The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism
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J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. · Mar 2013
Elevated anandamide and related N-acylethanolamine levels occur in the peripheral blood of women with ectopic pregnancy and are mirrored by changes in peripheral fatty acid amide hydrolase activity.
Studies from knockout mice suggest that perturbations in oviductal endocannabinoid levels, endocannabinoid receptors, or endocannabinoid degrading enzyme [fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)] expression result in infertility secondary to physical trapping of embryos. Similar observations have been made in ectopic pregnant women together with a suggestion that the endocannabinoid receptor gene polymorphism 1359G/A (rs1049353) is associated with ectopic pregnancy. These observations led to the hypothesis that ectopic pregnancy is associated with a perturbation in levels of endocannabinoids and FAAH activity and that such changes are associated with impaired tubal function. ⋯ Elevated endocannabinoid levels and reduced FAAH activity are associated with ectopic pregnancy and may modulate tubal function, suggesting dysfunctional endocannabinoid action in ectopic implantation. Oleoylethanolamide may play a critical role in embryo-tubal transport.
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J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. · Mar 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of vitamin D supplementation in older African American women.
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) is lower in women with darker skin color. Is it due to lower skin production, lower absorption, or different metabolism of vitamin D? ⋯ Vitamin D3 800 IU increased serum 25OHD greater than 20 ng/mL (>50 nmol/L) in 97.5% of the African American women just as it did in the Caucasian women, and therefore, the RDA is the same for both groups. Because absorption and metabolism of oral vitamin D absorption is similar in both groups, lower levels of serum 25OHD in African Americans must be due to lower production of vitamin D in skin.
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J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. · Mar 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialImpact of early nutrient restriction during critical illness on the nonthyroidal illness syndrome and its relation with outcome: a randomized, controlled clinical study.
Both critical illness and fasting induce low circulating thyroid hormone levels in the absence of a rise in TSH, a constellation-labeled nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTI). The contribution of restricted nutrition during critical illness in the pathophysiology of NTI remains unclear. ⋯ Tolerating nutrient restriction early during critical illness, shown to accelerate recovery, further aggravated the NTI. The statistical analyses suggested that the more pronounced peripheral inactivation of the thyroid hormone with nutrient restriction during critical illness could be a beneficial adaptation, whereas the lowering of T4 could be deleterious.
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J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. · Mar 2013
Comparative StudyGlobal adiposity and thickness of intraperitoneal and mesenteric adipose tissue depots are increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Sexual dimorphism suggests a role for androgens in body fat distribution. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a mainly androgen excess disorder, often present with abdominal obesity and visceral adiposity. ⋯ Women with PCOS have higher global adiposity and increased amounts of visceral adipose tissue compared with control women, especially in the ip and mesenteric depots.