractory Cushing's Disease

OBJECTIVE

To report our management of bilateral adrenalectomy with autologous adrenal gland transplantation for persistent Cushing's disease, and to discuss the feasibility of autologous adrenal transplantation for the treatment of refractory Cushing's disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed in 4 patients (3 females, aged 14-36 years) who underwent autologous adrenal transplantation for persistent Cushing's disease after endonasal transsphenoidal resection of a pituitary tumor. The procedure was performed by implanting a vascularized adrenal graft into the left iliac fossa with direct and indirect anastomoses. Postoperative follow-up was performed in 1, 1.5, 8, and 10 years, and an over 8-year long-term follow-up was reached in 2 out of the 4 cases. Hormone replacement dosage was guided by clinical symptoms and endocrine results including serum cortisol (F), 24 h urine-free cortisol, and adrenocorticotrophic hormone levels.

RESULTS

All 4 patients with symptomatic Cushing's disease experienced resolution of symptoms after autotransplantation without Nelson Syndrome. Functional autografts were confirmed through clinical evaluation and endocrine results. One year after transplantation, adrenal function and hormone replacement dosage remained stable without adrenal hyperplasia. After long-term follow-up, dosages of hormone replacement were reduced in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series of 4 patients, we demonstrate the long-term efficacy of bilateral adrenalectomy with autologous adrenal transplantation and propose this procedure as a viable treatment option for refractory Cushing's disease.