Evaluation of Fucokinase in groups of postmenopausal patients due to hormonal, surgical, and genetic disorders

Research into the effects of exercise on the modulation of testosterone levels in males and females has been performed in both clinical and preclinical studies. These studies have demonstrated that males tend to experience an increase in serum testosterone levels from exercise, while females do not. However, few studies have directly compared the modulation of testosterone levels between males and females under identical chronic exercise regimens and conditions. This study divides male and female rats into four separate groups to try to determine the effect a chronic treadmill exercise regimen (six weeks) on testosterone modulation, as well as the sex differences present in this modulation. The male and female rats were each equally divided into sedentary and exercise groups. In this study, blood samples were collected from male and female rats from each of the four groups. These samples were used to quantify testosterone levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plate immunoassay. The results showed that the exercised male rats had significantly greater testosterone levels (137.2% increase) than the sedentary males. These data support the notion that chronic treadmill exercise can induce an increase in testosterone levels in male rats. In contrast, female rats did show an increase in testosterone levels (76.14%), but it was not statistically significant compared to the sedentary group. These results support the hypothesis that chronic treadmill exercise can induce an increase in serum testosterone levels and that this is a sex-specific effect. Further research is needed into the relationship between exercise and testosterone levels.

Introduction: Given the critical role of obesity in chronic disease development, establishing effective exercise protocols is essential for managing obesity and regulating energy balance.Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of high-intensity endurance and interval training on the hormonal profiles of leptin, cortisol, and testosterone in obese male adolescents.Methods: This study employed a semi-experimental design with practical implications, utilizing a pre-test and post-test framework alongside a control group. Participants were 50 obese male adolescents who were equally divided into the endurance training group (ET-G), the high-intensity interval training group (HIIT-G), and the control group (C-G). Over an eight-week period, participants engaged in either endurance or HIIT exercises. Blood samples were collected during the pre-test phase after a 14-hour fasting period and again in the post-test phase. Data analysis was conducted using ANCOVA.Results: The results indicated a significant change in leptin levels (F=13.574, P<0.001) and a greater increase in testosterone levels (F=16.947, P<0.001) and in cortisol levels (F=15.649, P<0.001) from pretest to posttest. Follow-up test showed that HIIT-G experienced a significantly greater reduction in leptin and an increase in testosterone and cortisol levels compared to both ET-G and C-G (P<0.05). Additionally, ET-G showed a significantly greater decrease in leptin levels and an increase in testosterone and cortisol levels than C-G (P<0.05).Conclusion: The significant alterations observed in hormone level after interval training, suggest that the HIIT employed in this research is an effective strategy for enhancing metabolism and reducing body fat percentage in obese young men.

The etiology of obesity has been associated with genetic and epigenetic factors, hormonal changes, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and infectious agents such as human adenovirus-36 (HAdV-36). Viral infections induce reactive oxygen species, and the imbalance between oxidative stress/antioxidant results in fat accumulation. In the Mexican population, little is known about the frequency of HAdV-36 and its effect on the balance between antioxidants and oxidants, inflammation, and metabolic markers. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the frequency of HAdV-36 seroprevalence and its relation to body mass index (BMI), lipid profiles, glucose levels, inflammation, and levels of antioxidants and oxidative stress in a representative sample. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 112 healthy adults between 18 and 28 years old, who were divided into four groups according to their BMI: underweight (BMI < 18.5); normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9); overweight (BMI ≥ 25); and obese (BMI ≥ 30). Blood samples were taken to evaluate lipid and glucose profiles, as well as antioxidant and oxidative stress status, using colorimetric techniques. Seropositivity for HAdV-36 and levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and cortisol were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The HAdV-36 frequency was 15.6% in underweight subjects, 18.7% in the normal-weight subjects, 34.37% in the overweight subjects, and 31.24% in the obese subjects. The subjects who were positive for HAdV-36 seroprevalence had increased levels of IL-6, cortisol, and oxidative stress, independently of BMI. The HAdV-36-positive subjects had reduced LDL-C and HDL-C levels only in the low-weight groups. Glutathione and SOD levels increased in the underweight and normal-weight subjects with positive HAdV-36 seroprevalence, while catalase levels decreased in the normal-weight, overweight, and obese subjects. In conclusion, for the first time, an HAdV-36 seroprevalence in the adult Mexican population is reported which was higher and had a relation with the presence of inflammation, alterations in the lipid profile, and imbalance between oxidative stress and antioxidant status, regardless of BMI. The oxidative stress/antioxidant imbalance could be participating in the stimulation of white adipose tissue deposition.

Background: The use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is widespread. Despite the positive changes, such as: an increase in testosterone levels, an improvement in erectile function and an increase in libido, it is possible to develop a negative manifestation — hyperestrogenism. To date, there are no studies assessing the prevalence of hyperestrogenism in the presence of TRT. Aim: To study the reliability of an increase in total testosterone and estradiol levels and changes in total weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and hips (OB), depending on the type of TRT and hCG therapy. Materials and methods: For retrospective analysis, the medical records of patients with baseline testosterone deficiency and normal estradiol levels, who were prescribed TRT or hCG therapy, were selected. The patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the form of TRT and hCG therapy. The level of testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), weight, OT, OB, BMI in each group was assessed 2 times — before the appointment of treatment and at different periods of treatment, for example, after 3–6–9 and 12 months. Most of the patients had a period of monitoring these parameters before the appointment of TRT or hCG therapy and after 6 months. Results: The increase in the levels of total testosterone and estradiol against the background of TRT in the total sample was 109.6% and 111.3%, respectively. In each group, increases in total testosterone and estradiol levels were significant, p ≤ 0.001. The level of total testosterone to physiological values increased only in the 2-nd group — reaching the average-normal, recommended levels, from 8.7 ± 0.5 (2.5) to 16 ± 2 (10). The maximum rises in total testosterone, as well as estradiol, were noted in the 1st group, from 9.5 ± 0.72 nmol / L (3) to 24.9 ± 2.7 nmol / L (11.62)) and with 24.19 ± 2 (8.5) to 58.1 ± 4 (18.1), respectively. TRT, like hCG therapy, promotes an increase in the level of estradiol, which was demonstrated in all groups, and not only in group 1-st: in group 2-nd from 28.1 ± 2.3 (11.3) to 55 ± 4 (20) and in the 3-rd group from 27.1 ± 2.5 (10.5) to 55.8 ± 4.6 (19.6). On average for the entire sample, from 26.6 ± 1.32 (10.2) to 56.2 ± 2.5 (19). Weight loss on TRT was significant only in the 2-nd group, and in all parameters — weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference. In the 3-rd group, BMI, WC and OB values also slightly decreased. In the 1-st group, the total weight slightly increased, while the BMI did not change, as did the OB value, and the OT value decreased slightly. Conclusion: TRT significantly increases the levels of total testosterone and estradiol, contributing to the normalization of testosterone levels, as in the 2-nd group, or the development of supraphysiological levels of total testosterone and hyperestrogenism, as in the 1st and 3-rd groups. Given that there is a strong belief that TRT leads to significant weight loss, our study confirmed this statement only in the 2-nd group.

Background: The use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is widespread. Despite the positive changes, such as: an increase in testosterone levels, an improvement in erectile function and an increase in libido, it is possible to develop a negative manifestation — hyperestrogenism. To date, there are no studies assessing the prevalence of hyperestrogenism in the presence of TRT.Aim: To study the reliability of an increase in total testosterone and estradiol levels and changes in total weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and hips (OB), depending on the type of TRT and hCG therapy.Materials and methods: For retrospective analysis, the medical records of patients with baseline testosterone deficiency and normal estradiol levels, who were prescribed TRT or hCG therapy, were selected. The patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the form of TRT and hCG therapy. The level of testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), weight, OT, OB, BMI in each group was assessed 2 times — before the appointment of treatment and at different periods of treatment, for example, after 3–6–9 and 12 months. Most of the patients had a period of monitoring these parameters before the appointment of TRT or hCG therapy and after 6 months.Results: The increase in the levels of total testosterone and estradiol against the background of TRT in the total sample was 109.6% and 111.3%, respectively. In each group, increases in total testosterone and estradiol levels were significant, p ≤ 0.001. The level of total testosterone to physiological values increased only in the 2-nd group — reaching the average-normal, recommended levels, from 8.7 ± 0.5 (2.5) to 16 ± 2 (10). The maximum rises in total testosterone, as well as estradiol, were noted in the 1st group, from 9.5 ± 0.72 nmol / L (3) to 24.9 ± 2.7 nmol / L (11.62)) and with 24.19 ± 2 (8.5) to 58.1 ± 4 (18.1), respectively. TRT, like hCG therapy, promotes an increase in the level of estradiol, which was demonstrated in all groups, and not only in group 1-st: in group 2-nd from 28.1 ± 2.3 (11.3) to 55 ± 4 (20) and in the 3-rd group from 27.1 ± 2.5 (10.5) to 55.8 ± 4.6 (19.6). On average for the entire sample, from 26.6 ± 1.32 (10.2) to 56.2 ± 2.5 (19). Weight loss on TRT was significant only in the 2-nd group, and in all parameters — weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference. In the 3-rd group, BMI, WC and OB values also slightly decreased. In the 1-st group, the total weight slightly increased, while the BMI did not change, as did the OB value, and the OT value decreased slightly.Conclusion: TRT significantly increases the levels of total testosterone and estradiol, contributing to the normalization of testosterone levels, as in the 2-nd group, or the development of supraphysiological levels of total testosterone and hyperestrogenism, as in the 1st and 3-rd groups. Given that there is a strong belief that TRT leads to significant weight loss, our study confirmed this statement only in the 2-nd group.

Changes in the redox balance at different levels, which lead to the accumulation of toxic radicals against the background of a decrease in the content of redox-active compounds, i.e., a state of oxidative stress (OS), are considered the leading pathogenetic factor in pathological conditions. Processes of peroxide oxidation of biological substrates, especially cell membrane lipids and lipophilic compounds have both regulatory and pathological effects in the body of animals and humans. For now, it remains relevant to establish the regularities of interaction of metabolism during OS development. Among the large number of existing OS models, attention is drawn to those that can be reproduced in clinical practice, as a complication of treatment measures or an error in the medical strategy, due to a constant influence on peroxidation processes in the body. Important among such means is paracetamol (acetaminophen, APAP) – one of the most common antipyretic and analgesic drugs. In addition to the known hepato-, nephro- and neurotoxic effects of its long-term and/or excessive use, there are data on reproductive toxicity and disorders of lipid metabolism. Therefore, the aim of our work was to determine the lipid profile and the level of sex hormones in male rabbits during paracetamol-induced OS. The study was performed on male rabbits of the Khila breed. According to the principle of analogs, a control group (n = 12) was formed, which were kept on a standard diet, and an experimental group (n = 12), whose animals were simulated the state of OS by oral injection of a solution of paracetamol with food at a dose of 300 mg/kg of weight body once during 21 days. The following results were obtained by determining the dynamics of changes in biochemical indicators in the rabbit body during chronic injection of paracetamol: in the rabbits of the experimental group, after the injection of paracetamol, the level of diene conjugates was 63.0 % higher, and the content of thiobarbiturate-active products was 1.26 times higher (P ˂ 0.05). A decrease in the activity of the antioxidant defence system was also noted – the amount of reduced glutathione decreased by 35.4 %, and the activity of superoxide dismutase decreased by 25.6 % (P ˂ 0.05). The obtained changes were consistent with the comprehensive indicator of total antioxidant activity, which on the 21st day of the experiment was 34.1 % lower than the values of the control group (P ˂ 0.05). At the same time, the level of steroid hormones also changed during the study – the level of total testosterone gradually decreased (on the 21st day – by 22.8 %, and at the end of the experiment – by 30.9 %, P ˂ 0.05), while the level of 17β-estradiol had an upward trend and on the 21st day was higher than the control indicators by 10.7 % (P ˂ 0.05). Significant changes in lipid metabolism were found in male rabbits – the total cholesterol content on the 21st day of the experiment exceeded the data of control animals by 25.3 %, the level of triacylglycerols – by 42.3 %, and the content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol also increased by 1.1 times (P ˂ 0.05), and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, on the contrary, was reduced by 17.0 % (P ˂ 0.05). In general, the obtained results indicate the relationship between the development of OS with changes in lipid metabolism and the balance of sex hormones, which allows us to use the model of paracetamol-induced OS in rabbits for further research.

Alternate indications for varicocele repair: non-obstructive azoospermia, pain, androgen deficiency and progressive testicular dysfunction

Placement of a sexually receptive female mouse behind a partition that prevents physical contacts, but permits it to see and smell caused an increase in the blood levels of testosterone in male mice. The selective 5-HTIA-serotonin receptor agonist 08-OH- DPAT (0.1 mg/kg) and the mixed 5-HTIA/IB agonist eltoprazine, 3.0 and 10.0 mg/kg, blocked the activating effect of female exposure on the male pituitary-testicular system. The 5-HT/-receptor agonist p-MPPI (0.2 mg/kg) prevented the inhibitory effects of 8-OH-DPATand eltoprazine. The 5-HT/B-receptor agonist CGS- 12066A (1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg) exerted no effect while the mixed 5-HTIB/2C-receptor agonist TFMPP (5.2 mg/kg) inhibited a female-induced increase in the levels of male blood testosterone. The 5-HT/-receptor agonist keranserin (1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg) prevented a female-induced increase in the levels of testosterone. The 5-HT3-receptor agonist ondansetron (0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg) elevated the baseline level of plasma testosterone, but blocked receptive female-induced activation of the male hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular system (HPTS). It is concluded that 5-HTIA-receptors are involved in the control of male sexual activation. At the same time different types and even subtypes of the same type of 5-HT-receptors produce varying inhibitory and activating effects on the receptive female-induced activation of HPTS. Blocking of the female-induced activation of HPTS seems to be realized by involving 5-HTu- and 5-HT2C-receptors and its activation occurs with the participation of 5-HT^- and 5- HT3-receptors.

Obesity and Male Reproductive Potential

The Correlation between Testosterone and Progesterone Levels on Day of HCG and IVF Outcome

<h3>Background</h3> T2DM is associated with CVD. SGLT2i represent the most effective class of oral medications for the treatment of T2DM, and have been shown to improve generalized vascular dysfunction. <h3>Methods</h3> T2DM was induced by HFD to male C57BL/6J mice for 24 weeks. After that, HFD-fed mice were treated with Cana (50 mg/kg/d) by oral gavage for 6 weeks. Myocardial mitochondrial morphology and cardiovascular abnormalities were assessed by TEM, immunofluorescence staining and Masson’s staining; lipids profile and oxidative stress state were assessed by corresponding biochemical assay kits and immunohistochemical staining; the myocardial injury was characterized by H&amp;E staining, TUNEL, and ELISA assays; colonic gut microbiota was assessed by 16S rDNA sequencing. <h3>Results</h3> Cana reduced the lipid (such as TG, TC, and LDL-C) accumulation in serum, thus decreased atherogenic index of plasma and arteriosclerosis index values. More importantly, Cana decreased the thickness of the vascular basement membrane, improved cardiac mitochondrial homeostasis, and relieved oxidative stress (e.g. regulation of ROS, SOD, GSH, and MDA levels). And, Cana reduced the circulating markers of inflammation (such as TNFα, MCP-1, and IL-6). Myocardial injury was alleviated after Cana treatment with decreasing levels of serous cTn I (from 95 pg/mL to 75 pg/mL) and sCD40L (from 120 pg/mL to 90 pg/mL). Thus, the cardiovascular abnormality was relieved by elevating the CD31 expression level and suppressing fibrosis and basement membrane thickening (from 0.6 μm to 0.2 μm) in T2DM mice. Interestingly, Cana administration increased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (from 230% to 98%) and the relative abundance of Olsenella, Alistipes, and Alloprevotella, while decreasing the abundance of Helicobacter and Mucispirillum in mice with diabetic CVD. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Cana treatment improved CVD by decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis and reducing the thickness of the vascular basement membrane. Importantly, Cana treatment significantly elevated myocardial mitochondria homeostasis, thus ameliorated the oxidative stress and inflammatory states. Moreover, Cana subtly altered microbiota composition in T2DM mice with CVD, which contributed to the improvement of CVD. Collectively, the improvements of myocardial mitochondrial and gut microbiota homeostasis, may represent an important mechanism underlying the cardiovascular benefits of Cana treatment.

Obesity is a condition of chronic tissue inflammation and oxidative stress that poses as a risk factor for maleinfertility. Moringa oleifera oil extract is known to have cholesterol-loweringproperties and a potential to treat obesity, while lycopene is a potent antioxidant. We hypothesize that Moringa or lycopene may improve male fertility markers in an animal model of diet-induced obesity. Male Albino rats (n=60) were randomized to receive regular chow (RC) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 12weeks (n=30 each). Animals in each arm were further randomized to receive gavage treatment with corn oil (vehicle), lycopene (10mg/kg), or Moringa (400mg/kg) for four weeks starting on week 9 (n=10 each). Animals were sacrificed at 12weeks, and blood was collected to assess lipid profile, serum testosterone, and gonadotropin levels. The testes and epididymides were removed for sperm analysis, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, and histopathological assessment. In comparison to their RC littermates, animals on HFD showed an increase in body weights, serum lipids, testosterone and gonadotrophin levels, testicular oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, as well as sperm abnormalities and disrupted testicular histology. Moringa or lycopene reduced body weight, improved oxidative stress, and male fertility markers in HFD-fed animals with lycopene exhibiting better anti-antioxidant and anti-lipidemic effects. Lycopene is superior to Moringa in improving male fertility parameters, possibly by attenuating oxidative stress.

Hormonal and biochemical studies on female dromedary camels affected with multiple ovarian cysts

Sleep duration and testosterone levels in community older men: results from the West China Health and Aging Trend study.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with unknown pathophysiology involving many interwoven signalling cascades. ROS, NK and NKT cells might be crucial in the disease severity of RA of which the role of NK and NKT cells are controversial in literature. However, the role of oxidative stress, its impact on NK and NKT cell immunobiology and disease activity (DAS28) is largely unknown. Therefore, we studied the role of oxidative stress and NK cell subsets in the pathogenesis of RA. The state of oxidative stress in various peripheral blood fractions, percentage NK and NKT cell expression, their altered apoptotic signaling pathways involving mitochondrial membrane potential, FAS associated death domain (FADD) mediated pathways and DNA damage were analyzed. Results indicated a state of profound oxidative stress in the peripheral blood of RA patients where percentage of NK and NKT cell subsets diminished while ROS levels increased. The depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential, FAS, FASL and active caspase-3 positive NK and NKT cell subsets were considerably elevated in patients. The DNA damage, assessed as percentage of DNA in comet tail, was significantly elevated. Findings of the present work indicate increased apoptosis of peripheral NK and NKT cells in the diseased condition. PBMC and RBC are the major sites of enhanced oxidative stress. The state of oxidative stress and altered immunobiology of NK and NKT cells strongly correlated with Disease activity score. The present study strongly supports the protective role of NK cell subsets in the pathogenesis of RA.