Articles tagged with Hormones
A study demonstrated the transfer of maternal thyroid hormones to the fetus in vivo, critical for fetal development. This finding clarifies indirect evidence of maternal thyroid hormone passage to the fetus during pregnancy, with significant implications for the development of the nervous system and overall quality of life.
Researchers at U-M have solved a long-standing mystery about how insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) work on muscle cells. IGFs promote either muscle cell differentiation or division, depending on oxygen availability.
A small study shows eprotirome decreases LDL cholesterol as much as doubling statin dose without harmful side effects. The researchers found that eprotirome lowered blood lipids such as triglycerides and Lp(a), which are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that brain function slows in individuals with type-2 diabetes and high stress hormone cortisol levels. Higher cortisol levels have been associated with cognitive decline in this population.
A UCLA study of U.S. Civil War veterans reveals that strong unit cohesion provides a protective effect against stress-related illnesses, with men from cohesive companies living up to six years longer than those from uncohesive ones.
A recent study found that early life stress can predict an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Researchers used a proven model of chronic behavioral stress on rat pups and found that animals with early life stress had increased blood pressure and inflammation in their blood vessel walls upon reaching adulthood.
Researchers found that prolactin reduces levels of BCL6, an oncogene linked to poorly differentiated breast cancer. Prolactin's role is mediated by Stat5a, which may lead to better diagnostic tests and new treatment options for aggressive breast cancers.
Researchers found a solid statistical link between higher concentrations of PFOA in blood and thyroid disease in adults. Individuals with the highest PFOA concentrations were more than twice as likely to report current thyroid disease.
A new research at Rhode Island Hospital has identified a treatment for glioblastomas, a deadly brain tumor that offers a poor prognosis and relatively short life expectancy. Using a synthetic form of a naturally-occurring hormone combined with chemotherapy, researchers achieved a 25 percent cure rate in animal models.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered how a brain hormone controls insect metamorphosis, allowing scientists to develop new and more environmentally safe ways to control agricultural pests. The study sheds light on human development as well, as both puberty and metamorphosis involve similar biological processes.
Researchers have found a way to control male fertility using testicular hormone levels, offering hope for those with low sperm counts. The discovery provides a promising avenue for developing new treatments for male infertility and potentially new male contraceptives.
A clinical trial found that eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate daily for two weeks reduced stress hormone levels and corrected other stress-related biochemical imbalances. This study provides strong evidence for the potential benefits of dark chocolate in reducing emotional stress.
Researchers found that parathyroid hormone can elevate PSA levels in healthy men, leading to unnecessary biopsies and treatment. The study aims to refine the prostate cancer screening test to better differentiate between those who need a biopsy and those who may be spared.
Researchers found that trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) can survive in female mice livers without ovarian hormones, but not in male liver's even after castration. This study suggests a new approach for therapeutic cell transplantation using TSCs.
A new study connects abnormalities of cortisol with symptoms of depression in obese children, indicating a hormonal link between the two conditions. Cortisol levels in the afternoon and evening correlate positively with depressive symptoms, suggesting that obesity and depression may have a shared underlying cause.
A new animal study has identified a specific genetic cause of fetal alcohol-related developmental disorders, which may lead to targeted treatment. Fetal alcohol exposure can disrupt thyroid hormone levels, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders such as emotional behavioral disorders and deficits in learning, memory, and speech.
Research suggests that fatty acids from food, not body-produced fats, activate ghrelin in the stomach, informing the brain about available calories. This new model turns the current understanding of ghrelin on its head and points to a novel enzyme responsible for activation.
A new study by University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers suggests that the size of male crested auklets' crests may be an indicator of their quality as mates. Males with larger crests have been found to have lower levels of stress hormones, indicating they are better equipped to cope with the challenges of reproduction.
A study led by the University of Bath found that children with Asperger Syndrome do not experience a surge in cortisol levels after waking, which may contribute to their struggles with minor changes. The researchers believe this could help explain why individuals with AS have difficulties adapting to routine or environmental changes.
Genes from fireflies and jellyfish are used to light up cells expressing prolactin, a hormone linked to over 300 biological functions, including autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The technique helps scientists track prolactin production in real-time, shedding light on its role in the body.
New research suggests kisspeptin can activate release of sex hormones in women with infertility, leading to increased luteinising hormone production. The study found a 48-fold increase in LH and 16-fold increase in FSH in women treated with kisspeptin compared to controls.
A new four-year grant will support research on brain and pituitary hormones in sea lampreys to better understand their reproductive systems. The project aims to identify common functional features between these ancient vertebrates and later-evolved species.
A study found that higher placental corticotropin-releasing hormone (pCRH) levels during pregnancy are associated with a greater risk of postpartum depression. The predictive capability of pCRH levels increased when midpregnancy depressive symptoms were also assessed.
Researchers found that women with elevated levels of corticotrophin-releasing hormone in mid-pregnancy are at higher risk for postpartum depression. The study, conducted by UC Irvine researchers, suggests that identifying these women early could help prevent or treat the condition.
A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that cigarette smoking during pregnancy is associated with changes in maternal thyroid hormone levels. Smoking-related changes in thyroid function extend to the fetus, potentially leading to impaired neuropsychological development.
Researchers at University of Cambridge identify Neurokinin B as critical part of control system that switches on human puberty, offering new treatments for sex hormone dependent diseases and contraception. The discovery also has implications for understanding normal regulation of key bodily functions.
A new study found that children distressed by family fighting have higher cortisol levels, a stress hormone. This increase in cortisol may explain why children experiencing high levels of distress during parental conflicts are more likely to develop psychological problems.
Researchers have identified a new biomarker for heart failure, resistin, which can independently predict an individual's risk of developing the condition. Resistin levels were found to increase the risk of new-onset heart failure by 38% and were a stronger predictor than other inflammatory markers.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that declines in anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B concentrations predict the time to menopause, while changes in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stages identify different reproductive periods. This information can help women understand their biological clock and fertility.
A new Fox Chase Cancer Center study suggests men with early stage prostate cancer treated with radiation therapy should begin hormone therapy immediately if their PSA level rises quickly and doubles within six months at any time after treatment. The study also supports foregoing hormones if the PSA doesn't rise as quickly. These findin...
Johns Hopkins researchers have successfully suppressed levels of the 'hunger hormone' ghrelin in pigs using a minimally invasive procedure. The method, called GACE, produces an effect similar to bariatric surgery by lowering appetite and promoting significant weight loss.
Researchers discovered a gene linked to melon sex switching, which suggests evolutionary selection favoring the mutation. This finding provides insights into the molecular basis of sex determination and different sexual systems in plants.
Women with low or high thyrotropin hormone levels have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to a recent study. The research found that these hormone levels were associated with an increased risk of incident Alzheimer's disease in women, but not in men.
Researchers have discovered a potential new drug that 'opens the taps' for hormone release, potentially stimulating new bone growth. The approach involves stimulating parathyroids, tiny glands controlling PTH hormone, which could lead to increased calcium levels and bone formation.
A UCLA study identifies the mechanism behind the mind-body connection, finding that cortisol suppresses telomerase levels in immune cells. This leads to shorter telomeres and increased susceptibility to illness.
A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that breastfeeding for more than a year halves the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Women who breastfed for 13 months or more were 50% less likely to get the disease.
A new study found that ghrelin increases the response to food pictures in brain regions involved in reward and motivation, suggesting a link between pleasure signals and metabolic drives. The findings may have implications for treating obesity and could inform policies aimed at reducing fast food consumption.
A new study reveals that ghrelin hormone enhances the brain's response to food-related cues, making food more attractive. The hormone targets regions involved in reward and motivation, similar to those affected by drug addiction.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals that anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels can predict a woman's reproductive age and onset of menopause. AMH levels reflect the number of small follicles present in a woman's ovaries, enabling monthly ovulations.
Research published in PLOS Genetics found that hormone-dependent and independent breast cancers originate from distinct genetic variants, suggesting separate biological pathways. This discovery could guide future research into prevention and treatments for the different cancer types.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that low levels of adiponectin, a hormone produced by fat cells, are linked to elevated albumin protein in the urine and increased inflammation in the kidney. The study suggests that supplementing with adiponectin or other therapies may help protect kidney function in obese patients.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario discovered that abdominal fat tissue produces a hormone called Neuropeptide Y (NPY), which stimulates fat cell production. This novel finding may lead to new therapeutic targets for combating obesity, including the development of a simple blood test to detect increased levels of NPY.
Research at Yale University reveals a link between grhelin, the hunger hormone, and decreased fertility. Grhelin's impact on reproductive health is seen in mice bred with low ghrelin levels, producing smaller litter sizes and altered uterine development.
A new technique developed at Yale School of Medicine promotes rapid bone formation by removing bone marrow and injecting a hormone, offering a promising alternative to current treatments for weakened or fractured bones. The study, conducted in mice, shows that this procedure creates new bone tissue with improved biomechanical properties.
Research identifies genetic variations that shield adults from depression caused by childhood trauma. The study discovered that certain gene variations help regulate the response to stress, protecting against moderate to severe depression in adulthood.
A recent study found that adults who were abused in childhood and carried a specific gene variant showed lower measures of depression. The gene variant, corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor one (CRHR1), appears to protect against depression in adults who experienced moderate to severe child abuse.
Researchers have developed a method to measure the reproductive value of female side-blotched lizards, revealing that large clutches are associated with increased survival rates. Male lizards also exhibit improved survival with small clutch sizes due to hormonal changes, highlighting an 'ontogenetic conflict' between the sexes.
Researchers at Cornell University have identified a hormone in human urine that can safely reduce sodium levels and treat hypertension. The discovery was made possible by a new technique developed by Frank Schroeder, which allows for the analysis of complex mixtures of small molecules.
Birds with higher stress levels adopt bolder behaviour than their peers, taking more risks in stressful situations. The 'stressed' birds explored more objects and returned to feeders quickly after being startled.
A new study reveals that the CRF2 hormone receptor system is involved in both feeding behavior and stress responses, suggesting it may not be an ideal target for obesity treatments. The researchers found that stimulating this receptor increased stress-like behaviors and reduced food intake, but not without inducing anxiety-like effects.
A new study reveals that Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract, lowers ADHD symptoms in children by reducing stress hormones. The findings suggest a significant stress hormone-lowering effect for a nutritional supplement, providing hope for parents seeking alternative treatments.
Research suggests that ghrelin improves thymic mass and T cell output with increased diversity of the TCR repertoire in mice, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic approach to boost immune function in elderly or immunocompromised individuals.
Researchers recreated a 450-million-year-old protein using X-ray crystallography and mapped its structure. They found that only seven mutations were needed to evolve the ancient receptor into its modern form, with some 'permissive' changes paving the way for more significant transformations.
Researchers at Rutgers University are studying the connection between thyroid hormones and sleep. The study aims to identify how thyroid hormones affect brain structures during sleep and wakefulness.
Research by the University of Illinois found that elevated CO2 levels increase the susceptibility of soybeans to Japanese beetles and enhance their invasive abilities. This study highlights the potential risks of climate change on crop defenses, particularly for highly usable crops like soybeans.
Researchers found that female side-blotched lizards induce different color patterns in their offspring based on social cues, which helps ensure survival. The mother's influence determines whether her progeny have stripes or bars on their backs, adapting to the environment they will encounter as adults.
Researchers have identified a molecular link between spontaneous physical activity and food intake in mice, which could help explain individual variations in weight gain. The discovery of Bsx, a molecule regulating NPY and AgRP hormones, may lead to new ways to prevent obesity and related diseases.
Researchers found that cortisol production is cyclic in nature, involving rhythmic binding and unbinding of a protein essential to its production. This process starts with a signal from the hypothalamus, causing adrenal cells to increase cAMP production.
Researchers find that stress hormone THP increases anxiety in adolescents by reversing its calming effect, contributing to pubertal angst. The discovery sheds new light on the causes of mood swings during puberty.
Drinking spearmint tea can reduce androgen levels in women with hirsutism. A recent study found that consuming two cups of spearmint tea daily for five days lowered androgen levels in women with mild symptoms.