Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: DHEA is a well-known neurosteroid. Its plasmatic level is reduced with ageing in most individuals. A non-negligible portion of DHEA is hydroxylated at C7 and C16 to 7α-, 7β- and 16α- and 16β-hydroxyderivatives. A part of the antiglucocorticoid function of DHEA has been described to its 7-oxygenated metabolites, namely to 7α-hydroxy-DHEA. Due its anti-glucocoticoid action it is also considered a factor in fat deposition processes. Thus, we...

Introduction: Whereas the daily profiles of the main steroid hormones are well known, minor differences in the course of their levels related to defined and standardised food intake were studied rarely.Methods: Eight women (mean age 29.48±2.99 years, mean BMI 21.3±1.3 kg/m2) in follicular phase of menstrual cycle were examined. The levels of C-peptide, glucose, LH, FSH, SHBG, cortisol, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone,...

Introduction: The influence of steroid hormones on food intake is well described. However, there are only a few studies on the effect of food intake on steroid levels.Methods: The study involved eight non-smoker women (average age 29.48±2.99 years; average BMI 21.3±1.3 kg/m2); they did not use any kind of medication affecting steroidogenesis. We analysed the influence of four various stimuli on the levels of steroid hormones and mela...

Melatonin has a key role in circadian timing system. At present, many other functions of melatonin are known. It shows a remarkable functional versatility exhibiting antioxidant (direct free radical scavenging and indirect antioxidant activities), oncostatic, anti-aging, immunomodulatory properties and many other functions. In addition to pineal gland, gastrointestinal tract is the second biggest source of melatonin. Question remains whether changes in endogenous melatonin may...

Introduction: Melatonin plays a key role in the circadian timing system. The question remains whether changes in endogenous melatonin may be associated with food intake. Orexin and ghrelin are involved in the regulation of energetic homeostasis. Therefore, we decided to obtain more detailed data on the circadian changes of orexin, ghrelin and melatonin for identification of the changes in these hormones to food intake and day-time, together with glycemic and C-peptide levels.<...