Regulation of leptin gene expression and secretion by steroid hormones.

Previous work has shown that 17 beta-estradiol is the primary ovarian signal regulating body weight and adiposity, although its mechanisms of action remain unclear. We hypothesized that 17 beta-estradiol could enhance leptin levels as a mechanism of its anorectic effects. Administration of 5 microg 17 beta-estradiol subcutaneously (s.c.) for 2 days significantly elevated leptin mRNA levels in adipose tissue as compared to vehicle controls (P < 0.003). A time-course administration of estrogen showed increased mRNA levels in adipose tissue between 6 and 12 h after estrogen injection as compared to vehicle controls (P < 0.03). Corresponding to the increased leptin mRNA levels at 6 and 12 h, elevated plasma leptin levels were observed at 12 h after estrogen administration as compared to controls (P < 0.05). Administration of progesterone (1 mg/rat) after estradiol injection did not enhance the elevated leptin mRNA levels in adipose tissue. Serum leptin levels from cycling rats did not differ significantly between metestrous and proestrous animals. In conclusion, the present studies demonstrate that 17 beta-estradiol can regulate leptin gene expression and secretion in the female rat, thus providing a better understanding of the possible anorectic effect of estrogens.     

Elevation of Striatal Dopamine Receptors by Estrogen: Dose and Time Studies

Administration to male rats of a single dose of 17 beta-estradiol valerate (8-500 micrograms/rat) or implantation of a pellet containing 17 beta-estradiol (0.5-50 mg/rat) increased serum 17 beta-estradiol levels in a dose-dependent relationship when measured on the sixth day after administration. At the same time, after these doses, the serum rat prolactin (rPRL) levels were doubled and the striatal 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine (DA, dopamine) receptor densities were increased 20%. A single dose of 17 beta-estradiol valerate of 4 micrograms/rat or less did not alter serum 17 beta-estradiol or rPRL levels or the striatal DA receptor density. After the single injection of 17 beta-estradiol valerate (125 micrograms/rat) the serum 17 beta-estradiol levels peaked at 1 day, the serum rPRL levels peaked at 2 days, and the striatal DA receptor density elevation peaked from 4 to 8 days. Implantation of a pellet containing 17 beta-estradiol (25 mg/rat) produced a constant elevation of serum 17 beta-estradiol levels from 1 to 10 days. Whereas the serum rPRL levels were continuously elevated about two-fold, the densities of the striatal DA receptors were increased significantly by 20-25% only from 4 to 8 days after pellet implantation. These results indicate that striatal DA receptor density rises and returns to control levels during the constant elevation of serum 17 beta-estradiol and rPRL levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Tissue compartment-specific role of estrogen receptor subtypes in immune cell cytokine production following trauma-hemorrhage.

Although 17beta-estradiol administration following trauma-hemorrhage attenuates plasma cytokines and alteration in immune cell cytokine production, it is not known whether the salutary effects are mediated via estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha or ER-beta. Accordingly, we examined which ER subtype predominantly mediates the salutary effects of 17beta-estradiol on systemic inflammatory response/immune cell cytokine production in various tissues following trauma-hemorrhage. Male rats underwent trauma-hemorrhage (mean blood pressure: 40 mmHg for 90 min) and fluid resuscitation. The ER-alpha agonist propyl pyrazole triol (PPT; 5 microg/kg), the ER-beta agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN; 5 microg/kg), 17beta-estradiol (50 microg/kg), or vehicle (10% DMSO) was injected subcutaneously during resuscitation, and various measurements were made 24 h thereafter. 17beta-Estradiol or PPT administration following trauma-hemorrhage prevented the increase in plasma IL-6 and IL-10 levels that were observed in vehicle-treated animals. IL-6 and TNF-alpha production by Kupffer cells increased; however, splenic macrophages (SMPhi), alveolar macrophages (AMPhi), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) had decreased release of these cytokines after trauma-hemorrhage. IL-10 production, however, increased in all macrophage populations. Administration of 17beta-estradiol following trauma-hemorrhage prevented all of these alterations. PPT had the same effects as 17beta-estradiol on IL-6 and TNF-alpha production by Kupffer cells and SMPhi, and DPN had the same effects on AMPhi and PBMC. The same effects as 17beta-estradiol on IL-10 production were observed by PPT on Kupffer cells and DPN on PBMC. Both agonists were equally effective on SMPhi and AMPhi. Thus ER subtypes have tissue compartment-specific roles in mediating the effects of 17beta-estradiol on immune cell functions following trauma-hemorrhage.     

On the role of 17 alpha-estradiol and 17 beta-estradiol in the proliferation of MCF7 and T47D-A11 human breast tumor cells

A comparative study of the proliferative effect of 17 beta-estradiol and 17 alpha-estradiol on human estrogen-sensitive cell lines was performed. When using charcoal-dextran stripped human female sera-supplemented media the administration of the hormones, 17 alpha-estradiol at 3 X 10(-10)M, and 17 beta-estradiol at 3 X 10(-11)M, resulted in a ten-fold increase in cell yield when compared with non-estrogen supplemented controls after cells were grown for periods between 10 to 14 days. No significant metabolization of 17 alpha-estradiol into 17 beta-estradiol occurred as measured by the E2 levels in the supernatants of the cell culture flasks. Increased concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol and 17 alpha-estradiol added to the media bathing C7MCF7-173 cells resulted in a triggering of a partially successful shut-off effect; this phenomenon was not observed with T47D-All cells. These results are compatible with predictions stemming from the indirect and direct negative working hypothesis for the regulation of cell proliferation.     

Partial deficiency in 21-hydroxylase in certain forms of hirsutism

The ACTH test is important when hirsutism occurs in women with a slight 21-hydroxylase deficiency, and normal basal 17-OH Progesterone (17-OH-P/plasma levels). Extensive hormonal assays: LH, FSH, Prolactin, 17 beta-estradiol (E2), Estrone, 17OH-P, Androstenedione, Testosterone, Cortisol (C), Dehydroepiandrosterone-S (DEA-S) were carried out in 36 hirsute women. 13 of these presented hormone levels as found in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 6 women presented a slight 21-hydroxylase deficiency (increased plasma 17-OH-P and decreased C after ACTH test with significant, p less than 0.01, increase of 17-OH-P/C and 17 women presented idiopathic hirsutism (IH). The hormonal pattern, in the basal condition, is not different in IH or in slight 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The ACTH test is able to differentiate between IH and adrenal hirsutism.     

Skin temperature rise induced by calcitonin gene-related peptide in gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue-treated female rats and alleviation by Keishi-bukuryo-gan, a Japanese herbal medicine

The effects of Keishi-bukuryo-gan on calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-induced elevation of skin temperature were investigated in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue-treated female rats. Leupline (1.0 mg/kg) as the GnRH analogue was subcutaneously (s.c.) injected into female rats. After Keishi-bukuryo-gan (100-1,000 mg/kg, p.o.) or 17beta-estradiol (0.010 mg/kg, s.c.) was administered to GnRH analogue-treated rats for 14 days, CGRP-induced skin temperature elevation, concentration of plasma 17beta-estradiol and pituitary gonadotropin (luteinizing hormone; LH, and follicle stimulating hormone; FSH) were measured. In addition, effects of 17beta-estradiol and Keishi-bukuryo-gan on the proliferation of estrogen-dependent human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells were investigated under in vitro conditions. GnRH analogue significantly lowered the concentrations of plasma 17beta-estradiol and pituitary gonadotropins. Tissue weights of the ovaries and uterus were also decreased by the analogue. Under the condition of estrogen deficiency, intravenous (i.v.) injection of exogenous CGRP (10 microg/kg) elevated the skin temperature of the hind paws more significantly than it did in sham-treated control rats. Estrogen supplementation inhibited this elevation of skin temperature with restoration of both the lowered plasma estrogen level and the decreased uterine weight in GnRH analogue-treated rats. On the other hand, Keishi-bukuryo-gan inhibited the elevation of skin temperature in a dose-dependent manner without restoring the plasma estrogen level and uterine weight. In addition, in an in vitro study, MCF-7 cells proliferated in a dose-dependent manner by the addition of 17beta-estradiol (10(-13)-10(-8) M) to the medium. However, Keishi-bukuryo-gan (10(-6)-10(-4) mg/ml) did not activate the MCF-7 cell proliferation. These results suggest that Keishi-bukuryo-gan, which does not exhibit estrogen activity, may be useful for the treatment of hot flashes in women who are undergoing medical ovariectomy with a GnRH analogue.     

Effects of 17beta-estradiol and flutamide on splenic macrophages and splenocytes after trauma-hemorrhage

Since splenic immune functions are depressed in metestrus females following trauma-hemorrhage, we hypothesized that administration of the androgen receptor antagonist flutamide at the onset of resuscitation will maintain the immune function of the spleen following trauma-hemorrhage. Female C57BL6/J mice (metestrus state, 8-12 weeks old), underwent laparotomy and hemorrhagic shock (35.0+/-5.0 mm Hg for 90 min) and received 17beta-estradiol (50 microg/25 g), flutamide (625 microg/25 g) or 17beta-estradiol+flutamide. Four hours after resuscitation, the in vitro productive capacity of different cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-gamma) by splenic MPhi and splenocytes were determined by flow cytometry. A significantly decreased cytokine production by both splenocytes and splenic MPhi was observed following trauma-hemorrhage compared to shams. Administration of 17beta-estradiol, flutamide and 17beta-estradiol+flutamide following trauma-hemorrhage resulted in a significant increase in the in vitro IL-6 release by splenic MPhi. The TNF-alpha productive capacity, however, was only restored by 17beta-estradiol and 17beta-estradiol+flutamide administration following trauma-hemorrhage. No significant effect of either treatment was observed with regard to the suppressed splenic MPhi IL-10 release. Anti-CD3 stimulation, administration of 17beta-estradiol and 17beta-estradiol+flutamide, but not the administration of flutamide alone resulted in a significant increased release of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IFN-gamma compared to vehicle-treated animals. No significant effect of either treatment was found on IL-10 productive capacity. These results collectively suggest that flutamide administration following trauma-hemorrhage in females has beneficial effects on splenic immune function. However, flutamide administration in combination with estrogen does not provide any significant, additional effects over 17beta-estradiol administration alone.     

Pharmacokinetics and biotransformation of estradiol valerate in ovariectomized women

Estradiol valerate is well suited for treatment of the characteristic symptoms accompanying menopause in women. The pharmacokinetics and biotransformation of estradiol valerate were studied in women following intravenous, intramuscular and oral administration. Intravenously given, estradiol valerate is split by enzymatic hydrolysis into 17 beta-estradiol and the fatty acid. The estrogen arising in vivo from the steroid ester is subject to intermediate metabolism. The metabolites are eliminated at a nearly constant rate mainly in urine. The biotransformation of estradiol valerate was not different following intravenous or intramuscular injection. Orally given estradiol valerate is subject to an extensive first pass metabolism. Daily repeated oral administration does not result in accumulation of 17 beta-estradiol and its metabolites.     

Estradiol improves cardiac and hepatic function after trauma-hemorrhage: role of enhanced heat shock protein expression

Although studies indicate that 17beta-estradiol administration after trauma-hemorrhage (T-H) improves cardiac and hepatic functions, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Because the induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs) can protect cardiac and hepatic functions, we hypothesized that these proteins contribute to the salutary effects of estradiol after T-H. To test this hypothesis, male Sprague-Dawley rats ( approximately 300 g) underwent laparotomy and hemorrhagic shock (35-40 mmHg for approximately 90 min) followed by resuscitation with four times the shed blood volume in the form of Ringer lactate. 17beta-estradiol (1 mg/kg body wt) was administered at the end of the resuscitation. Five hours after T-H and resuscitation there was a significant decrease in cardiac output, positive and negative maximal rate of left ventricular pressure. Liver function as determined by bile production and indocyanine green clearance was also compromised after T-H and resuscitation. This was accompanied by an increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and liver perfusate lactic dehydrogenase levels. Furthermore, circulating levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10 were also increased. In addition to decreased cardiac and hepatic function, there was an increase in cardiac HSP32 expression and a reduction in HSP60 expression after T-H. In the liver, HSP32 and HSP70 were increased after T-H. There was no change in heart HSP70 and liver HSP60 after T-H and resuscitation. Estradiol administration at the end of T-H and resuscitation increased heart/liver HSPs expression, ameliorated the impairment of heart/liver functions, and significantly prevented the increase in plasma levels of ALT, TNF-alpha, and IL-6. The ability of estradiol to induce HSPs expression in the heart and the liver suggests that HSPs, in part, mediate the salutary effects of 17beta-estradiol on organ functions after T-H.     

Inducing ovulation and artificial insemination in the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778)

The aim of the study was to show whether it is possible to induce ovulation in the hare by GnRH analogue administration and to carry out an effective artificial insemination (AI). The research was carried out during the breeding and non-breeding season. During the breeding season, plasma progesterone concentrations increased on the 4th day after intramuscular injection of GnRH analogue (buserelin), indicating induced ovulation and corpus luteum development. Prostaglandin F(2)alpha (dinoprost) was an effective luteolytic agent on day 9. During the non-breeding season, the GnRH analogue injection does not cause an increase of progesterone. The 17beta-estradiol concentrations during the breeding and non-breeding season were similar. It was shown that after GnRH analogue administration and artificial insemination with semen diluted in Tris buffer extender 80% females delivered live young (39-43 days after artificial insemination), which proves the effectiveness of inducing ovulation in the hare by means of hormonal stimulation.     

Urinary steroids in calves following administration of anabolic compounds. Effect of total diet

Levels of testosterone, trenbolone, 17 beta-estradiol (conjugated plus unconjugated) and creatinine were measured in urine of calves treated 55 days before with trenbolone and 17 beta-estradiol implants. The mean concentration of urinary creatinine and implant steroids was increased by a factor 3 after 1 day of total diet and 5 after 2 days, levels of individual calves exhibiting a great dispersion.     

Elimination kinetic of 17beta-estradiol 3-benzoate and 17beta-nandrolone laureate ester metabolites in calves' urine

Efficient control of the illegal use of anabolic steroids must both take into account metabolic patterns and associated kinetics of elimination; in this context, an extensive animal experiment involving 24 calves and consisting of three administrations of 17beta-estradiol 3-benzoate and 17beta-nandrolone laureate esters was carried out over 50 days. Urine samples were regularly collected during the experiment from all treated and non-treated calves. For sample preparation, a single step high throughput protocol based on 96-well C(18) SPE was developed and validated according to the European Decision 2002/657/EC requirements. Decision limits (CCalpha) for steroids were below 0.1 microg L(-1), except for 19-norandrosterone (CCalpha=0.7 microg L(-1)) and estrone (CCalpha=0.3 microg L(-1)). Kinetics of elimination of the administered 17beta-estradiol 3-benzoate and 17beta-nandrolone laureate were established by monitoring 17beta-estradiol, 17alpha-estradiol, estrone and 17beta-nandrolone, 17alpha-nandrolone, 19-noretiocholanolone, 19-norandrostenedione, respectively. All animals demonstrated homogeneous patterns of elimination both from a qualitative (metabolite profile) and quantitative point of view (elimination kinetics in urine). Most abundant metabolites were 17alpha-estradiol and 17alpha-nandrolone (>20 and 2 mg L(-1), respectively after 17beta-estradiol 3-benzoate and 17beta-nandrolone laureate administration) whereas 17beta-estradiol, estrone, 17beta-nandrolone, 19-noretiocholanolone and 19-norandrostenedione were found as secondary metabolites at concentration values up to the microg L(-1) level. No significant difference was observed between male and female animals. The effect of several consecutive injections on elimination profiles was studied and revealed a tendency toward a decrease in the biotransformation of administered steroid 17beta form.     

Characterization of the estrogenic activities of zearalenone and zeranol in vivo and in vitro

In the present study, we compared the estrogenic activity of zearalenone (ZEN) and zeranol (ZOL) by determining their relative receptor binding affinities for human ERalpha and ERbeta and also by determining their uterotropic activity in ovariectomized female mice. ZOL displayed a much higher binding affinity for human ERalpha and ERbeta than ZEN did. The IC(50) values of ZEN and ZOL for binding to human ERalpha were 240.4 and 21.79nM, respectively, and the IC(50) values for binding to ERbeta were 165.7 and 42.76nM, respectively. In ovariectomized female ICR mice, s.c. administration of ZEN at doses >or=2mg/kg/day for 3 consecutive days significantly increased uterine wet weight compared with the control group, and administration of ZOL increased the uterine wet weight at lower doses (>or=0.5mg/kg/day for 3 days). Based on available X-ray crystal structures of human ERalpha and ERbeta, we have also conducted molecular modeling studies to probe the binding characteristics of ZEN and ZOL for human ERalpha and ERbeta. Our data revealed that ZEN and ZOL were able to occupy the active site of the human ERalpha and ERbeta in a strikingly similar manner as 17beta-estradiol, such that the phenolic rings of ZEN and ZOL occupied the same receptor region as occupied by the A-ring of 17beta-estradiol. The primary reason that ZOL and ZEN is less potent than 17beta-estradiol is likely because 17beta-estradiol could bind to the receptor pocket without significantly changing its conformation, while ZOL or ZEN would require considerable conformational alterations upon binding to the estrogen receptors (ERs).     

Leptin levels in menopause: effect of estrogen replacement therapy

To evaluate the effect of menopause and estrogen replacement therapy on leptin levels, 17 white postmenopausal women were recruited for the study. After an overnight fasting, blood samples were collected for LH, FSH, estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA sulfate, insulin and leptin assays. Body mass index (BMI) and the waist-to-hip ratio were also evaluated. Patients were reanalyzed after a 12-week administration of transdermal estrogen patches delivering 50 microg 17beta-estradiol. The results were compared to those obtained from a group of 11 female volunteers in reproductive age, in whom basal blood was sampled during the early follicular phase of their cycle. Patients were divided into lean and obese according to their BMI. Obese postmenopausal women showed lower leptin levels when compared to premenopausal counterparts (25.1 +/- 5.9 vs. 37 +/- 11.3; p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were found between the lean groups (14.5 +/- 3.8 vs. 14.4 +/- 4.9). Estrogen administration did not significantly change serum leptin concentrations in hypoestrogenized women (obese: 25.1 +/- 5.9 vs. 28. 6 +/- 9.2; lean: 14.4 +/- 4.9 vs. 17.6 +/- 7.2). A positive linear correlation was found between leptin plasma levels and BMI only in obese patients (r = 0.58; p < 0.01) both before and after estrogen treatment. Menopause is characterized by a decreased expression of the obese gene, even if estrogens do not seem to represent a main causal factor.     

Testicular toxicity and mutagenicity of steroidal and non-steroidal estrogens in the male mouse.

The mutagenicity and toxicity of diethylstilbestrol (DES), 17 beta-estradiol and zeranol on the male mouse germ cells were investigated with meiotic micronucleus assays in vivo and in vitro, sperm-head abnormality test and morphometry. Further, the developmental effects of DES on testicular morphology were explored. Micronucleus induction was observed at 10(-7) M concentration of DES and 17 beta-estradiol in vitro, but other treatments yielded negative results. The micronucleus assay in vivo revealed a small number of micronuclei in early haploid spermatids 17 days after a single subcutaneous injection of DES 50 mg/kg, whereas estradiol and zeranol gave negative results. The sperm-head abnormality rates were significantly elevated 5 weeks after treatments with high doses of DES, 17 beta-estradiol and zeranol, and testicular morphometry revealed transient changes in the volume densities of testicular tissue components. Prenatal and neonatal estrogen administration resulted in permanent alterations in seminiferous epithelium and dilatation of the rete testis, but did not affect micronucleus or sperm-head abnormality rates. The mutagenicity and toxicity of hormones in the mouse testis paralleled the hormonal activity of these compounds. Early estrogenization was the most sensitive toxicity test, followed by in vitro meiotic micronucleus induction, whereas the sperm-head abnormality assay and morphological analysis did not reveal subtle changes.     

Dual effect of female sex steroids on drug-induced gastroduodenal ulcers in the rat.

Since the sexual dimorphism of gastroduodenal ulcers is well known and might possibly relate to the actions of sex hormones, we studied the role of the female sex steroids, progesterone and 17beta-estradiol in cysteamine-induced mucosal ulcers in female Wistar rats (200-220 g). Administration of cysteamine (400 mg/kg, s.c.) provoked macroscopic gastroduodenal mucosa injury as assessed planimetrically, an increase in microvascular permeability in the stomach and the duodenum as assessed by extravasation of radiolabelled albumin, and decreased gastroduodenal mucus levels as assessed by the Alcian blue technique. Ovariectomy (2 weeks before cysteamine) decreased plasma 17beta-estradiol level as assessed by radioimmunoassay, gastroduodenal macroscopic injury and albumin extravasation, and increased mucus levels following cysteamine challenge. Administration of progesterone (10-50 mg/kg/week, s.c.) attenuated in a dose-dependent manner cysteamine-induced gastroduodenal mucosa injury and microvascular leakage, while it increased mucus levels in the stomach and the duodenum. In contrast, administration of 17beta-estradiol (1-5 mg/kg/week, s.c.) dose-dependently augmented gastric and duodenal macroscopic mucosa lesions and microvascular injury provoked by cysteamine, and caused a further reduction in gastroduodenal mucus levels observed after cysteamine administration. In different experiments, ovariectomy decreased indomethacin-induced gastroduodenal injury. The injection of 17beta-estradiol (1-5 mg/kg/week) did not affect gastroduodenal damage, while treatment with progesterone (10-50 mg/kg/week) protected against indomethacin-provoked mucosa ulcers. It is concluded that female sex steroids play a role in drug-induced gastroduodenal ulcers by modulating microvascular permeability and mucus secretion.     

Targeted brain delivery of 17 beta-estradiol via nasally administered water soluble prodrugs

The utility of the nasal route for the systemic delivery of 17beta-estradiol was studied using watersoluble prodrugs of 17beta-estradiol. This delivery method was examined to determine if it will result in preferential delivery to the brain. Several alkyl prodrugs of 17beta-estradiol were prepared and their physicochemical properties were determined. In vitro hydrolysis rate constants in buffer, rat plasma, and rat brain homogenate were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. In vivo nasal experiments were carried out on rats. Levels of 17beta-estradiol in plasma and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) were determined with radioimunoassay using a gamma counter. The study revealed that the aqueous solubilities of the prodrugs were several orders of magnitude greater than 17beta-estradiol with relatively fast in vitro conversion in rat plasma. Absorption was fast following nasal delivery of the prodrugs with high bioavailability. CSF 17beta-estradiol concentration was higher following nasal delivery of the prodrugs compared to an equivalent intravenous dose. It was determined that water-soluble prodrugs of 17beta-estradiol can be administered nasally. These prodrugs are capable of producing high levels of estradiol in the CSF and as a result may have a significant value in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.     

Effect of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy on lipoprotein and homocysteine levels in Chinese women.

Epidemiological studies have revealed that postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy results in a marked reduction in the risk for cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we evaluated plasma lipoprotein profile as well as homocysteine levels in 145 postmenopausal and premenopausal Chinese women living in Hong Kong. We also investigated the effect of hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen or estrogen combined with progestin on plasma lipoprotein profile and homocysteine concentrations in those individuals. Postmenopausal women displayed significantly higher plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and apoB as well as higher plasma homocysteine levels than that of premenopausal women. HRT with either estrogen (17beta-estradiol or conjugated equine estrogen) alone or estrogen combined with progestin for 3.5-4.5 years significantly improved the lipoprotein profile in postmenopausal women by decreasing the levels of total cholesterol (12-20% reduction), LDL-cholesterol (26-29% reduction) and apoB (21-25% reduction). In women treated with 17beta-estradiol or conjugated equine estrogens their plasma levels of apoAl were significantly elevated (18% elevation) as compared to non-users. HRT also reduced plasma concentrations of homocysteine (13-15% reduction). In conclusion, we found that long-term HRT was associated with improvement in plasma lipoprotein profile and a reduction in homocysteine concentration in postmenopausal women. These results support the notion that the improvement of lipoprotein profile and a reduction in homocysteine concentration may contribute to the beneficial effect of HRT on cardiovascular risk.     

The phytoestrogens daidzein and genistein enhance the insulin-stimulated sulfate uptake in articular chondrocytes

Clinical observations have suggested a relationship between osteoarthritis and a changed estrogen metabolism in menopausal women. Phytoestrogens have been shown to ameliorate various menopausal symptoms. Proteoglycans (PG) consisting of low and high sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAG) are the main components of articular cartilage matrix, and their synthesis is increased by insulin in growth plate cartilage. We have investigated whether GAG synthesis and sodium [35S]sulfate incorporation in female bovine articular chondrocytes are affected by daidzein, genistein, and/or insulin. For comparative purposes, estradiol incubations were performed. Articular chondrocytes were cultured in monolayers at 5% O2 and 5% CO2 in medium containing serum for 7 days followed by the addition of 10(-11) M-10(-4) M daidzein, genistein, 17beta-estradiol, or 5 microg/ml insulin in a serum-free culture phase of 2 days. Photometrically analyzed GAG synthesis was significantly suppressed by high doses (10(-5) M-10(-4) M) of daidzein, genistein, and 17beta-estradiol. Although insulin raised the sodium [35S]sulfate uptake significantly, different concentrations of daidzein, genistein, or 17beta-estradiol showed no significant effects. However, the stimulating effect of insulin on sulfate incorporation was enhanced significantly after preincubation of cells with 10(-11) M-10(-5) M daidzein or 10(-9) M-10(-5) M genistein but not by 17beta-estradiol. In view of the risks of long-term estrogen replacement therapy, further experiments should clarify the potential benefit of phytoestrogens and insulin in articular cartilage metabolism.     

The stimulatory effect of testosterone propionate and 17 beta-estradiol on 5'-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase activity in rat target tissues

The effect of castration and subsequent administration of 17 beta-estradiol and testosterone propionate on 5'-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase activity in rat target tissues was studied. Castration 34 days earlier resulted in a 95% reduction in ventral prostate 5'-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase activity and 16 days earlier in a 67% reduction in uterine 5'-methylthioadenosine phorphorylase activity. Four days of testosterone propionate administration stimulated ventral prostate 5'-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase activity 32% above castrate levels, which represented more than 50% of the intact control levels. 17 beta-Estradiol on the other hand stimulated uterine 5'-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase activity 35% above castrate controls within 24 h and with 3 days of continuous hormone treatment to within 97% of the intact control levels. However, castration and subsequent 17 beta-estradiol administration did not affect 5'-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase activity in rat liver and lung. Both prostate and uterine 5'-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase were shown to metabolize 5'-methylthioadenosine to 5-methylthioribose through a 5'-methylthioribose 1-phosphate intermediate. The data suggest aht 5'-methylthioadenosine is not allowed to accumulate in rat target tissues even under conditions which are known to stimulate polyamine synthesis.