Estrogens, Conjugated Synthetic B(Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.)

Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is essential for transgender individuals seeking body modifications. For transfeminine people assigned male at birth, GAHT typically involves a combination of antiandrogens and estrogens. Despite its importance, the scientific literature presents inconsistencies regarding the effects of these hormones on nutritional status, body composition, and biochemical markers. This study aims to evaluate the impact of estradiol enanthate and dihydroxyprogesterone acetophenide (E2EN/DHPA) hormonal treatment, in conjunction with resistive physical exercise, on body composition and metabolic profiles.

Twenty-eight male rats were divided into three groups: MO (control group, n = 8), receiving sesame oil vehicle; MH (n = 11), receiving E2EN/DHPA; and MEH (n = 9), receiving E2EN/DHPA along with physical exercise. The hormonal treatment was administered every ten days for two months, while the exercise regimen involved stair climbing with progressively increasing weights, performed five times weekly for seven weeks. Evaluated parameters included body mass index (BMI), body composition (fat and lean mass), bone mineral density (BMD), and lipid profile (triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C).

The rats that received E2EN/DHPA showed significant changes in body composition and BMI, regardless of exercise. The MH group had increased body fat, while both the MH and MEH groups had decreased bone area and mineral content. However, BMD remained the same across all groups. Elevated triglyceride levels were observed, and the MEH group also had reduced LDL-C levels. HDL-C levels did not show significant variation.

The study's findings show similarities to changes seen in transfeminine individuals undergoing GAHT with estrogen and antiandrogens. These changes include decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, preserved bone mineral density, and elevated triglycerides. The study also found that resistance exercise positively impacted lipid profiles, particularly in reducing LDL-C. These results highlight the need for further research and comparative trials on hormone therapy regimens.

In aquatic ecosystems, endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) pose a growing concern for their potential adverse effects on fish reproduction and development. In lake Pyhäjärvi, located in the urban boreal region of Tampere, Finland, a significant number of sexually immature pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) individuals have been identified in size and age categories that are expected to be sexually mature. To explore if this phenomenon is attributed to estrogenic endocrine disruption, we conducted a comprehensive study comparing fish from lake Pyhäjärvi with those from a nearby reference lake, lake Näsijärvi. Roach (Rutilus rutilus), known for its susceptibility to EDCs, was also included for comparison. We examined various parameters in both pikeperch and roach, including size, condition factor, age, reproductive indicators, biometric indices and gonadal histology. We also assessed liver vitellogenin mRNA levels and genetic sex in roach, and measured estrogen levels in lake waters and wastewater treatment plant effluents. Results revealed that approximately one-third of fish in both species exhibited sexual immaturity in lake Pyhäjärvi, with a female-biased sex ratio. Surprisingly, we found no signs of estrogenic endocrine disruption, indicated by the absence of intersex fish in both species. Furthermore, vitellogenin levels in roach closely resembled those in the reference lake. Estrogens were undetectable in the lake waters, suggesting that factors other than estrogenic EDCs, including other potential endocrine disruptors such as PCBs or heavy metals, may be influencing delayed sexual maturity and skewed sex ratios. Further inquiry is needed to pinpoint these underlying causes. Our study provides essential baseline information on fish sexual development in lake Pyhäjärvi, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and research to understand delayed sexual maturity and biased sex ratios. This is vital given the increasing concern about EDC impacts on aquatic ecosystems and the necessity for effective management strategies to protect these ecosystems' health and integrity.