A key goal of the field of endocrinology has been to understand the hormonal mechanisms that drive social behavior and influence reactions to others, such as oxytocin. However, it has sometimes been challenging to understand which aspects and influences of hormonal action are conserved and common among mammalian species, and which effects differ based on features of these species, such as social system. This challenge has been exacerbated by a focus on a relatively small number of traditional model species. In this review, we first demonstrate the benefits of using non-traditional models for the study of hormones, with a focus on oxytocin as a case study in adding species with diverse social systems. We then expand our discussion to explore differing effects of oxytocin (and its response to behavior) within a species, with a particular focus on relationship context and social environment among primate species. Finally, we suggest key areas for future exploration of oxytocin\'s action centrally and peripherally, and how non-traditional models can be an important resource for understanding the breadth of oxytocin\'s potential effects.

For endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) the existence of \"safe exposure levels\", that is exposure levels that do not present an appreciable risk to human health is most controversially discussed, as is the existence of health-based reference values. Concerns have been especially raised that EDCs might not possess a threshold level such that no exposure level to EDCs can be considered safe. To explore whether or not threshold levels can be identified, we performed a screening exercise on 14 pesticidal and biocidal active substances previously identified as EDCs in the European Union. The respective substances are ideal subjects for case studies to review for endocrine activity and disruptive potential following well-defined regulatory assessment based on solid data to effectually establish adversity as consequence of endocrine disruption. Dimethomorph, metiram and propiconazole for which the weight of evidence demonstrating endocrine disruption was the strongest were used as subjects for further study. Epoxiconazole was additionally selected as its effects on the endocrine system are extensive. For all four substances, analysis of the toxicological data clearly indicated thresholds of adversity below which no adverse effects mediated through an endocrine mechanism were observed. Particular emphasis was placed on mechanistic considerations including homeostasis and the concept of adversity. As a proof of concept this study provides evidence that like other substances of toxicological concern EDCs have threshold levels for adversity. While for some EDCs the respective thresholds might indeed be very low this shows that, data allowing, for other EDCs sufficiently protective reference values can be derived.

A male infant was brought to our paediatric endocrine unit with typical clinical features of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and striking macro-orchidism. On evaluation, free T3, free T4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were found to be low, suggestive of congenital CH. Cortisol was within reference range and prolactin was mildly elevated. No suspicious lesions were encountered on neurosonography. On commencing treatment with thyroxine, clinical features of hypothyroidism showed dramatic improvement with regression of testicular enlargement. Genetic analysis revealed deletion of the TSHβ gene.Our case highlights a rare presentation of central CH with macro-orchidism in a genetically proven deletion of TSHβ gene. Macro-orchidism has been widely reported in IGSF-1 mutations leading to central CH; however, central CH and macro-orchidism have not been reported in association with TSHβ deletions.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus that occurs in patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis. Here, we report a case of a young female with bronchial asthma who presented to our hospital with worsening breathlessness on exertion. She was diagnosed to have ABPA and was initiated on oral itraconazole while continuing inhaled long acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist and medium dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) for her asthma. Three months after initiation of therapy, the patient had significant improvement in breathlessness. However, she had weight gain, facial puffiness, increased facial hair and development of striae on her inner thighs, calf and lower abdomen. Her serum cortisol levels were found to be suppressed and hence a diagnosis of iatrogenic Cushing\'s syndrome was made. Our case describes the potentially serious interaction between ICS and oral itraconazole, a treatment very commonly prescribed in patients with ABPA.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has permanently changed the world. Despite having been a pandemic for nearly 3 years, the mid- and long-term complications of this disease, including endocrine disorders, remain unclear. Our study aimed to evaluate the lasting effects of COVID-19 on the endocrine system 6 months after initial infection.
We compared patients who underwent COVID-19 to age- and sex-matched subjects from a population-based study conducted before the pandemic. We evaluated differences in multiple parameters related to metabolism and the endocrine system including fasting glucose, insulin, lipids, body composition, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), anti-thyroglobulin (aTG) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (aTPO) antibodies, prolactin, cortisol, testosterone, and estradiol.
We found significantly lower levels of fT3 and fT4, accompanied by higher levels of TSH and aTPO antibodies, in COVID-19 survivors. Moreover, we found that patients who underwent SARS-CoV2 infection had higher levels of prolactin and lower levels of testosterone than controls. Interestingly, differences in testosterone levels were observed only in male subjects. We did not detect significant differences in body composition or metabolic and glycemic parameters between cases and controls, except for significantly higher values of the HOMA2-B index in COVID-19 survivors.
Our study indicates that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection might have long-term consequences on the endocrine system, including the suppressed function of the thyroid gland, prolactin, and male sex hormone secretion. Moreover, we showed that in a 6-month follow-up, COVID-19 had no consequences on glycemic parameters, lipid profiles, liver function, body composition, cortisol levels, and estradiol levels.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a neurological disorder that causes a traumatic anatomical discontinuity of the spinal cord. SCI can lead to paraplegia, spastic, or motor impairments. Go-karting for people with SCI is an adapted sport that is becoming increasingly popular. The purpose of this case report is to shed light on the effects of driving a go-kart on a patient with SCI-related spasticity and to deepen understanding of the possible related role of whole-body vibration (WBV) and neuroendocrine reaction.
METHODS: The patient was a 50-year-old male with a spastic paraplegia due to traumatic SCI. He regularly practiced go-kart racing, reporting a transient reduction in spasticity. He was evaluated before (T0), immediately after (T1), 2 weeks after (T2), and 4 weeks after (T3) a go-kart driving session. On both sides, long adductor, femoral bicep, and medial and lateral gastrocnemius spasticity was assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and tone and stiffness were assessed using MyotonPro.
RESULTS: It was observed that a go-kart driving session could reduce muscle spasticity, tone, and stiffness.
CONCLUSIONS: Go-kart driving can be a valid tool to obtain results similar to those of WBV and hormone production in the reduction of spasticity.

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Organismal behavior, with its tremendous complexity and diversity, is generated by numerous physiological systems acting in coordination. Understanding how these systems evolve to support differences in behavior within and among species is a longstanding goal in biology that has captured the imagination of researchers who work on a multitude of taxa, including humans. Of particular importance are the physiological determinants of behavioral evolution, which are sometimes overlooked because we lack a robust conceptual framework to study mechanisms underlying adaptation and diversification of behavior. Here, we discuss a framework for such an analysis that applies a \"systems view\" to our understanding of behavioral control. This approach involves linking separate models that consider behavior and physiology as their own networks into a singular vertically integrated behavioral control system. In doing so, hormones commonly stand out as the links, or edges, among nodes within this system. To ground our discussion, we focus on studies of manakins (Pipridae), a family of Neotropical birds. These species have numerous physiological and endocrine specializations that support their elaborate reproductive displays. As a result, manakins provide a useful example to help imagine and visualize the way systems concepts can inform our appreciation of behavioral evolution. In particular, manakins help clarify how connectedness among physiological systems-which is maintained through endocrine signaling-potentiate and/or constrain the evolution of complex behavior to yield behavioral differences across taxa. Ultimately, we hope this review will continue to stimulate thought, discussion, and the emergence of research focused on integrated phenotypes in behavioral ecology and endocrinology.

Endocrine complications have been described in patients affected by RASopathies but no systematic assessment has been reported. In this study, we investigate the prevalence of endocrine disorders in a consecutive unselected cohort of patients with RASopathies.
72 patients with a genetically confirmed RASopathy (Noonan syndrome [NS], N=53; 29 LEOPARD syndrome [LS], N=2; cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome [CFCS], N=14; subjects showing co-occurring pathogenic variants in PTPN11 and NF1, N=3) and an age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Endocrine system involvement was investigated by assessing the thyroid function, pubertal development, auxological parameters, adrenal function and bone metabolism.
Short stature was detected in 40% and 64% of the NS and CFCS subcohorts, respectively. Patients showed lower Z-scores at DXA than controls (p<0.05) when considering the entire case load and both NS and CFCS groups. Vitamin D and Calcitonin levels were significantly lower (p< 0.01), Parathormone levels significantly higher (p<0.05) in patients compared to the control group (p<0.05). Patients with lower BMD showed reduced physical activity and joint pain. Finally, anti-TPO antibody levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls when considering the entire case load and both NS and CFCS groups.
The collected data demonstrate a high prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity, confirming an increased risk to develop autoimmune disorders both in NS and CFCS. Reduced BMD, probably associated to reduced physical activity and inflammatory cytokines, also occurs. These findings are expected to have implications for the follow-up and prevention of osteopenia/osteoporosis in both NS and CFCS.

Morgagni-Stewart-Morel (MSM) syndrome is characterized by the thickening of the frontal bone of the skull (hyperostosis frontalis interna) obesity, neurological symptoms, and hypertrichosis. We present the case of a 76-year-old patient who complained of confusion, extreme irritability, and headache and was diagnosed with MSM based on examination, imaging, and test results.