Blood Testosterone Levels Research Articles

Injections to pregnant mice produce prenatal stress that affects aggressive behavior in their adult male offspring

Maternal stress could reprogram the developing fetal nervous system. A common target of maternal glucocorticoids is fetal neuro-endocrine axis. In the present study, pregnant mice were exposed to stress by injection and their male offspring were tested for sexual and aggressive behaviors in adult life. Three groups of pregnant mice were exposed to stress by sham syringe injection. The first group was injected on days 13, 14, and 15 p.c., the second group was injected on days 17 and 18 p.c., and the third group was injected daily from days 13 to 18 p.c. while control mice were not injected. Male offspring that were exposed to stress on days 13–18 p.c. and 17–18 p.c. were less aggressive and had lower blood testosterone levels in comparison to the control group. In male sexual behavior, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. Body weight differed significantly with groups injected on days 13–18 p.c. and 13–15 p.c. having significantly higher body weight in adult life than the other two groups. After behavioral testing, brains were processed for immunohistochemical staining with antibodies against vasopressin (AVP) and calbindin (CALB). The expression of AVP and CALB in the lateral septum and in the preoptic area, respectively, did not differ between groups, suggesting that these two masculinization markers were not affected by prenatal stress. Present study therefore shows that even presumably mild and short prenatal stress weakens aggressive behavior of adult male mice, possibly due to reduced testosterone levels in blood.

Potential risks related to anabolic steroids use on nervous, cardiovascular and reproductive systems disorders in men

AbstractAnabolic steroids (AS) have been a subject of intensive research for the last several decades. Due to wide use of AS in pharmacological treatment and in professional and amateur sport, it is, hence, worthwhile to describe the biochemical mechanism of the effects of AS usage in humans and its potential health risks. In this work, the relationship between diet and its effect on the level of testosterone in blood is described. Testosterone affects the nervous system, however, there is need for further researches to examine the influence of AS therapy on emotional and cognitive functioning. AS therapy has known negative effects on the cardiovascular system: cardiac hypertrophy can occur, blood pressure can vastly increased, thrombotic complications can come about. These effects are observed not only in patients who are treated with AS, but also in athletes. The paper also describes the relationship between AS and reproductive system diseases. Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction are only some of the many side effects of an incorrect AS treatment.

Forensic evaluation of sex estimation via measurements of adult index and ring finger lengths using postmortem computed tomography

BackgroundSex estimation from fragmented or isolated human bones found during excavations is imperative not only in the field of forensics but also paleoanthropology. This study investigated the possibility of sex estimation from computed tomography (CT) data for the lengths of the index and ring fingers. The scans were obtained using a multislice ECLOS-16 CT scanner (Hitachi Medical Co., Tokyo, Japan), and the images were analyzed using a SYNAPSE VINCENT volume analyzer (Fujifilm Medical Co., Tokyo, Japan). For 205 cases, the authors measured the total length of the distal, middle, and proximal phalanges (P) and of the metacarpal bones for the index and ring fingers of both hands. Right heart serum testosterone and estradiol levels in 92 cases were also measured by an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and a chemiluminescence immunoassay, respectively.ResultThe difference in P between the index and ring fingers was significantly greater in men than in women for both hands; receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an optimal cutoff of 6.0 mm (sensitivity, 0.64 and specificity, 0.64). Blood testosterone levels were moderately correlated with this difference.ConclusionA value of 6.0 mm for the ring finger–index finger difference for the left hand distinguished men from women, and these results are affected by testosterone levels. The findings from this report in the field of forensics and paleoanthropology indicated that the CT data-assessed morphometry of the phalanges could be used as an objective index for sex estimation.

Protective effect of tadalafil and verapamil on testicular function and oxidative stress after torsion/detorsion in adult male rat.

This study used a rat model to investigate the protective effect of tadalafil and verapamil on testicular function and oxidative stress after torsion/detorsion. Animals were randomly divided into five groups: G1, Sham group; G2, testicular torsion followed by detorsion (TD); G3, testicular torsion/detorsion received 0/4mg/kg of tadalafil (TDT); G4, testicular torsion/detorsion received 0/1mg/kg of verapamil (TDV); and G5, testicular torsion/detorsion received 0/1mg/kg of verapamil and 0/4mg/kg of tadalafil (TDTV). All treated groups were received the treatment 30min before detorsion. Also, after reperfusion period (24hr), the parameters of spermatozoa were assayed, and blood was measured for oxidative stress markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) and blood levels of testosterone. The histological parameters investigated by Johnson's scores (JS), and also the seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) and the height of the germinal epithelium (HE) were measured using the linear eyepiece grids on the light microscope. Between Sham and other groups were observed a significant change in histological parameters. Also, the levels of SOD, GPx and testosterone hormone were significantly decreased in TD while these increased in therapeutic groups. In the duration of ischaemia, the MDA level increased. Treatment with tadalafil and verapamil decreased the MDA level in treatment groups and also observed a significant change in sperm parameters between Sham and other groups. Tadalafil and verapamil can be protected the testis tissue damage and replaced the testicular function by suppressing oxidative stress after testicular torsion.

Phase 2, randomized, 3-arm study of abiraterone acetate and prednisone (AAP), AAP plus degarelix (AAP+D), and degarelix (D) alone for patients (pts) with biochemically-recurrent prostate cancer (PC) following radical prostatectomy (RP).

5016Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with GnRH analogs does not entirely suppress androgen signaling. AAP + ADT decreases blood and intratumoral testosterone (T) levels by ≥1 log, and...

Pulmonary Delivery of Triptorelin Loaded in Pluronic Based Nanomicelles in Rat Model.

Triptorelin, the synthetic analog of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, is used for the treatment of sex hormone dependent diseases via parenteral administration. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possibility of triptorelin pulmonary delivery and preparation of a pulmonary nanocarrier delivery system for it. Triptorelin was loaded in Pluronic-F127 grafted poly (methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid) nanomicelles by direct dissolution method. Effects of the processing variables including: drug/polymer ratio, temperature, stirring rate and time on the physicochemical properties of nanomicelles including zeta potential, particle size, drug entrapment efficiency and release profiles of triptorelin loaded nanomicelles were evaluated. For animal studies 24 Wistar rats were separated into four groups of six. Group 1 received blank nanomicelles, groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated with a single dose of 250 µg.kg-1 of triptorelin solution subcutaneously (sc), pulmonary spraying of triptorelin solution (250 µg.kg-1) and pulmonary spraying of triptorelin nanomicelles (250 µg.kg-1), respectively by microsprayer. The optimized micelles had particle size of 87.35 nm, zeta potential of -12.8 mV, entrapment efficiency of 84.36% and release efficiency of 65%. The area under the blood testosterone levels increment differed significantly (p<0.05) between pulmonary triptorelin nanomicelles and drug solution. The pharmacological activity of the simple solution was 59.38%, while it was 80.18% for the nanomicelles relative to sc route of administration with prolonged residence time. The results of this study show that not only triptorelin is absorbable from the lungs but also nanomicelles can significantly enhance its pulmonary absorption compared to its simple solution.

The efficacy and safety of short-acting testosterone ointment (Glowmin) for late-onset hypogonadism in accordance with testosterone circadian rhythm

Introduction: It is well known that there is a reduction of circadian rhythm in blood testosterone levels with aging. Our previous report revealed that 3 mg of short-acting testosterone ointment (Glowmin: GL) elevated serum testosterone levels to within the physiological range for 4–6 h. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical efficacy and safety of GL used topically once every morning, to enhance the circadian rhythm of testosterone, for late-onset hypogonadism (LOH).Methods: A total of 61 LOH patients received 3 mg of GL topically once a day in the morning on scrotal skin for 24 weeks. The clinical efficacy of GL was evaluated by the aging males symptoms (AMS) scale, and blood sampling tests were measured before and after GL treatment.Results: Mean patients age was 55.3 ± 9.2 years old. Total AMS scores at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after GL treatments significantly decreased. The results of sub-analysis of AMS, including psychological, physical, and sexual factors also significantly improved after GL treatments. No severe adverse reactions or abnormal laboratory data were reported.Conclusions: This study shows that TRT for LOH with once daily GL treatment supports testosterone circadian rhythm and should be considered to be an effective and safe therapy for LOH.

SEMEN QUALITY PARAMETERS OF ADULT MALE NZW RABBITS FED DIETS ADDED WITH TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF PROBIOTICS

The present study was performed to evaluate the potential use of probiotics for improving semen quality of mature NZW rabbits. Twenty adult male NZW rabbits were assigned randomly into four equal groups that were fed four experimental diets for eight weeks. All experimental groups were fed a uniform rabbits pelleted diet, where (R1) diet without addition ( control), (R2 ) diet added with 0.1 % Bacillus subtilis, (R3 ) diet added with 0.1 % live Saccharomyces cerevisiae and (R4) diet added with 0.05 % Bacillus s. +0.05 % Saccharomyces c. Semen samples were collected at 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th weeks of the experimental period from all tested rabbits to evaluate ejaculate volume, total sperm output, sperm cell concentration, advanced sperm motility, sperm abnormalities, dead spermatozoa, testosterone level, initial fructose concentration and reaction time(Libido).Results obtained revealed that adding probiotics to the diet of NEW rabbit bucks improved (P> 0.05) their productive capability of male rabbit. Physical semen characteristics, blood testosterone level and initial fructose as well as the reaction time (Libido) were improved with supplemented diets, however these improvements for all parameters were associated with feeding the diet supplemented with Bacillus s. + Saccharomyces c. mixture. Therefore, it can be concluded that adding diet of buck with mixed probiotics culture of Bacillus s. and Saccharomyces c. in a ratio of (50:50 %) improved semen quality and reproductive performance.

Фактор роста фибробластов-21 как маркер преждевременного старения мужчин молодого и среднего возраста с сахарным диабетом 2 типа

To investigate the impact of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) on the severity of androgen deficiency in young and middle-aged men with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study comprised 100 men with type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular multi-morbidity, obesity and androgen deficiency (study group) and 20 healthy men aged 35-50 years. The study group was further divided into two subgroups. Patients of the subgroup 1 received the standard treatment for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Patients of the subgroup two were treated with conventional therapy concurrently with testosterone undecanoate. The baseline examination included the following parameters: glycated hemoglobin, total testosterone, prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone and blood FGF-21. At nine months after the treatment, the blood levels of glycated hemoglobin, FGF21 and testosterone were re-examined. The evaluation of the severity of androgen deficiency was carried out using the ICEF-5 questionnaire and the Aging Males Symptoms scale (AMS). In the study group, the mean FGF-21 level was 2.7 times higher, and the total testosterone level was 2-2.5 times lower than in the control group (p<0.05). A negative correlation was found between the blood levels of FGF-21 and total testosterone (r=-0.41, p<0.05). At nine months post treatment, the subgroup with testosterone undecanoate administered as add-on therapy showed a further decrease in FGF-21 levels and improved androgen deficiency symptoms. FGF-21 is one of the markers for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular multi-morbidity, obesity and androgen deficiency. Given the association of FGF-21 with androgen deficiency, it can be assumed that FGF-21 plays a role in premature aging. Treatment of androgen deficiency as add-on therapy to the standard treatment of this category of patients improves their prognosis and the quality of life. Young and middle-aged men with type 2 diabetes should undergo regular screening for androgen deficiency with the purpose of its early diagnosis and timely treatment. The detection of elevated levels of FGF-21 in young and middle-aged men with type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular multi-morbidity may indicate premature aging and requires preventive measures.

Testicular histology and blood testosterone levels of male rabbit after given concentrated diets containing calliandra leaf meal and pineapple peels

Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn is one of a highly protein source of forage, however, it is not widely used for non ruminant feed because it contains antinutritional substances in the form of condensed tannin. Tannin can bind proteins, this tannin-protein complexes are difficult to be digested in the gastrointestinal tract, then will be defecated outside the body. To optimize the utilization of calliandra in the diet, pineapple peels were added as a source of protease (bromelain). Beside of waste utilization, it is expected that bromelain can degrade the tannin-protein complexes thereby reducing the negative effects of tannins. This research is a feeding experiment on male rabbit (Lepus sp), five weeks old. The diet formulation is prepared according to the standardized diet of the local rabbit. This experiment used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments i.e. control group which were only given commercial feed (R0), commercial feed contained 15% of Calliandra leaf meal and 30% of pineapple peel (R1), commercial feed contained 30% of Calliandra leaf meal and 30% of pineapple peel (R2), and commercial feed contained 45% of Calliandra and 30% of pineapple peel (R3). The treatment was done for three months. The results of this study on the reproduction of male rabbits showed that the increase of calliandra leaf meal level in a diet containing 30% of pineapple peels affected the testicular histology, and also decreased the diameter of seminiferous tubule and blood testosterone levels of male rabbits.

Exposure to bisphenols and parabens during pregnancy and relations to steroid changes

BackgroundThe harmful effects of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) on human health are generally well-known, and exposure during fetal development may have lasting effects. Fetal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) has been recently relatively well-studied; however, less is known about alternatives such as bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol AF (BPAF), which have started to appear in consumer products. Parabens are another widespread group of EDCs, with confirmed transplacental passage. The usage of many cosmetic, pharmaceutical and consumer products during the pregnancy that may contain parabens and bisphenols has led to the need for investigation. ObjectivesTo shed more light into the transplacental transport of BPA, its alternatives, and parabens, and to study their relation to fetal steroidogenesis. MethodsBPA, BPS, BPF, BPAF, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, benzylparaben and 15 steroids including estrogens, corticoids, androgens and immunomodulatory ones were determined in 27 maternal (37th week of pregnancy) and cord plasma samples using liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry methods. ResultsIn cord blood, significantly higher BPA levels (p=0.0455) were observed compared to maternal plasma. The results from multiple regression models showed that in cord blood, methylparaben (β=−0.027, p=0.027), propylparaben (β=−0.025, p=0.03) and the sum of all measured parabens (β=−0.037, p=0.015) were inversely associated with testosterone levels. ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the simultaneous detection of BPA, alternative bisphenols, parabens and steroids in maternal and cord plasma. Our study confirmed the transplacental transport of BPA, with likely accumulation in the fetal compartment. The negative association of cord blood parabens and testosterone levels points to possible risks with respect to importance of testosterone for prenatal male development.

New perspectives on the definition and management of polycystic ovary syndrome

There is a growing debate on the opportunity of improving the understanding in the diagnosis and management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This review article summarizes recent research related to the definition of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Review of the recent literature on the topic. New ideas on the definition of hyperandrogenism, based on new scientific data and clinical perspectives are presented. (i) In fact, recent studies have pointed out the need to improve the concept of androgen excess by using a larger androgen profile, rather than simply measuring the testosterone blood levels. (ii) Due to the poor correlation between androgen blood levels and the degree of hirsutism, it is proposed that the definition of hyperandrogenism should be based on the presence of blood androgen excess and hirsutism, considered separately, because their pathophysiological mechanisms may differ according to the different phenotypes of PCOS. (iii) The potential role of obesity in favoring the development of PCOS during adolescence is also discussed and the concept of "PCOS secondary to obesity" is developed. (iv) Finally, the need for greater appropriateness in the evaluation of possible coexistence is highlighted, in patients with PCOS who have fasting or glucose-stimulated very high insulin levels, or severe insulin-resistant states. Based on what was discussed in this review, we believe that there are margins for modifying some of the current criteria that define the various PCOS phenotypes.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Elevated Liver Enzymes in Japanese Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged women. While PCOS is associated with an increased risk of obesity and insulin resistance, little is known regarding the prevalence of and risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among Japanese women with PCOS. We estimated the prevalence of and risk factors for elevated liver enzymes, as the index of NAFLD, in Japanese women with PCOS.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 102 reproductive-aged women who visited the Department of Gynecology, Kyoto Medical Center in Japan from January 2000 to September 2016. Inclusion criterion was confirmed diagnosis of PCOS using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10) codes. Exclusion criteria were women with a history of liver diseases, missing body mass index (BMI) and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) data, and pregnancy. Data regarding age; BMI; and levels of blood glucose, serum lipid, liver enzymes, and sex hormones were obtained from medical records. Elevated liver enzymes was defined as ALT > 19 IU/L. Optimal cutoffs for risk factors for elevated liver enzymes were calculated to determine predictors of elevated liver enzymes using area under the curve (AUC) by receiver-operating characteristics (ROC).ResultsThe prevalence of elevated liver enzymes was 33.3%. BMI was significantly higher in PCOS patients than in those without elevated liver enzymes (25.3 vs. 20.7 kg/m2, P < 0.05). ROC analyses were performed using BMI and blood glucose and testosterone levels because BMI and blood glucose showed differences between the groups and testosterone is related to fatty liver. AUC of the model including BMI and blood glucose and testosterone levels was 0.861 (sensitivity, 66.7%; specificity, 100%).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that elevated liver enzymes are common in women with PCOS. An algorism using BMI and blood glucose and testosterone levels might be useful to determine elevated liver enzymes in women with PCOS. Our finding may be useful for the study of NAFLD among Japanese women with PCOS since several previous studies have indicated elevated liver enzymes to be related to the potential presence of NAFLD. Further examination, including abdominal ultrasonography and/or liver biopsy data, is required to confirm these results.

Protective Effects of Matricaria chamomilla Extract on Torsion/ Detorsion-Induced Tissue Damage and Oxidative Stress in Adult Rat Testis.

BackgroundThere is some evidence indicating that Matricaria chamomile (MC) had protective effects on ischemia- reperfusion. In the present study, a rat model was used to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of MC on torsion/detorsion-induced testis tissue damage.Materials and MethodsIn this experimental study, 28 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups as follows: G1, Sham operated; G2, testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D); G3, rats with testicular torsion/detorsion that received 300 mg/kg of MC extracts 30 minutes before detorsion (T/DMC); and G4, healthy rats that received 300 mg/kg of MC extracts (MC). Also, the reperfusion period was 24 hours. After blood sampling, the oxidative stress marker [e.g. superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels], blood levels of testosterone, and anti-oxidant enzyme levels [e.g. glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] were assessed by ELISA methods. Serum activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) was evaluated by spectrophotometry. Another assessment was carried out by histomorphometry, 24-hour post-procedure. The histological parameters investigated by Johnson’s scores (JS), also the seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) and the height of the germinal epithelium (HE) measured using the linear eyepiece grids using light microscopy.ResultsHistological features significantly differed between sham and the other groups. The levels of SOD, GPx, and testosterone hormone were significantly decreased in T/D group as compared to sham group, while these parameters increased in T/DMC group as compared to T/D group. During ischemia, the MDA levels increased; however, treatment with MC extract decreased the MDA levels in G3 and G4 groups.ConclusionResults of the present study demonstrated that MC can protect the testis tissue against torsion/detorsion- induced damages by suppressing superoxide production.

Histomorphology, Sperm Quality and Hormonal Profile in Adult Male Sprague-Dawley Rats following administration of aqueous crude Extract of Solanum nigrum by gastric gavage.

ObjectiveThe present study focused on histomorphology, sperm quality, hormonal profile and hematological parameters in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats following the administration of aqueous crude extract of Solanum nigrum by gastric gavage.MethodsFourty healthy male adult (12-14 weeks old) Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-220g were randomly divided into four groups (A,B,C and D) of ten (n=10) rats each. Group A which served as control were given distilled water 2ml/kg b.wt each, daily for 28 days. Group B, C and D rats were administered 100, 300 and 500mg/kg b.wt each daily respectively for 28 days. The extract was saved with LD50 >5000mg/Kg. Sperm counts, percentage motility, morphology and percentage live sperm, hormonal profile and hematological parameter were quantified; testis, epididymal and general body weights were measured using a weighing scale. The extract was administered once daily for six days within a week via oral gavage. After the last administration, all rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, the testis were harvested and fixed in Bouin‘s fluid for histology processing.ResultsOur results revealed an increase in sperm counts, percentage of motility, morphology and percentage of live sperm, blood level of follicle stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone and testosterone, hematological parameters, testis, epididymal and general body weights across the groups in a dose-depentant manner. The testis histoarchtecture showed normal cellular composition in their germinal epithelium, with sperm cells in the lumen and a normal interstitium.ConclusionThis experiment revealed that aqueous extract of Solanum nigrum bears profertility properties which may be beneficial to those who consume it.

Explore the Relationship between Insulin Resistance and PGC1&amp;amp;alpha; in PCOS Mice

Objective: To investigate the relationship between AMPKα, PGCα, insulin resistance and reproductive function in PCOS mice and to find out the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic molecular targets of pathogenesis of PCOS. Methods: The PCOS mouse model was established by DHEA administering with Balb/c mice. And after AMPK agonist AICAR and inhibitor Compound C intervention, Fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin and testosterone levels were observed. The HOMA index was calculated. The changes of PGCα expression in ovarian tissue were observed by western blot and immunohistochemistry to determine the relationship between insulin resistance and PGCα in PCOS mice. Results: Western blot and immunohistochemistry showed that PGC1α protein was expressed in the ovary of mice and the expression of PGC1α was negatively correlated with AMPKα in our study. Compared with the control group, the expression of PGC1α in the ovaries of the mice in PCOS group was significantly increased (P α in PCOS + AICAR group was lower than that in PCOS group (P α in PCOS mice exposed to AMPK inhibitor Compound C also decreased compared with PCOS group (P Conclusion: In ovarian tissue, the insulin resistance-related AMPKα pathway in PCOS mice may be negatively correlated with PGCα.

Kisspeptin and polycystic ovary syndrome - is there any connection?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. It is known that kisspeptin stimulates activity of GnRH neurons and secretion of FSH and LH, thus disruption of interaction between kisspeptin and its receptor leads to anovulation. The aim of the study was to investigate the role kisspeptin in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Materials and methods. The study included 14 patients with classic phenotype of PCOS and 11 healthy women of the control group. All the patients underwent laparoscopy and hysteroscopy with histological examination of ovarian tissue and endometrium. Determination of kisspeptin, FSH, LH, prolactin, AMH, estradiol, estrone, androgens (free testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) levels in peripheral blood in healthy women and patients with PCOS was performed by ELISA on the 2d and 8th days of menstrual cycle. Progesterone levels were investigated on the 18th-22d days of menstrual cycle. Expression of kisspeptin and its receptor in ovarian tissue and endometrium was estimated using immunohistochemical method. Results. Level of kisspeptin in peripheral blood of patients with PCOS tends to increase compared to its level in the control group, but the found difference was not reliable. Direct correlation between serum level of kisspeptin and levels of LH, free testosterone and DHEA-S was revealed in patients with PCOS. Immunohistochemical study in patients with PCOS showed a significant increase in the area of expression of КІЅЅ1 and KISS1R receptor in endometrium and in ovarian biopsies compared to these values in the control group. Conclusion. The obtained data show a definite role of kisspeptin in pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome, but further research is needed.

Blood testosterone level and growth of castrated, uncastrated, and cryptorchid lambs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sexual status on blood testosterone levels and its influence on lamb growth. A total of 49 Texel x Corriedale males, originating of single births, were divided into three groups: uncastrated (n = 16), castrated (n = 17) and cryptorchid (n = 16), in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, in extensive natural pasture, with feed supplementation after weaning. The effect of the sexual status was examined by analysis of variance. Uncastrated and castrated lambs showed higher body weight, thoracic perimeter, and body compactness between the 35th and 203th day of age. Uncastrated lambs had mean weight higher than cryptorchid lambs over the whole period. Cryptorchid lambs had an average weight gain greater than castrated lambs between the 203rd and 259th days. Castrated lambs had a higher body condition score on the 147th day than the cryptorchid lambs, and on the 175th and 203rd days than uncastrated and cryptorchid lambs. Blood testosterone concentrations were higher in the uncastrated and cryptorchid lambs on the 203rd and 231st days and in the overall mean. The findings of this study showed that, with advancing age, the sexual status affects the testosterone production, not showing differences regarding growth at young ages.

Hypo-androgen adrenocortical oncocytoma: 1 case report and literature review

Objective To analysis the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of adrenal eosinophilic tumor with low testosterone levels. Methods The clinical data of a 22 years old male patient with adrenal eosinophilic tumor and low testosterone levels was analyzed. Blood pressure was 151/88 mmHg. The patient got bilateral gynecomastia. His bilateral testicular was soft and became smaller, with short penisr. Endocrine examination results showed: Estradiol 666 pg/ml, Prolactin 19.08 ng/ml, Testosterone 0.18 ng/ml, follicle stimulating hormone <0.2 U/L. The CT showed the mass density of soft tissue in the left adrenal region with diameter 7 cm, which was inhomogeneous and enhanced. There were many small vessels enhanced in the CT arterial phase, and the blood flow in the tumor was abundant. Clinical diagnosis of left adrenal tumor was pheochromocytoma. The patient underwent laparoscopic left adrenal tumor resection. The left adrenal gland was located in the superior pole of the left kidney, and there was an independent supply of the artery. Results Pathological result showed the tumor weigh was 60 g, 7 cm in diameter and brown in section. The tumor cells were arranged in solid nests or acini, with more eosinophilic granules in cytoplasm. The nuclei was round and the nucleoli was located in the center, had clusters of pleomorphic and clustered cells. The tumor was wrapped in a thick fibrous envelope, mainly consisted of eosinophils, granulation tissue. There was no necrosis, mitosis, and vascular invasion. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of CD56 and syn protein was positive. Pathological diagnosis was left adrenal eosinophilic tumor. After 4 months, the blood testosterone levels rose to 3.90 ng/ml, the blood pressure returned to normal(118/75 mmhg). The estradiol(21 pg/ml) was significantly inhibited. The patient began to appear beards and breasts became smaller. There were no signs of clinical or imaging recurrence. After 16 months follow-up, serum testosterone was 4.68 ng/ml and serum estrogen levels dropped to 33 pg/ml. Semen routine showed no sperm. Conclusions The clinical morbidity of functional adrenocortical oncocytoma with low testosterone levels and high estradiol levels is low. The pathological components are mainly eosinophilic granulation tissue. The adrenocortical oncocytoma are rare and preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Clinical manifestation, imaging examination and adrenal biochemistry examination should be considered to determine the localization and qualitative of tumor. Minimally invasive surgery is an effective treatment. The close follow-up after operation is essential. Key words: Adrenal neoplasm; Oncocytoma; Androgen; Sex hormone abnormality

Transgender Patient Care on the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

Transgender Patient Care on the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit