Post-menopausal ovarian fibroma associated with steroid hormone synthesis: A case report

ObjectiveOvarian fibromas are benign, sex cord-stromal tumors occurring in both peri- and post-menopausal women. Generally, these tumors are non-functional and do not produce hormones. However, this case report proves the first case of steroid hormone synthesis in an ovarian fibroma by immunohistochemistry.Case reportA 77-year-old post-menopausal woman presented with a left ovarian tumor, abnormal endometrial thickness, and high levels of estradiol (E2). The tumor was found to be a fibroma, which was positive for alpha-inhibin. We examined estrogen-producing enzymes using immunohistochemistry. The tumor was positive for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD)-1, adrenal 4 binding protein/steroidogenic factor 1, 17β-HSD-5, steroid sulfatase, and P450c17.ConclusionThis case study shows that E2 can be locally produced from circulating inactive steroids, by estrogen-producing enzymes. This is the first report of steroid hormone synthesis in an ovarian fibroma.     

Central and peripheral mechanisms involved in the control of GnRH neuronal function by metabolic factors

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are the final output pathway for the brain control of reproduction. The activity of this neuronal population, mainly located at the preoptic area of the hypothalamus, is controlled by a plethora of metabolic signals. However, it has been documented that most of these signal impact on GnRH neurons through indirect neuronal circuits, Kiss1, proopiomelanocortin, and neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide neurons being some of the most prominent mediators. In this context, compelling evidence has been gathered in recent years on the role of a large range of neuropeptides and energy sensors in the regulation of GnRH neuronal activity through both direct and indirect mechanisms. The present review summarizes some of the most prominent recent advances in our understanding of the peripheral factors and central mechanisms involved in the metabolic control of GnRH neurons.     

257例男科门诊病例的染色体核型分析

染色体异常是影响男性不育和性腺发育不全的重要因素。本文分析了257例男科门诊患者的染色体标本。发现40例染色体核型异常,检出率为15.6%,其中性染色体异常检出率最高,占92.5%。本文仅从染色体检出率异常的角度初步探讨与男性不育、性腺发育不良等方面的关系。