Processing of polyacetylene from aqueous nanoparticle dispersions.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Journal Article↗
Biomedical subjects
Johannes Huber
Publications and source records attributed to Johannes Huber.
Immunological and ultrastructural characterization of endothelial cell cultures differentiated from human cord blood derived endothelial progenitor cells.
The replacement of endothelium by endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) for therapeutic use in order to ameliorate the vascular status of ischemic organs is now in the focus of vascular research. The aim of our studies was to investigate whether EPCs derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs-derived EPCs) or EPCs propagated from CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs-derived EPCs), both isolated from human cord blood, are able to differentiate into early mature endothelial cells (ECs) under certain in vitro conditions. We characterized both cell populations by flow cytometry, phase contrast microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy as well as ultrastructurally using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. While PBMNCs gave rise to clusters of spindle-like EPCs after few days but did not further mature under in vitro conditions, mature ECs could only be successfully propagated from a starting population of isolated HSCs. Both, PBMNCs- and HSCs-derived EPCs, took up Dil-labeled acetylated low density lipoprotein (Dil-Ac-LDL) and could be positively stained for CD31, CD105, the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2, KDR) and ulex europaeus agglutinin 1 (UEA-1) at the cell surface. EPC showed surface expression of CD54 and CD106. However, only a small portion of HSCs-derived EPCs was positive for CD54 but negative for CD106. Intracellular staining for von Willebrand factor (vWF) provided a homogenous stain in PBMNC-derived EPCs while in HSCs-derived EPCs, during cultivation for 2-3 weeks, more and more a typical punctuated staining pattern related to Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs) was visible. By phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy, an arrangement of PBMNCs-derived EPCs in cord-like structures could be demonstrated. In these formations, cells showed parallel alignment but exhibited only few cell contacts. Well-developed WPBs could never be found in PBMNCs-derived EPCs. In contrast, differentiating HSCs-derived EPCs developed adherence junctions, interdigitating junctions as well as syndesmos. During maturation, spindle-like cell types appeared with abundant WPBs as well as cobblestone-like cell types with a fewer content of these organelles. WPBs, in the spindle-like cell types displayed conspicuous shapes and were concentrated in close proximity to mitochondria-rich areas. HSCs-derived EPCs exhibited signs of high synthetic activity such as a well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and multiple Golgi complexes. In the trans-Golgi network (TGN), close to the Golgi complex, a new formation of WPBs could be observed. These morphological features correlated well with a high growing capacity. Although it was not possible to demonstrate the complete differentiation line from HSCs to early matured ECs by immunologic markers because of the limited number of cells available for such investigations, distinct morphologic maturation stages could be shown at light and electron microscopical levels. In conclusion, the study presented here characterizes not only the different cell populations involved in the differentiation of early EPCs into mature ECs but also the transition stage where the maturation step takes place by demonstration of the new formation of WPBs. In this respect, these investigations provide new insights into the in vitro differentiation which could have some in vivo correlation.
Antigens, CD34↗
Effects of a red clover extract (MF11RCE) on endometrium and sex hormones in postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a non-prescription red clover extract (MF11 RCE, Melbrosin International, Vienna, Austria) on selected sex hormones and endometrium in postmenopausal women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One-hundred and nine postmenopausal women with an age > or =40 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups either two capsules of MF11RCE (80mg isoflavone) per day for a 90 day period, or placebo of equal design. After a 7 day washout period, medication was crossed-over for another 90 days. RESULTS: Combined evaluation demonstrated that supplementation with MF11RCE (verum), in contrast to placebo, significantly increased plasma testosterone levels and decreased endometrial thickness. CONCLUSION: MF11RCE exerts a moderate effect on testosterone levels in postmenopausal women, while estradiol levels remained unchanged. The observed reduction of endometrial thickness provides further support for a safe role for isoflavones in terms of endometrial hyperplasia.
Adult↗
Orthotopic microvascular reanastomosis of whole cryopreserved ovine ovaries resulting in pregnancy and live birth.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of contralateral autotransplantation of cryopreserved whole ovaries with microanastomosis of the ovarian vascular pedicle. DESIGN: Animal study. SETTING: Department of Biomedical Sciences, General Hospital of Vienna, Austria. ANIMAL(S): Nine ewes, six month of age. INTERVENTION(S): Laparotomic unilateral oophorectomy was performed. Ovaries were frozen using a controlled-rate freezing system. After frozen storage, contralateral laparotomic oophorectomy was performed, and the thawed ovaries were returned to the contralateral orthotopic site with microsurgical vascular anastomosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Histologic examination and serum follicle-stimulating hormone and progesterone levels. RESULT(S): Four sheep showed postoperative luteal function. One sheep conceived after spontaneous intercourse and delivered a healthy lamb 545 days after transplantation. Histologic examination of the ovaries 18-19 months after transplantation showed that the structural integrity of the ovarian stroma had largely been retained in six out of nine animals. Follicular survival rate in the grafted ovaries was 1.7%-7.6%. CONCLUSION(S): Microvascular anastomosis of whole ovaries and orthotopic transplantation after cryopreservation is technically feasible and a promising procedure in ovarian tissue banking.
Anastomosis, Surgical↗
Impaired glucose tolerance is associated with changes in clinical and biochemical parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
BACKGROUND: To characterize the phenotype of women with polycystic ovary syndrome with and without impaired glucose tolerance by determining various polycystic ovary syndrome-associated clinical and laboratory parameters. METHODS: In a prospective clinical study, we evaluated a series of 102 Caucasian women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Women completed a detailed questionnaire and underwent a standardized oral glucose tolerance test. Various polycystic ovary syndrome-associated laboratory values such as hormonal and metabolic parameters were determined in these women and correlated to clinical data and the presence/absence of impaired glucose tolerance. Furthermore, the insulin resistance was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment index and correlated with clinical and biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Eighty-eight (86.3%) and 14 (13.7%) women were diagnosed as having non-impaired glucose tolerance and impaired glucose tolerance, respectively. Presence of impaired glucose tolerance was associated with an increased body mass index, increased body weight, elevated serum levels of bioavailable testosterone, insulin like growth factor-1, insulin, HbA1c, leucocytes, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, hepatic C-reactive protein, and decreased serum levels of sex-hormone binding globulin. No association was ascertained with subfertility, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities. We ascertained a positive correlation between the homeostasis model assessment index and body mass index, body weight, alkaline phosphatase, and hepatic C-reactive protein. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired glucose tolerance seems to be associated with a specific phenotype within polycystic ovary syndrome. This phenotype is more likely to present with biochemical parameters similar to an inflammatory reaction and a metabolic disorder.
Adult↗
Treating acne with oral contraceptives: use of lower doses.
Oral contraceptives (OCs) have been shown to effectively treat acne. Clinical trials of various doses of ethinyl estradiol (EE) combined with progestins such as levonorgestrel, desogestrel, norgestimate, gestodene, cyproterone acetate and drospirenone in monophasic, triphasic and combiphasic formulations used to treat acne in women are reviewed here. Open-label and comparative studies beginning in the 1980s were the first to demonstrate objective and subjective reductions in the incidence of acne, severity of existing acne and seborrhea. Placebo-controlled trials have corroborated these findings with a trend toward effective acne treatment with declining doses of EE. Significant reductions in total, inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions compared with placebo have been demonstrated with an OC containing the low dose of 20 microg of EE. Collectively, these findings support the use of low-dose OCs for the treatment of acne.
Acne Vulgaris↗
Age-related cognitive decline in the menopause: effects of hormone replacement therapy on cognitive event-related potentials.
OBJECTIVE: Although epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may protect against cognitive disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, the relation between estrogen and cognition in postmenopausal women remains controversial. METHODS: In a double-blind placebo-controlled, parallel group design study the effects of HRT with the estrogen-progestogen combination Presomen 1.25 compositum((R)) (1.25mg equine conjugated estrogens administered for 21 days plus the progestogen 5mg medrogeston given for 11 days) on event-related potentials (ERPs) in postmenopausal patients with age-related cognitive decline (DSM-IV code 780.9, ICD-10 code R 41.8) were investigated. After a pre-drug comparison with age-matched normal postmenopausal controls, 48 psychotropic drug-free patients aged 60 +/- 6 years were randomized to receive either placebo or verum for 4 months. ERPs were recorded before as well as on the 91-92 days of the study, which thus fell into the estrogen phase of the treatment during the fourth cycle. RESULTS: At baseline, patients showed a lengthening of P300 latency and an attenuation of P300 amplitudes as compared with normal controls. After HRT with Presomen, a significant shortening of P300 latency as compared with placebo was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The baseline P300 differences suggest that in the patient group the aging process was advanced, while after HRT with Presomen a significant improvement and normalization of information processing as indexed by P300 was observed.
Cognition↗
Creation of a neovagina according to Wharton-Sheares-George in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome.
OBJECTIVE: To introduce a simple and quick surgical alternative for creating a neovagina in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome that offers good anatomic and functional results. DESIGN: Historical report. SETTING: Tertiary center for gynecologic endocrinology. PATIENT(S): Three patients with MRKH syndrome. INTERVENTION(S): The creation of a neovagina according to Wharton-Sheares-George in patients with MRKH syndrome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Axis, length, and width of neovagina. RESULT(S): The George modification of the Wharton-Sheares neovaginoplasty was successfully performed in three patients. The results were excellent (normal axis and adequate length and width of neovagina), and there were no major complications. CONCLUSION(S): The George modification of the Sheares technique represents a simple, safe, and effective surgical option for creating a neovagina. The procedure is not highly complex and is therefore easy to learn and perform; no special surgical equipment is needed. Anatomic and functional results are very satisfying. Short-term hospitalization, accelerated recovery, and a rapid return to everyday life are important benefits for these young patients. These benefits also result in lower surgery-related expenses and therefore reduce the strain on the hospital's budget compared with other therapeutic options. The creation of a neovagina according to Wharton-Sheares-George might provide a satisfactory alternative for the surgical management of vaginal aplasia in patients with MRKH syndrome.
Dilatation↗
Effects of phorbol dibutyrate on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression in human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells.
OBJECTIVES: Recent evidence suggested that protein kinase C (PKC), a major cell cycle regulator in endometrial models, mimics progesterone withdrawal by inducing downstream signals. In the current study we examined the hypothesis that the PKC activator phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate (PDB) would inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in two endometrial adenocarcinoma cell (EAC) lines, HEC-1B and Ishikawa cells. We further examined whether the induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) might mediate these effects. METHODS: EAC lines were cultured under standard and serum-free conditions to study the effects of PDB on cell kinetics. Cell proliferation was determined by cell count using a hemacytometer and by incorporation of (3)H thymidine into 10% trichloracetic acid-precipitable DNA. Apoptosis was determined by measuring cytoplasmic histone-associated DNA fragments. Conditioned media concentrations of TNF-alpha were measured by a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). EACs were transfected with a -125-bp TNF-alpha promoter luciferase construct and treated with PDB to evaluate transcriptional activation. RESULTS: Activation of the PKC system with PDB (10 nM) decreased cell proliferation and mitogenesis in EACs. PDB induced apoptosis in both EAC lines. EACs exhibit basal TNF-alpha gene expression and protein secretion and these were increased potently by PDB. However, neutralization of TNF-alpha by addition of anti-TNF-alpha antibodies did not prevent the suppression of mitogenesis, induction of apoptosis, or activation of TNF-alpha gene expression by PDB. CONCLUSION: Activation of the PKC system leads to inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and TNF-alpha expression in EACs. However, apoptosis in this setting does not appear to require TNF-alpha action. EACs provide an informative model to investigate aspects of endometrial epithelial remodeling that may occur under physiologic conditions of progesterone withdrawal.
Adenocarcinoma↗
Total mesometrial resection.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Disease-Free Survival↗
The impact of age, body mass index and testosterone on erectile dysfunction.
PURPOSE: Erectile dysfunction (ED) may be associated with low serum total testosterone (T), low serum bioavailable testosterone (BAT) and high body mass index (BMI) in aging men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 675 workers (age range 45 to 60 years old) were entered into this study. Investigations were performed directly at their place of work. Exclusion criteria were abnormal urogenital status, antihypertensive drugs, medication possibly affecting the endocrine function and a history of previous pelvic trauma. T and sex hormone-binding globulin were measured with commercially available assays, and BAT was calculated from T and sex hormone-binding globulin. BMI was assessed and every individual completed a self-administrated questionnaire for erectile function (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF-5]). RESULTS: T and BAT showed a significantly negative correlation with age and BMI. Each additional year of increase in age caused a decrease in the IIEF-5 score of 0.195 (p <0.001). Increase in BMI by 1 kg/m reduced IIEF-5 by 0.141, independent of age (p =0.005). Multiple logistic regression analyses confirmed the influence of increased age and higher BMI on the risk of ED. The corresponding odds ratio for ED was 1.082 (p <0.001) and 1.076 (p <0.001), respectively. These data indicate an increase in ED risk by 8.2% per year and by 7.6% per kg/m BMI. Severe cases of ED (IIEF-5 score 7 or less) were significantly associated with a decrease in T and BAT. Individuals with low BAT (1 ng/ml or less) had a 3 times higher risk of severe ED compared with men with BAT greater than 1 ng/ml (odds ratio 3.045, 95% CI 1.088 to 8.522, p =0.034). The result of the multiple logistic regression analysis was adjusted to age and BMI, and did not show a significant influence on the incidence of severe ED. CONCLUSIONS: BMI contributes strongly to ED. Low T or BAT are only relevant if IIEF-5 questionnaire results in severe ED.
Age Factors↗
Different steroids co-regulate long-term expansion versus terminal differentiation in primary human erythroid progenitors.
Outgrowth, long-term self-renewal, and terminal maturation of human erythroid progenitors derived from umbilical cord blood in serum-free medium can be modulated by steroid hormones. Homogeneous erythroid cultures, as characterized by flow cytometry and dependence on a specific mixture of physiologic proliferation factors, were obtained within 8 days from a starting population of mature and immature mononuclear cells. Due to previous results in mouse and chicken erythroblasts, the proliferation-promoting effect of glucocorticoids was not unexpected. Surprisingly, however, androgen had a positive effect on the sustained expansion of human female but not male erythroid progenitors. Under optimal conditions, sustained proliferation of erythroid progenitors resulted in a more than 10(9)-fold expansion within 60 days. Terminal erythroid maturation was significantly improved by adding human serum and thyroid hormone (3,5,3'-triiodothyronine [T3]) to the differentiation medium. This resulted in highly synchronous differentiation of the cells toward enucleated erythrocytes within 6 days, accompanied by massive size decrease and hemoglobin accumulation to levels comparable to those in peripheral blood erythrocytes. Thus, obviously, different ligand-activated nuclear hormone receptors massively influence the decision between self-renewal and terminal maturation in the human erythroid compartment.
Androgens↗
Infertility caused by PCOS--health-related quality of life among Austrian and Moslem immigrant women in Austria.
BACKGROUND: The polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting female fertility. In this study, we examined the symptomatology of PCOS and the health-related quality of life among infertility patients suffering from PCOS with different socio-cultural and ethnic background. METHODS: Symptomatology of PCOS, body composition characteristics as well as socio-economic factors were examined in 49 PCOS infertility patients of the University Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, in Vienna, who originated from two socio-cultural subgroups, Austrian women and Moslem immigrant women. Additionally, the Cronins health-related quality of life questionnaire of women with PCOS was used in order to examine the impact of PCOS symptoms on the individual quality of life of the affected women. RESULTS: In terms of the appearance of the symptoms, the typical heterogeneity of PCOS could be found in both subgroups with no differences. However, differences in the health-related quality of life were impressive. Health-related quality of life of women from an Islamic background was affected to a greater degree than that of Austrian women, although no differences in symptomatology were found. This was true of all five domains investigated (infertility, overweight, hirsutism, menstrual irregularities and emotional problems). First of all, infertility was a dramatic problem for immigrant women. Islamic women had very high reproductive pressure. The Moslem immigrant PCOS women suffer more from infertility than do Austrian women. CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals should be sensitive to the ethnicity, religious and cultural background of their patients to provide the best possible medical support.
Adult↗
Chromosomal translocation t(10;11)(q26;q13) in a woman with combined pituitary hormone deficiency.
We describe the case of a girl with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) carrying a balanced chromosomal translocation t(10;11)(q26;q13) with paternal transmission. Her father, with no apparent physical abnormalities, had the karyotype: 46, XY, t(10;11)(q26;q13). CPHD denotes impaired production of growth hormone (GH) and one or more of the other five anterior pituitary-derived hormones. Pit-1 gene and Prop-1 gene mutations and deletions have been reported being responsible for CPHD. Although our patient had a t(10;11) (q26q13) paternal chromosomal translocation, the phenotype was similar to that found in humans with different Pit-1 or Prop-1 gene alterations. Interestingly, the patient's father had the same translocation without phenotypic effects. In conclusion, we describe panhypopituitarism in a woman with a paternally transmitted translation, which appears to be phenotypically expressed only in females.
Adult↗
Body composition characteristics and fat distribution patterns in young infertile women.
OBJECTIVE: To document body composition and fat patterning characteristics in normal and underweight infertile women. DESIGN: Status quo method. SETTING: University clinics. PATIENT(S): Fifteen amenorrheic women with anorexia nervosa, 16 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO2), 10 women with primary amenorrhea and 19 healthy controls. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Determination of body mass index, body composition parameters such as fat mass, lean body mass, bone mass using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), fat distribution patterns, 17beta-estradiol, FSH, LH, prolactin, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S, and androstenedione levels. RESULT(S): A statistically significant difference was found comparing all proband groups with healthy controls for the majority of body fat and bone mineral content parameters but not for lean body mass. Infertile women of normal weight, with PCOS, and with primary amenorrhea exhibited an extraordinarily high amount of fat tissue and a tendency toward android fat patterning. In contrast, patients with anorexia nervosa and the healthy controls showed predominantly gynoid fat patterning. According to logistic regression analyses, anorexia nervosa was characterized by reduced fat tissue and PCOS was characterized by android fat patterning and an increased fat percentage. Patients with primary amenorrhea were characterized by reduced bone mass. CONCLUSION(S): Infertile young women showed characteristic differences in body composition and fat distribution patterns when compared with healthy, fertile, age-matched counterparts.
Adipose Tissue↗
Brain regions activated during an auditory discrimination task in insomniac postmenopausal patients before and after hormone replacement therapy: low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography applied to event-related potentials.
Electrical sources of auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) determined by means of low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) in 48 unmedicated insomniac postmenopausal patients aged between 46 and 67 years were compared with those obtained in 48 age-matched normal female controls. Subsequently, the patients were included in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, comparative, randomized 3-arm trial phase - Climodien 2/3 [estradiol valerate (EV) 2 mg + the progestin dienogest 3 mg] was compared with EV 2 mg and placebo - followed by an open-label phase in which all of them received Climodien 2/2 (EV 2 mg + dienogest 2 mg). The double-blind and the open-label phase lasted 2 months. ERPs were recorded from 19 EEG leads in a two-tone oddball paradigm and electrical sources of standard N1 and P2 as well as target N2 and P300 components were estimated. In both patients and controls, LORETA revealed an activation of the superior temporal gyrus [auditory cortex, Brodmann areas (BA) 41, 42, 22] for all four components. For standard P2, an additional activation was observed medially parietally in the precuneus (BA 7, 5). For target N2, also a medial frontal source (BA 9, 10, 32) was identified. Finally, for the target P300 component - in addition to the aforementioned sources - activations in the prefrontal cortex (BA 9, 10, 46, 47), the inferior parietal cortex (supramarginal gyrus, BA 40, 39) and the posterior cingulum (BA 31) were found. Thus, patients and controls did not differ in the structural processes engaged in these fundamental aspects of information processing. However, patients demonstrated significantly reduced source strength - for standard ERP components predominantly in the temporal lobe and for target components predominantly in the frontal lobe, indicating reduced energetic resources available for perceptual and cognitive demands of the discrimination task. While, as compared with placebo, estrogen alone had only minor effects on ERP source strength, Climodien generally increased the impressed current density at the ERP peak latencies, predominantly in the temporal lobe, indicating an increased stimulus-induced cortical arousal in the primary and higher-order auditory cortex. Specifically, Climodien enhanced P300 source strength in the left middle temporal gyrus and in the left superior frontal gyrus, brain regions that on the one hand have been shown to be affected by hormone therapy in positron emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance neuroimaging studies and that on the other hand are among those critical for encoding and memory processes.
Acoustic Stimulation↗
Elevated coagulation factor VIII and the risk for recurrent early pregnancy loss.
Inherited and acquired thrombophilia are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Recently, an increased risk for thromboembolic disease was described for patients with elevated coagulation factor VIII, but it is unknown whether there is also an association to early pregnancy loss. We therefore evaluated the relation between recurrent early pregnancy loss and levels of coagulation factor VIII. We enrolled 49 unrelated Caucasian women with a history of 2-6 early pregnancy losses and 48 healthy controls, who had delivered at least one term infant and had never experienced pregnancy loss. We determined factor V Leiden-, G20210A prothrombin-, MTHFR C677T- and A1298C-gene mutations, levels of antithrombin, protein C, protein S, factor VIII, C-reactive protein and antiphospholipid antibodies. There was a significantly higher rate of pregnancy losses in women with Antiphospholipid Syndrome (p = 0.043). Furthermore, plasma levels of coagulation factor VIII were significantly higher in cases than in controls (130.5 IU/dl +/- 25.4 vs 119.5 IU/dl +/- 24.1; p = 0.032) and appeared independent of C-reactive protein (R = 0.146, p = 0.323 in cases; R = -0.028, p = 0.850 in controls). The relative risk for recurrent pregnancy loss in women with factor VIII levels above 151 IU/dl (90(th) percentile of controls) was 2.5 (0.7 - 8.9, 95 percent confidence interval), for levels above 156 IU/dl (95(th) percentile of controls) 3.9 (0.8 - 20.0, 95 percent confidence interval). Elevated maternal plasma levels of coagulation factor VIII tend to be associated with an increased risk for recurrent early pregnancy loss.
Abortion, Habitual↗
Hyperprolactinaemia and antipsychotic therapy in schizophrenia.
Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone that exists as a number of isoforms and is involved in a multitude of physiological processes. Prolactin secretion is promoted by various physiological stimuli and pathological processes and is inhibited by the action of dopamine on the lactotroph cells of the hypothalamus. Hyperprolactinaemia, an elevation of prolactin levels above the norm, is a physiological occurrence and is not of concern (including sexual dysfunction and decreased bone mineral density). Treatment of hyperprolactinaemia is usually confined to the removal of the primary cause of the disease, but several dopamine agonists have been investigated. Hyperprolactinaemia is also a side-effect of the conventional, and some of the second-generation, antipsychotics used in the treatment of schizophrenia. These agents rely on their dopamine antagonistic properties to provide their antipsychotic effects. However, this also removes the brake on prolactin secretion, leading to hyperprolactinaemia. While antipsychotic use has been linked to certain hyperprolactinaemia-related side-effects (sexual dysfunction), its link to others (decreased bone mineral density) has proved more controversial. The association of symptoms with antipsychotic use is further complicated by the fact that patients with schizophrenia can suffer from some of these symptoms because of the disease itself. In managing antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinaemia, the initial step is to exclude other causes of hyperprolactinaemia while monitoring the occurrence of adverse effects. The physician should also engage in close consultation with the patient with regard to the benefits of the antipsychotic medication and the impact of any adverse effects. A regular risk-benefit discussion will allow the clinician to achieve optimal outcomes in each case.
Algorithms↗