Effect of Normal Level Endocrine Hormones and Hypothalamic Neuropeptides on Obesity in Women of Childbearing Age

Effect of Normal Level Endocrine Hormones and Hypothalamic Neuropeptides on Obesity in Women of Childbearing Age | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Effect of Normal Level Endocrine Hormones and Hypothalamic Neuropeptides on Obesity in Women of Childbearing Age Yingying Tang, Lei Fan, Xiukun Zhang, Chengyuan Li, Fuman Du This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6532507/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This study aimed to explore the relationship between fluctuations of endocrine hormones and hypothalamic neuropeptides within normal levels and obesity in childbearing-age women. By retrospectively collecting data of 80 such women (37 obese, 43 normal-weight), it was found that within the normal physiological range, the levels of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, follicle-stimulating hormone, neuropeptide Y, and orexin exhibited significant positive correlations with body mass index ( P < 0.05 ), while the levels of estradiol and oxytocin were negatively correlated with body mass index ( P < 0.05 ). The levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, neuropeptide Y, and orexin were positively associated with triglyceride levels ( P < 0.05 ), whereas the pro-opiomelanocortin level demonstrated a negative correlation (r=-0.269, P = 0.016). Neuropeptide Y levels showed a positive correlation with total cholesterol (r = 0.276, P = 0.013), while cortisol levels were negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=-0.283, P = 0.011). Neuropeptide Y and orexin were independent risk factors for obesity (OR = 1.123, 95%CI = 1.023–1.232, P = 0.015; OR = 4.004, 95%CI = 1.174–13.656, P = 0.027 ), while oxytocin was a protective one (OR = 0.833, 95%CI = 0.697–0.995; P = 0.044). Normal-range fluctuations of these substances are closely linked to obesity in this population. Health sciences/Diseases Health sciences/Endocrinology Childbearing age Endocrine hormones Female Neuropeptide Obesity Figures Figure 1 Introduction In recent years, obesity has become a serious public health problem worldwide, and the prevalence of obesity is on the rise. It is expected that by 2025, obesity will affect about 20% of the world's population, with the prevalence of obesity reaching 18% in men and 21% in women. 1 Overweight and obesity are very prevalent among women of childbearing age, with 30%-40% of women in their reproductive years in developing countries, and many large cohort studies have shown that this age group is the period of greatest weight gain. 2 , 3 Women of childbearing age are the key population for the prevention of obesity and metabolic diseases who are more susceptible to various complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and the risk of birth defects and death of newborns are significantly increased. At present, the mechanism of obesity has not been fully elucidated. The endocrine gland axis plays a crucial role in the process of feeding, energy metabolism and weight regulation, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Besides, a variety of neuropeptides expressed by hypothalamic neurons are closely related to feeding behavior. 4 – 6 Disruptions in the secretion of these endocrine hormones and central nervous peptides may be involved in the development of obesity. Most studies focused on people with abnormal endocrine gland axis function, who have relatively more pronounced indicators of obesity-related metabolic disorders. The purpose of this study was to explore whether endocrine hormones and hypothalamic neuropeptides within the normal level contributed to development of obesity in women of childbearing age. Results 1. Demographic characteristics and plasma lipid levels A total of 80 subjects were included in final analysis (Fig. 1 ), including 37 in the obese group (mean age 42, range 26 ~ 44 years old), and 43 in the normal weight group (mean age 38, range 18 ~ 44 years old). As shown in Table 1 , the mean age, proportions of smoking history, alcohol history and marital status in the obese group were significantly higher than those in the normal weight group ( P < 0.05 ). Table 1 Demographic characteristics and plasma lipid levels Variables Obese group (n = 37) Normal weight group (n = 43) P BMI, kg/m 2 29.00(2) 21.30(3) < 0.001 Age, years 42.00(7) 38.00(12) 0.046 Smoking history, n (%) 10(27.0) 3(7) 0.03 Alcohol history, n (%) 18(48.6) 1(2.32) < 0.001 Marital status, n (%) 37(100) 37(86) 0.028 Total cholesterol, mM 5.40(1) 4.97(1) 0.157 Triglycerides, mM 1.90(2) 0.98(1) < 0.001 Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM 2.88 ± 0.691 2.70 ± 0.847 0.297 High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM 1.31(0) 1.45(1) 0.057 BMI, age, levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were expressed as M (IQR) and compared using Mann-Whitney U test. BMI, body mass index. 2. Levels of endocrine hormones and hypothalamic neuropeptides There was no significant difference in the levels of free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone, progesterone and luteinizing hormone between the two groups ( P > 0.05 ). The levels of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, free triiodothyronine, follicle-stimulating hormone, neuropeptide Y and orexin in the obese group were significantly higher than those in the normal weight group ( P < 0.05 ), while the levels of estradiol, pro-opiomelanocortin and oxytocin were significantly lower than those in the normal weight group ( P < 0.05). (Table 2 ) Table 2 Comparison of levels of endocrine hormones and hypothalamic neuropeptides Variables Obese group (n = 37) Normal weight group(n = 43) P Free triiodothyronine, pM 3.94 ± 0.717 3.46 ± 0.839 0.008 Free thyroxine, pM 13.73 ± 1.909 13.20 ± 1.849 0.211 Prolactin, ng/ml 10.04(6) 12.97(8) 0.077 Testosterone, ng/ml 0.30 ± 0.107 0.30 ± 0.083 0.853 Progesterone, ng/ml 0.19(0) 0.24(4) 0.189 Luteinizing hormone, mIU/mL 4.18(11) 4.05(3) 0.589 Cortisol, ug/dl 16.89(11) 8.81(5) < 0.001 Adrenocorticotropic hormone, pg/ml 38.56(24) 23.31(15) < 0.001 Thyroid-stimulating hormone, mIU/L 2.13(2) 1.64(2) 0.359 Follicle-stimulating hormone, mIU/mL 5.43(10) 4.46(3) 0.005 Neuropeptide Y, ng/mL 224.90 ± 29.735 175.92 ± 24.932 < 0.001 Orexin, ng/mL 12.74(4) 8.38(4) < 0.001 Estradiol, pM 38.53(25) 68.60(68) 0.004 Pro-opiomelanocortin, pg/mL 6125.35(1138) 6426.65(1582) 0.003 Oxytocin, pg/mL 110.14(39) 146.49(59) < 0.001 Levels of prolactin, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, orexin, estradiol, pro-opiomelanocortin and oxytocin are expressed as M (IQR) and compared using Mann-Whitney U test. 3. Logistic regression analysis of influencing factors for obesity in women of childbearing age The multivariate regression model was performed with forward method in consideration of collinearity existed among the variables. As shown in Table 3 , increase in levels of neuropeptide Y and orexin were independent risk factors for obesity (OR = 1.123, 95%CI = 1.023–1.232, P = 0.015; OR = 4.004, 95%CI = 1.174–13.656, P = 0.027 ), while higher level of oxytocin was an independent protective factor (OR = 0.833; 95%CI = 0.697–0.995; P = 0.044). Table 3 Independent variables associated with obesity in multivariate regression analysis B P OR 95% CI Neuropeptide Y 0.116 0.015 1.123 1.023–1.232 Orexin 1.387 0.027 4.004 1.174–13.656 Oxytocin -0.183 0.044 0.833 0.697–0.995 4. Correlation analysis of endocrine hormones and hypothalamic neuropeptides with BMI and plasma lipid levels Endocrine hormone: Cortisol level was positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.432, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (r=-0.283, P = 0.011). Adrenocorticotropic hormone level was positively correlated with BMI and triglyceride level (r = 0.307, P = 0.006; r = 0.290, P = 0.009). Levels of free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine were positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.325, P = 0.003; r = 0.221, P = 0.049). Thyroid-stimulating hormone level was positively correlated with triglyceride level (r = 0.319, P = 0.004). Estradiol level was negatively correlated with BMI (r=-0.320, P = 0.004). Follicle-stimulating hormone level was positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.233, P = 0.037). (Table 4 – 6 ) Table 4 Correlation analysis of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones with BMI and plasma lipid levels Variables Cortisol Adrenocorticotropic hormone r P r P BMI, kg/m 2 0.432 < 0.001 0.307 0.006 Total cholesterol, mM -0.028 0.808 0.034 0.765 Triglyceride, mM 0.200 0.076 0.290 0.009 High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM -0.283 0.011 -0.145 0.199 Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM 0.037 0.747 -0.029 0.795 BMI, body mass index. Table 5 Correlation analysis of hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis hormones with BMI and plasma lipid levels Variables Free triiodothyronine Free thyroxine Thyroid-stimulating hormone r P r P r P BMI, kg/m 2 0.325 0.003 0.221 0.049 0.053 0.640 Total cholesterol, mM 0.059 0.601 -0.087 0.444 -0.025 0.829 Triglyceride, mM 0.084 0.459 -0.155 0.171 0.319 0.004 High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM 0.001 0.996 0.023 0.838 -0.187 0.097 Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM 0.003 0.982 -0.166 0.142 0.033 0.774 BMI, body mass index. Table 6 Correlation analysis of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones with BMI and plasma lipid levels Variables Prolactin Testosterone Progesterone r P r P r P BMI I, kg/m 2 -0.091 0.424 0.026 0.819 -0.081 0.477 Total cholesterol, mM 0.000 0.999 0.121 0.287 Triglyceride, mM -0.041 0.715 -0.039 0.730 -0.035 0.756 High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM -0.050 0.662 -0.121 0.283 -0.014 0.904 Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM 0.055 0.628 0.043 0.702 0.123 0.279 Variables Luteinizing hormone Follicle-stimulating hormone Estradiol r P r P r P BMI, kg/m 2 -0.045 0.694 0.233 0.037 -0.320 0.004 Total cholesterol, mM 0.013 0.908 -0.125 0.269 0.090 0.426 Triglyceride, mM 0.140 0.215 0.191 0.090 -0.115 0.311 High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM -0.150 0.185 -0.195 0.082 0.098 0.388 Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM 0.129 0.253 0.025 0.827 0.090 0.427 BMI, body mass index. Hypothalamic neuropeptide: Neuropeptide Y level was positively correlated with BMI, triglycerides level and total cholesterol level (r = 0.521, P < 0.001; r = 0.376, P < 0.001; r = 0.276, P = 0.013). Pro-opiomelanocortin level was negatively correlated with triglycerides level (r=-0.269, P = 0.016). Orexin level was positively correlated with BMI and triglycerides level (r = 0.498, P < 0.001; r = 0.320, P = 0.004). Oxytocin level was negatively correlated with BMI (r=-0.615, P < 0.001). (Table 7 ) Table 7 Correlation analysis of hypothalamic neuropeptides level with BMI and plasma lipid levels Variables Neuropeptide Y Orexin Oxytocin Pro-opiomelanocortin r P r P r P r P BMI, kg/m 2 0.521 < 0.001 0.498 < 0.001 -0.615 < 0.001 -0.200 0.075 Total cholesterol, mM 0.276 0.013 0.191 0.090 -0.128 0.257 -0.141 0.212 Triglyceride, mM 0.376 < 0.001 0.320 0.004 -0.151 0.180 -0.269 0.016 High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM -0.150 0.185 -0.076 0.506 0.047 0.681 -0.005 0.965 Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM 0.168 0.136 0.098 0.387 -0.066 0.558 -0.044 0.697 BMI, body mass index. Discussion In this study, the correlation between obesity in women of childbearing age and a variety of hormones in the endocrine gland axis and hypothalamic neuropeptides within the normal range were analyzed, proving a reference for the etiological research and intervention treatment of obesity in women during their special period. Studies have found that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperfunction is directly related to many metabolic diseases, such as obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. 7 The results of this study showed that the levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone within the normal range were significantly higher in obese women than those in women of normal weight, and were positively correlated with BMI and triglycerides level. The results demonstrated that cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone played a role in regulating body weight and plasma lipids in women during the reproductive period, and mild hyperactivity of the adrenal axis can also lead to obesity and dyslipidemia even within their normal levels. This is similar to the results in animal models, which found that relatively high level of cortisol in the case of normal adrenal cortical function or in vitro corticosterone injections led to obesity, and triglycerides level was lowered in obese rodents with partial adrenal resection that maintained normal adrenal cortex. 8 – 10 Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in the differentiation of adipocytes, which in turn affects the body's energy metabolism. There is a lot of researches on the role of hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis hormone in adjusting body weight. 11 , 12 However, most of these studies have focused on people with abnormal thyroid function, who had relatively more pronounced indicators of obesity-related metabolic disorders. Our study showed that within the normal range, free triiodothyronine level was significantly higher than that in the normal weight group, and thyroid hormones were positively correlated with BMI and triglycerides level, indicating that subtle changes in thyroid function also might affect the body's metabolism and led to obesity. Sex hormones are important regulators of mammalian food intake and energy balance, interacting with gastrointestinal hormones and central neurotransmitters to achieve central control of appetite and metabolism. In the present study, the level of estradiol within the normal range was significantly lower in obese women than in women of normal weight, and was inversely correlated with BMI. Our results were in consistent with those in animal models, which found that exogenous estradiol supplementation increased the total body oxygen and energy expenditure of mice with oophorectomy, 13 and estradiol level was negatively correlated with triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. 14 Besides, a positive correlation between follicle-stimulating hormone level and BMI was observed in this study. Animal experiment indicated that inhibition of endogenous follicle-stimulating hormone and blockade of its signaling pathway could reduce body fat and serum cholesterol in mice. 15 – 17 The findings provided a new idea for weight loss in obese women with menopausal hypercholesterolemia. Neuropeptide Y is an appetite-promoting factor. 18 The results of this study showed that the level of neuropeptide Y within normal range in obese women was significantly higher than that in women of normal weight, and neuropeptide Y level was positively correlated with BMI, levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol. Moreover, increase in neuropeptide Y level was an independent risk factor for obesity. Our findings suggested that relatively high level of neuropeptide Y within the normal range might lead to weight gain and dyslipidemia in women of childbearing age. Animal experiments showed that increased central neuropeptide Y level in rodents by intraventricular injection led to intense feeding and the development of morbid obesity, and intraventricular injection of neuropeptide Y antagonists decreased fat storage, increased GDP-binding activity of brown adipocytes and caloric expenditure, and improved lipodystrophy. 19 – 21 Investigation on neuropeptide Y-related receptor agonists and antagonists may be the target of future obesity control. In addition, in an experiment on the effect of neuropeptide Y deficiency on fat metabolism in male and female mice, it was found that estradiol level was negatively correlated with neuropeptide Y level, and neuropeptide Y deficiency could activate estradiol mediated thermogenesis to reduce obesity in female mice, but not to alter serum estradiol levels and obesity in male rats, suggesting that neuropeptide Y was more closely related to the regulation of women's body weight. 22 Currently, orexin has been found to be involved in human appetite regulation, energy balance, sleep and wake regulation. 23 Intraventricular injections of different doses of orexin have been found to increase in a dose-dependent manner. 24 The results of this study showed that the orexin level within normal range in obese women was significantly higher than that in women of normal weight, and was positively correlated with BMI and triglycerides level. Moreover, increase in orexin level was another independent risk factor for obesity. The findings demonstrated that higher level of orexin within normal range might lead to obesity and dyslipidemia in women of childbearing age. Oxytocin plays an important role in regulating energy metabolism, interacting with neurons in the hypothalamus that promote feeding (e.g., neuropeptide Y, orexin), as well as neurons that inhibit feeding (e.g., pro-opiomelanocortin) to inhibit feeding and reduce body weight. 25 The present study found that the oxytocin level within the normal range in obese women was significantly lower than those in women of normal weight, and was inversely correlated with BMI. It was found to be an independent protective factor for obesity in women of childbearing age. Several studies also demonstrated that oxytocin was negatively correlated with the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. 26 – 28 However, we failed to reach such conclusions in this study. Pro-opiomelanocortin is an appetite suppressor, a negative regulator of feeding behavior, energy metabolism and weight maintenance in the hypothalamus, and an antagonist of neuropeptide Y. The results showed that the pro-opiomelanocortin level within the normal range in obese women was significantly lower than that in women of normal weight, and was negatively correlated with triglycerides level, suggesting that pro-opiomelanocortin was involved in the regulation of body weight and plasma lipids. Studies have shown that inactivating mutations in the pro-opiomelanocortin gene could lead to obesity, 29 and increased expression of pro-opiomelanocortin processing products α-MSH or enhanced activity of its receptor (MC4R) could lead to dose-dependent appetite suppression, decreased food intake, weight loss and increased glucose tolerance. 30 , 31 One of the limitations of our study is that the study is limited by its cross-sectional design and did not infer a causal relationship between circulating hormones levels and the development of obesity. Second, serial changes in serum endocrine hormone and hypothalamic neuropeptides need to be measured at different time points during the day according to the daily and pulsatile pattern of hormone release. Third, the weight gain may be influenced by other various factors, such as mood, appetite, and activity, etc. All of these may induce to potential biases. Future prospective studies in a larger number of women will be important to analyze the influence. In conclusion, in the population of women of childbearing age, fluctuations within normal levels of a variety of endocrine hormones and hypothalamic neuropeptides played an important role in the regulation of body weight and plasma lipids. Relatively higher levels of neuropeptide Y and orexin increased the risk of obesity, while elevated oxytocin level decreased the risk. Further research with deeper analysis of the mechanism will be needed in the future. Materials and Methods The demographic data and obesity-related laboratory indicators of women aged 18 to 45 were collected from the Department of Endocrinology of Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital between March 2022 and October 2022. Subjects with normal levels of endocrine hormones and hypothalamic neuropeptides were included. Those with one or more of the following conditions were excluded: body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m 2 or 23.9 < BMI < 28 kg/m 2 , diabetes, thyroid disease, adrenal gland disease, pituitary disease, gonadal disease, malignant tumor, psychiatric disease, severe gastrointestinal tract disease, heart failure, severe kidney disease, took hormonal drugs or immunomodulators in the past two months, irregular menstrual cycles, pregnant or lactating. According to BMI, subjects were divided into obese group (≥ 28.0 kg/m 2 ) and normal weight group (18.5–23.9 kg/m 2 ). The general clinical data (sex, age, height, weight, marital status, smoking history, alcohol history) and laboratory data including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, testosterone, progesterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, serum neuropeptide Y, pro-opiomelanocortin, orexin and oxytocin were extracted from medical record system by trained research assistants. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were examined in the Biochemistry Laboratory of the Experimental Diagnosis Department of Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital using a fully automatic biochemical analyzer (Hitachi, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). Cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, testosterone, progesterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and prolactin were examined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) in the Department of Radioimmunology. Serum neuropeptide Y, pro-opiomelanocortin, orexin, and oxytocin were examined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA kit) from Shanghai Tianhao Biotechnology Co., Ltd. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital [2022(102)]. Due to retrospective nature of the study informed consent was waived by the Institutional Review Board of Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital. Definition According to the Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Overweight and Obesity in Chinese Adults, a BMI of 18.5–23.9 kg/m 2 is considered normal weight, a BMI of 24.0-27.9 kg/m 2 is considered overweight, and a BMI of ≥ 28.0 kg/m 2 is considered obese. Smoking history was defined as an average of one cigarette per day for more than one year, or less than one year of abstinence. Alcohol history was defined as alcohol consumption for more than 5 years, 20g/d for women. Statistical analysis SPSS 27.0 was used for data analysis. Exploratory data analysis and Shapiro-wilk tests were performed to determine the normality of the data distribution. Normally distributed continuous data were expressed as the mean ± standard deviation and compared using Student’s t test. Non-normally distributed continuous data were expressed as median (M) and inter-quartile range (IQR) and compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables were presented as counts and percentages, and compared using the Pearson χ 2 test. Correlation analysis was performed using Spearman correlation analysis. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factor for obesity, and each odds ratio (OR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI). P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant and all tests were two-sided. Declarations Conflict of Interests disclosure The authors declare no competing interests. Author Contribution T.Y.Y. and D.F.M. contributed in study conception and design; F.L., L.C.Y. and Z.X.K. contributed in acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data; T.Y.Y. contributed in drafting of the article; D.F.M. contributed in revising. All authors reviewed the manuscript. Acknowledgements This project is funded by Heilongjiang Provincial Health Commission Scientific Research Project (20220303060720) and Heilongjiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation Project (LH2023H087). Data Availability The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in Science Data Bank at https://www.scidb.cn/en/s/VziIra. Yingying Tang, the first author, could be contacted if someone wants to request the data from this study. References NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). Trends in adult body-mass index in 200 countries from 1975 to 2014: a pooled analysis of 1698 population-based measurement studies with 19·2 million participants . Lancet. 387, 1377-1396 (2016). Hutchesson, M.J. et al. Supporting women of childbearing age in the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity: a scoping review of randomized control trials of behavioral interventions . BMC Womens Health. 20, 14 (2020). Gordon‐Larsen, P., The, N.S., Adair, L.S. 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Oxytocin as an Anti-obesity Treatment . Front Neurosci. 15, 743546 (2021). Lawson, E.A., Olszewski, P.K., Weller, A., and Blevins, J.E. The role of oxytocin in regulation of appetitive behaviour, body weight and glucose homeostasis . J Neuroendocrinol. 32, e12805 (2019). Qian, W.Y. et al. Decreased Circulating Levels of Oxytocin in Obesity and Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients . J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 99, 4683-4689 (2014). Raffan, E. et al. A Deletion in the Canine POMC Gene Is Associated with Weight and Appetite in Obesity-Prone Labrador Retriever Dogs . Cell Metab. 23, 893-900 (2016). Tooke, B.P. et al. Hypothalamic POMC or MC4R deficiency impairs counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia in mice . Mol Metab. 20, 194-204 (2019). Guo, D.F. et al. The BBSome in POMC and AgRP Neurons Is Necessary for Body Weight Regulation and Sorting of Metabolic Receptors . Diabetes. 68, 1591-1603 (2019). Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6532507","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":496537184,"identity":"979a9a4b-8a53-49cc-8cca-73fc3146b296","order_by":0,"name":"Yingying Tang","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Yingying","middleName":"","lastName":"Tang","suffix":""},{"id":496537185,"identity":"09efc75d-35c1-4cd7-8b1e-7fdd515c8887","order_by":1,"name":"Lei Fan","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Lei","middleName":"","lastName":"Fan","suffix":""},{"id":496537186,"identity":"3538d51e-78bd-4dc2-a982-1445b7abe0b2","order_by":2,"name":"Xiukun Zhang","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Xiukun","middleName":"","lastName":"Zhang","suffix":""},{"id":496537187,"identity":"4b0753a6-aee8-4667-8674-d332740bf2a7","order_by":3,"name":"Chengyuan Li","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Chengyuan","middleName":"","lastName":"Li","suffix":""},{"id":496537188,"identity":"d13c4d7d-34be-4438-87f0-572ee7b0fa56","order_by":4,"name":"Fuman Du","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA0UlEQVRIie3RMQrCQBBA0YGFxGJkO4mkyBUmLBiFQK4SEVJZBDyASloPkOAlBC8QmUsINoIXWLBJYWHSirBrZ7G/nlfMDIDL9Ydl0X6nOgpEVom21Z0FiWtuN1CmPvne8tIcLAhdi/wJupAkUfHIsyLr+FwSh4lAzYAQyUlrJErVxGpRjU9cziFujrmRzAiJV8A9qRFyuplJ0vVku2O8M3pWpMgVUiGIEezIcOS4plRMK4/6IwfmXYZXkn4FQkp+aN2lkQwN5LPgt3GXy+Vyfe8NYKJJ+REn9fAAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Fuman","middleName":"","lastName":"Du","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-04-26 04:23:11","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6532507/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6532507/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":88797400,"identity":"8531bfa8-ba8a-434e-b9b8-4acfef86ac6a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-11 13:40:35","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":44499,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eParticipant flow diagram. BMI, body mass index.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6532507/v1/e93351480a923ab7eb042499.png"},{"id":99702342,"identity":"4983af1d-5961-45b5-b3f4-4abcf4559704","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-07 11:54:53","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":894282,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6532507/v1/53892232-d1db-44bc-a2af-c45c56b6ba5e.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Effect of Normal Level Endocrine Hormones and Hypothalamic Neuropeptides on Obesity in Women of Childbearing Age","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn recent years, obesity has become a serious public health problem worldwide, and the prevalence of obesity is on the rise. It is expected that by 2025, obesity will affect about 20% of the world's population, with the prevalence of obesity reaching 18% in men and 21% in women. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e Overweight and obesity are very prevalent among women of childbearing age, with 30%-40% of women in their reproductive years in developing countries, and many large cohort studies have shown that this age group is the period of greatest weight gain. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e Women of childbearing age are the key population for the prevention of obesity and metabolic diseases who are more susceptible to various complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and the risk of birth defects and death of newborns are significantly increased.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt present, the mechanism of obesity has not been fully elucidated. The endocrine gland axis plays a crucial role in the process of feeding, energy metabolism and weight regulation, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Besides, a variety of neuropeptides expressed by hypothalamic neurons are closely related to feeding behavior. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR5\" citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e Disruptions in the secretion of these endocrine hormones and central nervous peptides may be involved in the development of obesity. Most studies focused on people with abnormal endocrine gland axis function, who have relatively more pronounced indicators of obesity-related metabolic disorders. The purpose of this study was to explore whether endocrine hormones and hypothalamic neuropeptides within the normal level contributed to development of obesity in women of childbearing age.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e1. Demographic characteristics and plasma lipid levels\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA total of 80 subjects were included in final analysis (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e), including 37 in the obese group (mean age 42, range 26\u0026thinsp;~\u0026thinsp;44 years old), and 43 in the normal weight group (mean age 38, range 18\u0026thinsp;~\u0026thinsp;44 years old). As shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, the mean age, proportions of smoking history, alcohol history and marital status in the obese group were significantly higher than those in the normal weight group (\u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/em\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDemographic characteristics and plasma lipid levels\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eObese group\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;37)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNormal weight group\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;43)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBMI, kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29.00(2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.30(3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAge, years\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42.00(7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.00(12)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.046\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSmoking history, n (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10(27.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3(7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlcohol history, n (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18(48.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1(2.32)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarital status, n (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37(100)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37(86)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.028\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.40(1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.97(1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.157\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTriglycerides, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.90(2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.98(1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.691\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.70\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.847\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.297\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.31(0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.45(1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.057\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003eBMI, age, levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were expressed as M (IQR) and compared using Mann-Whitney U test. BMI, body mass index.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2. Levels of endocrine hormones and hypothalamic neuropeptides\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere was no significant difference in the levels of free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone, progesterone and luteinizing hormone between the two groups (\u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/em\u003e). The levels of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, free triiodothyronine, follicle-stimulating hormone, neuropeptide Y and orexin in the obese group were significantly higher than those in the normal weight group (\u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/em\u003e), while the levels of estradiol, pro-opiomelanocortin and oxytocin were significantly lower than those in the normal weight group (\u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05).\u003c/em\u003e (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eComparison of levels of endocrine hormones and hypothalamic neuropeptides\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eObese group (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;37)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNormal weight group(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;43)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFree triiodothyronine, pM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.94\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.717\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.46\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.839\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.008\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFree thyroxine, pM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.73\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.909\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.849\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.211\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eProlactin, ng/ml\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.04(6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.97(8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.077\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTestosterone, ng/ml\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.107\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.083\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.853\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eProgesterone, ng/ml\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.19(0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.24(4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.189\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLuteinizing hormone, mIU/mL\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.18(11)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.05(3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.589\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCortisol, ug/dl\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.89(11)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.81(5)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdrenocorticotropic hormone, pg/ml\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.56(24)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.31(15)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThyroid-stimulating hormone, mIU/L\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.13(2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.64(2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.359\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFollicle-stimulating hormone, mIU/mL\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.43(10)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.46(3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.005\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeuropeptide Y, ng/mL\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e224.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;29.735\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e175.92\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;24.932\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOrexin, ng/mL\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.74(4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.38(4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEstradiol, pM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.53(25)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68.60(68)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.004\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePro-opiomelanocortin, pg/mL\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6125.35(1138)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6426.65(1582)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.003\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOxytocin, pg/mL\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e110.14(39)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e146.49(59)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003eLevels of prolactin, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, orexin, estradiol, pro-opiomelanocortin and oxytocin are expressed as M (IQR) and compared using Mann-Whitney U test.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e3. Logistic regression analysis of influencing factors for obesity in women of childbearing age\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe multivariate regression model was performed with forward method in consideration of collinearity existed among the variables. As shown in Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, increase in levels of neuropeptide Y and orexin were independent risk factors for obesity (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.123, 95%CI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.023\u0026ndash;1.232, \u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.015;\u003c/em\u003e OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.004, 95%CI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.174\u0026ndash;13.656, \u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.027\u003c/em\u003e), while higher level of oxytocin was an independent protective factor (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.833; 95%CI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.697\u0026ndash;0.995; \u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;=\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;0.044).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIndependent variables associated with obesity in multivariate regression analysis\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOR\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e95% CI\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeuropeptide Y\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.116\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.015\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.123\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.023\u0026ndash;1.232\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOrexin\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.387\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.027\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.004\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.174\u0026ndash;13.656\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOxytocin\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.183\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.044\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.833\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.697\u0026ndash;0.995\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e4. Correlation analysis of endocrine hormones and hypothalamic neuropeptides with BMI and plasma lipid levels\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEndocrine hormone: Cortisol level was positively correlated with BMI (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.432, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (r=-0.283, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.011). Adrenocorticotropic hormone level was positively correlated with BMI and triglyceride level (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.307, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.006; r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.290, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.009). Levels of free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine were positively correlated with BMI (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.325, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.003; r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.221, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.049). Thyroid-stimulating hormone level was positively correlated with triglyceride level (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.319, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.004). Estradiol level was negatively correlated with BMI (r=-0.320, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.004). Follicle-stimulating hormone level was positively correlated with BMI (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.233, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.037). (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCorrelation analysis of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones with BMI and plasma lipid levels\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCortisol\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdrenocorticotropic hormone\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBMI, kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.432\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.307\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.006\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.028\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.808\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.034\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.765\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTriglyceride, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.200\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.076\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.290\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.009\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.283\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.011\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.145\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.199\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.037\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.747\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.029\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.795\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003eBMI, body mass index.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCorrelation analysis of hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis hormones with BMI and plasma lipid levels\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFree triiodothyronine\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFree thyroxine\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThyroid-stimulating hormone\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBMI, kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.325\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.003\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.221\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.049\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.053\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.640\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.059\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.601\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.087\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.444\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.025\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.829\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTriglyceride, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.084\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.459\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.155\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.171\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.319\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.004\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.996\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.023\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.838\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.187\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.097\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.003\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.982\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.166\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.142\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.033\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.774\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"7\"\u003eBMI, body mass index.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCorrelation analysis of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones with BMI and plasma lipid levels\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eProlactin\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTestosterone\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eProgesterone\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBMI I, kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.091\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.424\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.026\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.819\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.081\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.477\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.999\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.121\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.287\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTriglyceride, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.041\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.715\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.039\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.730\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.035\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.756\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.050\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.662\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.121\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.283\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.014\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.904\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.055\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.628\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.043\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.702\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.123\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.279\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Taba\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLuteinizing hormone\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFollicle-stimulating hormone\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEstradiol\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBMI, kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.045\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.694\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.233\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.037\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.320\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.004\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.013\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.908\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.125\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.269\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.090\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.426\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTriglyceride, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.140\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.215\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.191\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.090\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.115\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.311\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.150\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.185\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.195\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.082\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.098\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.388\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.129\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.253\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.025\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.827\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.090\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.427\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"7\"\u003eBMI, body mass index.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHypothalamic neuropeptide: Neuropeptide Y level was positively correlated with BMI, triglycerides level and total cholesterol level (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.521, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001; r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.376, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001; r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.276, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.013). Pro-opiomelanocortin level was negatively correlated with triglycerides level (r=-0.269, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.016). Orexin level was positively correlated with BMI and triglycerides level (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.498, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001; r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.320, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.004). Oxytocin level was negatively correlated with BMI (r=-0.615, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab7\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 7\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCorrelation analysis of hypothalamic neuropeptides level with BMI and plasma lipid levels\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeuropeptide Y\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOrexin\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOxytocin\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePro-opiomelanocortin\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBMI, kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.521\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.498\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.615\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.200\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.075\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.276\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.013\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.191\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.090\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.128\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.257\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.141\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.212\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTriglyceride, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.376\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.320\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.004\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.151\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.180\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.269\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.016\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.150\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.185\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.076\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.506\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.047\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.681\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.005\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.965\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.168\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.136\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.098\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.387\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.066\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.558\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.044\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.697\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003eBMI, body mass index.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn this study, the correlation between obesity in women of childbearing age and a variety of hormones in the endocrine gland axis and hypothalamic neuropeptides within the normal range were analyzed, proving a reference for the etiological research and intervention treatment of obesity in women during their special period.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStudies have found that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperfunction is directly related to many metabolic diseases, such as obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e The results of this study showed that the levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone within the normal range were significantly higher in obese women than those in women of normal weight, and were positively correlated with BMI and triglycerides level. The results demonstrated that cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone played a role in regulating body weight and plasma lipids in women during the reproductive period, and mild hyperactivity of the adrenal axis can also lead to obesity and dyslipidemia even within their normal levels. This is similar to the results in animal models, which found that relatively high level of cortisol in the case of normal adrenal cortical function or in vitro corticosterone injections led to obesity, and triglycerides level was lowered in obese rodents with partial adrenal resection that maintained normal adrenal cortex. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR9\" citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThyroid hormones play a crucial role in the differentiation of adipocytes, which in turn affects the body's energy metabolism. There is a lot of researches on the role of hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis hormone in adjusting body weight. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e However, most of these studies have focused on people with abnormal thyroid function, who had relatively more pronounced indicators of obesity-related metabolic disorders. Our study showed that within the normal range, free triiodothyronine level was significantly higher than that in the normal weight group, and thyroid hormones were positively correlated with BMI and triglycerides level, indicating that subtle changes in thyroid function also might affect the body's metabolism and led to obesity.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSex hormones are important regulators of mammalian food intake and energy balance, interacting with gastrointestinal hormones and central neurotransmitters to achieve central control of appetite and metabolism. In the present study, the level of estradiol within the normal range was significantly lower in obese women than in women of normal weight, and was inversely correlated with BMI. Our results were in consistent with those in animal models, which found that exogenous estradiol supplementation increased the total body oxygen and energy expenditure of mice with oophorectomy, \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and estradiol level was negatively correlated with triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e Besides, a positive correlation between follicle-stimulating hormone level and BMI was observed in this study. Animal experiment indicated that inhibition of endogenous follicle-stimulating hormone and blockade of its signaling pathway could reduce body fat and serum cholesterol in mice. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR16\" citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e The findings provided a new idea for weight loss in obese women with menopausal hypercholesterolemia.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeuropeptide Y is an appetite-promoting factor. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e The results of this study showed that the level of neuropeptide Y within normal range in obese women was significantly higher than that in women of normal weight, and neuropeptide Y level was positively correlated with BMI, levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol. Moreover, increase in neuropeptide Y level was an independent risk factor for obesity. Our findings suggested that relatively high level of neuropeptide Y within the normal range might lead to weight gain and dyslipidemia in women of childbearing age. Animal experiments showed that increased central neuropeptide Y level in rodents by intraventricular injection led to intense feeding and the development of morbid obesity, and intraventricular injection of neuropeptide Y antagonists decreased fat storage, increased GDP-binding activity of brown adipocytes and caloric expenditure, and improved lipodystrophy. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR20\" citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e Investigation on neuropeptide Y-related receptor agonists and antagonists may be the target of future obesity control. In addition, in an experiment on the effect of neuropeptide Y deficiency on fat metabolism in male and female mice, it was found that estradiol level was negatively correlated with neuropeptide Y level, and neuropeptide Y deficiency could activate estradiol mediated thermogenesis to reduce obesity in female mice, but not to alter serum estradiol levels and obesity in male rats, suggesting that neuropeptide Y was more closely related to the regulation of women's body weight. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCurrently, orexin has been found to be involved in human appetite regulation, energy balance, sleep and wake regulation. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e Intraventricular injections of different doses of orexin have been found to increase in a dose-dependent manner. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e The results of this study showed that the orexin level within normal range in obese women was significantly higher than that in women of normal weight, and was positively correlated with BMI and triglycerides level. Moreover, increase in orexin level was another independent risk factor for obesity. The findings demonstrated that higher level of orexin within normal range might lead to obesity and dyslipidemia in women of childbearing age.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOxytocin plays an important role in regulating energy metabolism, interacting with neurons in the hypothalamus that promote feeding (e.g., neuropeptide Y, orexin), as well as neurons that inhibit feeding (e.g., pro-opiomelanocortin) to inhibit feeding and reduce body weight. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e The present study found that the oxytocin level within the normal range in obese women was significantly lower than those in women of normal weight, and was inversely correlated with BMI. It was found to be an independent protective factor for obesity in women of childbearing age. Several studies also demonstrated that oxytocin was negatively correlated with the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR27\" citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e However, we failed to reach such conclusions in this study.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePro-opiomelanocortin is an appetite suppressor, a negative regulator of feeding behavior, energy metabolism and weight maintenance in the hypothalamus, and an antagonist of neuropeptide Y. The results showed that the pro-opiomelanocortin level within the normal range in obese women was significantly lower than that in women of normal weight, and was negatively correlated with triglycerides level, suggesting that pro-opiomelanocortin was involved in the regulation of body weight and plasma lipids. Studies have shown that inactivating mutations in the pro-opiomelanocortin gene could lead to obesity, \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and increased expression of pro-opiomelanocortin processing products α-MSH or enhanced activity of its receptor (MC4R) could lead to dose-dependent appetite suppression, decreased food intake, weight loss and increased glucose tolerance. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne of the limitations of our study is that the study is limited by its cross-sectional design and did not infer a causal relationship between circulating hormones levels and the development of obesity. Second, serial changes in serum endocrine hormone and hypothalamic neuropeptides need to be measured at different time points during the day according to the daily and pulsatile pattern of hormone release. Third, the weight gain may be influenced by other various factors, such as mood, appetite, and activity, etc. All of these may induce to potential biases. Future prospective studies in a larger number of women will be important to analyze the influence.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, in the population of women of childbearing age, fluctuations within normal levels of a variety of endocrine hormones and hypothalamic neuropeptides played an important role in the regulation of body weight and plasma lipids. Relatively higher levels of neuropeptide Y and orexin increased the risk of obesity, while elevated oxytocin level decreased the risk. Further research with deeper analysis of the mechanism will be needed in the future.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe demographic data and obesity-related laboratory indicators of women aged 18 to 45 were collected from the Department of Endocrinology of Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital between March 2022 and October 2022. Subjects with normal levels of endocrine hormones and hypothalamic neuropeptides were included. Those with one or more of the following conditions were excluded: body mass index (BMI)\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;18.5 kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e or 23.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;BMI\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;28 kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e, diabetes, thyroid disease, adrenal gland disease, pituitary disease, gonadal disease, malignant tumor, psychiatric disease, severe gastrointestinal tract disease, heart failure, severe kidney disease, took hormonal drugs or immunomodulators in the past two months, irregular menstrual cycles, pregnant or lactating. According to BMI, subjects were divided into obese group (\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;28.0 kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e) and normal weight group (18.5\u0026ndash;23.9 kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e). The general clinical data (sex, age, height, weight, marital status, smoking history, alcohol history) and laboratory data including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, testosterone, progesterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, serum neuropeptide Y, pro-opiomelanocortin, orexin and oxytocin were extracted from medical record system by trained research assistants.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were examined in the Biochemistry Laboratory of the Experimental Diagnosis Department of Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital using a fully automatic biochemical analyzer (Hitachi, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). Cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, testosterone, progesterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and prolactin were examined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) in the Department of Radioimmunology. Serum neuropeptide Y, pro-opiomelanocortin, orexin, and oxytocin were examined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA kit) from Shanghai Tianhao Biotechnology Co., Ltd. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital [2022(102)]. Due to retrospective nature of the study informed consent was waived by the Institutional Review Board of Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDefinition\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to the Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Overweight and Obesity in Chinese Adults, a BMI of 18.5\u0026ndash;23.9 kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e is considered normal weight, a BMI of 24.0-27.9 kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e is considered overweight, and a BMI of \u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;28.0 kg/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e is considered obese. Smoking history was defined as an average of one cigarette per day for more than one year, or less than one year of abstinence. Alcohol history was defined as alcohol consumption for more than 5 years, 20g/d for women.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSPSS 27.0 was used for data analysis. Exploratory data analysis and Shapiro-wilk tests were performed to determine the normality of the data distribution. Normally distributed continuous data were expressed as the mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation and compared using Student\u0026rsquo;s t test. Non-normally distributed continuous data were expressed as median (M) and inter-quartile range (IQR) and compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables were presented as counts and percentages, and compared using the Pearson χ\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e test. Correlation analysis was performed using Spearman correlation analysis. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factor for obesity, and each odds ratio (OR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI). P value of \u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 was considered statistically significant and all tests were two-sided.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConflict of Interests disclosure\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eT.Y.Y. and D.F.M. contributed in study conception and design; F.L., L.C.Y. and Z.X.K. contributed in acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data; T.Y.Y. contributed in drafting of the article; D.F.M. contributed in revising. All authors reviewed the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis project is funded by Heilongjiang Provincial Health Commission Scientific Research Project (20220303060720) and Heilongjiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation Project (LH2023H087).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe data that support the findings of this study are openly available in Science Data Bank at https://www.scidb.cn/en/s/VziIra. Yingying Tang, the first author, could be contacted if someone wants to request the data from this study.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). 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The BBSome in POMC and AgRP Neurons Is Necessary for Body Weight Regulation and Sorting of Metabolic Receptors\u003cem\u003e.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eDiabetes.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e68, \u003c/strong\u003e1591-1603 (2019).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Childbearing age, Endocrine hormones, Female, Neuropeptide, Obesity","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6532507/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6532507/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis study aimed to explore the relationship between fluctuations of endocrine hormones and hypothalamic neuropeptides within normal levels and obesity in childbearing-age women. By retrospectively collecting data of 80 such women (37 obese, 43 normal-weight), it was found that within the normal physiological range, the levels of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, follicle-stimulating hormone, neuropeptide Y, and orexin exhibited significant positive correlations with body mass index (\u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/em\u003e), while the levels of estradiol and oxytocin were negatively correlated with body mass index (\u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/em\u003e). The levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, neuropeptide Y, and orexin were positively associated with triglyceride levels (\u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/em\u003e), whereas the pro-opiomelanocortin level demonstrated a negative correlation (r=-0.269, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.016). Neuropeptide Y levels showed a positive correlation with total cholesterol (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.276, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.013), while cortisol levels were negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=-0.283, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.011). Neuropeptide Y and orexin were independent risk factors for obesity (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.123, 95%CI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.023\u0026ndash;1.232, \u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.015;\u003c/em\u003e OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.004, 95%CI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.174\u0026ndash;13.656, \u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.027\u003c/em\u003e), while oxytocin was a protective one (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.833, 95%CI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.697\u0026ndash;0.995; \u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;=\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;0.044). Normal-range fluctuations of these substances are closely linked to obesity in this population.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Effect of Normal Level Endocrine Hormones and Hypothalamic Neuropeptides on Obesity in Women of Childbearing Age","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-08-11 13:40:31","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6532507/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"f6c707d5-8661-4f41-ba74-25bc26b33cf5","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 11th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":52742687,"name":"Health sciences/Diseases"},{"id":52742688,"name":"Health sciences/Endocrinology"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-01-07T11:54:32+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-08-11 13:40:31","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6532507","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6532507","identity":"rs-6532507","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}