Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Minhthao Thi Nguyen, Sridevi Krishnan, Sonal V. Phatak, Sidika E. Karakas
Summary: Even though PCOS was traditionally defined by the presence of bilateral polycystic ovaries, women without this characteristic can still be diagnosed with PCOS, leading to heterogeneity in symptoms. The levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in the blood are associated with the number of ovarian cysts. A study of 108 women with PCOS found that higher AMH values were linked to lower BMI but higher levels of testosterone, suggesting a potential link between AMH and the reproductive cause of PCOS. These findings suggest that phenotyping based on AMH could be a useful tool in understanding the different presentations of PCOS.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Fisun Vural, Birol Vural, Eyupcan Kardas, Ayse Deniz Erturk Coskun, Irem Yildirim
Summary: This study investigated the utilization of Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) alone or replacing polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) in the PCOS diagnostic criteria. The results showed that AMH can be used with high diagnostic accuracy instead of PCOM in Rotterdam criteria, especially for phenotype A and D.
ARCHIVES OF GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Keewan Kim, Anna Z. Pollack, Carrie J. Nobles, Lindsey A. Sjaarda, Jessica R. Zolton, Jeannie G. Radoc, Enrique F. Schisterman, Sunni L. Mumford
Summary: In healthy reproductive-aged women, cadmium was associated with endocrine features central to PCOS, but not with metabolic markers. These suggest its potential role in the hormonal milieu associated with PCOS even at low levels of exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Camille Robin, Benjamin Hennart, Franck Broly, Philippine Gruchala, Geoffroy Robin, Sophie Catteau-Jonard
Summary: The genetic polymorphism of cytochromes P450 2D6, 3A4, and 3A5 does not appear to influence the clinical response to CC used to induce ovulation in women with anovulatory PCOS.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Kirsty A. Walters, Alba Moreno-Asso, Nigel K. Stepto, Michael W. Pankhurst, Valentina Rodriguez Paris, Raymond J. Rodgers
Summary: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition with reproductive, endocrine, metabolic, and psychological abnormalities. The underlying mechanisms of PCOS are still largely unknown, but recent advances have identified potential factors such as androgens and insulin that may be involved. These scientific discoveries may have a significant impact on the development of effective strategies for PCOS.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Neena Malhotra, Reeta Mahey, Rohitha Cheluvaraju, Keerthana Rajasekaran, Deeksha Patkar, Priyanka Prabhakar, Monika Rajput, Ashish Upadhyay
Summary: This study evaluated the serum AMH levels among different PCOS phenotypes and found that high AMH levels are associated with worse clinical, endocrinological, and metabolic parameters. The ROC analysis identified a cutoff value of >= 6.06 ng/mL for the diagnosis of PCOS. These findings can be used to guide treatment response, individualized management, and prediction of reproductive and long-term metabolic outcomes.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Junhyup Song, Yongjung Park, Hae Weon Cho, Sang-Guk Lee, Sinyoung Kim, Jong Baeck Lim
Summary: Age-specific reference intervals for serum AMH levels were established in a Korean population, with PCOS patients showing higher AMH levels compared to healthy individuals. The diagnostic performance of AMH varied across different age groups, indicating the importance of considering age and other clinical characteristics in interpreting test results.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nathalie di Clemente, Chrystele Racine, Rodolfo A. Rey
Summary: This article reviews the main findings on anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and its involvement in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its male equivalent. AMH has important roles in ovarian reserve, follicular development, and the differentiation of the genital tract. It is also used to assess Sertoli cell function in children and has potential implications for male fertility.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Elene Asanidze, Jenaro Kristesashvili, Nino Parunashvili, Natalia Karelishvili, Nana Etsadashvili
Summary: The study evaluated clinical features, hormonal status, and ovarian morphological characteristics in adolescents with PCOS and an 'increased risk' of PCOS using ultrasound. The combination of AMH, SHBG, clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism, along with menstrual irregularities, may serve as diagnostic markers of PCOS in adolescents. Ultrasound estimation of AFC is suggested as a more specific marker of ovarian morphology in adolescents with PCOS.
GYNECOLOGICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
L. Meng, A. McLuskey, A. Dunaif, J. A. Visser
Summary: Recently, rare heterozygous AMH protein-altering variants were found in women with PCOS, causing reduced AMH signaling. The functional mechanism of these variants is still unknown. In this study, the processing, secretion, and signaling of these AMH variants were analyzed. The results showed that some of these variants disrupt the normal processing and secretion of AMH, leading to ER retention, and can impair the immunoactivity of AMH. An AMH variant should be considered when serum AMH levels are relatively low in PCOS cases. Overall, this study provides insights into the functional mechanism of AMH variants in PCOS. Rating: 8/10.
MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Terhi T. Piltonen, Elina Komsi, Laure C. Morin-Papunen, Elisa Korhonen, Stephen Franks, Marjo-Riitta Jarvelin, Riikka K. Arffman, Meri-Maija Ollila
Summary: Using AMH as a surrogate marker for PCOM can help identify women with typical PCOS characteristics in large data sets; the prevalence of PCOS changes depending on the cut-off value used for AMH.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Xingming Zhong, Fenpin Jin, Chuican Huang, Mengxuan Du, Mengge Gao, Xiangcai Wei
Summary: The study suggests that the DNA methylation of AMHR and INSR genes is associated with the clinical characteristics and insulin resistance of PCOS patients, providing further evidence for the intimate connection between these genes and their methylation levels with the pathogenesis of PCOS.
TECHNOLOGY AND HEALTH CARE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ewa Rudnicka, Michal Kunicki, Anna Calik-Ksepka, Katarzyna Suchta, Anna Duszewska, Katarzyna Smolarczyk, Roman Smolarczyk
Summary: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged women, characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and the presence of polycystic ovary in ultrasound examination. The role of Anti-Mullerian Hormone in PCOS still requires further investigation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Menghui Zhang, Xiaocong Liu, Xiaolu Xu, Jing Li, Zhiqin Bu, Qingling Yang, Hao Shi, Wenbin Niu, Shanjun Dai, Yuling Liang, Yihong Guo
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the cut-off value of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) combined with body mass index (BMI) in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM). The results showed that AMH is an independent predictor of PCOS and PCOM. The distribution of AMH in PCOS was significantly different based on different phenotypes and severity of ovulation disorders.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Moaz O. Moursi, Haya Salem, Ayman R. Ibrahim, Sandy Marzouk, Sara Al-Meraghi, Maha Al-Ajmi, Alreem Al-Naimi, Lolwa Alansari
Summary: This study evaluated the correlation between AMH and PCOS, and explored the potential role of AMH in PCOS diagnosis. A serum AMH cutoff level of 3.75 ng/mL was identified as a convenient gauge for the prediction of PCOS and as an adjuvant to the Rotterdam criteria.
GYNECOLOGICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Ralf Weiskirchen
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Bodo C. C. Melnik, Swen Malte John, Pedro Carrera-Bastos, Loren Cordain, Claus Leitzmann, Ralf Weiskirchen, Gerd Schmitz
Summary: This review evaluates the impact of cow milk on breast carcinogenesis by linking recent epidemiological evidence and new insights into the molecular signaling of milk and its constituents in breast cancer pathogenesis. Recent prospective cohort studies support the association between cow's milk consumption and the risk of estrogen receptor-alpha-positive breast cancer. Milk contains various components that can increase systemic insulin-like growth factor 1, insulin, and estrogen signaling, promoting breast cancer. Potential oncogenic components of commercial milk include exosomal microRNAs, bovine meat and milk factors, aflatoxin M1, bisphenol A, pesticides, and micro- and nanoplastics. Individuals with certain gene mutations and genetic polymorphisms may be at increased risk for milk-induced breast cancer.
CURRENT NUTRITION REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Lilach Barer, Sarah K. Schroeder, Ralf Weiskirchen, Eran Bacharach, Marcelo Ehrlich
Summary: Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) has pleiotropic functions in different types of cancers. This study found that LCN2 can regulate prostate cancer cells by affecting cytoskeleton organization and expression of inflammation mediators. It also showed that LCN2 can modulate prostate cancer cell susceptibility to oncolytic viruses by attenuating PERK activity and increasing interferon and interferon-stimulated gene expression.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sandro Capellmann, Roland Sonntag, Herdit Schueler, Steffen K. Meurer, Lin Gan, Marlies Kauffmann, Katharina Horn, Hiltrud Koenigs-Werner, Ralf Weiskirchen, Christian Liedtke, Michael Huber
Summary: Mast cells (MCs) are heterogeneous immune cells with different protease repertoires and receptor expressions. A new cell line, PMC-306, derived from primary peritoneal MCs, can be used to study PMC function and tumorigenic processes associated with MC leukemia.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Ralf Weiskirchen
JOURNAL OF CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Erawan Borkham-Kamphorst, Steffen K. Meurer, Ralf Weiskirchen
Summary: The CCN protein family plays important biological functions in cell adhesion, migration, cell cycle progression, and control of extracellular matrix production and degradation. In the liver, CCN proteins are particularly involved in hepatic injury, disease, and remodeling. This study focused on CCN5/WISP2 and found that it is highly expressed in hepatic stellate cells, myofibroblasts, and portal myofibroblasts, while it is absent in hepatocytes. CCN5 upregulation during hepatic fibrosis induces endoplasmic reticulum stress, unfolded protein response, and apoptosis in portal myofibroblasts, potentially acting as a control mechanism against excessive fibrotic responses.
JOURNAL OF CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Kiara Gaeberlein, Sarah K. Schroeder, Indrajit Nanda, Claus Steinlein, Thomas Haaf, Eva M. Buhl, Patrick Sauvant, Vincent Sapin, Armand Abergel, Ralf Weiskirchen
Summary: The rat hepatic stellate cell line PAV-1, established two decades ago, is a cellular model for studying hepatic retinoic acid metabolism. Despite being able to store retinyl esters and synthesize retinoic acid, this cell line has been overlooked. Genetically characterized established cell lines, like PAV-1, are valuable for biomedical research as working with in vivo models becomes more complicated.
Review
Cell Biology
Sabine Weiskirchen, Sarah K. K. Schroeder, Eva Miriam Buhl, Ralf Weiskirchen
Summary: The cultivation of cells in a favorable artificial environment has become an essential tool in cellular and molecular biology research. However, cell lines are often affected by misidentification, contamination, and specific biological and chemical hazards. This review offers an introduction to common problems encountered in cell culture laboratories and provides guidelines for preventing and addressing these issues.
Article
Information Science & Library Science
Mahsa Keshavarz-Fathi, Niloufar Yazdanpanah, Sajad Kolahchi, Heliya Ziaei, Gary L. Darmstadt, Tommaso Dorigo, Filip Dochy, Lisa Levin, Visith Thongboonkerd, Shuji Ogino, Wei-Hsin Chen, Matjaz Perc, Mark S. Tremblay, Bolajoko O. Olusanya, Idupulapati M. Rao, Nikos Hatziargyriou, Maziar Moradi-Lakeh, Federico Bella, Laszlo Rosivall, Amir H. Gandomi, Armin Sorooshian, Manoj Gupta, Ciprian Gal, Andres M. Lozano, Connie Weaver, Michael Tanzer, Alessandro Poggi, Sadaf G. Sepanlou, Ralf Weiskirchen, Anet Rezek Jambrak, Pedro J. Torres, Esra Capanoglu, Francisco J. Barba, Chua Kian Jon Ernest, Mariano Sigman, Stefano Pluchino, Gevork B. Gharehpetian, Seyed-Mohammad Fereshtehnejad, Muh-Hwa Yang, Sabu Thomas, Wenju Cai, Elisabetta Comini, Neil J. Scolding, Paul S. Myles, Juan J. Nieto, George Perry, Constantine Sedikides, Nima Rezaeia
Summary: Scientometrics and bibliometrics are subfields of library and information science that study the quantity and quality of research outputs. The h-index is the most well-known scientometric index, but it relies on the count of highly cited publications. To address this limitation, we developed a new index called the Universal Research Index (UR-Index) that considers the impact of every single publication. We incorporated additional variables such as publication type, leading role, co-author count, and source metrics into the UR-Index. However, we recognize that unconscious biases in these variables may disadvantage research from specific groups, and encourage efforts to improve equitable scholarly impact in science and academia.
JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIANSHIP
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jan C. Kessel, Ralf Weiskirchen, Sarah K. Schroeder
Summary: Estrogen receptor alpha (ERa) is expressed in reproductive and non-reproductive tissues, and its impact on lipocalin 2 (LCN2) expression varies among tissues. This study found an inverse correlation between ERa and LCN2 expression in reproductive tissues, particularly in Esr1-deficient ovaries. However, no significant differences in LCN2 expression were observed in non-reproductive tissues. These findings provide insight into LCN2 regulation in relation to hormones and health.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Sarah K. Schroeder, Natalie Gasterich, Sabine Weiskirchen, Ralf Weiskirchen
Summary: Human 25-kDa Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) was initially thought to be a circulating protein that transports small lipophilic molecules. However, further studies have shown its bacteriostatic properties, involvement in innate immunity, and regulation of various biological processes. The understanding of LCN2 receptors and their mechanisms is still lacking.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ralf Weiskirchen, Sarah K. Schroeder, Sabine Weiskirchen, Eva Miriam Buhl, Bodo Melnik
Summary: Extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes, are small bilayered biovesicles released by cells, enriched with biologically active components. Milk exosomes play a key role in infant growth and development, while exosomes derived from different cell types have regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. Isolation protocols for milk exosomes allow the purification of highly enriched fractions, expressing typical exosomal protein markers.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marinela Krizanac, Paola Berenice Mass Sanchez, Sarah K. Schroeder, Ralf Weiskirchen, Anastasia Asimakopoulos
Summary: Perilipin 5 (PLIN5) is a lipid droplet coat protein highly expressed in oxidative tissues. It is regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and cellular lipid status. Previous research focused on its role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and lipid metabolism regulation. Limited studies connected PLIN5 to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where its expression is upregulated. This study explores the regulation of PLIN5 by cytokines involved in HCC and NAFLD progression, revealing IL-6-induced upregulation mediated by the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Hanna Klingel, Alexander Kruettgen, Matthias Imoehl, Michael Kleines
Summary: Although mRNA vaccines have been successful in combating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the decline in immunity has resulted in the recommendation of booster immunizations. However, there is limited knowledge about the immune response and adverse reactions caused by different booster strategies.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL VACCINE RESEARCH
(2023)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Ralf Weiskirchen
