Biomaterial Database

beta-Endorphin and beta-lipotropin plasma levels in hirsute women: correlation with body weight. 1980

J R Givens, and E Wiedemann, and R N Andersen, and A E Kitabchi

Based on the findings of elevated circulating beta-endorphin (beta-END) levels in genetically obese (fa/fa) fats and the reversal of the overeating of genetically obese (ob/ob) mice by naloxone, circulating beta-END and beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH) levels were measured in 8 hirsute, hyperandrogenic, oligo-amenorrheic women of varying weights. Circulating beta-END and beta-LPH levels were significantly elevated (p less than .001) above the levels in nonobese control subjects and were positively correlated with body weight (p less than .025). Based on these data and indirect evidence in the literature, we propose a role may exist for beta-END and/or beta-LPH in human obesity and in adrenal androgen secretion.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008083	beta-Lipotropin	A 90-amino acid peptide derived from post-translational processing of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) in the PITUITARY GLAND and the HYPOTHALAMUS. It is the C-terminal fragment of POMC with lipid-mobilizing activities, such as LIPOLYSIS and steroidogenesis. Depending on the species and the tissue sites, beta-LPH may be further processed to yield active peptides including GAMMA-LIPOTROPIN; BETA-MSH; and ENDORPHINS.	Lipotropin,Adipozin,beta-LPH,beta-Lipotrophin,beta LPH,beta Lipotrophin,beta Lipotropin
D001835	Body Weight	The mass or quantity of heaviness of an individual. It is expressed by units of pounds or kilograms.	Body Weights,Weight, Body,Weights, Body
D003687	Dehydroepiandrosterone	A major C19 steroid produced by the ADRENAL CORTEX. It is also produced in small quantities in the TESTIS and the OVARY. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can be converted to TESTOSTERONE; ANDROSTENEDIONE; ESTRADIOL; and ESTRONE. Most of DHEA is sulfated (DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULFATE) before secretion.	Dehydroisoandrosterone,Prasterone,5-Androsten-3-beta-hydroxy-17-one,5-Androsten-3-ol-17-one,Androstenolone,DHEA,Prasterone, 3 alpha-Isomer,5 Androsten 3 beta hydroxy 17 one,5 Androsten 3 ol 17 one,Prasterone, 3 alpha Isomer
D004723	Endorphins	One of the three major groups of endogenous opioid peptides. They are large peptides derived from the PRO-OPIOMELANOCORTIN precursor. The known members of this group are alpha-, beta-, and gamma-endorphin. The term endorphin is also sometimes used to refer to all opioid peptides, but the narrower sense is used here; OPIOID PEPTIDES is used for the broader group.	Endorphin
D005260	Female		Females
D006628	Hirsutism	A condition observed in WOMEN and CHILDREN when there is excess coarse body hair of an adult male distribution pattern, such as facial and chest areas. It is the result of elevated ANDROGENS from the OVARIES, the ADRENAL GLANDS, or exogenous sources. The concept does not include HYPERTRICHOSIS, which is an androgen-independent excessive hair growth.
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000293	Adolescent	A person 13 to 18 years of age.	Adolescence,Youth,Adolescents,Adolescents, Female,Adolescents, Male,Teenagers,Teens,Adolescent, Female,Adolescent, Male,Female Adolescent,Female Adolescents,Male Adolescent,Male Adolescents,Teen,Teenager,Youths
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults
D000568	Amenorrhea	Absence of menstruation.	Postpartum Amenorrhea,Amenorrhea, Postpartum,Postpartum Amenorrheas