184 research outputs found
Hormonal effects of prohormones : novel approaches towards effect based screening in veterinary growth promoter control
No full textWithin the European Union the use of growth promoting agents in cattle fattening is prohibited according to Council Directive 96/22/EC. Interestingly, there is not a black list of substances, but 96/22/EC states that all substances having thyrostatic, estrogenic, androgenic or gestagenic activity are prohibited. Besides abuse of the “classical” synthetic steroids there is a tendency towards misuse of natural steroids and prohormones. Prohormones are compounds that exhibit limited or no hormonal activity but are direct precursors of bioactive hormones and are intended to be converted to full active hormones via enzymatic processes in the body. However, knowledge about metabolism, the mode of action and excretion profiles in cattle is often unclear, and methods to detect abuse of prohormones in livestock production are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to get insight into the hormonal action of prohormones and to develop novel in vitro and in vivo screening methods allowing effective surveillance on the illegal use of prohormones in livestock production. Hereby the emphasis was on developing effect based approaches to better meet Council Directive 96/22/EC. The bioactivity of a wide variety of supplements which contained prohormones were tested using a yeast androgen bioassay. For supplements containing solely prohormones the value of this bioactivity based screening appeared to be limited as they require metabolism to become active. Therefore, screening methods for animal feed, supplements and preparations were set-up by using the same yeast androgen bioassay in combination with bovine liver models as well as enzymatic and chemical deconjugation procedures to mimic in vivo metabolic bioactivation. The use of either bovine liver S9, liver slices, pure enzymes or alkaline hydrolysis showed that prohormones could be activated, resulting in a significant increase in bioactivity as determined by the androgen yeast bioassay. For the detection of prohormone abuse at the farm and/or slaughterhouse the usefulness of ‘omics’ based profiling techniques was investigated. Within this scope a comprehensive metabolomics based screening strategy for steroid urine profiling was developed. Comparison of urinary profiles revealed large differences between the profiles of controls and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as well as pregnenolone treated animals. Moreover this steroid urine profiling approach allowed identification of biomarkers for treatment by specific prohormones. This resulted in respectively 7 and 12 specific mass peak loadings which could potentially be used as biomarkers for pregnenolone and DHEA treatment. In addition, the feasibility of a liver gene expression profiling approach was investigated to monitor the effects of DHEA treatment at the transciptome level. It was shown that identification and application of genomic biomarkers for screening of DHEA abuse in cattle is substantially hampered by biological variation. On the other hand, it was demonstrated that comparison of pre-defined gene sets versus the whole genome expression profile of an animal allows to distinguish DHEA treatment effects from variations in gene expression due to inherent biological variation. Altogether the results of this thesis increase the knowledge about the metabolism and bioactivation of prohormones in vitro as well as in vivo. Based on this knowledge, a panel of new effect based concepts and screening methods was developed that complement and improve the current testing programs. These new concepts will facilitate better implementation of the European ban on growth promoters in livestock production as described in Council Directive 96/22/EC. <br/
Peningkatan kesadaran lingkungan melalui Ecobrick oleh komunitas Purwokeling Kelurahan Purwoyoso Kecamatan Ngaliyan Kota Semarang
No full textMiranda Dhea Amanda (1901046036) Peningkatan Kesadaran Lingkungan Melalui Ecobrick Oleh Komunitas Purwokeling Kelurahan Purwoyoso Kecamatan Ngaliyan Kota Semarang.
Komunitas Purwokeling merupakan suatu komunitas yang bergerak pada bidang lingkungan yang berada di RW X Kelurahan Purwoyoso Kecamatan Ngaliyan Kota Semarang dengan memanfaatkan sampah plastik yang ada di wilayah Komunitas Purwokeling berada. Salah satu pemanfaatan sampah yaitu dengan kegiatan ecobrick. Tujuan dari adanya kegiatan ini untuk meminimalisir, memanfaatkan sampah plastik yang ada di wilayah Purwokeling agar peningkatan kesadaran warga RW X terhadap lingkungan terutama pada sampah plastik. Maka dari itu, peneliti membuat rumusan masalah sebagai berikut: (1) Bagaimana proses peningkatan kesadaran lingkungan melalui ecobrick oleh komunitas purwokeling (2) Bagaimana hasil dari adanya peningkatan kesadaran lingkungan melalui kegiatan ecobrick oleh komunitas purwokeling.
Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologis. Adapun teknik pengumpulan data melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Dalam penelitian ini , peneliti terlibat secara langsung dari proses awal sampai akhir untuk menggali sebuah data penelitian. Analisis data menggunakan teori Milles dan Hiberman, yang meliputi reduksi data, pemaparan data, dan penarikan kesimpulan.
Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwasanya: (1) proses peningkatan kesadaran lingkungan melalui ecobrick oleh Komunitas Purwokeling melalui pembinaan lingkungan, pelaksanaan dan pendampingan selama kegiatan, serta pemantauan pasca pelaksanaan kegiatan. (2) hasil dari peningkatan kesadaran lingkungan melalui kegiatan ecobrick dapat dilihat dari beberapa aspek, yaitu aspek lingkungan, sosial, dan ekonomi
The role of DHEA in the aetiology of modern chronic disease
No full textThesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2020.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an androgenic steroid predominantly viewed as the main precursor to androgen and estrogen hormones in the human body. DHEA exists as a sulphated ester known as DHEAS, which is also the most predominant steroid hormone in human circulation. A decline in circulating DHEA concentrations is associated with age, inflammatory disease, as well as neurodegenerative pathologies. It has numerous demonstrated neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-glucocorticoid effects. The human adrenal glands and gonads are the main sites for DHEA biosynthesis in the periphery, but historical evidence has suggested that central steroid biosynthesis, termed neurosteroidogenesis, is responsible for the presence of DHEA in the brain. The process of neurosteroidogenesis has to date proven to be an elusive process, as only a handful of relatively dated studies have provided evidence for its existence. Furthermore, clear differences are apparent in systemic rodent steroidogenesis and human steroidogenesis, the latter of which most the evidence of neurosteroidogenesis is formulated upon. In order to exploit the numerous reported beneficial effects of DHEA in the brain, it is pertinent that we understand how it is synthesised, how it may exert its effects centrally and whether species differences will affect the function thereof.
Utilising the sensitivity and specificity of Ultra-Performance Convergence Chromatography (UPC2)-tandem mass spectrometry we comprehensively assessed the ability of primary human astrocytes (pHAs) and primary rat brain ex vivo mixed cell cultures (pRBMCs) to synthesise DHEA from a known substrate, pregnenolone, in the presence or absence of steroidogenic modulators. Additionally, we also sought to elucidate the ability of the cells to metabolise DHEA, in either the presence or absence of steroidogenic modulators. Both pHAs and pRBMCs were unable to synthesise DHEA from pregnenolone as the substrate in the absence or presence of steroidogenic modulators. pHAs and pRBMCs were able to convert pregnenolone in progesterone, demonstrating 3β-HSD activity. Additionally, although both cell populations were unable to demonstrate DHEA biosynthesis, they were able to convert exogenous DHEA into androstenedione and androstenediol, demonstrating not only 3β-HSD, but17β-HSD activity as well. This is the first study demonstrating androstendiol biosynthesis by human glial cells.
The inability of pHAs and pRBMCs to synthesise DHEA from pregnenolone as a substrate contradicts available literature. The metabolism of exogenous DHEA into downstream metabolites suggests that the numerous beneficial effects of DHEA are not due to the steroids itself, but rather its metabolites. This current characterisation of DHEA metabolism both questions our current understanding of DHEA biosynthesis in the brain and holds promise for new therapeutic development in modern chronic disease and specifically neurodegeneration.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is ‘n androgeniese steroïedhormoon wat hoofsaaklik as die belangrikste voorloper vir androgeen en estrogeen hormone in die menslike liggaam beskou word. DHEA bestaan ook as 'n gesulfateerde ester, bekend as DHEAS, wat ook die volopste steroïedhormoon in die menslike bloedsomloop is. 'n Afname in die sirkulerende DHEA konsentrasies word geassosieer met ouderdom, inflammatoriese siektes, sowel as neurodegeneratiewe patologieë. Dit het talle neurobeskermende, anti-inflammatoriese en anti-glukokortikoïede effekte. Die menslike byniere en gonades is die belangrikste organe vir DHEA-biosintese in die periferie, maar historiese bewyse dui aan dat sentrale steroïedbiosintese, wat neurosteroïedgenese genoem word, verantwoordelik is vir die teenwoordigheid van DHEA in die brein is. Die proses van neurosteroïedgenese is tot dusver 'n ontwykende proses, aangesien slegs 'n handjievol relatief verouderde studies bewys lewer dat dit bestaan. Verder is daar duidelike verskille in sistemiese knaagdiersteroïedgenese en menslike steroïedgenese, waarvan laasgenoemde die bewys van neurosteroïedgenese is. Om die talle gerapporteerde voordelige gevolge van DHEA in die brein te benut, is dit pertinent dat ons verstaan hoe dit gesintetiseer word, hoe DHEA sy effekte sentraal kan uitoefen en of spesieverskille die funksie daarvan sal beïnvloed.
Deur gebruik te maak van die sensitiwiteit en spesifisiteit van ultra werkverrigting konvergensie-chromatografie (UPC2)-tandem-massaspektrometrie, het ons die vermoë van primêre menslike astrosiete (pHA's) en primêre rotbrein ex vivo gemengde selkulture (pRBMC's) om DHEA vanaf die bekende substraat pregnenoloon te sintetiseer, in die teenwoordigheid of afwesigheid van moduleerders van steroïedgenese. Daarbenewens het ons ook probeer om die vermoë van hierdie selle om DHEA te metaboliseer, onder dieselfde toestande, toe te lig. Beide pHA's en pRBMC's kon nie DHEA van pregnenoloon as substraat sintetiseer nie. Die afwesigheid of teenwoordigheid van moduleerders van steroïedgenese het ook nie hierdie bevinding beïnvloed nie. pHA's en pRBMC's het 3β-HSD-aktiwiteit getoon deur pregnenoloon na progesteroon om te skakel. Alhoewel beide selpreparate nie DHEA-biosintese kon demonstreer nie, kon hulle wel eksogene DHEA in androsteendioon en androsteendiol omskakel, wat nie net 3β -HSD, maar ook 17β-HSD aktiwiteit demonstreer. Dit is die eerste studie wat die biosintese van androsteendiol deur menslike glanselle demonstreer.
Die onvermoë van pHA's en pRBMC's om DHEA vanaf pregnenoloon as substraat te sintetiseer stem nie ooreen met die beskikbare literatuur nie. Die metabolisme van eksogene DHEA na stroom-af metaboliete dui daarop dat die talle voordelige effekte van DHEA nie te wyte is aan dié steroïed spesifiek nie, maar eerder die metaboliete daarvan. Hierdie huidige karakterisering van DHEA-metabolisme bevraagteken ons huidige begrip van DHEA-biosintese in die brein, maar hou ook belofte in vir nuwe terapeutiese ontwikkeling in moderne chroniese siektes en spesifiek neurodegenerasie.Doctora
[[alternative]]In vitro Study on the Regulation og Human Immunoglobulin Production by Dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA)
No full text[[abstract]]Dehydroepiandrosterone ( DHEA ) is a predominant androgen secreted by the adrenal cortex. Physiologically, DHEA appears as an intermediate of the androgen biosynthesis pathway. However, DHEA has been shown to play a multifunctional role in human and animal body. In addition, DHEA is a potential immunomodulator. DHEA regulates a variety of humoral and cellular immune response. Our previous report suggested that DHEA enhanced immunoglobulin secretion by murine B lymphocytes under in vitro condition. The same study also observed an antagonist effect of DHEA on the dexamethasone ( a glucocorticoid derivative )-mediated immunosuppression. The present study further extended the DHEA study from murine system to human immune cells. Data suggested that DHEA and DHEAS had no significant effect on the growth and viability of non-adherent peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PMNC ). However, both drugs significantly augmented IgA and IgM secretion. Dexamethasone also enhanced IgA and IgM secretion by PMNC. Under our in vitro experimental condition, costimulating the cells with DHEA/DHEAS and dexmethasone shown a synergistic dffect on IgA and IgM secretion. To further investigate whether DHEA/DHEAS enhanced immunoglobulin secretion by direct stimulating the B lymphocytes, the growth and function of Dakiki ( an IgA secreting cells ) and SKW6.4 ( an IgM secreting cells ) in the presence of DHEA/DHEAS were studied. DHEA and DHEAS had no significant effect on the growth and viability of both Dakiki and SKW6.4. DHEA/DHEAS enhanced IgA and IgM secretion by Dakiki adb SKW6.4 cells, respectively dexamethasone suppressed the IgA secretion by IgA secretion by Dakiki. However, the dexamethasone- mediated suppressive effect could be overcome by both DHEA and DHEAS. In contrast, dexamethsaone enhanced IgM secretion by SKW6.4. Cosimulating the SKW6.4 with DHEA/DHEAS and dexamethasone has synergistic effect on IgM secretion. The IgM gene expression was studied by RT-PCR analysis. Result shown that the mRNA level of IgM in SKW6.4 cells were elevated after the cells were treated with DHEA, DHEAS or dexamethasone, suggesting that IgM production was stimulated at the transcription level.
PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN SOLE (SELF ORGANIZED LEARNING ENVIRONMETS) BERBANTU MEDIA AUDIO VISUAL TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN METAKONGNITIF DAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR PESERTA DIDIK KELASVII MATA PELAJARAN BIOLOGI
No full textABSTRAK
PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN SOLE BERBANTU
MEDIA AUDIO VISUAL TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN
METAKONGNITIF DAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR
PESERTA DIDIK KELAS VII
MATA PELAJARAN BIOLOGI
Oleh:
Firda Dhea Dwi Amanda
Kemampuan metakognitif dan motavasi belajar yang dimiliki
oleh peserta didik di MTSs Al-Hidayah Raja Basah masih berfokus
pada panan tulis. Perlu adanya sebuah inovasi baru dalam pembelajaran
biologi untuk mengembangkan kemampuan tersebut. SOLE dapat
digunakan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan metakognitif dan motavasi
belajar model pembelajaran ini menuntut peserta didik agar selalu aktif
dalam mengikuti semua tahap pembelajaran.
Penelitian ini menggunakan metode cluster random sampling.
Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah peserta didik kelas VII MTSs Al
Hidayah Raja Basah tahun ajaran 2024/2025, sampel dipilih secara acak
melalui acak kelas dengan pengambilan 62 peserta didik. Kelas VII 1
terpilih sebagai kelas eksperimen dan kelas VII 2 terpilih sebagai kelas
kontrol.
Berdasarkan hasil penelitian yang sudah dilakukan, analisis
data menunjukkan bahwa data berdistribusi normal dan homogen.
Pengujian hipotesis menggunakan uji Manova yang mana
menghasilkan data bahwa nilai Sig. 0,000 0,05, maka Ho ditolak dan
H1 diterima. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa Model Pembelajaran SOLE
berpengaruh terhadap Kemampuan Metakognitif dan motavasi belajar
Peserta Didik. Dari hasil data pada penelitian ini dapat kita simpulkan
bahwa hipotesis diterima, dan pada SOLE dan motavasi belajar peserta
didik memiliki perbedaan yang signifikan antara kelas Eksperimen dan
kelas kontrol.
Kata Kunci:Model SOLE, Kemampuan Metakognitif, motavasi
belajar
ii
ABSTRACT
THE INFLUENCE OF THE SOLE LEARNING MODEL
SUPPORTED BY AUDIO -VISUAL MEDIA ON
METACOGNITIVE ABILITY AND LEARNING
MOTIVATION OF VII GRADE
BIOLOGY STUDENTS
By:
Firda Dhea Dwi Amanda
Metacognitive abilities and learning motivation possessed by
students at MTSs Al-Hidayah Raja Basah are still focused on writing.
There needs to be a new innovation in biology learning to develop these
abilities. SOLE can be used to improve metacognitive abilities and
learning motivation. This learning model requires students to always
be active in following all stages of learning.
This study used a cluter random sampling method. The
population in this study were students of class VII MTSs Al-Hidayah
Raja Basah in the 2024/2025 academic year, the sample was selected
randomly through class randomization by taking 62 students. Class VII
1 was selected as the experimental class and class VII 2 was selected
as the control class.
Based on the results of the research that has been done, data
analysis shows that the data is normally distributed and homogeneous.
Hypothesis testing uses the Manova test which produces data that the
Sig. value is 0.000 < 0.05, then Ho is rejected and H1 is accepted. This
shows that the SOLE Learning Model has an effect on Metacognitive
Abilities and Student Learning Motivation. From the results of the data
in this study we can conclude that the hypothesis is accepted, and in
SOLE and student learning motivation there are significant differences
between the Experimental class and the control class.
Keywords: Sole Model, Metacognitive Ability, Learning Motivatio
The ratio of cortisol/DHEA in chronic fatigue syndrome
No full textIntroduction: Hypoactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) has been one of the most consistent biological findings in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). However, it has been hypothesised that the adrenal steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may counteract the effects of cortisol in the brain (Kroboth et al., 2003) and that consequently a true measure of the “net” effect of cortisol on the brain is better obtained by calculating the ratio of cortisol to DHEA. Studies have not attempted to measure this pre and post Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), an effective treatment for CFS (Whiting et al., 2000) also recommended byNational UK guidelines.Methods: Basal (0900 h) plasma levels of cortisol, DHEA and their ratio were measured in 41 patients with CFS withoutdepression and in 28 matched controls. In 33 of the above patients this ratio was repeated following a 6 month course of CBT. Furthermore diurnal salivary cortisol profiles were measured at 0800, 1200, 1600 and 2000 h pre- and post-CBT in all 41 patients.Results: The plasma ratio of cortisol/DHEA (mean±SD) did not differ between patients and controls (5.91±0.46 vs 5.86±0.46, p=0.97). Although there was no difference comparing the 0900 h plasma cortisol/DHEA ratio before and after CBT, 0900 h plasma DHEA was significantly lower after CBT (34.7±18.4 vs. 31.2± 21.0 nmol/l, p=0.001). While total daily salivary cortisol output from 0800–2000 h (measured as the area under the curve) increasedsignificantly from 68.2±19.6 to 79.4±21.8 nmol/l h (t=2.62, p<0.05) after CBT.Conclusions: The combined novel findings of increased total daily salivary cortisol output and reduced plasma DHEA suggest that ‘functional’ cortisol is increased following CBT for CFS. We suggest that there disavantages in using single plasma levels and that further clarity will be obtained in future research by measuring both cortisol and DHEA concurrently in saliva throughout the day.</p
The ratio of cortisol/DHEA in chronic fatigue syndrome
No full textIntroduction: Hypoactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) has been one of the most consistent biological findings in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). However, it has been hypothesised that the adrenal steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may counteract the effects of cortisol in the brain (Kroboth et al., 2003) and that consequently a true measure of the “net” effect of cortisol on the brain is better obtained by calculating the ratio of cortisol to DHEA. Studies have not attempted to measure this pre and post Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), an effective treatment for CFS (Whiting et al., 2000) also recommended byNational UK guidelines.Methods: Basal (0900 h) plasma levels of cortisol, DHEA and their ratio were measured in 41 patients with CFS withoutdepression and in 28 matched controls. In 33 of the above patients this ratio was repeated following a 6 month course of CBT. Furthermore diurnal salivary cortisol profiles were measured at 0800, 1200, 1600 and 2000 h pre- and post-CBT in all 41 patients.Results: The plasma ratio of cortisol/DHEA (mean±SD) did not differ between patients and controls (5.91±0.46 vs 5.86±0.46, p=0.97). Although there was no difference comparing the 0900 h plasma cortisol/DHEA ratio before and after CBT, 0900 h plasma DHEA was significantly lower after CBT (34.7±18.4 vs. 31.2± 21.0 nmol/l, p=0.001). While total daily salivary cortisol output from 0800–2000 h (measured as the area under the curve) increasedsignificantly from 68.2±19.6 to 79.4±21.8 nmol/l h (t=2.62, p<0.05) after CBT.Conclusions: The combined novel findings of increased total daily salivary cortisol output and reduced plasma DHEA suggest that ‘functional’ cortisol is increased following CBT for CFS. We suggest that there disavantages in using single plasma levels and that further clarity will be obtained in future research by measuring both cortisol and DHEA concurrently in saliva throughout the day.</p
High-fat diets exaggerate endocrine and metabolic phenotypes in a rat model of DHEA-induced PCOS
No full textPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder with unclear etiology and unsatisfactory management. Effects of diets on the phenotype of PCOS were not fully understood. In the present study, we applied 45 and 60% high-fat diets (HFDs) on a rat model of PCOS induced by postnatal DHEA injection. We found that both DHEA and DHEA + HFDs rats exhibited reproductive abnormalities, including hyperandrogenism, irregular cycles and polycystic ovaries. The addition of HFDs, especially 60% HFDs, exaggerated morphological changes of ovaries and a number of metabolic changes, including increased body weight and body fat content, impaired glucose tolerance and increased serum insulin levels. Results from qPCR showed that DHEA-induced increased expression of hypothalamic androgen receptor and LH receptor were reversed by the addition of 60% HFDs. In contrast, the ovarian expression of LH receptor and insulin receptor mRNA was upregulated only with the addition of 60% HFDs. These findings indicated that DHEA and DHEA + HFDs might influence PCOS phenotypes through distinct mechanisms: DHEA affects the normal function of hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis through LH, whereas the addition of HFDs exaggerated endocrine and metabolic dysfunction through ovarian responses to insulin-related mechanisms. We concluded that the addition of HFDs yielded distinct phenotypes of DHEA-induced PCOS and could be used for studies on both reproductive and metabolic features of the syndrome.National Natural Science Foundation of China [81170538, 81471427]; National Key Technology R&D Program in the Twelve Five-Year Plan [2012BAI32B01]; China Postdoctoral Foundation [2015M570905]SCI(E)[email protected]
The effect of dehydroepiandrosterone combined with a low-fat diet in spontaneously obese dogs: a clinical trial
No full textDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been shown to have antiobesity activity in rodents and spontaneously obese dogs. This study evaluated the effect of DHEA or placebo combined with a low-fat/high-fiber diet in spontaneously obese dogs in a clinical trial. Spontaneously obese, euthyroid dogs, referred to the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine for treatment of their obesity, were evaluated for percent overweight, rate of weight loss, serum cholesterol, plasma lipoprotein and serum biochemistry profiles, complete blood count, and endocrine profiles (T4, T3, cortisol, insulin, and DHEA-sulfate). DHEA-treated dogs had a significantly increased rate of actual and percent excess weight loss compared with placebo-treated dogs. Serum cholesterol decreased in both treatment groups; however, DHEA-treated dogs had a significantly greater reduction than placebo-treated dogs. DHEA-treated dogs had a significant 32% reduction in total plasma cholesterol, which was due to a 27% reduction in the lipoprotein fraction containing the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and a 50% reduction in the lipoprotein fraction containing the low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Placebo-treated dogs did not have a significant reduction in total plasma cholesterol or in the fraction containing LDL; however, they did have a significant 11% reduction in the fraction containing HDL. Significant decreases in serum T4 and T3 observed in dogs receiving DHEA were not noted in dogs receiving placebo. DHEA in combination with caloric restriction results in a faster rate of weight loss than does caloric restriction alone. In addition, DHEA has hypocholesterolemic activity, particularly affecting the lipoprotein fraction containing the LDL cholesterol.ID: 1593; LR: 20061115; JID: 9305691; 0 (Cholesterol, HDL); 0 (Cholesterol, LDL); 0 (Placebos); 50-23-7 (Hydrocortisone); 53-43-0 (Dehydroepiandrosterone); 57-88-5 (Cholesterol); 6893-02-3 (Triiodothyronine); 7488-70-2 (Thyroxine); ppublishSource type: Electronic(1
Does oral contraceptive-induced reduction in free testosterone adversely affect the sexuality or mood of women?
No full textThe aim of this study was to examine whether changes in plasma androgen levels (total testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), and dehydro-epiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S)) induced by oral contraceptive (OC) use were related to changes in sexual interest or response or in mood. Sixty-one women provided blood samples and were assessed, using interviews and standardized questionnaires, prior to starting, and after 3 months on OCs (Ortho-Tricyclen®, Ortho-Tricyclen-Lo®, or Ortho-Cyclen®, all containing the same progestagen, norgestimate). Significant decreases in T, FT, and DHEA-S were found after 3 months, although the extent of reduction was variable across women. There was some support for a relationship between the degree of reduction in total T and FT and the frequency of sexual thoughts after 3 months on OCs. However, some women had no loss of sexual interest in spite of substantial reduction in FT, and there was overall no evidence that reduction in FT affected enjoyment of sexual activity with a partner. The findings are consistent with the idea that some women may be more sensitive to changes in T than others. No relationship was found between negative mood, as assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory, and changes in T, FT, or DHEA-S.<br/
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