After menopause, when estrogen levels decrease, there is room for the activity of anthropogenic substances with estrogenic properties - endocrine disruptors (EDs) - that can interfere with bone remodeling and changes in calcium-phosphate metabolism. Selected unconjugated EDs of the bisphenol group - BPA, BPS, BPF, BPAF, and the paraben family - methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, and benzyl-parabens - were measured by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in the plasma of 24 postmenopausal women. Parameters of calcium-phosphate metabolism and bone mineral density were assessed. Osteoporosis was classified in 14 women, and 10 women were put into the control group. The impact of EDs on calcium-phosphate metabolism was evaluated by multiple linear regressions. In women with osteoporosis, concentrations of BPA ranged from the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) - 104 pg/ml and methyl paraben (MP) from LLOQ - 1120 pg/ml. The alternative bisphenols BPS, BPF and BPAF were all under the LLOQ. Except for MP, no further parabens were detected in the majority of samples. The multiple linear regression model found a positive association of BPA (β=0.07, p<0.05) on calcium (Ca) concentrations. Furthermore, MP (β=-0.232, p<0.05) was negatively associated with C-terminal telopeptide. These preliminary results suggest that these EDs may have effects on calcium-phosphate metabolism., J. Vitku, L. Kolatorova, L. Franekova, J. Blahos, M. Simkova, M. Duskova, T. Skodova, L. Starka., and Obsahuje bibliografii
A common variant of the LHb subunit has a varying prevalence in various ethnic groups. The consequences of the presence of mutated luteinizing hormone (LH) concern borderline alterations in pituitary/gonadal function that could be mediated by an altered action of variant LH on gonadal steroidogenesis. A comparison of plasma concentrations of gonadal steroid sex hormones was completed in women heterozygous for variant LH and in women with the wild type of LH in three different age ranges. The sample was a randomly selected group of 177 normal women 16 to 72 years old. Variant LH was determined by immunofluorimetric methods using two combinations of monoclonal antibodies. The ratios of LH measured by the two assays indicated whether the subject was wild type homozygote, heterozygote or homozygote for the variant LHb allele. The carriers of the variant LH allele in the group of postmenopausal women showed higher serum testosterone levels than those with the wild type LH. This is in agreement with the clinical observations made previously showing a slightly higher androgenic action in the population with variant LH. No differences were detected in serum LH, FSH, epitestosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)., M. Hill, I.T. Huhtaniemi, R. Hampl, L. Stárka., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Here we analyzed associations between muscles mass, total bone mineral content (BMC), lumbar spine bone density (BMD L1-L4) and serum or urine hormones in healthy peripubertal girls. Total BMC and areal BMD L1-L4, muscle mass and fat were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Muscle force (N) was estimated by a dynamometer. Circulating estradiol, folliclestimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), 25-hydroxy vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), leptin, osteocalcin, bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (bALP) and total calcium and phosphorus were quantified as the nocturnal melatonin and serotonin urinary excretion. Partial correlations adjusted for height, Tanner score and physical activity confirmed positive relationships between BMC or BMD L1-L4 (Z-score) and lean mass or fat. Furthermore, positive relationship was observed between BMC or BMD L1-L4 (Z-score) and serum leptin. After adjustment for Tanner score and physical activity, positive associations were observed between lean mass and IGF-1, leptin levels or muscle force. We proved positive relationships between bone mass and serum leptin in peripubertal girls., V. Cirmanova, I. Zofkova, P. Kasalicky, V. Lanska, M. Bayer, L. Starka, R. Kanceva., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological diseases. This neurodegenerative autoimmune disease manifests as inflammatory and demyelinating impairment of the central nervous system (CNS). Although some studies demonstrated associations between altered steroidogenesis and pathophysiology of MS as well as the importance of steroids in the pathophysiology of MS, the knowledge concerning the steroid metabolome in female patients is limited. Hence, 51 steroids and steroid polar conjugates were measured in the serum of 12 women with MS, untreated with steroids and 6 agecorresponding female controls with the use of gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The data were processed using age adjusted ANCOVA, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS). Our data show higher levels of circulating C21 steroids including steroid modulators of ionotropic type A γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA A) receptors and glutamate receptors. Furthermore, the levels of GABAergic androsterone and 5-androsten-3β,7α,17β-triol were also higher in the female MS patients. In conclusion, the data demonstrate higher levels of circulating C21 steroids and their polar conjugates and some bioactive C19 steroids in women with MS, which may influence neuronal activity and affect the balance between neuroprotection and excitotoxicity., R. Kanceva, L. Stárka, L. Kancheva, M. Hill, M. Veliková, E. Havrdová., and Obsahuje bibliografii
The cyclical effects of hormones during the menstrual cycle (MC) are not just responsible for driving ovulation, but also have significant influence on dietary intake and appetite, as well as psychological and behavioral changes. The aim of our study was to describe changes and relationships between the MC and selected steroids, adipokines and food intake-related hormones. Twenty-seven women with regular menstrual cycles were included in the study, and their hormonal spectrum was measured in regular intervals starting from the first day of their cycle. Classical changes in gonadotropins, estrogens and progesterone during the menstrual cycle are accompanied by less striking but significant changes in 17-hydroxyprogesterone and testosterone. No significant changes show dehydroepiandrosterone and its 7-oxygenated metabolites. Adipokines show a tendency to increase during ovulation, while ghrelin and resistin decrease. There is also a remarkable association of sex hormone-binding globulin on the day of the cycle. Our results demonstrate that changes to adipokines during the menstrual cycle are not substantial, but nonetheless can play a role in the changes of food intake described in the literature. Precise descriptions of physiological changes in healthy women are important in helping us understand the significance of the changes accompanying various pathological states., M. Šrámková, M. Dušková, J. Vítků, J. Včelák, P. Matucha, O. Bradnová, J. de Cordeiro, L. Stárka., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Obesity is linked to a wide range of serious illnesses. In addition to the important impact on the health of the individual, obesity also has a substantial impact on the economy. Disruption of physiological day-night cycles could contribute to the increased incidence of obesity. According to the American National Sleep Federation, the percentage of the people who reported a sleep duration of six hours or less increased from 12 to 37 % over ten years. Insufficient sleep leads not only to an increase of the total calorie intake but changes the meal preference in favor of palatable foods and meals with high carbohydrate content. A decrease of leptin and increase of ghrelin levels caused by sleep deficiency can also play a role. In addition to the higher caloric intake, the timing of food consumption should be taken into account. The same meal eaten during the night versus the day is associated with increased postprandial glucose and triglyceride levels. The gut microbiome has also been recently understood as an endocrine system, with links between the gut microbiome and circadian rhythm changes possibly influencing increased obesity., B. Rácz, M. Dušková, L. Stárka, V. Hainer, M. Kunešová., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a frequent liver disorder, mostly occurring in the third trimester. ICP is not harmful to the mothers but threatens the fetus. The authors evaluated steroid alterations in maternal and mixed umbilical blood to elucidate their role in the ICP development. Ten women with ICP were included in the study. Steroids in the maternal blood were measured by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) (n=58) and RIA (n=5) at the diagnosis of ICP, labor, day 5 postpartum, week 3 postpartum and week 6 postpartum. The results were evaluated by ANOVA consisting of the subject factor, between subject factors ICP, gestational age at the diagnosis of ICP and gestational age at labor, withinsubject factor Stage and ICP × Stage interaction. The 17 controls were firstly examined in the week 36 of gestation. ICP patients showed reduced CYP17A1 activity in the C17,20 lyase step thus shifting the balance between the toxic conjugated pregnanediols and harmless sulfated 5α/β-reduced-17-oxo C19 steroids. Hence, more toxic metabolites originating in maternal liver from the placental pregnanes may penetrate backward to the fetal circulation. As these alterations persist in puerperium, the circulating steroids could be potentially used for predicting the predisposition to ICP even before next pregnancy., P. Šimják, M. Hill, A. Pařízek, L. Vítek, M. Velíková, M. Dušková, R. Kancheva, J. Bulant, M. Koucký, Z. Kokrdová, K. Adamcová, A. Černý, Z. Hájek, L. Stárka., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Melatonin plays a key role in the circadian timing system. At present, many other functions of melatonin are known. Question remains whether changes in endogenous melatonin may be associated with food intake. Hence, the levels of melatonin, C-peptide and glucose were followed during a daily regimen (16 hours) including standardized food intake using commercial kits. The diurnal profiles of the hormones and serum glucose were evaluated using ANOVA with Period and Subject as independent factors. Pearson’s correlations and using a multiple stepwise backward regression model consisting of the time factor as a polynomial, and serum C-peptide and glucose assessed the correlations between melatonin and the remaining parameters. Our results showed a significant negative correlation between melatonin and C-peptide. The profile of melatonin was physiological, decreasing after wake-up, showing minor changes during the daytime and increasing in the evening. As documented, lesser alterations were indicated in the course of the melatonin daytime profile, which may reflect periodic food intake. Food intake is not the primary factor influencing the melatonin course. While previous studies have mostly considered the protective effect of melatonin in diabetic subjects, our study brought the results suggesting food intake as a factor contributing to daytime melatonin variation in humans. However, the physiological role of melatonin association with food intake in daytime remains in question and should be further investigated., L. Stárka, M. Dušková, B. Rácz, K. Šimůnková, M. Hill, R. Kancheva., and Obsahuje bibliografii a bibliografické odkazy
n our study, 213 healthy Czech women aged 20 to 65 years were examined and divided into fully reproductive, premenopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal groups. In all subjects body composition was determined by classical anthropometry and metabolic profile was assessed. A total of 146 subjects completed 3-year longitudinal study. Total and LDL cholesterol increased and ratio HDL/total cholesterol decreased with age (p<0.001), most significantly in menopause. Triacylglycerols increased only up to menopause. HDL had a very slight trend to decrease in menopause and postmenopause. Fasting blood glucose level increased progressively (p<0.001), in postmenopause frequently exceeded normal range. Higher BMI, total fat mass and central fat indices were associated with higher total and LDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols, C-peptide, insulin and fasting blood glucose level (p<0.001; fasting blood glucose level to waist-to-hip ratio: p<0.01) and lower HDL cholesterol (p<0.001). Higher C-peptide and insulin were associated with lower HDL cholesterol and higher triacylglycerols (p<0.001). Fasting glucose correlated with LD L cholesterol (p<0.01). Higher SHBG was associated with higher HDL and lower LDL cholesterol (p<0.001). Hormone replacement treatment was related to lower fasting blood glucose level in postmenopausal women (p<0.01). Oral contraception is suggestive of a positive influence on lipid spectrum by increasing the ratio HDL/total cholesterol. Markers of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism are not only age-related, but they are also related to BMI, total fat mass and central fat indices. Therefore, preventive programs should be focused above all on menopausal women., I. Kosková, R. Petrásek, K. Vondra, M. Dušková, L. Stárka., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Parabens are a group of chemicals used as preservatives in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. They are known to possess estrogenic effects, and therefore have been classified as endocrine disruptors. In addition to the classical endocrine organs, other tissues have endocrine activity, including adipose tissue. Several chemicals are known to cause obesogenic effects, and parabens are currently being studied in this context. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible connections of paraben exposure and obesity. Blood plasma from 27 healthy women was collected during their menstrual cycle. Basal anthropometric measures, levels of parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben and propylparaben), adipokines (adiponectin, adipsin, leptin, resistin and visfatin) and hormones affecting energy balance and metabolic health (c-peptide, ghreline, GIP, GLP-1, glucagon, insulin, PAI-1) were measured. A Kolmogorov- Smirnov test showed higher methylparaben and propylparaben levels in women with BMI 25-34.9 compared to those with BMI 18.5-24.9. Plasma levels of methylparaben as well as the sum of parabens were positively associated with the plasma adipsin levels. Negative associations for methylparaben were found for glucagon, leptin and PAI-1. In accordance with other experimental studies we observed important associations of methylparaben and hormones affecting energy balance and metabolic health, indicating its obesogenic potential., L. Kolatorova, M. Sramkova, J. Vitku, J. Vcelak, O. Lischkova, L. Starka, M. Duskova., and Obsahuje bibliografii