Endocrine Abstracts

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress have been described as crucial factors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Polyphenols are phytochemicals with established antioxidant properties, and dark chocolate (DC), a highly consumed food, is one of main food sources of polyphenols. Many human studies have suggested a lowering effect of DC on oxidized LDL levels, while its impact on high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) -one of the...

Background and aim: Biophenols can act as powerful antioxidants. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) provides a rich and varied source of biophenols with the most abundant being ellagitannins, tannins, anthocyanins, ellagic, and gallic acids. Recently, we have shown that pomegranate juice consumption may alleviate cardiovascular risk factors by reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure and exercise-induced oxidative stress. The aim of study was to investigate the effec...

Background: Through out history, pomegranate symbolizes fertility and has been postulated to enhance sexual function and drive. Recently, we have shown that pomegranate juice rich in polyphenolic antioxidants can alleviate stress and cardiovascular risk factors by reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure and inhibiting 11βHSD1 activity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether pomegranate juice intake influences mood and salivary testosterone levels in healt...

Objective: Macronutrients such as protein and fat have been postulated to elicit post-prandial effects upon cortisol and testosterone concentrations. This pilot study was conducted to test the hypothesis that a meal high in protein content can elicit a positive effect on post-prandial cortisol levels whilst producing a negative effect on DHEA and testosterone levels. Methods: In 13 healthy female volunteers (aged between 19–29 years; BMI ranged from...

There has been great interest in the effect of Glycaemic index (GI) of food on weight reduction, obesity, metabolic syndrome and general well being in women. The majority of research into GI was focussed towards improving blood glucose control in diabetes. Also, favourable changes in blood lipids and some beneficial effect in cancers have been reported. The aim of this pilot study is to investigate the impact of ingesting food with varying GI on salivary cortisol and testoster...

A 41 year old Emirati man was reviewed in January 2016 for hypercholesterolaemia managed on diet alone, but direct questioning revealed gradual onset erectile dysfunction over 2 years, treated by a urologist elsewhere. Initial response to Cialis had waned over 18 months. Testosterone replacement (Nebido) had been initiated in June 2015 on the basis of one low morning total testosterone of 3.89 nmol/L (normal range 8.64 – 29). SHBG and prolactin...

A 41 year old Emirati man was reviewed in January 2016 for hypercholesterolaemia managed on diet alone, but direct questioning revealed gradual onset erectile dysfunction over 2 years, treated by a urologist elsewhere. Initial response to Cialis had waned over 18 months. Testosterone replacement (Nebido) had been initiated in June 2015 on the basis of one low morning total testosterone of 3.89 nmol/L (normal range 8.64 – 29). SHBG and prolactin...

Background: We have recently shown that consumption of green coffee bean extract rich in chlorogenic acid reduces blood pressure and urinary free cortisol levels1. Increased 11β HSD1 (Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type1) activity is implicated in the development of obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of consuming green (GC) and black (BC) coffees on cardiovascular, anthropometrical markers and urinary free glucocor...

Background and aim: Antioxidants have been postulated to exert beneficial effects on cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Exercise and metabolic processes are known to produce ROS. Pomegranates are rich in polyphenolic antioxidants. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of pomegranate pure juice consumption on blood pressure, lipid peroxidation and urinary glucocorticoid levels before and after a moderate ex...

Ginseng, a traditional herbal adaptogen, historically used in the Far East, has gained popularity in the West for its restorative properties.Ginsenosides, the active component of ginseng are known to exert a variety of actions by targeting ‘multireceptor systems’ both extracellular and intracellular. As a result many of its physiological effects remain unclear, particularly in humans. This study aims to investigate whether ginseng can influence...