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A study conducted by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens examined the prevalence of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression and its association with metabolic disorders in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) on low-dose glucocorticoids. The research found that stable KTRs on chronic low-dose glucocorticoids showed an increased prevalence of HPA axis suppression, with ACTH potentially serving as a surrogate biomarker for HPA axis activity in this population. However, after adjusting for covariates, HPA axis suppression was not found to be associated with the examined metabolic disorders. Further research is suggested to explore the link between glucocorticoid-induced HPA axis inhibition and metabolic disorders. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Jilin Agricultural University in Changchun, China, explored the potential therapeutic effects of 20 (S)-Protopanaxadiol, a compound found in Panax ginseng, on depression. The research focused on how this compound may alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction and depressive symptoms through the SIRT1/PGC-1a signaling pathway. The study found that 20 (S)-Protopanaxadiol showed promise in improving neuronal damage and depressive symptoms in both in vitro and in vivo models by modulating mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis. This research sheds light on the potential neuroprotective and antidepressant effects of 20 (S)-Protopanaxadiol in treating depression. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the MS Center in Jihlava, Czech Republic, examined the altered steroidome in women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The research found significant differences in steroid levels and metabolic pathways in female MS patients compared to controls, indicating potential implications for the disease's onset and progression. This study sheds light on the complex interplay between steroids and MS, highlighting the need for further research in this area. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology have found that osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common complication of glucocorticoid therapy, with sympathetic nerves playing a role in bone homeostasis. The study shows that decreased sympathetic tone is linked to GC-induced ONFH, and rebalancing corticosteroid receptors can mitigate endothelial impairment and promote angiogenesis in the femoral head. This research sheds light on the mechanisms behind GC-induced ONFH and offers potential therapeutic targets for this condition. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by investigators from St. Marianna University in Yokohama, Japan, focused on predicting the duration of steroid replacement therapy after the removal of cortisol-producing adenomas. The study, part of the Advancing Care and Pathogenesis of Intractable Adrenal Diseases in Japan, found that factors such as midnight serum cortisol levels and the presence of lumbar compression fractures were significantly correlated with the duration of replacement therapy. The research concluded that lumbar compression fractures are indicative of the severity and persistence of cortisol secretion. This peer-reviewed study provides valuable insights into the management of patients with cortisol-producing adenomas. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Calgary explored the impact of seizure-induced corticosterone activity on emotional comorbidities in epilepsy. The research found that inhibiting seizure-induced corticosterone synthesis or blocking the effects of corticosterone could potentially be a treatment option for emotional comorbidities in epilepsy. The study was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and involved various approaches, including whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and behavioral paradigms in rats. For more information, the full study can be accessed in the journal Neurobiology of Stress. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Keio University conducted a study on the hypothermic effects of fluoroquinolone antimicrobials on non-bacterial fever model mice. The study found that certain fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin and gatifloxacin, have antipyretic effects that contribute to their hypothermic effects during fever. The research suggests that these effects may be glucocorticoid-mediated. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms behind the temperature reduction observed with fluoroquinolone antimicrobials. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China conducted a study on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using a combination therapy of glucocorticoids (GCs) and methotrexate (MTX). The study found that MTX can enhance the effectiveness of GCs in suppressing synovitis and reducing bone loss in RA patients. The research sheds light on the potential mechanisms underlying the efficacy of this combination therapy for treating RA. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands, found that long-term biological and psychological stress are associated with hedonic eating tendencies in patients with obesity. The research, which included 108 adults with lifestyle-induced obesity, revealed that higher hair cortisone levels were linked to increased food cravings, even after adjusting for psychological stress. The study suggests that long-term stress may have adverse effects on weight management and clinical features of obesity. [Extracted from the article]

The patent application by AVM Biotechnology LLC discusses the use of high concentrations of glucocorticoids to condition patients for cellular immunotherapies, specifically adoptive T cell therapy, with the aim of enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicities associated with chemotherapy. The application focuses on the production of a novel population of Natural Killer T cell-like cells induced by glucocorticoids, which have the potential to directly target cancer cells. The method outlined in the patent aims to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases with fewer toxicities and greater efficacy than current therapies, emphasizing the need for safer and more cost-effective treatments. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study on the impact of prenatal stress on corticosterone levels in offspring by affecting the placental glucocorticoid barrier function. The study used a prenatal stress model in pregnant rats and analyzed DNA methylation of genes related to the placental glucocorticoid barrier. The results showed elevated corticosterone levels in offspring exposed to prenatal stress, with changes in gene expression and methylation patterns. This research suggests that prenatal stress can disrupt the placental glucocorticoid barrier, potentially affecting the growth and development of offspring. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of British Columbia explored the relationship between Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15), corticosterone, and lipid utilization in mice following exercise. The research found that while GDF15 is associated with increases in corticosterone and lipid utilization, it is not the direct cause of these effects. The study used GDF15 deficient mice to investigate these relationships and concluded that GDF15 is not responsible for exercise-induced changes in corticosterone and lipid metabolism. For more information, the full article can be accessed in the Journal of Applied Physiology. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the use of glucocorticoids as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs in various immune-mediated diseases, highlighting their controversial use in sepsis and shock due to a lack of information on the responding cell types and regulated genes. The study utilized blood transcriptomic datasets to identify two robust gene expression correlation signatures of glucocorticoid induction, with one originating from circadian cortisol and the other from glucocorticoids in severe inflammation. These findings provide insights into the gene regulation by glucocorticoids in circulating monocytes and neutrophils in both health and systemic inflammation. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University in China analyzed 89 cases of drug eruptions in inpatients from April 2019 to December 2023. The research found that exanthematous eruptions were the most common type of drug eruptions, with antibiotics, traditional Chinese medicine, and antiepileptics being the top allergenic drugs. Patients with severe drug eruptions often experienced high fever, but hospitalization time did not differ significantly between severe and mild cases. The study suggested that early administration of glucocorticoids, alone or in combination with other therapies, could shorten hospitalization time for severe drug eruptions. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the University of Minnesota Medical School found that anastrozole therapy can improve height outcomes in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-OHD. The research showed that anastrozole decreased the rate of bone maturation and led to improved height outcomes in patients. This suggests that anastrozole could be a beneficial adjunct therapy for children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and advanced bone age. [Extracted from the article]

A study from Muhammadiyah University in Surabaya, Indonesia, explores the delayed healing of traumatic ulcers in teledentistry patients. The research highlights how psychological stress, exacerbated by toothpick injuries, can impact wound healing. The study emphasizes the importance of thorough patient assessments, appropriate therapy, and oral health education to promote effective ulcer healing in such cases. The findings underscore the physiological link between stress, glucocorticoids, and wound healing, providing valuable insights for dental healthcare providers. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute have conducted studies on withdrawal syndrome, focusing on glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency and glucocorticoid withdrawal. The research highlights the adverse effects of chronic glucocorticoid therapy, such as adrenal suppression, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency in patients. The study suggests that more data on the associated health risks is needed to guide patient care when tapering long-term glucocorticoid therapy. [Extracted from the article]

The Lupus Research Alliance has announced the recipients of the Translational Bridge Award, aimed at accelerating research into potential treatments and diagnostics for lupus. Five researchers have been awarded funding to address issues such as pain management, lupus nephritis diagnostics, alternatives to glucocorticoids, novel therapies for lupus, and cognitive impairment in lupus. The award provides up to $450,000 over two years to support innovative projects with strong commercial or clinical potential, ultimately benefiting those living with lupus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects women, particularly those from Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Federal University Pelotas conducted a study on female C57BL/6J mice to investigate the relationship between intermittent access to sugary drinks and fasting with overeating and depressive-like behavior. The study found that a 10-day protocol induced uncontrolled eating behavior in the mice, leading to food overconsumption and depressive-like behavior. The research concluded that the 20-hour sucrose fasting group was the ideal protocol for mimicking overeating behavior associated with depression, providing insights for future therapeutic approaches. The study was supported by various institutions and has been peer-reviewed, offering valuable insights into the link between eating disorders and mental health. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Dokkyo Medical University in Tochigi, Japan, focused on the effects of sacubitril/valsartan, a combination drug that acts as a neprilysin inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker, on patients after cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. The study involved 63 patients who underwent open heart surgery and were treated with sacubitril/valsartan, showing that the drug was safe and led to improvements in renal function and a reduction in postoperative atrial fibrillation. The research concluded that sacubitril/valsartan suppressed the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and increased serum atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations. [Extracted from the article]