Androgens in relationship to cardiovascular risk factors in the menopausal transition.

Objective: To establish the relationship between androgens and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the menopausal transition.

Methods: A total of 124 women were divided into four groups: 29 premenopausal (PreM), 35 women in the menopausal transition still menstruating (MTM), 29 women in the menopausal transition with 3-6 months amenorrhea (MTA), and 31 postmenopausal women (PostM). Levels of triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, glucose and insulin were assayed in all samples and waist circumference was measured.

[Polymorphism in CYP11alpha and CYP17 genes and the etiology of hyperandrogenism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome].

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous multifactorial endocrine metabolic disorder with genetic predisposition affecting 6% of women in the reproductive age. This syndrome is characterized by the presence of oligo-anovulation, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries. Several genes have been postulated as responsible for the etiology of this disorder.

Carbohydrate complexity and proportions of serum FSH isoforms in the male: lectin-based studies.

FSH is synthesized and secreted in multiple molecular forms with different oligosaccharide structures which are needed for full expression of biological activity. GnRH and sex steroids modulate oligosaccharide structure and composition. In the present study we have assessed the carbohydrate complexity and proportion of circulating FSH isoforms during puberty, aging and after androgen administration to pubertal anorchid boys.

Metabolic syndrome throughout the menopausal transition: influence of age and menopausal status.

Objective: To assess the relationship between the main components of both the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance and menopausal status in the menopausal transition.

Methods: A total of 124 healthy women were divided into four groups according to their menstrual status: the first group consisted of 35 women in menopausal transition with menstrual bleeding (MTM) and with cycles between 35 and 80 days; the second group was composed of 29 women in menopausal transition with 3-6 months of amenorrhea (MTA). The third group consisted of 31 postmenopausal women (PostM) and the fourth group of 29 premenopausal women (PreM) with regular cycles.

17alpha-hydroxylase deficiency : biochemical and molecular findings in two sisters and their family.

Objective: To search for molecular changes in two Argentinian sisters with a clinical and biochemical diagnosis of 17alpha-hydroxylase deficiency.

Subjects: Both patients had 46 XX karyotype, with sexual infantilism, primary amenorrhea, and hypertension. Other member of the first degree family did not have this deficiency.