Testosterone Research Articles

Bio-carbon-derived porous reduced graphene oxide photo- and electrochemical sensor for ultra-sensitive detection of testosterone hormone

Bio-carbon-derived porous reduced graphene oxide photo- and electrochemical sensor for ultra-sensitive detection of testosterone hormone

Original salivary sex hormone data of naturally menstruating athletes and hormonal contraceptive users

ObjectivesThere is a lack of data on salivary sex hormones across the menstrual cycle (MC) or hormonal contraceptive (HC) cycle of elite athletes. We aimed to provide original data on salivary sex hormones (17β-estradiol, progesterone and free testosterone) in naturally menstruating female athletes with a regular cycle or irregular cycle and using combined HC. A secondary purpose was to compare these data with published data from the general population according to the menstrual status (MC or HC or irregularly menstruating).Methods367 saliva tests were performed on 44 elite athletes during 6 months of follow-up to certify for cycle regularity. Athletes were grouped into regular MC, n=13; irregular MC, n=5; and HC, n=26. We compared salivary data of regular MC across six cycle phases (menses, mid-follicular, late follicular, early luteal, mid-luteal and late luteal phases) with published data from women with a similar MC or HC status from the general population.ResultsWe provided salivary original data according to six sub-phases among elite athletes with regular MC. HC athletes showed lower salivary sex hormonal levels, markedly after the first week of active HC compared with regular MC. Athletes with irregular cycles do not show a progesterone rise from the first half to the second half of the cycle (Δirregular=0.38 (1.90), a rise detectable within regular MC group ΔregularMC=2.86 (2.88)).ConclusionsWe provided original data for salivary sex hormone levels in elite female athletes. These references may be valuable for research investigating MC or combined HC data, particularly in longitudinal follow-ups requiring repeated measurements.

Clinical implications of dual therapy of acarbose plus myo-inositol on the thyroid profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid are the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of childbearing age, causing anovulation and infertility. There is an increased prevalence of thyroid dysfunction reported among PCOS women. Aims: To evaluate the benefits of acarbose plus myo-inositol therapy on the thyroid profile of PCOS. Methods: An open-labelled, parallel randomised clinical trial on 80 PCOS women based on inclusion and exclusion criteria was performed at the Department of Gynaecology, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur. Institutional ethics committee approval and prior informed consent were obtained. The trial was registered in CTRI (No: CTRI/2022/04/041877). Group A (n = 38) received metformin 500 mg TID, and group B (n = 39) received acarbose 50 mg TID along with myoinositol 1000 mg BID. Assessment of metabolic and hormonal profile was done at baseline and at the end of six months. Results: Both groups showed significant reductions in luteinising hormone (p <0.0001), total testosterone (p<0.05), thyroid stimulating hormone (p<0.05), fasting insulin (p<0.05), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (p<0.0001). The follicle-stimulating hormone was increased only in the metformin group. No significant changes in body mass index, free triiodothyronine, free tetraiodothyronine, and fasting glucose were observed in any group. Both therapies were safe, and no side effects or hypoglycaemia were recorded. Conclusions: In consideration of the beneficial effects of the study, we conclude that the administration of acarbose plus myo-inositol exerts positive effects on the thyroid and other endocrinological profiles in PCOS women.

Mitochondrial malfunction-initiated Leydig cell premature senescence partially participates in 1-nitropyrene-evoked downregulation of steroidogenic synthases in testes

Serum testosterone (T) in males has been declining during the past decades. The previous reports found that 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) exposure suppressed testicular T synthesis. The purpose of the current study was to further explore whether premature senescence participates in 1-NP-triggered reduction of testicular T synthesis. Adult male mice were orally exposed to 1-NP (0, 100, and 500 μg/kg) daily for 14 days. Serum and testicular T contents were diminished in 1-NP-administered mice. Mitochondria-located steroidogenic synthases, including StAR, CYP11A1, and 3βHSD1, were downregulated in 1-NP-administered mouse testes and MLTC-1 cells. Mechanistically, 1-NP exposure increased acetylation modification of mitochondrial steroidogenic synthases by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of SIRT3, an NAD+-dependent deacetylase. Supplementing NAD+ precursor and Sirt3 overexpression relieved 1-NP-triggered reduction of steroidogenic synthase levels in mouse testes and MLTC-1 cells. By contrast, Sirt3 silencing aggravated 1-NP-evoked acetylation and reduction of steroidogenic synthase levels in MLTC-1 cells. Further experiments demonstrated that 1-NP exposure caused mitochondrial malfunction and premature senescence in mouse testes and MLTC-1 cells. Supplementation with mitochondria-directed antioxidant mitoquinone (MitoQ) prevented 1-NP-evoked Leydig cell premature senescence and downregulation of testicular steroidogenic synthases. These results suggest that mitochondrial malfunction-initiated Leydig cell premature senescence may partially participate in 1-NP-evoked reduction of steroidogenic synthase levels in testes.

The molecular mechanisms of steroid hormone effects on cognitive function

ObjectiveThere is a lack of information on the molecular mechanisms by which steroid hormones (testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone) regulate cognitive impairment. Thus, we aimed to identify the protective effects of steroid hormones on cognitive function. MethodsWe analyzed the literature on the molecular mechanisms, biological activities, physicochemical properties, and pharmacokinetics of steroid hormones. ResultsSteroid hormones can protect against cognitive impairment by regulating key genes (INS, TNF, STAT3, ESR1). Specific microRNAs, namely hsa-miR-335-5p, hsa-miR-16-5p, and hsa-miR-26b-5p, along with transcription factors NFKB1, PPARG, NR3C1, GATA2, EGR1, ATF3, and CEBPA, play a significant role in this protective mechanism. The involvement in cognitive processes, regulation of phosphorylation, neuronal apoptosis, and signaling pathways related to Alzheimer's disease significantly influence the protein-protein interaction network underlying these effects. Additionally, steroid hormones exhibit anti-hypercholesterolemic properties, anti-inflammatory activity, antitoxic properties, and function as inhibitors of acetylcholine neuromuscular transmission. They also hold promise as therapeutic agents for the treatment of dementia. Promising therapeutic interventions for cognitive impairment include the use of miRNA sponges targeting hsa-miR-16-5p, along with the administration of capsaicin, minocycline, dopamine, sertraline, and minaprine. The gut microbiota species Lactobacillus amylovorus, Paraprevotella clara, Libanicoccus massiliensis, Prevotella oris, Turicibacter sanguinis, and Dubosiella newyorkensis were identified as significant contributors to cognitive impairment and altered levels of steroid hormones. ConclusionSteroid hormones are promising compounds for improving cognitive function. Further research is needed to validate these findings through focused investigations into apoptosis, regulation of neuronal cell death, miRNA sponges, interactions with gut microbiota, and the potential efficacy of pharmaceutical agents.

Ascorbic acid Mitigates behavioural disturbances associated with letrozole-induced PCOS via switching-off JAK2/STAT5 and JAK2/ERK1/2 pathways in rat hippocampus

PurposePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder with the highest prevalence among other disorders in sexually-active women. It is associated with broad-spectrum hormonal and metabolic disturbances with behavioural difficulties. Experimentally, letrozole administration causes similar findings. Ascorbic acid is powerful anti-oxidant; and its cellular levels decrease with “hyperglycemic and poor anti-oxidative” status, which is, a main hallmark of PCOS. Thus, ascorbic acid administration may prevent the induction of PCOS and its consequences.Basic procedures: Forty female rats were divided into four groups (n = 10 in each): normal control (CTRL), ascorbic acid (ASC), letrozole (LTZ), and ascorbic acid + letrozole (ASC + LTZ) group. Behavioural tests (Y-maze spontaneous alteration, tail suspension test, forced swimming test) were performed. In serum, hormones (testosterone, estradiol, progesterone), glycemia (blood glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR) and oxidative stress (SOD activity, GSH) markers were measured. In hippocampus, inflammation and apoptosis indicators (p-JAK2, p-STAT5, p-ERK1/2, NF-κB, BAX, Bcl2, BAX/Bcl2 ratio) and neurotransmitters (DA, 5-HT, NE, BDNF) were determined. Lastly, ovary histopathological investigation was conducted to confirm PCOS induction.Principal results: Letrozole induced PCOS with subsequent disturbances. Testosterone levels were augmented while estradiol and progesterone were declined. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and oxidative stress markers were elevated. The expression of p-JAK2, p-STAT5, p-ERK1/2, BAX and the levels of NF-κB were increased, but Bcl2 expression, monoamines and BDNF levels were lowered. Importantly, ASC abated the last mentioned parameters markedly. Major conclusions: Ascorbic acid mitigated the behavioural difficulties of PCOS possibly by switching-off JAK2/STAT5 and JAK2/ERK1/2 pathways in hippocampus along with its neurotransmission-improving, hormonal-normalizing, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidative effects.

A 43-year-old man with hematometra: case report and literature review.

In this case report, we present a 43-year-old man (XY) with azoospermia and typical male appearance, at Tanner stage 5 of sexual development, who presented with severe colicky abdominal pain accompanied by nausea. A pelvic CT scan revealed a pear-shaped structure in the pelvic cavity, located entirely behind the bladder, measuring 106*44cm with fluid accumulation inside it, extending into the right inguinal canal. There was also evidence suggesting the formation of the upper and mid-third part of a vagina, terminating in the prostatic gland. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery for the removal of the uterus and the left gonad. The patient had a uterus with hematometra and a blind vaginal pouch measuring 4 centimeters at the end of the uterus, extending posteriorly behind the bladder to the apex of the prostate, containing old blood. Hormonal analysis showed serum estradiol < 5.0 pmol/L (11-44pg/mL), free testosterone at 1.57 ng/ mL(male reference range: 2.5-20 ng/mL), testosterone at 0.56 ng/mL (2.27-10.30),FSH at 44.8 mIU/L (0.95-11.95 mIU/L), LH at 20.4 mIU/L(0.57-12.07), and DHEA-SO4 at 199.0µg/mL (139.7-484.4µg/mL). Currently, the patient is under the care of a urologist and is receiving weekly treatment with hCG medication. He reports normal sexual function, including intercourse, orgasm, erection, and ejaculation.

Altered bile acids profile is a risk factor for hyperandrogenism in lean women with PCOS: a case control study

The levels of fasting-state serum bile acids (BAs) in individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) differ from those of control subjects. However, there is a lack of research on the BAs profile in lean women with PCOS and whether these changes are linked to the host metabolism. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the synthesis and metabolism of serum BAs in lean women with PCOS and assess the correlation between BAs and clinical characteristics. This study employed a cross-sectional design of lean women with PCOS (n = 240) in comparison to a control group (n = 80) consisting of healthy lean women. The findings revealed significant increases in the levels of non-12-OH BAs and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA)% (both P < 0.05) in lean women with PCOS. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between CDCA% and total testosterone (T) (r = 0.130, P = 0.044) and free androgen index (FAI) (r = 0.153, P = 0.019). Furthermore, a decreased ratio of cholic acid/chenodeoxycholic acid (CA/CDCA) (P < 0.001) was observed in lean women with PCOS, suggesting the depletion or downregulation of CYP8B1. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the combination of CDCA/CA and DHEAS could potentially be used as a characteristic factor for PCOS in lean women. It is possible that enzymatic modifications in the liver could play a role in regulating hyperandrogenism in this specific subgroup of lean women with PCOS.

Microscopic Testicular Sperm Extraction in Patients with Klinefelter Syndrome: Long-Term Outcomes from a Single Center

Objective: Klinefelter syndrome (KS) represents a sex chromosome anomaly observed in approximately 1 in 500–600 phenotypic males. It is observed in 3% of infertile males and up to 11.9% of azoospermic males. KS manifests in either non-mosaic (47, XXY) or mosaic (47, XXY/46, XY) forms, with 85% of cases presenting as the non-mosaic 47, XXY karyotype. The average rate of surgical sperm retrieval in patients with KS is around 50%, ranging from 28% to 69%. In this study, we aimed to present the outcomes of microscopic testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) in patients with non-mosaic KS. Materials and Methods: The results of 61 patients diagnosed with KS, who presented to the Harran University Urology Clinic with azoospermia between 2017 and 2024, were retrospectively reviewed. Hormonal assessments, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and total testosterone (TT), were conducted for all patients, and their partners underwent gynecological evaluations for infertility. Testicular dimensions were recorded via scrotal ultrasonography. Patients were categorized into TESE-positive and TESE-negative groups, and parameters were compared between these groups. Results: The mean age of the patients was 29.0±5.1 years, and their mean infertility duration was 5.9±4.1 years. The sperm retrieval rate was 29.5% (n=18). Mean levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol, and TT were 44.9 IU/L, 23.3 IU/L, 10 nmol/L, 31.4 pmol/dL, and 219 ng/dL, respectively. Sperm was retrieved in 18 patients (29.5%), while no sperm was obtained in 43 (70.5%). No significant correlation was observed between patient age, testicular size, serum levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol, and TT, and sperm retrieval rates when comparing the TESE-positive and TESE-negative groups (P&gt;0.005). Conclusion: In patients with non-mosaic KS, hormonal parameters, age, and infertility duration were not found to be significant predictors of the success of micro-TESE in sperm retrieval.

Health risk assessment of toxic metals and DNA damage in somatic and germ cells by soil and groundwater of a major cement factory in Nigeria.

The waste generated from cement manufacturing is an important source of heavy metal contamination of groundwater and soil. This study investigated the concentration of toxic metals in the soil of a major cement factory and nearby groundwater. Ecological and carcinogenic risks of the metals were calculated. Potential reproductive toxicity and genotoxic effects of the samples were assessed in sex and somatic cells of male mice using sperm abnormalities and bone marrow micronucleus (MN) assays, respectively. Also, the serum ALP, ALT, AST, Total Testosterone (TT), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH); and liver SOD and CAT activities were measured in the treated mice. Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cd, and Pb levels in the soil and groundwater exceeded the allowable maximum standard. Ingestion and dermal contact were the most probable routes of human exposure with children having about three times higher probability of exposure to the metals than the adults. Ni, Pb, and Cr presented carcinogenic risks in children and adults. In the MN result, nuclear abnormalities in the studied mice especially micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes increased significantly (p < 0.05). Compared to the negative control, the ratio of PCE/NCE showed the cytotoxicity of the two samples. Data further showed a significant increase in the serum ALP, AST, and ALT while the liver CAT and SOD activities concomitantly decreased in the exposed mice. Sperm morphology result showed that the samples contained constituents capable of inducing reproductive toxicity in exposed organisms, with alterations to the concentrations of TT, LH, and FSH. Toxic metal constituents of the samples were believed to induce these reported reproductive toxicity and genotoxic effect. These results showed the environmental pollution caused by cement factory and the potential effects the pollutants might have on exposed eukaryotic organisms.

Phenotypes and clinical laboratory data for polycystic ovary syndrome cases: A nationwide survey in Japan.

Describe the current phenotypes and clinical laboratory data regarding polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Japan, taking into account ethnic differences and obesity status. Data for 986 PCOS cases and 965 control cases were collected using a nationwide survey in Japan. Obese/overweight (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/m2) and non-obese/overweight (BMI <25 kg/m2) cases were compared. Japanese PCOS cases predominantly involved non-obese/overweight patients, accounting for 75% of all cases. Among non-obese/overweight PCOS cases, the incidence of both amenorrhea and clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism was significantly lower than in obese/overweight PCOS cases, whereas the rate of elevated serum luteinizing hormone (LH) level was significantly higher. Even though the incidence of hirsutism in Japan is only 13.5%, the detection rate for hyperandrogenism increased by as much as 30.4% when hirsutism was added to the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) criteria for the diagnosis of hyperandrogenism in addition to elevated serum total testosterone level. When evaluated based on timing of blood sampling, the LH level and LH/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio determined at the initial consultation involving a chief complaint of irregular menstrual cycle (after confirming the absence of follicles measuring ≥1 cm in diameter) were significantly higher than on days 2-3 or 4-6 of the menstrual cycle. Ethnic differences, including obesity status, affected the phenotype and clinical laboratory data of Japanese PCOS patients, such as the incidence rates of clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism and the rate of elevated basal LH level. Adding hirsutism to the JSOG 2024 criteria would enhance the accuracy of PCOS diagnosis and enhance consistency with the Rotterdam 2003 criteria. Measuring basal LH level is useful for assessing the endocrinologic characteristics of Japanese PCOS cases, as well as lean Asian PCOS cases, but the timing of blood sampling can affect the result.

Does the hemodialysis program affect the testosterone serum level in patients with end-stage renal disease?

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of high flux membrane hemodialysis on total serum testosterone (TST) levels in male patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The study included 60 male ESRD patients with a mean age of 54.02 ± 13.40years, undergoing a standard hemodialysis program et al. Najah National University Hospital. All patients underwent three weekly sessions of four hours each using high flux membrane hemodialysis. TST and hematocrit (Hct) levels were measured before and after hemodialysis. Patients with prostate cancer, liver insufficiency, prior prostate surgery, or those on androgen therapy were excluded. The study assessed changes in TST and Hct levels and their correlation. Post-dialysis, there was a significant increase in serum testosterone levels from 3.13 ± 1.44ng/ml to 4.17 ± 2.04ng/ml (r = 0.78, p = 0.001). Hematocrit levels also rose significantly from 32.31% ± 3.90% to 35.27% ± 4.89% (r = 0.754, p = 0.001). The percentage change in TST and Hct levels was 35 ± 0.33% and 9 ± 0.1%, respectively, with a correlation between these changes (r = 0.277, p = 0.032). High flux membrane dialysis did not filter testosterone molecules, and the significant increase in TST levels post-dialysis is likely due to hemoconcentration. Since many patients had low or borderline TST levels before dialysis, androgen supplementation may offer clinical benefits.

Relationship between smoking, excessive androgen and negative emotions in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

BackgroundLifestyle intervention is the first-line treatment for PCOS. Numerous studies have investigated the effect of various lifestyle factors, including dietary habit, smoking, and alcohol consumption on PCOS women. These studies have found that such factors may be associated with physiological parameters such as androgen, and emotional states like anxiety or depression. Smoking, a harmful lifestyle habit widely recognized to contribute to various diseases, has also been found to be related to PCOS. Current research has not adequately compared the effects of smoking with other lifestyle habits on PCOS, and there is little mention of its relationship with the emotional states of patients with PCOS. To further elucidate the association between smoking and other lifestyle factors with clinical symptoms in patients with PCOS, we conducted a cross-sectional evaluation using data from Peking University Third Hospital, with a special focus on analyzing smoking habits and comparing it with a variety of lifestyle factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 601 PCOS women and 184 healthy controls who underwent physical examinations, hormone profiles and psychological measures. We assessed the association between smoking and the clinical symptoms in PCOS women.ResultsWe found a significant correlation between smoking and the degree of depression in PCOS women among the three emotional states: anxiety, depression, and stress. Smoking was also significantly associated with testosterone level in PCOS participants, suggesting that PCOS women who smoke exhibited more severe depressive symptoms and higher testosterone level. In addition, compared to the control group, PCOS women had notably higher testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Smoke and alcohol were statistically significantly more common in women with PCOS than the Control.ConclusionWomen with PCOS who smoke were found to have elevated testosterone levels and more severe depression. These findings suggest that clinicians should monitor smoking women with PCOS for symptoms of depression and assess their hyperandrogenic status.

Immunocastration caused dysfunction of Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus)

Abstract The population density of Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus) in Jiangsu Dafeng Milu Nature Reserve was excessively high due to an overemphasis on population recovery, while ignoring the crucial relationship between population size and habitats. This study used immunocastration to capture four Père David’s deer and observed their behavior. Their blood was collected for sex hormone testing, transcriptomics, and metabolomics analysis. In addition, six uncastrated Père David’s deer were included as control group. The results showed that reproductive behavior was absent in castrated Père David’s deer, while castrated individuals exhibited a significant decrease in blood hormone testosterone concentration compared to uncastrated Père David’s deer. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed 450 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and five differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), Combined analysis of transcriptome and metabolic data revealed a significant correlation between DEGs and DEMs. It shows that using immune castration to control the population of Père David’s deer may disrupt their cell apoptosis and disturb the cell cycle, leading to abnormal pathways and promoting the onset of many diseases. Therefore, a cautious approach should be adopted toward immune castration as a means of population control. This study can provide valuable references for the standardized management of Père David’s deer populations.

Association of serum testosterone levels with left atrial size, function, and risk of atrial fibrillation in adult men: observational and mendelian randomization analyses

Abstract Background Numerous studies have investigated the association between serum testosterone levels, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and cardiovascular risk. However, research examining the relationship between testosterone levels and atrial fibrillation (AF) risk remains limited. We comprehensively analyzed the association between total testosterone (TT) levels, intermediary phenotypes such as left atrium (LA) size and function, and the risk of AF in middle-aged and older men. Methods We utilized data from the UK Biobank, a population-based prospective cohort, focusing on 179,988 White men who had complete serum TT level data and no AF history. Observational associations between TT levels and LA imaging traits, as well as AF risk, were estimated using multivariable regression and time-dependent Cox regression models, treating TT levels as a time-varying variable. Genetic associations were examined by Mendelian randomization (MR), using both UK Biobank and external large consortia genome-wide association study data. Results During the median follow-up of 11.8 years (IQR 10.9–12.5), we observed 13,847 incident AF cases (7.7%). Participants with normal TT levels (≥ 300 ng/dL) showed a 15% reduced risk of AF (HR of 0.85 [95% CI, 0.82–0.89]) compared to those with low TT (&amp;lt; 300 ng/dL). Interestingly, participants undergoing TRT experienced a 51% higher risk of AF (1.51 [1.09–2.07]). Furthermore, each 1-standard deviation increase in TT levels was associated with a reduced AF risk (OR of 0.91 [0.89–0.93]) and an improved LA emptying fraction (1.29 [1.06–1.58]). Applying age-specific cutoff values for low TT levels highlighted a more pronounced AF risk reduction in participants with normal TT. MR analyses supported these observations, suggesting potential causal relationships between TT levels and both LA function and AF risk. Conclusions Our findings suggest that low TT levels are associated with reduced LA function and increased risk of AF, both observationally and genetically, indicating that serum TT could serve as a surrogate marker or even a potential causal mediator in the development of AF.Abstract tableAbstract figure

Comprehensive Analysis of the Association Between Sex Hormones and Body Mass Components Among Men Adults: Results From a Large Population-Based Study.

As the human body ages, adverse body composition status such as sarcopenia and obesity become obvious phenotypes which can cause numerous health problems. We aimed to comprehensively investigate the association of sex hormones and body mass components in adult men of various age groups. We analysed national representative population data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Generalized linear model regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between sex hormones (total testosterone [TT], bio-available testosterone [BT], sex hormone-binding globulin [SHBG], estradiol [E2] and testosterone to estradiol ratio [T/E ratio]) and body mass components (weight, body mass index (BMI), total lean mass, appendicular lean mass, bone mineral content, total fat and trunk fat). The collection and testing time of blood samples were not fixed and there was no strict fasting, but in subsequent analysis we used statistical methods to minimize the impact of random testing. After screening for inclusion and exclusion, 3759 male participants aged 20-85 years old were included in this study. Higher levels of TT, SHBG, BT and T/E ratios were significantly associated with higher total lean mass, appendicular lean mass and bone mineral content, while lower weight, BMI, total fat and trunk fat. For E2 levels in men, we found an opposite trend, with higher E2 levels significantly associated with lower total lean mass and appendicular lean mass, and higher weight, BMI, total fat and trunk fat. Notably, in subgroup analysis, the results showed that there were significant interaction effects of age and smoking history in the association between sex hormones and body mass components. Higher TT levels, BT levels, SHBG levels and T/E ratios are associated with lower body weight and improved body composition in young adult men (characterized by higher lean body mass, higher bone density and lower fat mass). The relationship is especially pronounced among relatively young, nonsmoking men.

Evaluation of male reproductive hormones of Kalahari Red and Kalawad goat bucks as affected by age and season under tropical conditions.

Comprehensive understanding of reproductive hormones and environmental cues with their relationship is essential for efficient production in livestock sectors involving either assisted or natural reproductive methods. This study evaluated the effects of age and seasonal-associated changes in the blood concentrations of testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) of male Kalahari Red (KR) andKalawad(KW)-crossbred goats. Based on a 2 × 3 × 4 factorial arrangement, a total of 42 bucks (KR n = 21 and KW n = 21) were allotted into three age groups (> 1 ≤ 2years, > 2 ≤ 3years and > 3 ≤ 4years) with seven KR bucks and seven KW bucks each per age group; reared under different seasons (early rainy, late rainy, early dry and late dry). The animals were managed semi-intensively, kept in an open-ventilated pen and subjected to same nutritional regime throughout the one-year experimental period. Follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone concentrations were analyzed in serum samples. Data obtained reproductive hormones were subjected to three-way Analysis of Variance using SAS 1999. Results show that breed had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on both serum FSH and testosterone concentrations. The highest FSH (0.49 ± 0.02ng/mL, 0.45 ± 0.01ng/mL, 0.41 ± 0.1ng/mL and 0.47 ± 0.07ng/mL) mean values (P > 0.05) were observed in KR in September, October, November and May, respectively while the highest (2.6 ± 0.02ng/mL) testosterone concentration in KW (p < 0.05) was obtained in December. Testosterone had irregular patterns between breeds and months of sampling. FSH was at peak (p > 0.05) in KR during the late rainy season at all ages while the values of FSH concentration in KW were not significantly different at all ages and seasons. The highest (2.05 ± 0.11ng/mL) serum testosterone mean value in KW peaked (p < 0.05) age > 3 ≤ 4years during the late rainy season. Testosterone concentration was lower and steady at all ages during rainy seasons in KR but started fluctuating during the early dry season. The least mean (0.62 ± 0.07ng/mL and 0.68 ± 0.05ng/mL) were recorded (p > 0.05) in KW during the late dry season at age > 2 ≤ 3 and > 3 ≤ 4years respectively. In KR and KW goat breeds raised under tropical condition, the high seasonal variations were responsible for the fluctuations in the reproductive hormones which resultantly altered or lowered the sexual activity of the animals at certain season(s).

Pathological and Hormonal Alterations of the Testis in Balb/C Mice Treated With Spirotetramat Insecticide

Background and Objectives: The side effects of insecticides are undeniable due to their excessive use by farmers. This study aims to investigate the impact of spirotetramat insecticide on pathological and hormonal alteration in BALB/c mice testes. Methods: In this experimental study, 24 adult BALB/c male mice, with a body weight range of 25-30 g, were obtained from the Animal House of Uremia University and examined. Mice were randomly divided into three groups of eight: control, experimental group 1, and experimental group 2. The mice of experimental group 1 received 2.5 mg/kg, and experimental group 2 received 10 mg/kg of spirotetramat. The control group received the same amount of distilled water for 21 days through the mouth by gavage. After this period, the mice were anesthetized and evaluated. Data were analyzed using a 1-way analysis of variance in SPSS version 19 software. Results: The results of the study showed that spirotetramat increased the thickness of the tunica albuginea, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, the differentiation index of the testis tube, and the spermiogenesis index, but it decreased the thickness of the epithelium of the spermatogenic tubules, the replacement index of active spermatogonia, Leydig cells, and FSH, LH, and testosterone hormone levels. The thickness of interstitial tissue, Sertoli, and lymphocyte cells did not change significantly. Conclusion: By inhibiting the activity of acetyl coenzyme A, spirotetramat insecticide disrupts energy production and prevents the synthesis of lipids in the cells, finally decreasing spermatogenesis in mice.

Ethnopharmacological insights: hyperoside from Marsdenia latifolia (Benth.) K.Schum. mitigates reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats induced by manganese exposure

This study provides novel findings on the ameliorative effect of hyperoside isolated from Marsdenia latifolia leaves (HIGLL) in reproductive health challenged by manganese toxicity. The study investigated the efficacy of HIGLL on male fertility in rats exposed to manganese chloride (MnCl2). The rats received either MnCl2 (30 mg/L) or in combination with HIGLL (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg). MnCl2 reduced fluid intake, organ-body weight, body weight; sperm count, sperm viability, sperm density, sperm motility, semen viscosity, daily sperm production, testicular sperm number; testosterone, follicle-stimulating and luteinising hormones, oestradiol, testosterone/oestradiol ratio; G6PDH, ALP, glucose, NO, acid phosphatase, sialic acid, 17-β-HSD, superoxide dismutase, CAT, GST, GSH, and T-SH without modifying the semen pH and volume, while it correspondingly raised the abnormalities associated with morphology of sperm cells in head, neck, and tail; H2O2 and lipid peroxidation levels. HIGLL abrogated the damaged histoarchitecture of the testes and epididymis caused by MnCl2. HIGLL can serve as a therapeutic agent in the management of male reproductive disorders related to oxidative stress and endocrine disruption.

Association between the weight-adjusted-waist index and testosterone deficiency in adult males: a cross-sectional study

Testosterone deficiency has been recognized as a significant health concern and is closely related to obesity. The weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) is an innovative adiposity parameter that is superior to BMI in certain aspects, but its relationship with testosterone levels has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of the WWI with total testosterone levels and testosterone deficiency. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2011–2016) were utilized. The WWI was calculated as waist circumference (cm) over the square root of weight (kg), and a total testosterone level of less than 300 ng/dL was defined as testosterone deficiency. Weighted multivariable regression models were used to assess the associations. A total of 6859 participants were included, 26.28% of whom were testosterone deficient. The WWI was inversely related to total testosterone levels (β = -49.93, 95% CI: -60.07, -39.78, P < 0.001) and positively associated with testosterone deficiency (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.72, P < 0.001) in the fully adjusted model. A significant nonlinear relationship was also detected between WWI and testosterone deficiency (P for nonlinearity = 0.004) with an inflection point of 9.486 cm/√kg. The associations were consistent in the subgroup analysis (all P > 0.05), except for the participants with eGFR < 60 mL/(min*1.73m2) and hypertension. A higher WWI was linked to lower total testosterone levels and a greater risk of developing testosterone deficiency, especially among those who had an eGFR ≥ 60 mL/(min*1.73m2) and were nonhypertensive.