-
1.
Lessons from KEEPS: the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study.
Miller, VM, Taylor, HS, Naftolin, F, Manson, JE, Gleason, CE, Brinton, EA, Kling, JM, Cedars, MI, Dowling, NM, Kantarci, K, et al
Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society. 2021;(2):139-145
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
The Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to determine the effects of hormone treatments (menopausal hormone treatments [MHTs]) on the progression of carotid intima-medial thickness (CIMT) in recently menopausal women. Participants less than 3 years from menopause and without a history of overt cardiovascular disease (CVD), defined as no clinical CVD events and coronary artery calcium < 50 Agatston units, received either oral conjugated equine estrogens (0.45 mg/day) or transdermal 17β-estradiol (50 µg/day), both with progesterone (200 mg/day for 12 days/month), or placebo pills and patches for 4 years. Although MHT did not decrease the age-related increase in CIMT, KEEPS provided other important insights about MHT effects. Both MHTs versus placebo reduced the severity of menopausal symptoms and maintained bone density, but differed in efficacy regarding mood/anxiety, sleep, sexual function, and deposition of β-amyloid in the brain. Additionally, genetic variants in enzymes for metabolism and uptake of estrogen affected the efficacy of MHT for some aspects of symptom relief. KEEPS provides important information for use of MHT in clinical practice, including type, dose, and mode of delivery of MHT recently after menopause, and how genetic variants in hormone metabolism may affect MHT efficacy on specific outcomes.
-
2.
Effect of Transdermal Estradiol and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 on Bone Endpoints of Young Women With Anorexia Nervosa.
Singhal, V, Bose, A, Slattery, M, Haines, MS, Goldstein, MA, Gupta, N, Brigham, KS, Ebrahimi, S, Javaras, KN, Bouxsein, ML, et al
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. 2021;(7):2021-2035
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
CONTEXT Anorexia nervosa (AN) is prevalent in adolescent girls and is associated with bone impairment driven by hormonal alterations in nutritional deficiency. OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of estrogen replacement with and without recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-1 (rhIGF-1) administration on bone outcomes. DESIGN Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled 12-month longitudinal study. PARTICIPANTS Seventy-five adolescent and young adult women with AN age 14 to 22 years. Thirty-three participants completed the study. INTERVENTION Transdermal 17-beta estradiol 0.1 mg/day with (i) 30 mcg/kg/dose of rhIGF-1 administered subcutaneously twice daily (AN-IGF-1+) or (ii) placebo (AN-IGF-1-). The dose of rhIGF-1 was adjusted to maintain levels in the upper half of the normal pubertal range. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Bone turnover markers and bone density, geometry, microarchitecture, and strength estimates. RESULTS Over 12 months, lumbar areal bone mineral density increased in AN-IGF-1- compared to AN-IGF-1+ (P = 0.004). AN-IGF-1+ demonstrated no improvement in areal BMD in the setting of variable compliance to estrogen treatment. Groups did not differ for 12-month changes in bone geometry, microarchitecture, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), or strength (and results did not change after controlling for weight changes over 12 months). Both groups had increases in radial cortical area and vBMD, and tibia cortical vBMD over 12 months. Levels of a bone resorption marker decreased in AN-IGF-1- (P = 0.042), while parathyroid hormone increased in AN-IGF-1+ (P = 0.019). AN-IGF-1- experienced irregular menses more frequently than did AN-IGF-1+, but incidence of all other adverse events did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS We found no additive benefit of rhIGF-1 administration for 12 months over transdermal estrogen replacement alone in this cohort of young women with AN.
-
3.
Critical Role of Estrogens on Bone Homeostasis in Both Male and Female: From Physiology to Medical Implications.
Emmanuelle, NE, Marie-Cécile, V, Florence, T, Jean-François, A, Françoise, L, Coralie, F, Alexia, V
International journal of molecular sciences. 2021;(4)
Abstract
Bone is a multi-skilled tissue, protecting major organs, regulating calcium phosphate balance and producing hormones. Its development during childhood determines height and stature as well as resistance against fracture in advanced age. Estrogens are key regulators of bone turnover in both females and males. These hormones play a major role in longitudinal and width growth throughout puberty as well as in the regulation of bone turnover. In women, estrogen deficiency is one of the major causes of postmenopausal osteoporosis. In this review, we will summarize the main clinical and experimental studies reporting the effects of estrogens not only in females but also in males, during different life stages. Effects of estrogens on bone involve either Estrogen Receptor (ER)α or ERβ depending on the type of bone (femur, vertebrae, tibia, mandible), the compartment (trabecular or cortical), cell types involved (osteoclasts, osteoblasts and osteocytes) and sex. Finally, we will discuss new ongoing strategies to increase the benefit/risk ratio of the hormonal treatment of menopause.
-
4.
Phytoestrogens (Resveratrol and Equol) for Estrogen-Deficient Skin-Controversies/Misinformation versus Anti-Aging In Vitro and Clinical Evidence via Nutraceutical-Cosmetics.
Lephart, ED
International journal of molecular sciences. 2021;(20)
Abstract
The overarching theme for this review is perspective. Superfoods (a marketing term for fruits and vegetables, etc.) have a positive connotation, while many superfoods contain phytoestrogens, a term that is alarming to the public and has a negative connotation because phytoestrogens are endocrine-disruptors, even though they are strong antioxidants that have many health benefits. To understand phytoestrogens, this paper provides a brief summary of the characteristics of: (a) estrogens, (b) estrogen receptors (ER), (c) estrogen-deficient skin, (d) how perspective(s) get off track, (e) phytoestrogen food sources, and (f) misconceptions of phytoestrogens and food safety, in general, that influence person(s) away from what is true. Finally, a brief history of cosmetics to nutraceuticals is covered plus the characteristics of phytoestrogens, resveratrol and equol on: (g) estrogen receptor binding, (h) topical and oral dosing, and (i) in vitro, molecular mechanisms and select clinical evidence, where both phytoestrogens (resveratrol and equol) demonstrate promising applications to improve skin health is presented along with future directions of nutraceuticals. Perspective is paramount in understanding the controversies associated with superfoods, phytoestrogens, and endocrine-disruptors because they have both positive and negative connotations. Everyone is exposed to and consumes these molecules everyday regardless of age, gender, or geographic location around the world, and how we understand this is a matter of perspective.
-
5.
The Effects of Diet and Exercise on Endogenous Estrogens and Subsequent Breast Cancer Risk in Postmenopausal Women.
Wiggs, AG, Chandler, JK, Aktas, A, Sumner, SJ, Stewart, DA
Frontiers in endocrinology. 2021;:732255
Abstract
Endogenous estrogens have been associated with overall breast cancer risk, particularly for postmenopausal women, and ways to reduce these estrogens have served as a primary means to decrease overall risk. This narrative review of clinical studies details how various nutritional and exercise lifestyle interventions have been used to modify estrogen levels and metabolism to provide a protective impact against breast cancer incidence. We also summarized the evidence supporting the efficacy of interventions, outcomes of interest and identified emerging research themes. A systematic PubMed MEDLINE search identified scholarly articles or reviews published between 2000-2020 that contained either a cohort, cross-sectional, or interventional study design and focused on the relationships between diet and/or exercise and overall levels of different forms of estrogen and breast cancer risk and occurrence. Screening and data extraction was undertaken by two researchers. Data synthesis was narrative due to the heterogeneous nature of studies. A total of 1625 titles/abstracts were screened, 198 full texts reviewed; and 43 met eligibility criteria. Of the 43 studies, 28 were randomized controlled trials, and 15 were observational studies. Overall, studies that incorporated both diet and exercise interventions demonstrated better control of detrimental estrogen forms and levels and thus likely represent the best strategies for preventing breast cancer development for postmenopausal women. Some of the strongest associations included weight loss via diet and diet + exercise interventions, reducing alcohol consumption, and consuming a varied dietary pattern, similar to the Mediterranean diet. More research should be done on the effects of specific nutritional components on endogenous estrogen levels to understand the effect that the components have on their own and in combination within the diet.
-
6.
The Emerging Roles of Endocrine Hormones in Different Arthritic Disorders.
Bertoldo, E, Adami, G, Rossini, M, Giollo, A, Orsolini, G, Viapiana, O, Gatti, D, Fassio, A
Frontiers in endocrinology. 2021;:620920
Abstract
The relationship between endocrine hormones and the spectrum of rheumatic conditions has long been discussed in the literature, focusing primarily on sexual hormones, such as estrogens, androgens, prolactin (PRL). Estrogens are indeed involved in the pathogenesis of the main inflammatory arthritis thanks to their effects on the immune system, both stimulatory and inhibitory. The PRL system has been discovered in synovial tissue of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), patients and has been propose as a new potential therapeutic target. Besides sexual hormones, in the last years scientific interest about the crosstalk of immune system with other class of hormones has grown. Hormones acting on the bone tissue (i.e. parathyroid hormone, vitamin D) and modulators of the Wnt pathway (i.e. Dickkopf-1) have been demonstrated to play active role in inflammatory arthritis course, defining a new field of research named osteoimmunology. PTH, which is one of the main determinants of Dkkopf-1, plays a crucial role in bone erosions in RA and a correlation between PTH, Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) and disease activity has been found in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In PSA is under studying the interaction among IL-17 and bone metabolism. The purpose of this review is to discuss and summarize the recent data about the interaction between endocrine hormone and immune system in the main rheumatic disorders, covering in particular the role of bone-related hormones and cytokines. We will describe this relationship from a biochemical, diagnostic and therapeutic perspective, with a particular focus on RA, PsA and AS.
-
7.
Does preoperative locally applied estrogen treatment facilitate prolapse-associated symptoms in postmenopausal women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse? A randomised controlled double-masked, placebo-controlled, multicentre study.
Marschalek, ML, Bodner, K, Kimberger, O, Zehetmayer, S, Morgenbesser, R, Dietrich, W, Obruca, C, Husslein, H, Umek, W, Koelbl, H, et al
BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology. 2021;(13):2200-2208
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether locally applied vaginal estrogen affects prolapse-associated complaints compared with placebo treatment in postmenopausal women prior to surgical prolapse repair. DESIGN Randomised, double-masked, placebo-controlled, multicentre study. SETTING Urogynaecology unit at the Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital of Tulln. POPULATION Postmenopausal women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse and planned surgical prolapse repair. METHODS Women were randomly assigned local estrogen cream or placebo cream 6 weeks preoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was differences in subjective prolapse-associated complaints after 6 weeks of treatment prior to surgery, assessed with the comprehensive German pelvic floor questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included differences in other pelvic floor-associated complaints (bladder, bowel or sexual function). RESULTS Out of 120 women randomised, 103 (86%) remained for the final analysis. After 6 weeks of treatment the prolapse domain score did not differ between the estrogen and the placebo groups (4.4 ± 0.19 versus 4.6 ± 0.19; mean difference, -0.21; 95% CI -0.74 to 0.33; P = 0.445). Multivariate analysis, including only women receiving the intervention, showed that none of the confounding factors modified the response to estradiol. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that preoperative locally applied estrogen does not ameliorate prolapse-associated symptoms in postmenopausal women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Preoperative local estrogen does not ameliorate prolapse-associated symptoms in postmenopausal women with pelvic organ prolapse.
-
8.
The interplay between metabolic dysregulations and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in women after menopause.
Robeva, R, Mladenović, D, Vesković, M, Hrnčić, D, Bjekić-Macut, J, Stanojlović, O, Livadas, S, Yildiz, BO, Macut, D
Maturitas. 2021;:22-30
Abstract
The hypoestrogenic period after menopause and associated metabolic imbalance might facilitate the onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression. The prevalence of NAFLD increases in patients experiencing premature ovarian insufficiency, as well as surgical or natural menopause. The postmenopausal period is characterized by dyslipidemia and insulin resistance associated with an increased influx of free fatty acids to the liver with consequent steatosis and further progression of NAFLD. More than half of postmenopausal women with diabetes mellitus type 2 suffer from NAFLD. It is suggested that estrogens slow the progression of chronic liver diseases by suppression of inflammation, improvement of mitochondrial function, alleviation of oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and fibrogenesis. The hyperandrogenic state of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with the development of NAFLD in women of reproductive age, but it is difficult to extend these findings to menopause due to inappropriate diagnosis of PCOS after menopause. Lifestyle intervention, including physical activity and dietary regimens, remains the first-line preventive and therapeutic option for NAFLD. There are contradictory reports on the use of menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT) and NAFLD. It is necessary to investigate the potential effects of estradiol dose, progesterone type, selective estrogen receptor modulators and tissue-selective estrogen complex compounds on NAFLD development and progression in postmenopausal women. The present review aims to explore the pathophysiological and clinical aspects of liver metabolic disturbances in women after menopause, focusing on the possible preventive and therapeutic strategies in NAFLD, including the potential role of MHT.
-
9.
A new hypothesis linking oxytocin to menstrual migraine.
Bharadwaj, VN, Porreca, F, Cowan, RP, Kori, S, Silberstein, SD, Yeomans, DC
Headache. 2021;(7):1051-1059
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To highlight the emerging understanding of oxytocin (OT) and oxytocin receptors (OTRs) in modulating menstrual-related migraine (MRM). BACKGROUND MRM is highly debilitating and less responsive to therapy, and attacks are of longer duration than nonmenstrually related migraine. A clear understanding of the mechanisms underlying MRM is lacking. METHODS We present a narrative literature review on the developing understanding of the role of OT and the OTR in MRM. Literature on MRM on PubMed/MEDLINE database including clinical trials and basic science publications was reviewed using specific keywords. RESULTS OT is a cyclically released hypothalamic hormone/neurotransmitter that binds to the OTR resulting in inhibition of trigeminal neuronal excitability that can promote migraine pain including that of MRM. Estrogen regulates OT release as well as expression of the OTR. Coincident with menstruation, levels of both estrogen and OT decrease. Additionally, other serum biochemical factors, including magnesium and cholesterol, which positively modulate the affinity of OT for OTRs, both decrease during menstruation. Thus, during menstruation, multiple menstrually associated factors may lead to decreased circulating OT levels, decreased OT affinity for OTR, and decreased expression of the trigeminal OTR. Consistent with the view of migraine as a threshold disorder, these events may collectively result in decreased inhibition promoting lower thresholds for activation of meningeal trigeminal nociceptors and increasing the likelihood of an MRM attack. CONCLUSION Trigeminal OTR may thus be a novel target for the development of MRM therapeutics.
-
10.
Characterization of Hormone-Dependent Pathways in Six Human Prostate-Cancer Cell Lines: A Gene-Expression Study.
Franko, A, Berti, L, Guirguis, A, Hennenlotter, J, Wagner, R, Scharpf, MO, de Angelis, MH, Wißmiller, K, Lickert, H, Stenzl, A, et al
Genes. 2020;(10)
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa), the most incident cancer in men, is tightly regulated by endocrine signals. A number of different PCa cell lines are commonly used for in vitro experiments, but these are of diverse origin, and have very different cell-proliferation rates and hormone-response capacities. By analyzing the gene-expression pattern of main hormone pathways, we systematically compared six PCa cell lines and parental primary cells. We compared these cell lines (i) with each other and (ii) with PCa tissue samples from 11 patients. We found major differences in the gene-expression levels of androgen, insulin, estrogen, and oxysterol signaling between PCa tissue and cell lines, and between different cell lines. Our systematic characterization gives researchers a solid basis to choose the appropriate PCa cell model for the hormone pathway of interest.