Search Results (58)

Steroid hormones are micropollutants that contaminate water worldwide and have significant impacts on human health and the environment, even at very low concentrations. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of technologies for the removal of endocrine-disrupting compounds with a focus on oestrogens (estrone E1, 17β-oestradiol E2, estriol E3), the synthetic oestrogen (17α-ethinylestradiol EE2 and bisphenol A BPA), and pharmaceuticals found in wastewater. Hormonal and pharmaceutical contaminants are mostly persistent organic compounds that cannot be easily removed using conventional wastewater treatment processes. For this reason, researchers have tried to develop more efficient tertiary wastewater treatment technologies to reduce micropollutant concentrations in wastewater. This review covers the following processes: Advanced oxidation, nanofiltration, ultrasound, electro-Fenton processes, electrolysis, adsorption, ozonation, photolysis, photocatalysis, ultrafiltration, and electrocoagulation. Attention was paid to the effectiveness of the processes in terms of eliminating hormones and pharmaceuticals from wastewater, as well as on economic and environmental aspects. The combination of different processes can be a promising treatment scheme for retaining and degrading hormonal and pharmaceutical compounds from wastewater. With hybrid technologies, the advantages of the methods are combined to maximise the removal of pollutants. However, optimal methods of wastewater treatment depend on the quality and quantity of the wastewater, as well as the residual hormonal and pharmaceutical compounds and their hazardous effects. Full article

Elevated circulating insulin levels between 80 and 100 µU/mL characterize hyperinsulinemia, which often leads to metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Elevated circulating insulin levels can directly affect vascular function and contribute to the pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system, including secondary arterial hypertension (SAH) and atherosclerosis. It is well known that hyperinsulinemia induced remodeling of the heart. However, there is no information on whether intrinsic differences exist between human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and if in vitro mimicking hyperinsulinemia induces human VSMCs morphological and intracellular homeostasis remodeling in a sex- and sex hormones-dependent manner. Our in vitro cultured human VSMCs, coupled with quantitative 3D confocal imaging results, show that intrinsic differences exist between VSMCs from young men and women. Chronic hyperinsulinemia (80 µU/mL, 48 h treatment) increases cell and nuclear volumes associated with increased intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) and ROS and decreased glutathione. In the absence of hyperinsulinemia, pretreatment with testosterone in VSMCs from men and oestradiol in VSMCs from women had no effect. Both sex hormones partially but not completely prevented hyperinsulinemia-induced remodeling of VSMCs from young men and women. The increase in VSMC volume may increase the thickness of the tunica media, leading to a decrease in the lumen of the blood vessel, which promotes the development of SAH and atherosclerosis in a sex-dependent manner. Full article

We aim to investigate whether chemical inhibition of NRF2 transcriptional activity (TA) influences distal colon contractions, particularly in an age-dependent manner in females, and whether it impacts oestrogen receptor signalling in female mice. This study was performed on 3 and 6-month-old female mice treated with ML385 (30 mg/kg) or a vehicle for 7 days (i.p.). The colon functionality was verified with a colon bead expulsion test; serum samples were collected for oestradiol levels, and colon samples were stored for various histological analyses. The results show that the seven-day treatment of ML385 significantly downregulated TA (p < 0.05) and impacted its contractility. Additionally, young females treated with ML385 exhibited an increase in goblet cell number and significantly increased ERα, but not ERβ, especially in older mice. It is worth noting that the basal level of the membrane oestrogen receptor GPR30 was higher in older mice within the epithelial layer, and ML385 treatment led to a downregulation of GPR30 in 6-month-old mice. In summary, ML385 decreases NRF2 TA in the colon and impacts its contractility and goblet cell numbers. Additionally, NRF2 TA influences the expression of oestrogen receptors in the colons of female mice. Full article

Background: Oestradiol has been implicated as a factor in substrate utilisation in male and mouse studies but the effect of acute changes during the menstrual cycle is yet to be fully understood. Objective: To determine the role of oestradiol in respiratory exchange ratio (RER) during exercise at various intensities. Methods: This systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. From inception to November 2023, four online databases (Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, MEDline and Web of Science) were searched for relevant articles. Studies that reported a resting oestradiol measurement in naturally menstruating women with exercise at a percentage of maximal aerobic capacity (%V˙O_2max) were included. Mean and standard deviation for oestradiol, RER and exercise intensity were extracted and study quality assessed using a modified Downs and Black checklist. Risk of bias was assessed using I₂ measure of heterogeneity and Egger’s regression test, assessment of bias from methodological quality was identified by sensitivity analysis. Eligible datasets were extracted for pairwise comparisons within a meta-analysis and correlation between change in oestradiol and change in RER. Data were also pooled to produce a mean and standard deviation for RER for menstrual stage and for low and high oestradiol groups. Results: Twenty-four articles were identified, over 50% were identified as high quality. Sixteen articles included datasets eligible for meta-analysis. Eleven articles utilised a submaximal constant-load exercise intensity, finding a standardised mean difference of − 0.09 ([CI: −0.35–0.17], p = 0.5) suggesting no effect of menstrual phase on constant-load exercise RER. In six articles using incremental exercise tests to exhaustion, a standardised mean difference of 0.60 ([CI 0.00–1.19], p = 0.05) was identified towards a higher maximal RER attained in follicular compared to luteal phase. There was no correlation (R = −0.26, p = 0.2) between change in oestradiol and change in RER between phases. All 24 articles, totalling 650 participants, were included in pooled analysis. When grouped by menstrual cycle phase or when grouped by oestradiol levels, RER was higher in the follicular phase than the luteal phase at low and high constant load exercise intensities. Discussion: Findings from the pooled-analysis and meta-analysis suggest that there may be menstrual cycle phase differences in RER that are intensity dependent. These differences may be related to sex hormone levels, but this was not supported by evidence of correlation between differences in RER and differences in oestradiol. At present, it remains best practice to assess performance in the same menstrual cycle phase if seeking to assess change from baseline. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, plays a key role in various physiological processes, including bone health. Its age-related decline is linked to reduced bone density, though the mechanisms by which DHEA affects bone metabolism remain complex. This review summarises the diverse effects of DHEA on bone metabolism and density, highlighting its therapeutic potential; Methods: A literature search on the effects of DHEA on bone-related parameters was conducted from PubMed and Scopus using a specific search string, and after removing duplicates and irrelevant articles, 36 relevant full-text studies were included; Results: DHEA promotes osteoblast differentiation and proliferation, regulates the RANKL/OPG ratio, and inhibits osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Its osteogenic effects are mediated through multiple signalling pathways. In ovariectomised rat models, DHEA enhances trabecular bone volume, stimulates osteoblast proliferation, and increases oestradiol production and aromatase activity. In elderly individuals with low androgen levels, DHEA supplementation increases sulphated DHEA and oestradiol levels and improves bone mineral density, particularly in the ultra-distal radius of women and the femoral neck of men. However, the clinical use of DHEA remains debated due to inconsistent study results. Its effects on bone health may vary based on factors such as age, gender, and health conditions, emphasising the need for further research to clarify its mechanisms and optimise its use; Conclusions: In conclusion, while DHEA shows potential as a modulator of bone health, comprehensive clinical trials are required to assess its efficacy and safety, particularly in at-risk populations. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Abnormal uterine bleeding during the postmenopausal years is a pathological sign that may be due to simultaneous intrauterine and ovarian pathology. Granulosa cell tumours of the ovary are malignant neoplasms producing oestradiol, which leads to the abnormal proliferation of the endometrium, precancerous lesions, and endometrial carcinoma type I. Case Presentation: The authors present a clinical case of a 67-year-old woman with postmenopausal bleeding who underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy, and partial omentectomy. The histopathological examination showed a granulosa cell adult-type ovarian tumour and a malignant endometrial polyp with atypical hyperplasia of the endometrium. Conclusions: The immunohistochemical analysis of the malignant endometrial polyp confirmed the expression of oestrogen, progesterone receptors, and the biomarker Ki-67. Full article

Lactation in dairy cows implies comprehensive endocrine and metabolic changes including a systemic electrolytic reaction. Previous studies have rarely considered these specific demands due to the influence of lactation periods. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of early, middle, and late lactation phases on the dynamic changes in serum concentrations of progesterone (P4), 17β-oestradiol (E2), cortisol, and some electrolytes (Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, Pi) and biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), total bilirubin, urea, and iron (Fe⁺⁺) in 10 Holstein, 10 Brown Swiss, and 10 Modicana multiparous healthy dairy cows (4.2 ± 1.7 years of age) sampled at 60-day intervals throughout lactation. Lactation induced significant changes in the concentrations of P4, which peaked at >120–180 days, decreased at >240–300 days, and increased again after 300 days. Cortisol showed an opposite trend to P4, with concentrations progressively decreasing, except for the phase between >240 and 300 days, and a steep drop at >300 days compared to previous phases. Na⁺ concentrations showed the lowest values at 0–60 d and the highest ones at >180–240 days, whereas Mg⁺⁺ showed the highest values at >60–120 d and the lowest at >300 d. Significant correlations were found between P4 with cortisol, Cl⁻ and K⁺, and cortisol with Ca⁺⁺ and LDH. Significant differences in average concentrations of AST, ALT, LDH, Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺, and Fe⁺⁺ were observed among different dairy cow breeds. Understanding the dynamic changes in hormone levels, electrolytes, and biochemical parameters during different lactation phases, while considering breed differences in dairy cows, is crucial for improving herd health management and milk production in commercial dairy farms. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) exposure can induce follicular atresia and laying performance reduction in hens, which is linked to autophagy within the granulosa cells. Selenium (Se) can influence autophagy and counteract Cd toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Se on Cd-induced follicular atresia in laying hens. Sixty-four laying hens were randomly allocated into 4 treatments: control group: basal diet; Se group: basal diet + 0.4 mg/kg Se from selenized yeast; Cd group: basal diet + 25 mg/kg Cd from CdCl₂; and Cd+Se group: basal diet + 25 mg/kg Cd + 0.4 mg/kg Se. Compared to the Cd group, Se supplementation alleviated the ovarian pathological changes and oxidative stress in the follicles, serum, liver, and ovary, increased daily laying production, ovarian weight and F5–F1 follicle amounts, serum levels of progesterone and oestradiol, and up-regulated mTOR expression (p < 0.05), while decreasing the count of autophagic vacuoles, ovarian atresia follicle numbers, and Cd deposition, and down-regulated expression levels of autophagy-related mRNAs, including ATG5, LC3-I, and LC3-II, Beclin1, and Dynein in the follicles (p < 0.05). In conclusion, 0.4 mg/kg Se supplementation protected against Cd-induced laying performance reduction and follicular atresia, which were achieved via decreasing oxidative stress and inhibiting mTOR pathways of autophagy. Full article

White rot fungi, especially representatives of the genus Trametes spp. (Polyporaceae), are effective destructors of various xenobiotics, including oestrogens (phenol-like steroids), which are now widespread in the environment and pose a serious threat to the health of humans, animals and aquatic organisms. In this work, the ability of the white rot fungus Trametes hirsuta LE-BIN 072 to transform oestrone (E1) and 17β-oestradiol (E2), the main endocrine disruptors, was shown. More than 90% of the initial E1 and E2 were removed by the fungus during the first 24 h of transformation. The transformation process proceeded predominantly in the direction of the initial substrates’ detoxification, with the radical oxidative coupling of E1 and E2 as well as their metabolites and the formation of less toxic dimers in various combinations. A number of minor metabolites, in particular, less toxic estriol (E3), were identified by HPLC-MS. The formation of E1 from E2 and vice versa were shown. The exoproteome of the white rot fungus during the transformation of oestrogens was studied in detail for the first time. The contribution of ligninolytic peroxidases (MnP5, MnP7 and VP2) to the process of the extracellular detoxification of oestrogens and their possible metabolites is highlighted. Thus, the studied strain appears to be a promising mycodetoxicant of phenol-like steroids in aquatic environments. Full article

The modification of pristine biochar derived from the waste of sweet prickly pear using the green modification method to produce nano-sized biochar (nanobiochar) for the removal of steroidal hormones and heavy metals from water and wastewater is reported in this study. Based on the characterisation results using FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS, the material had (COOH), (C=O), and (OH) functional groups typical of graphitic amorphous carbon. The SEM-EDS and XRD results showed that the material was mesoporous and amorphous in nature. The BET analysis results revealed that the surface area significantly increased from 220.1 m²/g to 354.6 m²/g after the modification of the pristine biochar. Based on the TGA-DSC results, the material was thermally stable up to 550 °C. A complete factorial experimental design using Minitab 21 Statistical Software (version 18.1) was employed to optimise the experimental adsorption conditions. The F-values and p-values for the lack-of-fit of the model showed the acceptability and significance of the ANOVA model. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm was found to provide a better fit for the steroid adsorption data than the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, with moderate values of R² ≥ 0.92 for Langmuir and R² ≥ 0.95 for Freundlich, as well as maximum adsorption capacities of 14.53 mg/g, 10.58 mg/g, 12.50 mg/g, 5.73 mg/g, 5.63 mg/g, and 9.75 mg/g obtained for estriol, α-oestradiol, β-oestradiol, testosterone, progesterone, and bisphenol A. Freundlich R² values were lower than Langmuir R² values for metal adsorption, with maximum adsorption capacities of 8.58 mg/g, 4.15 mg/g, and 6.95 mg/g obtained for nickel, cadmium, and lead, respectively. The maximum percentage of removal for effluents and influents was between 84–89% and 78–86% for steroid hormones and heavy metals, respectively. The highest removal percentage between 90–95% was obtained for spiked ultrapure water for both steroid hormones and heavy metals. The material exhibited a removal percentage up to 60% after the first four cycles. Full article

(1) Background: During IVF (in vitro fertilization), a proper endometrium thickness is one of the most difficult parameters to achieve and one of the most important prognostic factors of the success rate. One major problem is the high cancelation percentage in frozen embryo transfer cycles. The focus on the adjuvant methods for improving endometrium thickness is an on-going subject of interest. (2) Methods: This prospective single-arm self-control study was conducted in an IVF centre in Oradea, Romania. The patients were divided into two groups. The control group included 51 patients with at least one attempt to transfer a good-quality blastocyst, but the endometrial thickness did not surpass 7 mm under standard endometrial preparation protocol with oestradiol and with adjuvant therapy (other than PRP, such as aspirin, vitamin C, and vitamin E), and the study group included the same 51 patients that had the embryo transfer performed under the same standard endometrial preparation protocol with oestradiol preparation protocol and intrauterine PRP infusion. (3) Results: In our study, the PRP treatment had a positive impact on the parameters that were followed for the evaluation of the success rate of the embryo transfer procedure. The endometrial thickness (an increase in endometrial thickness by 0.6 mm after PRP treatment with p = 0.0001) and the clinical pregnancy rate (having a MD ± SD of 0 ± 0.38 before PRP treatment and with an increase to 0.5 ± 0.1 after the PRP treatment, p = 0.0004) were statistically significant (4) Conclusions: PRP has a positive effect in promoting endometrial proliferation, improving embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate for women with thin endometrium. Full article

This study aimed to optimise culture conditions for murine preantral follicles to improve their growth and survival. Preantral follicles (diameter 100–130 µm) were isolated from prepubertal NMRI mice and individually cultured within alginate beads for 12 days. Three conditions were evaluated: (1) follicle re-encapsulation on day 6 of culture-reducing alginate concentration (0.5% to 0.25% w/v), (2) the presence of oestradiol (E₂), and (3) increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration in the culture medium (from 10 to 100 mIU/mL FSH). Follicle morphology and growth, as well as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) production, were evaluated. From day 8, re-embedded follicles had a larger average diameter compared to follicles without alginate re-encapsulation (0.5% and 0.25% groups, p < 0.05). Oestradiol (1 µM) had a significantly positive effect on the mean follicular diameter and antrum formation (p < 0.001). Moreover, follicles cultured with 100 mIU/mL FSH showed faster growth (p < 0.05) and significantly higher antrum formation (p < 0.05) compared to the low FSH group. Nevertheless, AMH production was not affected by any of the culture conditions. In conclusion, the growth and survival of mouse preantral follicles during a 12-day period were improved by altering the alginate concentration midways during culture and adding E₂ and FSH to the culture medium. Full article

A better understanding of interindividual differences and the development of targeted therapies is one of the major challenges of modern medicine. The sex of a person plays a crucial role in this regard. This systematic review aimed to summarise and analyse available evidence on the mutual interactions between non-invasive brain stimulation and sex/polypeptide hormones. The PubMed database was searched from its inception to 31 March 2023, for (i) studies that investigated the impact of sex and/or polypeptide hormones on the effects induced by non-invasive brain stimulation, or (ii) studies that investigated non-invasive brain stimulation in the modulation of sex and/or polypeptide hormones. Eighteen studies (319 healthy and 96 disabled participants) were included. Most studies focused on female sex hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. The later follicular phase is associated with a weak between hemispheric and intracortical inhibition, strong intracortical facilitation, and high stimulation-induced neural and behavioural changes. The opposite effects are observed during the luteal phase. In addition, the participant’s sex, presence and/or absence of real ovulation and increase in oestradiol level by chorionic gonadotropin injection influence the stimulation-induced neurophysiological and behavioural effects. In Parkinson’s disease and consciousness disorders, the repetitive application of non-invasive brain stimulation increases oestradiol and dehydroepiandrosterone levels and reduces disability. To date, male hormones have not been sufficiently included in these studies. Here, we show that the sex and/or polypeptide hormones and non-invasive brain stimulation methods are in reciprocal interactions. This may be used to create a more effective and individualised approach for healthy individuals and individuals with disabilities. Full article

This article presents the results of a study on the oestrogenicity and androgenicity of urban wastewater in Lodz, and the possibility of their removal by the Group Wastewater Treatment Plant (GWWTP). Wastewater samples were taken at five points of the sewer system in the city and at the inlet and outlet of the GWWTP. The study was conducted using Yeast Oestrogen Screen (YES)/Yeast Androgen Screen (YAS) tests, which allow a general assessment of the content of compounds with (anti-)oestrogenic and (anti-)androgenic effects in wastewater, without identifying specific substances. Wastewater samples taken from the sewage network did not show (anti-)oestrogenic activity, while oestrogenic and antagonistic properties to androgens were detected in most of them. In the influent of the treatment plant, oestrogen agonistic activity was detected only in one sample (oestrogen equivalent—EEQ equal to 1.31 × 10⁵ ng 17 β–oestradiol/L) and was 100% removed. The purification efficiencies in GWWTP for oestrogen and androgen antagonistic activity were 51.5–99.2% and 39.4–47.1%, respectively. Although no oestrogenic activity was detected in general wastewater in Lodz, observed high-antagonistic–androgenic activities may adversely affect the water body and cause, among others, the feminization of fish, especially in the case of discharge of untreated wastewater by combined sewer overflows. Full article

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder that affects 8–13% of women of reproductive age. It is one of the most common causes of infertility and is associated with hyperandrogenism in the form of hirsutism and acne, non-ovulatory cycles, and characteristic ovarian morphology. The available research on serum vitamin D deficiency in patients with PCOS and the appropriateness of vitamin D supplementation in this group of women is inconclusive, so we decided to investigate the influence of vitamin D on the incidence of metabolic syndrome and hormonal balance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. The study comprised 120 women aged between 18 and 42 years, who were divided into two groups: a group with diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and a group of regularly menstruating women without features of androgenisation, in whom polycystic ovary syndrome was excluded. Each patient underwent a history and physical examination, including a gynecological examination, anthropometric measurements were taken, including height, weight, waist, and hip circumference, and blood pressure was measured using the Korotkow method. In the female patients, the following parameters were also determined from the blood: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol, TSH, ft4, prolactin (PRL), total testosterone, DHEASO4, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), androstendione, 25(OH) vitamin D3 metabolite. The majority of the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were found to have deficient or suboptimal serum vitamin D levels, and the effects of vitamin D on the SHBG levels and free-androgen indices in these patients was examined. The effects of vitamin D on the incidence of metabolic syndrome and BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, and blood pressure in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were also found. Full article