Determination of response of cortisol and its metabolites to different stimuli may be important for adrenal gland disorders. To date, only one metabolite, cortisone, has been followed in stimulation tests of the adrenal gland. We aimed to describe a response of cortisol metabolites to the standard short Synacthen test (HDST), insulin tolerance test (ITT), low dose Synacthen test (LDST) and medium dose Synacthen test (MDST). Sixty healthy subjects were investigated: 30 men and 30 women. Plasma for measurements of cortisol and its metabolites was obtained before and 30th and 60th min after Synacthen and insulin administration. The cut-off 500 nmol/l of cortisol was reached after stimulation in all of tests, the maximal stimulation level was reached in 60th min in all of the tests except for LDST. The response of cortisol and its metabolites at 30th and 60th min strongly correlated in all of the tests except for LDST. Cortisol and its metabolites increased after stimulation; in contrast, cortisone and its metabolites decreased. We showed that the response of the cortisol metabolites during the Synacthen tests and ITT well correlated, and the MDST showed similar response compared to HDST. The decrease in cortisone metabolites may correspond to the regeneration of cortisol from cortisone in response to stimulation test., K. Simunkova, M. Duskova, M. Kosak, M. Krsek, V. Hana, M. Hill, H. Jandikova, H. Pospisilova, M. Sramkova, E. Bifulco, L. Starka., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Addiction to tobacco results in an imbalance of endocrine homeostasis in both sexes. This can also have impacts on fertility problems. The male reproductive system is less susceptible than that of females, with a worsening spermiogram in smokers, the most cited effect in the literature. However, the literature is inconsistent as to the effects of smoking on steroid hormone levels in men, and there is very little data on the effects of quitting smoking in men. In this study we followed 76 men before quitting smoking, and then after 6, 12, and 24 weeks and 1 year of abstinence. We measured basic anthropomorphic data and steroid hormone levels along with steroid neuroactive metabolites using GC-MS. We demonstrate lower androgen levels in men who smoke, and these changes worsened after quitting smoking. There was a drop in SHBG already in the first week of non-smoking, and levels continued to remain low. Male smokers have lower androgen levels compared to non-smokers. The lower the initial level of androgen, the lower the likelihood of success in quitting smoking. Changes in steroid hormones proved to be a promising marker for the prediction of success in quitting smoking., H. Jandikova, M. Duskova, K. Simunkova, B. Racz, M. Hill, E. Kralikova, K. Vondra, L. Starka., and Obsahuje bibliografii