Insulin resistance and hormones

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body’s insulin receptors are not as receptive to the hormone insulin, causing the pancreas to produce more insulin in order for the body to appropriately convert blood glucose to energy. Though some of the factors involved are known, the exact causes of insulin resistance are not known. As such, the effect of insulin resistance on other body processes versus simultaneous pathological processes is not entirely clear. However, some conditions are associated with insulin resistance and share hormone signals, including sex hormones, inflammatory cytokines, and growth hormones. Read more about hormones affected by insulin resistance.

Bone health may affect male fertility

Sex steroids in men have well known functions in reproduction and fertility, specifically the ‘male’ hormone testosterone. A lesser known function is the effect of testosterone and other steroid hormones on the development of the skeleton. In March 2011, a group led by researchers at Columbia University reported a previously unknown bidirectional regulation between the gonads and skeleton in men. Read more about the newly discovered influence of bone on sperm production.

Identification of calcium channel activation in 'fight or flight'

Researchers have further elucidated the calcium channels activated in the fight or flight response, the body's response to stress and acutely dangerous situations. Calcium plays a role in skeletal and cardiac muscle function, which are both affected by the stress response. Mediated by beta-adrenergic receptors, the broad calcium channel response allows quicker reflexes. Read more about the recent findings on the role of calcium channels in the fight or flight response.

Progesterone and ion channels in conception

For decades mystery has surrounded exactly how sperm seek out an egg for fertilization. Unlocking the mechanism could lead to additional methods of overcoming fertility and preventing unwanted pregnancy via new types of contraception. The cation channel of sperm (CatSper) family of ion channels on mammalian sperm was first discovered in 2001. Earlier this year, researchers identified progesterone as a trigger for these channels, resulting in increased sperm motility and the activation of egg penetration, leading to conception. Read more about what researchers have uncovered about the role of progesterone and ion channels in how sperm seek out an egg.