Beta-endorphin (beta-EP) is a neuropeptide involved in several brain functions, regulating the reproductive axis and behavioral changes. Estrogens play a modulatory role on circulating levels of beta-EP in women. Previous clinical studies have demonstrated high plasma beta-EP levels in obese subjects and increased beta-EP release after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in normal or obese women. The aim of the present study was to evaluate plasma beta-endorphin levels in response to an OGTT in pre- and postmenopausal obese and non-obese women, in order to investigate if the decrease in gonadal steroid levels at menopause could modify in a different manner the control of beta-endorphin release in response to glucose administration. A group of 24 normal women (age range 45-55 years) were included in the study. The patients were subdivided in four groups of six subjects each: group A, premenopausal women with body mass index (BMI) < 25 (control); group B, premenopausal women with BMI > 25 (obese); group C, post-menopausal women with BMI < 25 (control); group D, postmenopausal women with BMI > 25 (obese). All women were studied between 8.30 and 9.00 am, after overnight fasting, and underwent an OGTT. In obese premenopausal women, basal plasma beta-EP levels were significantly higher than in non-obese women (p < 0.01). In postmenopausal women, regardless of body weight, low basal plasma beta-EP levels were found. A significant increase in plasma beta-EP levels, at 30 and 60 minutes after oral glucose ingestion, was shown in control premenopausal women. No significant modifications to OGTT were shown in plasma beta-EP levels in the other three groups of women. In conclusion, while in premenopausal women the response of plasma beta-EP levels to OGTT is maintained, in postmenopause there is a lack of response to OGTT. This suggests that beta-EP release is dependent upon gonadal steroids, while it is only in part influenced by body weight.
Beta-endorphin response to oral glucose tolerance test in obese and non-obese pre- and postmenopausal women / Stomati, M.*; Bersi, C.; Bernardi, F.; Rubino, S.; Nappi, L.; Catarsi, S.; Ferrari, A.; Spinetti, A.; Cionini, R.; Petraglia, F.; Genazzani, A.R.. - In: GYNECOLOGICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY. - ISSN 0951-3590. - ELETTRONICO. - 12:(1998), pp. 35-40.
Beta-endorphin response to oral glucose tolerance test in obese and non-obese pre- and postmenopausal women
Catarsi, S.;Spinetti, A.;Petraglia, F.;
1998
Abstract
Beta-endorphin (beta-EP) is a neuropeptide involved in several brain functions, regulating the reproductive axis and behavioral changes. Estrogens play a modulatory role on circulating levels of beta-EP in women. Previous clinical studies have demonstrated high plasma beta-EP levels in obese subjects and increased beta-EP release after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in normal or obese women. The aim of the present study was to evaluate plasma beta-endorphin levels in response to an OGTT in pre- and postmenopausal obese and non-obese women, in order to investigate if the decrease in gonadal steroid levels at menopause could modify in a different manner the control of beta-endorphin release in response to glucose administration. A group of 24 normal women (age range 45-55 years) were included in the study. The patients were subdivided in four groups of six subjects each: group A, premenopausal women with body mass index (BMI) < 25 (control); group B, premenopausal women with BMI > 25 (obese); group C, post-menopausal women with BMI < 25 (control); group D, postmenopausal women with BMI > 25 (obese). All women were studied between 8.30 and 9.00 am, after overnight fasting, and underwent an OGTT. In obese premenopausal women, basal plasma beta-EP levels were significantly higher than in non-obese women (p < 0.01). In postmenopausal women, regardless of body weight, low basal plasma beta-EP levels were found. A significant increase in plasma beta-EP levels, at 30 and 60 minutes after oral glucose ingestion, was shown in control premenopausal women. No significant modifications to OGTT were shown in plasma beta-EP levels in the other three groups of women. In conclusion, while in premenopausal women the response of plasma beta-EP levels to OGTT is maintained, in postmenopause there is a lack of response to OGTT. This suggests that beta-EP release is dependent upon gonadal steroids, while it is only in part influenced by body weight.
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