Developmental anomalies of the breast are frequently observed in women. The most serious pathology is gigantomastia. This type of breast hypertrophy may be caused by hypersensitivity of the breast oestrogen and progesterone receptors, by disturbances of the normal balance of oestrogen and androgen hormones, by hyperthyroidism or by hormonal activity of the neoplasm. In most cases gigantomastia ...

Both acute and chronic alcohol consumption can compromise kidney function, particularly in conjunction with established liver disease. Investigators have observed alcohol-related changes in the structure and function of the kidneys and impairment in their ability to regulate the volume and composition of fluid and electrolytes in the body. Chronic alcoholic patients may experience low blood con...

The basic morphology of the skeleton is determined genetically, but is final mass and architecture is modulated by several factors, as biomechanical, nutritional, and hormonal factors. Physical activity is accepted to play a major role in the development and maintenance of bone mass and resistance [1,2]. Physical activity has two bone fracture risk reducing effects: it increases resistance by r...

The novel gastric hormone ghrelin, a 28-amino acid peptide, has been identified as a potent growth-hormone secretagogue. Ghrelin production is regulated by nutritional and hormonal factors. Besides stimulating growth hormone secretion, studies show that ghrelin exerts a number of central and peripheral actions such as the regulation of food intake, the control of energy balance, glucose metabol...

*Correspondence: Maria De Falco, Section of Evolutionary and Comparative Biology, Department of Biology, Via Mezzocannone, 8 80134 Naples, Italy e-mail: [email protected] Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are identified for their ability to perturb the homeostasis of endocrine system and hormonal balance. The male reproductive system is under close control of hormones and each change in th...

Sex hormones have long been implicated in autoimmune diseases because women account for 80% of cases. The mechanism of hormonal action in autoimmunity is unknown. Drawing on genetic studies of autoimmune disease, this article discusses how both genes and sex hormones may exert their effects through the same general mechanism, dysregulation of transcription factor NF-kappaB, an immunoregulatory ...

When it comes to joint pain, it is mostly the cartilage that is inflamed and chronic headaches often result from neural inflammatory processes. Overcoming this pain will often seem impossible. What is little known: Superhormones, which can regulate the hormonal balance of the body, exist – these are eicosanoids, derivatives of arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. What effect do the arachido...

Hypothesis / aims of study Slow gastrointestinal (GI) transport can be attributed to peripheral myenteric plexus pathology in Parkinson’s disease (PD), where altered balance of cholinergic/ 5-HT4 serotonergic excitation and D2 dopaminergic inhibition might occur. This is further affected by ghrelin and other hormonal changes. It is recently reported that in PD patients, levodopa does not worsen...

Puberty and menstruation are difficult issues for teens with disabilities and for their families as well. Irregular bleeding, mood swings, and problems with hygiene often complicate the delicate balance in the lives of these adolescents. The care provider is asked to help with the pubertal transition and the issues surrounding menstruation and reproductive health. This review will concentrate o...

Sleep disturbances are associated with hormonal imbalances and may result in metabolic disorders including obesity and diabetes. Therefore, circuits controlling both sleep and metabolism are likely to play a role in these physiopathological conditions. The hypocretin (Hcrt) system is a strong candidate for mediating both sleep and metabolic imbalances because Hcrt neurons are sensitive to metab...