Blood Rheology, Sex Hormones, and Cortisol in Athletes

The interrelations of blood rheology, plasma proteins and lipids, and steroid hormones (total testosterone, estradiol, and cortisol) were studied in athletes (N = 14). Blood (BV), plasma (PV), and erythrocyte suspension (ESV) viscosities; fibrinogen; total cholesterol (Ch); low density lipoprotein (LDL) Ch; and plasminogen activity were lower in the athletes than in control subjects (N = 10). The specific peripheral vascular resistance (SPVR) to BV ratio and PWC₁₇₀ were lower in the athletes. All these parameters correlated with decreased estradiol. Discriminant analysis indicated PWC₁₇₀, estradiol, and ESV to be the main parameters discriminating the groups. Decreased estradiol seemed to be associated with an increased physical activity in the athletes, as evident from its correlation with PWC₁₇₀ and differences in the body composition (a correlation with the body mass index). No significant difference was found in total Ch and cortisol. However, in the combined sample, decreased testosterone was associated with decreased BV, which was explained by direct correlations of the hormone with hematocrit (Ht) and PV through relationships with Ch and triglycerides (TG). Increased cortisol correlated with the higher plasma fluidity in the athletes as a result of inverse correlations of the hormone with TG and the increased suspension stability of the blood. Training-induced changes in hormonal and metabolic parameters were assumed to play an important role in the regulation of blood fluidity in athletes.     

甲状腺功能减退患者血清甲状腺激素、同型半胱氨酸及血脂水平测定的临床意义

目的:探讨甲状腺功能减退患者血清同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)、甲状腺激素(TH)及血脂水平测定的临床意义。方法:选取2016年2月-2017年2月期间我院收治的甲状腺功能减退患者101例为观察组,选取同期于我院体检的健康志愿者80例为对照组。检测所有研究对象甲状腺素(FT4)和三碘甲状腺原氨酸(FT3)、Hcy及血脂[甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)]变化水平。比较观察组治疗前后、对照组与观察组治疗前FT3、FT4、Hcy及血脂水平,采用Pearson相关性分析血清Hcy与FT3、FT4、血脂水平的相关性。结果:观察组患者治疗后FT3、FT4均较治疗前升高,Hcy、TC、LDL-C均较治疗前降低(P0.05),而观察组患者治疗前后TG、HDL-C比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组治疗前FT3、FT4、HDL-C水平明显低于对照组,而Hcy、TG、TC、LDL-C则明显高于对照组(P0.05)。经Pearson相关性分析显示,甲状腺功能减退患者Hcy与FT3、FT4呈负相关(P0.05),与TC、TG呈正相关(P0.05),而与LDL-C、HDL-C无相关性(P0.05)。结论:甲状腺功能减退患者的FT3、FT4、Hcy及血脂水平表达异常,且Hcy与FT3、FT4、血脂水平密切相关,临床上可通过监测甲状腺功能减退患者的上述指标,有助于评估患者的病情程度。     

Relationships between Dietary Fat,Body Fat,and Serum Lipid Profile in Prepubertal Children

KU, CHING YI, BARBARA A. GOWER, TIM R. NAGY, MICHAEL I. GORAN. Relationships between dietary fat, body fat, and serum lipid profile in prepubertal children. Obes Res. 1998;6:400–407. Objective : The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that dietary fat components were associated with the serum lipid profile independent of ethnicity, body fat, and fat distribution in prepubertal children. Research Methods and Procedures : Sixty-six children (45 African American and 21 Caucasian), aged from 4 to 10 years, were recruited into the study. Dietary total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat were estimated by averaging two 24-hour diet recalls. Fasting serum triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were analyzed, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated by the method of Friedewald. Body composition and fat distribution were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography. Results : Children in both ethnic groups tended to overreport their dietary intake relative to total energy expenditure by 18%. African American children consumed more energy from total fat (35.3% vs. 31.5%, p<0.05), saturated fat (13.7% vs 12.2%, p<0.05), protein (16.4% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.02), and less from carbohydrate (48% vs. 57.1%, p<0.01) than Caucasian children. There was no significant correlation between dietary fat and either serum lipids or body fat indices after adjusting for nonfat energy intake and total lean tissue mass. Total body fat (r = 0.32), subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (r = 0.39), and intraabdominal adipose tissue (r = 0.42) were positively related to serum triacylglycerol; these associations remained significant in a multiple linear regression model in which body fat indices were adjusted for ethnicity, total lean tissue, dietary total fat, and nonfat intake. Discussion : Our results do not support a link between dietary fat and serum lipids; instead, our data suggest that body fat may play a more important role than dietary fat in the course of cardiovascular disease development in prepubertal children.     

Plasma Zinc,Copper, and Serum Thyroid Hormones and Insulin Levels After Zinc Supplementation Followed by Placebo in Competitive Athletes

Intense physical activity is associated with biological adaptations involving hormones and trace elements. Zinc supplementation may affect plasma copper concentration, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones, insulin, and glucose homeostasis, but data in athletes are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate in competitive athletes (cyclists, n = 7, 32 ± 8 years) the effect of zinc supplementation (22 mg/day as zinc gluconate) during 30 days, and discontinuation using placebo (maltodextrin) during the following 30 days, on plasma zinc and copper concentrations, serum thyroid hormones, insulin and glucose levels, and HOMA2-IR. Compared to baseline, plasma zinc and Zn:Cu plasma ratio increased, but plasma copper decreased after zinc supplementation (day 30) and discontinuation (day 60) (p < 0.05). Zn supplementation and discontinuation had no effect on TSH, T3, and T4. Fasting serum insulin and HOMA2-IR increased (27% and 47%, respectively) on day 60 compared to baseline (p = 0.03), suggesting a delayed effect of zinc supplementation. Moreover, plasma zinc was positively associated with serum insulin (r = 0.87, p = 0.009) and HOMA2-IR (r = 0.81, p = 0.03) after zinc supplementation (day 30), indicating that supplemental zinc may impair glucose utilization in cyclists.     

Thyroid Hormones and Methylmercury Toxicity

Thyroid hormones are essential for cellular metabolism, growth, and development. In particular, an adequate supply of thyroid hormones is critical for fetal neurodevelopment. Thyroid hormone tissue activation and inactivation in brain, liver, and other tissues is controlled by the deiodinases through the removal of iodine atoms. Selenium, an essential element critical for deiodinase activity, is sensitive to mercury and, therefore, when its availability is reduced, brain development might be altered. This review addresses the possibility that high exposures to the organometal, methylmercury (MeHg), may perturb neurodevelopmental processes by selectively affecting thyroid hormone homeostasis and function.     

The Interaction between Steroid Hormones and Lipid Monolayers on Water

The interaction of progesterone, testosterone, androsterone, and etiocholanolone with insoluble lipid films (cholesterol and saturated hydrocarbons containing either alcohol, ester, acetamide, phosphate, amine, or carboxyl groups) was studied. In addition to surface pressure and surface potential measurements of the surface films, radioactive tracers were used to measure the concentration of adsorbed steroid in the lipid films. In general, steroids form mixed films with the insoluble lipid films. Compression of the insoluble lipid films to their most condensed state leads to complete ejection of adsorbed steroid from the surface in all cases except with the amine, for which a small amount of steroid is still retained in the surface. Interactions between the steroids and insoluble lipids are primarily due to van der Waals or dispersion forces; there were no significant contributions from dipole-dipole interactions (except possibly with the amine). Specific interactions between cholesterol and the soluble steroids were not observed. Evidence suggests that low steroid concentrations influence structure of lipid films by altering the hydration layer in the surface film. In contrast to a specific site of action, it is proposed that steroid hormones initiate structural changes in a variety of biological sites; this model of steroid action is consistent with the ubiquity of many steroid hormones.     

Excess Iodine and High-Fat Diet Combination Modulates Lipid Profile, Thyroid Hormone, and Hepatic LDLr Expression Values in Mice

The aim of this study was to illustrate the combined effect of excess iodine and high-fat diet on lipid metabolism and its potential molecular mechanism. Sixty Balb/c mice were randomly allocated to three control groups or three excess iodine groups and fed with a high-fat diet in the absence or presence of 1,200 μg/L iodine for 1, 3, or 6 months, respectively. Serum lipid parameters and serum thyroid hormones were measured. Expressions of scavenger receptor class B type-I (SR-BI) and low density lipoproteins receptor (LDLr) mRNA and protein in liver were detected. Thyroid histology and liver type 1 iodothyronine deiodinase activity were analyzed. At the end of 3 and 6 months, compared with control, serum TC, TG, and LDL-C in excess iodine group were significantly lower (p < 0.05). LDLr expression in liver was increased significantly (p < 0.05) and parallel to the change of serum TC and TG. TT3 and TT4 levels in serum were elevated and TSH decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Liver type I iodothyronine deiodinase activity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than control at the end of 6 months. Moreover, a time course damage effect of excess iodine combined with high-fat diet on thyroid glands was observed. The present findings demonstrated that excess iodine combined with high-fat diet could cause damage to thyroid glands and lead to thyroid hormone disorder. Those in turn caused the upregulation of hepatic LDLr gene, which resulted in the disorder in serum lipids.     

大动脉粥样硬化性脑梗死合并SCH患者甲状腺激素与血脂、BDNF及Hcy的关系研究

摘要 目的：探讨大动脉粥样硬化性脑梗死合并亚临床甲状腺功能减退(SCH)患者甲状腺激素与血脂、脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)以及血清同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)的关系。方法：选取2017年8月~2019年8月期间本院收治的单纯大动脉粥样硬化性脑梗死患者278例纳入脑梗死组,大动脉粥样硬化性脑梗死合并SCH患者122例纳入合并组,另选同期在我院进行体检的健康受试者40例为对照组。检测并对比三组受试者的甲状腺激素、血脂指标、BDNF、Hcy水平,并对大动脉粥样硬化性脑梗死合并SCH患者甲状腺激素与血脂、BDNF、Hcy的相关性进行分析。结果：脑梗死组、合并组患者的促甲状腺激素(TSH)水平均高于对照组,且合并组高于脑梗死组(P<0.05)。脑梗死组、合并组患者的甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL-C)水平均高于对照组,且合并组高于脑梗死组(P<0.05)。脑梗死组、合并组BDNF水平低于对照组,Hcy水平高于对照组,且合并组BDNF水平低于脑梗死组,Hcy水平高于脑梗死组 (P<0.05)。经Pearson相关性分析,大动脉粥样硬化性脑梗死合并SCH患者的TSH水平与TG、TC、LDL-C、Hcy呈正相关性,与BDNF呈负相关性(P<0.05)。结论：脑梗死合并SCH患者甲状腺激素水平与患者的血脂水平、BDNF、Hcy有一定的相关性,初步推测SCH通过影响机体的脂质代谢、升高Hcy水平、降低BDNF水平等途径,加重患者的脑梗死程度。     

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on the Status of Thyroid Hormones and Na,K, and Ca Levels in Blood Following Ethanol Feeding

The influence of zinc (Zn) on the serum levels of triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and sodium (Na), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) was evaluated following ethanol toxicity to the rats. To achieve this, male Wistar rats (150–195 g) were given 3 ml of 30% ethanol orally, and zinc was given in the form of zinc sulfate (227 mg/l) in their drinking water daily for 8 weeks. Ethanol feeding resulted in a slight decrease in T₃ and T₄ levels and a significant increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration, which may be due to the direct stimulatory effect of ethanol on thyroid. Interestingly, when zinc was given to these rats, all the above levels were brought quite close to their normal levels, thus indicating the positive role of zinc in thyroid hormone metabolism. Serum Zn and Ca levels were found to be reduced, but Na levels were raised upon ethanol feeding. Restoration of normal levels of these metals upon zinc supplementation to ethanol fed rats confirms that zinc has potential in alleviating some of the altered thyroid functions following ethanol administration.     

Thyroid Hormones and Derivatives Inhibit Flunitrazepam Binding

Thyroid hormones and their derivatives were found to inhibit [3H]flunitrazepam binding stereospecifically and in a monophasic manner. Among the compounds tested, D-thyroxine was the most potent inhibitor (IC50 = 0.5 microM). The naturally occurring L-thyroxine was about 40-fold less potent (IC50 = 20 microM). The structure-activity relationships seem to imply that the thyronine base has the principal role in the inhibition of benzodiazepine receptor binding. The type of inhibition was examined with the most potent inhibitor, D-thyroxine, by Scatchard analysis. The apparent dissociation constant (KD) of the [3H]flunitrazepam binding increased and the receptor density (Bmax) decreased as a function of D-thyroxine concentration; this is characteristic of mixed-type inhibition.     

Blood Biochemistry,Thyroid Hormones,and Oxidant/Antioxidant Status of Guinea Pigs Challenged with Sodium Arsenite or Arsenic Trioxide

The present experiment aimed to compare the two most commonly used compounds of arsenic (sodium arsenite and arsenic trioxide) for their effect on blood metabolites, thyroid hormones, and oxidant/antioxidant status in guinea pigs. Twenty-one adult guinea pigs were randomly divided into three equal groups. Animals in group T₁ (control) were fed a basal diet, whereas 50 ppm arsenic was added in the basal diet either as sodium arsenite (T₂) or arsenic trioxide (T₃) and fed for 11 weeks. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities were significantly increased along with a decrease in blood hemoglobin level in both the arsenic-administered groups. The level of erythrocytic antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione reductase) was decreased and lipid peroxidation was elevated upon arsenic exposure. Serum thyroid hormone levels were reduced and arsenic levels in tissues increased in both the arsenic-exposed groups, irrespective of the arsenic compound. Thus, sodium arsenite and arsenic trioxide exerted similar adverse effects on blood metabolic profile, antioxidant status, and thyroid hormones in guinea pigs.     

类风湿关节炎患者血脂水平与疾病活动度的相关性研究

目的:观察类风湿关节炎(RA)患者血脂的变化,以及血脂水平与疾病活动度之间的相关性。方法:对71例RA患者和77例正常对照的血脂水平进行回顾性分析,并对RA患者的血脂水平与其疾病活动度进行相关性分析。结果:RA患者的血清总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)水平均高于正常对照组(P0.01),高密度脂蛋白(HDL)水平降低(P0.01)。DAS28评分与TC(r=0.49,P0.01)、TG(r=0.38,P0.01)和LDL(r=0.55,P0.01)呈正相关,与HDL呈负相关(r=-0.57,P0.01),血沉与TC(r=0.26,P=0.03)、TG(r=0.28,P=0.02)呈正相关,C反应蛋白与TC(r=0.65,P0.01)、TG(r=0.30,P=0.01)和LDL(r=0.39,P0.01)均呈正相关。结论:RA患者存在血脂水平异常,且与疾病活动度相关。对血脂进行干预可能改善RA患者的长期预后。