Molecular and cellular endocrinology
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Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. · Jan 2014
ReviewGenome-wide association studies of age at menarche and age at natural menopause.
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been successful in uncovering genetic determinants of age at menarche and age at natural menopause. To date, more than 30 novel genetic loci have been identified in GWAS for age at menarche and 17 for age at natural menopause. ⋯ This review provides an overview of the current state of our knowledge of the genetic basis of menarche and menopause timing. It emphasizes recent GWAS results and outlines strategies for discovering the missing heritability and strategies to further our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of the observed genetic associations.
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Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. · Jul 2013
ReviewHypothetical physiological and molecular basis for the effect of acupuncture in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Clinical and experimental evidence indicates that acupuncture may be a safe alternative or complement in the treatment of endocrine and reproductive function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This review describes potential etiological factors of PCOS with the aim to support potential mechanism of action of acupuncture to relieve PCOS related symptoms. ⋯ While there are no relevant randomized controlled studies on the use of acupuncture to treat metabolic abnormalities in women with PCOS, a number of experimental studies indicate that acupuncture may improve metabolic dysfunction. For each aspect of PCOS, it is important to pursue new treatment strategies that have fewer negative side effects than drug treatments, as women with PCOS often require prolonged treatment.
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Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. · Feb 2012
ReviewRole of the renal circadian timing system in maintaining water and electrolytes homeostasis.
Many basic physiological functions exhibit circadian rhythmicity. These functional rhythms are driven, in part, by the circadian clock, an ubiquitous molecular mechanism allowing cells and tissues to anticipate regular environmental events and to prepare for them. This mechanism has been shown to play a particularly important role in maintaining stability (homeostasis) of internal conditions. ⋯ Several major parameters of kidney function, including renal plasma flow (RPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and tubular reabsorption and secretion have been shown to exhibit strong circadian oscillations. Recent evidence suggest that the circadian clock can be involved in generation of these rhythms through external circadian time cues (e.g. humoral factors, activity and body temperature rhythms) or, trough the intrinsic renal circadian clock. Here, we discuss the role of renal circadian mechanisms in maintaining homeostasis of water and three major ions, namely, Na(+), K(+) and Cl(-).
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Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. · Oct 2011
ReviewNew genetic factors implicated in human GnRH-dependent precocious puberty: the role of kisspeptin system.
Human puberty is triggered by the reemergence of GnRH pulsatile secretion with progressive activation of the gonadal function. A number of genes have been identified in the complex regulatory neuroendocrine network that controls puberty initiation. KISS1 and KISS1R genes, which encode kisspeptin and its cognate receptor, respectively, are considered crucial factors for acquisition of normal reproductive function. ⋯ Two gain-of-function mutations of the KISS1 and KISS1R genes were implicated in the pathogenesis of GnRH-dependent precocious puberty, previously considered idiopathic. These discoveries have yielded significant insights into the physiology and pathophysiology of this important life transition time. Here, we review the current molecular defects that are implicated in human GnRH-dependent precocious puberty.
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Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. · May 2010
ReviewGenetic markers differentiating follicular thyroid carcinoma from benign lesions.
Thyroid nodules are commonly encountered during routine medical care. The main problem established by a discovery of a thyroid nodule is to discriminate between a benign and malignant lesion. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is the most widely used and cost-effective preoperative test for initial evaluation of a thyroid nodule. ⋯ A more acute molecular-based test for thyroid nodules is needed not only to improve treatment decisions, but also to potentially reduce the long-term health costs. Several studies have looked into biologic markers that could be used as an adjuvant to distinguish the benign from malignant nodules. This review will focus on those biomarkers that are potentially useful in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions commonly classified as indeterminate.