Exposure to Di-2-ethylhexyl Phthalate and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, NHANES 2001-2008

30% of men suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) worldwide. As one of the most important members of Phthalate esters, previous studies suggested ubiquitous Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) exposure is associated with such male disorders by interfering with endocrine system, however, little is known about the association between DEHP exposure and BPH. The objective of this study was to study the potential association by the 2001–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. The data was collected, and multiple logistic regression was adapted to measure the association. The concentrations of DEHP (∑DEHP) were calculated by each metabolite and split into quartiles for analysis. Results showed that the odds ratio (OR) decreased with increased ∑DEHP concentration. In the crude model, the OR for the second quartile (OR = 1.60, 95%CI [1.24, 2.07]) was obviously higher compared with the lowest quartile. However, the OR for the highest quartile (OR = 0.55, 95%CI [0.44,0.69]) was lower than that for the third quartile (OR = 0.77, 95%CI [0.61, 0.97]), and the OR for the third and the highest quartile were significantly lower than that of the lowest quartile, which suggested biphasic effects of DEHP based on concentration. The results showed the same trend after adjusting confounding factors. The study suggested that the DEHP exposure is associated with DEHP, and the results adds limited evidence to study this topic, however, further researches are needed to determine if the status of BPH can be changed by controlling DEHP exposure.

Reversal of Graves’ Disease with a Whole Foods Plant Based Diet: A Case Report

The benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet (WFPBD) include, but are not limited to, improvement of cardiovascular health, decreased inflammation, as well as enhanced endocrine system function. We present the case of a 51-year-old pre-diabetic female with a 22-year history of Graves’ disease who reversed her conditions following the ini- tial 28-week WFPBD period. In this time, she was able to reduce her thyroid stimu- lating immunoglobulin (TSI) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and discontinue methimazole and cetirizine intake. It was also found that maintaining vitamin D levels are beneficial for promoting a more balanced immune response to help lower thyroid antibodies.

A Pilot Study of Gene Expression Analysis in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Response to a Hypocaloric Mediterranean Diet

Background. Few studies have examined gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after a dietary intervention. Objective. Our study is aimed at evaluating in a pilot study the peripheral blood gene expression in obese patients after weight loss secondary to a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet. Design. A sample of 11 obese subjects without metabolic syndrome was enrolled. Biochemical, anthropometric parameters and microarray analysis were performed at baseline and after 6 months of dietary intervention. Results. The mean age was 43.1 ± 6.3 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 38.6 ± 8.1 kg/m2. All the next improvements were statistically significant: body weight − 7.4 ± 1.9 kg, BMI - 2.5 ± 0.2 kg, fat mass − 5.7 ± 1.2 kg, waist circumference − 5.8 ± 1.2 cm, triglycerides − 17.4 ± 6.5 mg/dl, C-reactive protein − 3.1 ± 1.5 mg/dL, insulin − 2.1 ± 1.0 mUI/L, and HOMA-IR − 0.7 ± 0.2 units. We identified 634 differentially expressed genes: 262 genes with relative higher expression levels and 372 with lower expression levels. Cluster analysis showed 35 genes in nutritional disease and 17 genes in endocrine system. The most relevant gene was thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and this gene was overexpressed, and the next genes carbonic anhydrase VI (CA6), caveolin protein 1 (CAV1) and solute carrier family type 12 (SLLC12A3), soluble carrier family type 12 (SLLC12A3), beta 3 receptor (ADRB3), and glutamate receptor ionotropic N methyl D aspartate 2 A (GRIN2A) were all underexpressed. Conclusion. In PBMC from obese patients after a diet with a Mediterranean pattern, the expression of 634 genes, of the endocrine system and of nutritional disease, is modified.

The features of changes in adrenal hormones content in mariners during a voyage to different climatic and geographical areas

The hard-working conditions of mariners require a high degree of adaptation of the regulatory systems of the organism. In ensuring adaptation, one of the leading ones is the endocrine system (especially the pituitary-adrenal axis.The aim of the study is to investigate changes in hormonal parameters in mariners during a voyage to various climatic and geographical regions.Materials and methods: Russian seamen were examined during the dynamics of the voyage to various climatogeographic regions. They have determined the levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol four times (before the voyage, at the beginning, in the middle and at the end).The results of the study and their discussion: at the beginning of the voyage, the level of ACTH and cortisol were increased; by the middle of the voyage, ACTH decreased but cortisol remained at the same values; by the end of the voyage, the levels of both hormones decreased and reached values much lower than before the voyage. Considering the dynamics of hormonal levels, the normal course of the general adaptation process occurs in the first half of the voyage. A significant decrease in ACTH and cortisol levels in the second half of the voyage may be a sign of breakdown of adaptive capacity.

Spiritual Emergency

Mindfulness meditation has been proven efficient in treating many physical and psychological disorders. Mindfulness meditation techniques are also subjected to specific indications and contraindications. Scanning of gross body, thoughts, emotions, and memories are the essential components of any form of meditation. During those scannings, some unwanted memories and some unusual experiences are very much apparent. There are many energy points in the gross human body, which are correspondent to the endocrine system of the human body, known as Kundalini or Chakra. During meditation, those chakras are stimulated, and hidden energy is exploded; increased psychomotor activities manifest in the behaviors of the person. This behavioral manifestation is called a spiritual emergency. Professionals often confused this behavioral manifestation with psychotic illness. A spiritual emergency requires specific therapeutic management. Against this backdrop, this chapter attempts a review of research articles on spiritual emergencies and therapeutic guidelines to handle them in clinical settings.

INTERNAL ANATOMY OF THE OLIVE TURTLE (Lepidochelys olivacea)

In this article, the internal organs of an olive sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) were described. The autopsy was based on a methodological guide of “Virchow”. The Cardiorespiratory, Digestive, Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, Spleen, Genito-Urinary System, and Endocrine System systems were observed. This description of the internal organs aimed to provide practice in anatomical identification and to provide didactic information for the students of the course in veterinary medicine.