Environmental toxicant exposure can induce disorders in sex steroidogenesis during fetal gonad development. Our previous study demonstrated that chronic adult exposure to a supra environmental concentration of depleted uranium (DU) does not impair testicular steroidogenesis in rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of lifelong exposure (embryo - adult) to low-dose DU (40 or 120mgL) on adult rat testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. A significant content of uranium was detected in testis and epididymis in the DU 120mgL group and the assay in epididymal spermatozoa showed a significant content in both groups. No major defect was observed in testicular histology except a decrease in the number of basal vacuoles in the DU groups. Moreover, plasma Follicle-Stimuling Hormone [FSH] and Luteinizing Hormone [LH] levels were increased only in the DU 120mgL group and intratesticular estradiol was decreased in both groups. Testosterone level was reduced in plasma and testis in the DU 40mgL group. These modulations could be explained by an observed decrease in gene expression of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), and enzymes involved in steroid production and associated signal transduction (StAR, cyp11a1, cyp17a1, 3βhsd, 17βhsd, TGFβ1, AR). Several genes specific to germ cells and cell junctions of the blood-testis barrier were also modulated. In conclusion, these data show that fetal life is a critical window for chronic uranium exposure and that the endocrine activities of low-dose uranium could disrupt steroidogenesis through the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Further investigation should be so useful in subsequent generations to improve risk assessment of uranium exposure.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2016.08.014 | DOI Listing |
Chirurgie (Heidelb)
January 2025
Universitätsklinik für Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische Chirurgie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1, formerly Recklinghausen's disease) is a genetic tumor predisposition syndrome in which the mutation of a tumor suppressor gene (neurofibromin) leads to the development of mostly benign neurofibromas of the skin and the central and peripheral nervous systems and malformations or tumors of other organ systems. Patients with NF1 should receive lifelong interdisciplinary care in specialized centers and important treatment decisions should be made by a regularly meeting interdisciplinary panel of experts. Plastic surgery plays an important role in the multidisciplinary management of all clinical forms of NF1-associated peripheral nerve sheath tumors, from cutaneous and subcutaneous to deep nodular and diffuse plexiform neurofibromas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
January 2025
Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardio-Thoraco- Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Childhood obesity is a growing global concern due to its long-term health consequences. Yet, more research relying on multiple time-point BMI measurements is warranted to gain further insight into obesity's temporal trends. We aimed to identify BMI trajectories in children aged 2-10 years and evaluate their association with sociodemographic factors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnn Rheum Dis
January 2025
Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a considerable disease burden with life-long physical limitations, reduced work productivity and high societal costs. Trials on arthralgia at-risk for RA are therefore conducted, aiming to intercept evolving RA and reduce the disease burden. A 1-year course of methotrexate in patients with clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) caused sustained improvements in subclinical joint inflammation and physical impairments.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPain
January 2025
Innovation, IMPlementation And Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, University of South Australia, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, Australia.
Physiotherapists are critically positioned to integrate education into patient care, including pain science education (PSE) to enhance management and outcomes. Anecdotally, many physiotherapists report difficulty providing PSE in private practice settings. Here, we aimed to explore current PSE use, knowledge, and barriers to implementation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Med Case Rep
January 2025
Department of Surgery, Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Background: Classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, primarily due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, leads to impaired cortisol and aldosterone production and excess adrenal androgens. Lifelong glucocorticoid therapy is required, often necessitating supraphysiological doses in youth to manage androgen excess and growth acceleration. These patients experience higher obesity rates, hypertension, and glucose metabolism issues, complicating long-term health management.
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