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Barbagallo F, Cannarella R, Garofalo V, Marino M, La Vignera S, Condorelli RA, Tiranini L, Nappi RE, Calogero AE. The Role of Irisin throughout Women's Life Span. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3260. [PMID: 38137481 PMCID: PMC10741019 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery, much attention has been drawn to irisin's potential role in metabolic and reproductive diseases. This narrative review summarizes and updates the possible role played by this fascinating molecule in different physiological (puberty and menopause) and pathological (polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA), endometriosis, and gestational diabetes) conditions that can affect women throughout their entire lives. Irisin appears to be an important factor for the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activation, and appears to play a role in the timing of puberty onset. Serum irisin levels have been proposed as a biomarker for predicting the future development of gestational diabetes (GDM). Its role in PCOS is still controversial, although an "irisin resistance" mechanism has been hypothesized. In addition to its impact on metabolism, irisin also appears to influence bone health. Irisin levels are inversely correlated with the prevalence of fractures in postmenopausal women. Similar mechanisms have also been postulated in young women with FHA. In clinical settings, further controlled, prospective and randomized clinical trials are needed to investigate the casual relationship between irisin levels and the conditions described and, in turn, to establish the role of irisin as a prognostic/diagnostic biomarker or a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Barbagallo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (F.B.); (V.G.); (M.M.); (S.L.V.); (R.A.C.); (A.E.C.)
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (F.B.); (V.G.); (M.M.); (S.L.V.); (R.A.C.); (A.E.C.)
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44125, USA
| | - Vincenzo Garofalo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (F.B.); (V.G.); (M.M.); (S.L.V.); (R.A.C.); (A.E.C.)
| | - Marta Marino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (F.B.); (V.G.); (M.M.); (S.L.V.); (R.A.C.); (A.E.C.)
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (F.B.); (V.G.); (M.M.); (S.L.V.); (R.A.C.); (A.E.C.)
| | - Rosita A. Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (F.B.); (V.G.); (M.M.); (S.L.V.); (R.A.C.); (A.E.C.)
| | - Lara Tiranini
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.T.); (R.E.N.)
| | - Rossella E. Nappi
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.T.); (R.E.N.)
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (F.B.); (V.G.); (M.M.); (S.L.V.); (R.A.C.); (A.E.C.)
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Chen L, Lu Y, Zhou YF, Wang Y, Zhan HF, Zhao YT, Wang YL, Zhang FF, Chen H, Li X. The effects of weight loss-related amenorrhea on women's health and the therapeutic approaches: a narrative review. Ann Transl Med 2023; 11:132. [PMID: 36819572 PMCID: PMC9929756 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-6366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objective Weight loss-related amenorrhea is defined as the reversible functional inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis associated with weight loss or low body weight, which occurs mostly in adolescents and women of reproductive age. The specific pathological mechanisms of this disease have not yet been elucidated, and the optimal evidence-based guidelines for its clinical assessment and management are limited. This review summarizes its adverse effects on female health, and the individualized, emerging, and multidisciplinary therapeutic approaches used to treat it. Methods We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for Chinese and English literature on functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA), and retrieved original articles (on basic and clinical research) and reviews published up to December 2022. Key Content and Findings We reviewed the findings on the unfavorable effects of weight loss-related amenorrhea with a focus on reproduction, the skeletal and cardiovascular system, other endocrine effects, and mental health. Lifestyle changes and hormonal replacement have been shown to alleviate the underlying causes and lead to the recovery of menstruation. However, the efficacy of treatments is affected by many factors, such as psychological stress and heterogeneity. Conclusions Weight loss-related amenorrhea, which is an important type of FHA, is manifested by anovulation and hypoestrogenism, and has both short- and long-term adverse effects on women's overall health. It is difficult to alleviate its underlying causes. Individualized treatments need to be optimized and emerging or multidisciplinary therapeutic approaches need to be explored that aim to recover normal menstruation and ovulation, eliminate the undesirable effects of prolonged hypoestrogenism and alleviate psychological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China;,Department of Gynecology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
| | - Ye Lu
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Fan Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Feng Zhan
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China;,Department of Gynecology, Shanghai Jing’an Central Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Ting Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Lu Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei-Fei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hang Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Maiorana N, Brugnera A, Galiano V, Ferrara R, Poletti B, Marconi AM, Garzia E, Ticozzi N, Silani V, Priori A, Ferrucci R. Emotional and autonomic response to visual erotic stimulation in patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:982845. [PMID: 36531461 PMCID: PMC9755206 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.982845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a clinical condition associated with high levels of physiological and psychological stress ranging from weight loss to maladaptive behavior and coping skills. A reliable measure of the psychophysiological response to stress and the ability to cope with stimuli is heart rate variability (HRV). Through the sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), the autonomic nervous system (ANS) promotes various changes in HRV that reflect the individual's psychophysiological response to stress. FHA patients are characterized by high levels of PNS activation during psychological load, suggesting that parasympathetic hyperactivation could be a pathology marker. Methods In the present study, we examine changes in HRV during observation of erotic, neutral, and disgusting images in 10 patients with FHA [(mean ± S.D.) age: 26.8 ± 5.9] and in 9 controls (age: 25.4 ± 6.4; BMI: 22.47 ± 2.97) to assess the differential activation of PNS and SNS between FHA patients and controls matched for age and without other clinical conditions. Results Our results showed that FHA patients had significantly higher HRV activation while observing high emotional value images and not during the observation of neutral images confirming a parasympathetic hyperactivation. Discussion HRV and cognitive and psychological testing, could provide new insights into understanding such a clinically understudied condition and provide further tools for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natale Maiorana
- Aldo Ravelli Research Center, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Agostino Brugnera
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Rosanna Ferrara
- Aldo Ravelli Research Center, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Poletti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Marconi
- ASST-Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- Aldo Ravelli Research Center, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- ASST-Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Ferrucci
- Aldo Ravelli Research Center, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- ASST-Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
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Fontana L, Garzia E, Marfia G, Galiano V, Miozzo M. Epigenetics of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:953431. [PMID: 36034425 PMCID: PMC9415998 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.953431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a temporary infertility characterized by the suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, induced by the inhibition of the hypothalamic pulsatile secretion of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), in the presence of stressors, including eating disorders, excessive exercise, and psychological distress. Although the stressful factors that may lead to FHA are well-established, little is known about the inter-individual variability in response to stress and the consequent inhibition of the HPG axis. Not all women, indeed, manifest FHA in presence of stressful conditions. Recent studies highlighted a genetic contribution to FHA. Rare or polymorphic variants in genes that control the development and/or function of GnRH neurons may contribute, indeed, to the adaptability of the reproductive axis to stress factors. Also epigenetic changes have been associated with different pathways involved in the HPG axis and therefore, take part in FHA and confer a personal predisposition to anovulation consequent to a stressful event, or represent biological markers of response to stress. This review summarizes recent advances in the identification of the contribution of (epi)genetics to FHA and to long-term complications of functional amenorrhea, and reports insights into the involvement of additional genetic loci in FHA development on the bases of the clinical and molecular overlap with other gynecological and/or psychological conditions. Finally, we describe the promising application of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a new approach to investigate the molecular pathways involved in FHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Fontana
- Medical Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - E. Garzia
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Mother and Child, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
- Aerospace Medicine Institute “A. Mosso”, Italian Air Force, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Marfia
- Aerospace Medicine Institute “A. Mosso”, Italian Air Force, Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - V. Galiano
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Mother and Child, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - M. Miozzo
- Medical Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: M. Miozzo,
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Indirli R, Lanzi V, Mantovani G, Arosio M, Ferrante E. Bone health in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: What the endocrinologist needs to know. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:946695. [PMID: 36303862 PMCID: PMC9592968 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.946695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the original definition by Klinefelter, Albright and Griswold, the expression "hypothalamic hypoestrogenism" was used to describe functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA). Given the well-known effects of estrogens on bone, the physiopathology of skeletal fragility in this condition may appear self-explanatory. Actually, a growing body of evidence has clarified that estrogens are only part of the story. FHA occurs in eating disorders, overtraining, and during psychological or physical stress. Despite some specific characteristics which differentiate these conditions, relative energy deficiency is a common trigger that initiates the metabolic and endocrine derangements contributing to bone loss. Conversely, data on the impact of amenorrhoea on bone density or microarchitecture are controversial, and reduced bone mass is observed even in patients with preserved menstrual cycle. Consistently, oral estrogen-progestin combinations have not proven beneficial on bone density of amenorrheic women. Low bone density is a highly prevalent finding in these patients and entails an increased risk of stress or fragility fractures, and failure to achieve peak bone mass and target height in young girls. Pharmacological treatments have been studied, including androgens, insulin-like growth factor-1, bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide, leptin, but none of them is currently approved for use in FHA. A timely screening for bone complications and a multidisciplinary, customized approach aiming to restore energy balance, ensure adequate protein, calcium and vitamin D intake, and reverse the detrimental metabolic-endocrine changes typical of this condition, should be the preferred approach until further studies are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Indirli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Rita Indirli,
| | - Valeria Lanzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Mantovani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maura Arosio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Ferrante
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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