Blood Testosterone Levels Research Articles

The Effect of Saffron (<i>Crocus sativus L. Iridaceae</i>) Orally Administration on Blood Level of Sex Hormones in Rats

Modern medicine is currently marked by an increased interest in herbal pharmaceutical drugs traditionally applied in folk medicine in a significant number of diseases. In this regard, saffron (<i>Crocus sativus L. Iridaceae</i>) is of particular importance. This paper presents the results of study of the effects of Azerbaijan-grown saffron on blood level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in female rats, as well as on blood level of testosterone in male rats. In the blood serums of animals, using hormonal test systems for enzyme immunoassay, FSH and testosterone levels were determined. The findings revealed a decrease in blood levels of FSH in 12-month-old female rats as compared to the control group (comprising animals of the same age which did not receive the saffron extract), as they approximated the registered levels of 6-month-old female rats. Saffron increased the blood level of testosterone as compared to untreated controls, which did not receive saffron. Saffron’s unique medicinal properties largely owe to the diversity of biologically active substances it contains The effects of saffron treatment observed in the course of this study could be explained by the direct impact of saffron and its components on the sex glands and the central nervous system. Findings of diverse pharmacological effects of the saffron extract open new horizons for the development of scientifically corroborated recommendations for application in practical medicine.

Oxidative Stress, Testosterone, Cortisol, and Vitamin D: Differences in Professional Soccer Players of African and Caucasian Origin

Background: Under conditions of intense exercise, the production of free radicals and cortisol increases, whereas blood levels of testosterone and vitamin D decrease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the behavior of these parameters, ethnic differences, and their relationships with overtraining. Materials and Methods: Fifty professional soccer players were studied. Oxidative stress, testosterone, cortisol, and vitamin D were collected in pre- and mid-competitive season, and their differences in Africans and Caucasians were evaluated. Results: An increase in oxidative stress was observed in mid-season in both groups, but this was more significant in Africans (386 ± 162.6 vs. 277.8 ± 106.9 UCarr, p = 0.005; 2,965.4 ± 815.8 vs. 2,560.6 ± 608.1 BAP, p = 0.035). Levels of testosterone and vitamin D were higher in August compared to February in all participants; in both months, testosterone levels were higher in Africans (11.5 ± 2.4 vs. 9.1 ± 2.6, p = 0.004; 10.3 ± 1.6 vs. 7.7 ± 2.3, p = 0.000), whereas vitamin D levels were higher in Caucasians (39.4 ± 11.1 vs. 33.4 ± 9.7, p = 0.048; 31.8 ± 9.7 vs. 27.4 ± 9.4, in August and February, respectively). Insufficient/deficient levels of vitamin D were more frequently observed in Africans, but the difference was close to significance only in August. Conclusions: Although lower levels of vitamin D and higher levels of cortisol and oxidative stress in mid-season in Africans could have a negative influence on performance, no symptoms of overtraining were observed, probably due to higher levels of testosterone which enable homeostatic balance.

Transcriptomic and proteomic characteristics of the di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced sperm dna damage mouse model.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most common organic pollutants and is added to various plastic products as a plasticizer. DEHP oxidative metabolite content in the human body is associated with DNA damage in sperm and decreased testosterone levels in blood. In this study, a DEHP-induced sperm DNA damage mouse model was replicated and improved, and the transcriptomic and proteomic characteristics of the model were observed. Male mice in the two groups were exposed to DEHP 1g/kg/d or the same amount of normal saline for 60days, and the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was detected by a sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). The mRNA and protein expression profiles of the testis were detected by RNA-seq and data-independent acquisition (DIA). The sperm DFI of the DEHP group was significantly increased. Compared with the control group, 111 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 2147 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), such as Lamb2, Ahnak, Tkt, Dnah8 and Tbl2, were found in the DEHP group. These genes were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Our results showed that DEHP 1g/kg/d can induce sperm DNA damage in a male mouse model after 60days of intragastric administration. The reproductive toxicity of DEHP may be related to metabolic pathways in cancer and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Gonadotropins at Advanced Age - Perhaps They Are Not So Bad? Correlations Between Gonadotropins and Sarcopenia Indicators in Older Adults.

Many hormones fluctuate during the aging process. It has been suggested that gonadotropins, which increase with age, contribute to the occurrence of many diseases and syndromes in older life, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, frailty syndrome and osteoporosis. This study aims to assess the relationship between circulating gonadotropins and other hormones potentially contributing to age-related functional decline and sarcopenia indicators in 39 male and 61 female community-dwelling seniors, mean age 80 years. According to the definition developed by the second European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2), the following indicators of the sarcopenia were assessed: bioimpedance-measured body composition, gait speed, handgrip strength, timed up and go test (TUG), chair stand test, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Blood levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and cortisol were also measured. In the men, FSH and partially LH correlated positively with muscle mass percentage, gait speed, handgrip strength and SPPB, and negatively with percent body fat. Additionally, testosterone and DHEAS correlated negatively with the percentage of fat mass in men. Whereas in the women, FSH and LH were mainly negatively associated with body mass and adipose tissue measures. Cortisol did not show any relationship with the examined indicators. The study shows that the indicators of sarcopenia are strongly associated with levels of gonadotropins, sex hormones and DHEAS, especially in older men. The obtained results, after being confirmed in a larger group, may modify prevention and treatment strategies of sarcopenia.

The effect of the composition of leuzea and cranberry meal extracts on testosterone level in mice

BACKGROUND: Current research suggests the potential use of natural components as sources of anabolic compounds. One of these is a new composition of leuzea and cranberry meal extracts, which, as was found earlier, exhibits a dose-dependent anabolic effect.&#x0D; AIM: To establish the supposed mechanism of the anabolic effect in the composition of leuzea and cranberry meal extracts.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the experiment, CD-1 mice of both sexes weighing 2025 g were used. All animals were measured blood testosterone concentration in dynamics: 0 point (before the administration of the analyzed compositions), 30, 60, 120, 180 minutes after administration.&#x0D; RESULTS: After a single administration of the composition of leuzea and cranberry meal extracts at a dose of 70+500 mg/kg, the level of testosterone in the blood mice of both sexes increases, and the increase in testosterone levels in females is less pronounced than in males.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: One of the supposed mechanisms of the anabolic effect in the composition, characterized by an increase in blood testosterone levels, has been established.

LINKAGE BETWEEN SERUM TESTOSTERONE AND LIPID PROFILE IN HIRSUTISM DISEASE PATIENTS

BACKGROUND: The development of thick, dark, abundant terminal hairs on androgen-dependent body parts,such as the mandibles, chin, and upper lips, is known as hirsutism. Hirsutism may result from ovarian or adrenaltumors, non-classic adrenal hyperplasia, polycystic ovary disease, or other idiopathic causes. The primary factor thatcauses hirsutism is androgen excess. An aberrant lipoprotein profile, marked by high plasma triglyceride concentrations,mildly elevated LDL cholesterol, and lowered HDL cholesterol, is seen in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS). Serum testosterone levels are correlated with lipid problems. There is scant information on alternative hir- sutism reasons that may also be related to PCOS, one of the well-established hirsutism causes.Objective: “To establish relationship between lipid profile and serum testosterone in patients with hirsutism” wasthe study’s stated purpose.Study Design: A Descriptive StudyDuration And Place Of Study: Department of Combined Military Hospital Peshawar for hair removaltreatment between January 2013 and December 2013Material and methods: Patients with established metabolic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus and hypertensionwere excluded from the research, whereas all female patients in the reproductive age range of 18–45 who presentedwith hirsutism and provided permission for the study were included. The analysis included one hundred female casesand one hundred female controls. Following clearance from the Advance Study and Research Board (ASRB) ethicscommittee, blood samples from individuals suffering from hirsutism were obtained in a laboratory at the CombinedMilitary Hospital in Peshawar to investigate their lipid profiles and serum testosterone levels. Using kits from MerckPakistan, serum lipids were examined using an automated chemical analyzer, the Selectra E. Using the chemicalluminescence approach; the Beckman Coulter kit Access Testosterone Assay was used to measure the serum testosteronelevel. The program SPSS version-23 was used to analyze the data that was collected.Results: The study’s findings demonstrated that, except HDL-c, which dramatically dropped, all biochemical markersin hirsutism patients were significantly higher than in the control group. There was a non-significant p (&gt;0.05) anda positive correlation (r=0.052) between testosterone and HDL cholesterol, a significant p (&lt;0.05) and a positivecorrelation (r=0.239) between testosterone and total cholesterol, and a positive correlation (r=0.314) between tes- tosterone and LDL cholesterol. In contrast, there was a non-significant association (r=0.054) and non-significant p(&gt;0.05) between testosterone and triglycerides.Conclusions: This research found that, compared to controls, serum testosterone, and lipid profiles were considerablyaberrant. The lipid profile in hirsutism disorder exhibits a noteworthy correlation with total cholesterol. The associationbetween blood testosterone and LDL cholesterol in hirsutism conditions was then further explored in this research. Anotable and positive association was discovered. This research found that variations in blood testosterone levels from anormal point also resulted in variations in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in cases with hirsutism disorder.Keywords: Hirsutism, testosterone, HDL, LDL, triglyceride, polycystic ovary syndrome.

Study of Asphervon Gum Effect on Diuresis, Spermatogenesis and Its Effect on Testosterone Level in Rat Male Blood

The effect of Asphervon resin gum on spermatogenesis, on the level of testosterone in the blood of rats was studied, and the effect of two dosages of the drug on diuresis of rats with an aqueous load was also considered. Data have been obtained on the quantitative change of sperm in the rat ejaculate, on the ability of Asfervon to reduce testosterone levels in the rat’s blood, and also, a pronounced dose has been revealed - the dependent diuretic effect of the drug Asfervon.

The Impact of Lifestyle Interventions in High-Risk Early Breast Cancer Patients: A Modeling Approach from a Single Institution Experience.

Simple SummaryHigh body mass index (BMI) is correlated with an increased production of hormones (estrogens, insulin, testosterone, leptin), and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which have been associated with breast cancer (BC) risk and recurrence. Regular physical activity (PA) decreases BMI and blood concentrations of testosterone, estrogens, insulin and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the Mediterranean diet (MD) reduces obesity, metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance, which are all associated with increased risk of BC onset and recurrence. Despite the accumulating evidence of the detrimental effect of physical inactivity and overweight on BC recurrence, weight control and PA counseling are not yet current practice. The principal aim of the lifestyle intervention is to promote weight loss through diet and physical activity in overweight and/or high-risk breast cancer survivors. Moreover, implementing a “lifestyle interventions program” in clinical practice can lead to improvements in psychophysical well-being and favor the correction of cardiovascular risk factors and compliance with endocrine therapy, potentially translating into a prognostic advantage.A healthy lifestyle plays a strategic role in the prevention of BC. The aim of our prospective study is to evaluate the effects of a lifestyle interventions program based on special exercise and nutrition education on weight, psycho-physical well-being, blood lipid and hormonal profile among BC patients who underwent primary surgery. From January 2014 to March 2017, a multidisciplinary group of oncologists, dieticians, physiatrists and an exercise specialist evaluated 98 adult BC female patients at baseline and at different time points. The patients had at least one of the following risk factors: BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, high testosterone levels, high serum insulin levels or diagnosis of MS. Statistically significant differences are shown in terms of BMI variation with the lifestyle interventions program, as well as in waist circumference and blood glucose, insulin and testosterone levels. Moreover, a statistically significant difference was reported in variations of total Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score, in the anxiety HADS score and improvement in joint pain. Our results suggested that promoting a healthy lifestyle in clinical practice reduces risk factors involved in BC recurrence and ensures psycho-physical well-being.

Blood testosterone levels in sickness and in health: Male chimpanzee testosterone levels decrease in face of an immune challenge.

As an integral part of the immune response, testosterone secretion is inhibited when an individual is confronted with an immune challenge. Testosterone-mediated physiological, morphological, and behavioral traits are compromised at times of impaired health. Nevertheless, males of some species seem to maintain high levels of testosterone when confronted with an immune challenge, upholding competitive strength but compromising their immune response. It has been argued that this phenomenon will occur only in species living in social systems with high degrees of male-male competition over mating opportunities. Male chimpanzees contest over access to fertile females and dominants sire the majority of offspring. This male mating pattern makes chimpanzees a candidate species where we could expect males to maintain high testosterone levels, compromising their immune response, to ensure immediate reproductive success. We measured blood testosterone levels in male and female chimpanzees, who expressed clinical symptoms (symptomatic) or showed no evidence of clinical disease on assessment (asymptomatic). For females, we expected to find lower testosterone levels in symptomatic individuals than in asymptomatic subjects. In males, we would predict lower testosterone levels in symptomatic individuals than in asymptomatic males, if the immune response leads to a decrease in testosterone secretion. Alternatively, males could have equal levels of testosterone when symptomatic and asymptomatic, upholding competitive strength. Our results show that male chimpanzees exhibit lower levels of testosterone when confronted with an immune challenge than when being asymptomatic. This suggests that male testosterone secretion is suppressed as part of the immune response, which potentially increases survival and lifetime reproductive success. It will, however, negatively impact momentary competitive ability. Also, males may employ different mating strategies, some of which are less testosterone-driven (e.g., affiliative strategies). Consequently, in some individuals, the costs of maintaining high testosterone levels may not outweigh the potential gain in reproductive success.

Evaluating the Effects of Noise Pollution on the Levels of Blood Cortisol, Testosterone, and Thyroid in Male Wistar Rats

Background: Noise pollution is a global problem causing changes in the secretion of various hormones and consequently affecting social well-being and quality of life in cities. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of noise pollution on the levels of testosterone, thyroid, and cortisol hormones in male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, a total of 70 male Wistar rats (200 - 250 g) were randomly assigned into one control and six experimental groups, with 10 rats in each group. Experimental groups were exposed to noise with different intensity (dB) and time (min) as follows: (I) 60 dB, 30 min; (II) 60 dB, 60 min; (III) 85 dB, 30 min; (IV) 85 dB, 60 min; (V) 110 dB, 30 min; (VI) 110 dB, 60 min; (VII) controls. Animals in the experimental groups were exposed to noise in an acoustic chamber designed for this purpose for 50 days. The Noise.exe software was used to generate noise, and the sound level meter (model TES 1358) was used to determine the accuracy of the intensity and frequency of sound. To determine plasma levels of the hormones, appropriate research and commercial kits were used, which were based on the ELISA method. To determine the concentration of hormones other than TSH, human assay kits were used. All statistical tests were performed in SPSS software version 21. Results: Serum levels of cortisol in the 110-dB (30 and 60 min), 65-dB (60 min), and 85-dB (60 min) groups were significantly higher than the control group (P ≤ 0.05). Also, cortisol levels in the 65-dB and 85-dB (30 minutes) groups were higher than the control group; however, the increase was not significant (P &gt; 0.05). The levels of T4, T3, and TSH in the 60-dB and 85-dB groups were significantly lower than in the control group (P ≤ 0.05). The serum levels of T4, T3, and TSH hormones in the 110-dB group were insignificantly lower than the control group (P &gt; 0.05). The serum level of testosterone in the 110-dB group was significantly lower than the control group (P ≤ 0.05). The mean serum levels of testosterone in the 65-dB and 85-dB groups were insignificantly lower than the control group (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Based on this study, exposure to noise pollution increased cortisol secretion and decreased T4, T3, TSH, and testosterone levels in rats. As this hormonal imbalance may create direct and indirect effects, studies and strategies are recommended to control the imbalance of hormones in the polluted environments.

Динамика функционального состояния яичек и щитовидной железы при бесплодии у мужчин с хламидийной инфекцией под воздействием патогенетической терапии

Актуальность. Хламидийная инфекция (ХИ) у бесплодных мужчин ассоциируется, с одной стороны, с нарушением андроген­эстрогенового баланса, а с другой — с развитием дистиреоза и ростом антител к тирео­идной пероксидазе (АТ ТПО). Следствием этих изменений может стать развитие аутоиммунного тиреоидита и на его фоне — субклинического или манифестного гипотиреоза. Цель исследования: установить особенности нарушений функционального состояния яичек и щитовидной железы (ЩЖ) у мужчин с бесплодием на фоне ХИ и влияние на них антибактериальной и антиоксидантной терапии. Материалы и методы. Обследовано 30 мужчин в возрасте 23–44 лет, которые находились в бесплодном браке больше года, в том числе 15 с хроническим простатитом (ХП) на фоне ХИ (первая группа) и 15 с латентной ХИ без воспаления урогенитального тракта (вторая группа). Наличие ХИ определяли методом полимеразной цепной реакции и по уровню антител к хламидиям. Параметры спермограммы анализировали по критериям ВОЗ. Лечение включало назначение азитромицина и иммуномодулятора лавомакс в течение 15 и 18 дней. Больные с ХП в течение 20 дней использовали ректальные противовоспалительные суппозитории витапрост. После курса антибиотикотерапии назначали комплекс антиоксидантов в течение 45 суток: Цефасель по 100 мкг и витамин Е по 200 мг в сутки. До лечения, через 1 и 2 месяца после лечения у больных исследовали параметры спермограммы, уровни в крови тестостерона (Т), эстрадиола (Е2), тиреотропного гормона, свободного тироксина, АТ ТПО. Контрольную группу составили 10 практически здоровых мужчин аналогичного возраста с нормозооспермией (НЗС) и без ХИ. Результаты. После завершения антибиотикотерапии у больных с ХП на фоне ликвидации воспаления простато­везикулярного комплекса (первая группа) отмечалось достоверное увеличение процента подвижных форм спермиев. У пациентов с латентной ХИ (вторая группа) через месяц лечения НЗС отсутствовала. После терапии антиоксидантами НЗС была установлена у 73,3 % пациентов в первой группе и у 53,3 % — во второй группе. Через 2 месяца терапии в первой группе достоверно повысилась частота нормализации уровня Т в крови и соотношения Т/Е2. В то же время во второй группе нормализация уровня Т и Т/Е2 была недостоверной. После завершения лечения изменений тиреоидного статуса не выявлено, но имело место достоверное снижение уровня АТ ТПО. Выводы. Ликвидация воспалительного процесса в предстательной железе и ХИ как фактора, который его вызвал, способствует активации подвижности сперматозоидов у бесплодных мужчин. Дальнейшее назначение антиоксидантной терапии способствует существенному усилению инкреторной функции яичек и улучшению андроген­эстрогенового баланса. Применение специфической антибиотикотерапии и кратковременное назначение в течение 15 суток Цефаселя и витамина Е положительно не влияет на сперматогенез. В дальнейшем использование антиоксидантов в течение месяца существенно стимулирует подвижность сперматозоидов, но не меняет при этом уровни Т и Е2. Двухэтапная терапия бесплодия при ХИ не влияет на функциональное состояние ЩЖ, но способствует снижению уровней АТ ТПО в крови.

Effects of a blood flow restriction exercise under different pressures on testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor levels.

ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in serum growth hormone (GH), testosterone, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) during low-intensity resistance exercise under different cuff pressures.MethodsWe performed a single-blind, cross-over design study. Twenty-five healthy young men performed three exercise protocols as follows: 1) no blood flow restriction exercise (control group), 2) resistance exercise at 40% of arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) (low group), and 3) resistance exercise at 70% of AOP (high group). Blood lactate, GH, testosterone, and IGF-1 levels were measured at four time points.ResultsThere were no differences in the indices before exercise. The blood flow restriction exercise under different pressures had different effects on each index and there was an interactive effect. GH levels were significantly higher in the high group than in the other groups after exercise. Immediately after exercise, IGF-1 and testosterone levels were significantly higher in the high group than in the other groups. At 15 minutes after exercise, testosterone levels were significantly higher in the high group than in the other groups.ConclusionsLow-intensity resistance exercise combined with blood flow restriction effectively increases GH, IGF-1, and testosterone levels in young men. Increasing the cuff pressure results in greater levels of hormone secretion.

Poplar-type propolis provides protection of blood cells, testosterone levels and sperm motility in cisplatin-induced toxicity

Cisplatin is a frequently used chemotherapeutic in many types of cancer, especially urological cancers. Despite its efficacy in the treatment of cancer, it causes various toxic side effects such as nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and ototoxicity. The aim of this study was to determine the protective role of olive oil extract of propolis (OEP) with biochemical and histopathological approaches to cisplatin induced toxicity. Sixty-four adult male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups, control, propolis (100 and 200 mg/kg, orally daily for 10 days) and combined therapy (propolis 10 days before and after CP injection). Haematological (Wbc, Rbc, Mpv, Hgb, Htc, Mcv, Mch, Mchc, Lym, Neu), biochemical (triglyceride, total cholesteol, HDL and LDL-cholesterol, glucose, BUN, uric acid and testosterone level), epididymal sperm concentration, sperm motility, and histological parameters were analyzed. According to the results, cisplatin has negative effects on hematological, biochemical parameters, and sperm motility compared to control group. Administration of pre-cisplatin propolis ameliorated wbc, hct, mcv, mchc, neu levels. The administration of OEP prior to CP normalized the increased BUN and uric acid levels induced by CP. Interestingly it was also revealed that the testosterone levels increased in the OEP groups compared to the control group. Additionally, the combined administration of CP with OEP normalized the decreased testosterone levels induced by CP, particularly pre-treatment OEP. As a result, propolis, a natural product with numerous useful biological effects, was shown to a have protective as well as amelioration and normalizing effect on CP-induced damage.

The Role of the Hippocampus in the Neuroendocrine Response to Neurobiological Stimuli in Experiment.

We compared the levels of functional activity of cells in each adrenal zone with blood levels of corticosterone, testosterone, and neuropeptide Y in control and hippocampectomized F1(C57BL/6×DBA/2) mice during modeling of metabolic, motivational, and cognitive tension. The morphofunctional state of the adrenal glands was studied using a new morphometric approach. It was found that hippocampectomy changed the testosterone response to neurobiological stimuli; similar changes were observed in the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex producing dehydroepiandrosterone that is involved in the regulation of testosterone secretion. At the same time, hippocampectomy enhanced the response of the peptide hormone; the index of functional activity of chromaffin cells producing this hormone also increased. These findings allow us to put forward a hypothesis that the hippocampus is involved in the regulation of mutual influences of the studied hormones and that it modulates the sensitivity of testosterone and NPY to metabolic and cognitive factors.

CORRELATION OF TESTOSTERONE AND CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE IN YOUNG AGED MALES

Introduction: Higher serum testosterone levels were thought to be harmful to the cardiovascular system. While few research have concluded low testosterone levels as risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We conducted a cross-sectional research study to see if there was a link between blood testosterone levels and the severity of coronary artery disease on angiography (CAD). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the largest cause of death worldwide, with coronary artery disease (CAD) being the main cause of death. Furthermore, CVD causes considerable morbidity and disability-adjusted life years lost (DALYS). Aim: Correlation of testosterone and coronary artery disease in young aged males. Material and Method: The study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine. It included 50 healthy male subjects and 50 CAD subjects of age 18 -45 years who visited the OPD of Dept. of Medicine. Result: In the study group as showed in Table 1, both groups were compared for Total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, VLDL and Testosterone levels. Low testosterone levels were statistically related with severity of CAD (P 0.05). Conclusion: Low testosterone levels, according to our findings, are an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease and endothelial dysfunction. To determine the role of testosterone as a modifiable risk factor, a randomised controlled trial of testosterone replacement in hypogonadal males and study of its impact on endothelial function, risk factors for cardiovascular disease, CAD development, and outcomes, is required. The current study is the first of its kind in Indian community, and it supports previous research on other populations. Pathogenetic and long-term clinical investigations are needed to elucidate the specific mechanism behind our findings and their therapeutic significance. Keywords: CAD, CVD, Testosterone, SHBG, HDL, LDL

Morphological Analysis of the Hindbrain Glucose Sensor-Hypothalamic Neural Pathway Activated by Hindbrain Glucoprivation.

Lowered glucose availability, sensed by the hindbrain, has been suggested to enhance gluconeogenesis and food intake as well as suppress reproductive function. In fact, our previous histological and in vitro studies suggest that hindbrain ependymal cells function as a glucose sensor. The present study aimed to clarify the hindbrain glucose sensor-hypothalamic neural pathway activated in response to hindbrain glucoprivation to mediate counterregulatory physiological responses. Administration of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG), an inhibitor of glucose utilization, into the fourth ventricle (4V) of male rats for 0.5 hour induced messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of c-fos, a marker for cellular activation, in ependymal cells in the 4V, but not in the lateral ventricle, the third ventricle or the central canal without a significant change in blood glucose and testosterone levels. Administration of 2DG into the 4V for 1 hour significantly increased blood glucose levels, food intake, and decreased blood testosterone levels. Simultaneously, the expression of c-Fos protein was detected in the 4V ependymal cells; dopamine β-hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells in the C1, C2, and A6 regions; neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA-positive cells in the C2; corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA-positive cells in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN); and NPY mRNA-positive cells in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Taken together, these results suggest that lowered glucose availability, sensed by 4V ependymal cells, activates hindbrain catecholaminergic and/or NPY neurons followed by CRH neurons in the PVN and NPY neurons in the ARC, thereby leading to counterregulatory responses, such as an enhancement of gluconeogenesis, increased food intake, and suppression of sex steroid secretion.

A Novel Liver-targeted Testosterone Therapy for Sarcopenia in Androgen Deprived Men With Prostate Cancer.

ObjectiveAndrogen deprivation therapy (ADT) reduces muscle and bone mass, increasing frailty in men with prostate cancer. The liver mediates the whole body anabolic effects of testosterone. Based on first-pass metabolism, liver-targeted testosterone treatment (LTTT) entails oral delivery of a small dose of testosterone that does not raise peripheral blood testosterone levels. LTTT reduces blood urea and stimulates protein anabolism in hypogonadal men and postmenopausal women. We investigated whether LTTT prevents loss of lean and bone mass during ADT.MethodA 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of testosterone 40 mg/day in 50 men. Primary outcome measures were lean mass and bone mineral content (BMC). Testosterone, urea and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were monitored. Patients were withdrawn if PSA exceeded 4 ng/mL.Results42 patients completed the study. Mean (95% CI) testosterone rose during LTTT but not placebo treatment [∆ 2.2 (1.3-3.0) vs −0.7 (−1.5 to 0.2) nmol/L; P < 0.01]. Mean PSA level did not change significantly during either treatment. Blood urea fell [∆ −0.4 (−0.9 to −0.1) mmol/L] during LTTT but not placebo [∆ 0.05 (−0.8 to 0.9) mmol/L]. BMC [∆ 49 (5 to 93) g; P < 0.02] and lean mass [∆ 0.8 (−0.1 to 1.7) kg; P = 0.04) increased compared to placebo. Five patients on LTTT withdrew from increased PSA levels, all returning to baseline levels.ConclusionLTTT shows promise as a simple therapy for preventing sarcopenia and bone loss during ADT. LTTT may induce reversible PSA rise in some patients. Further studies are required to optimize LTTT dose in ADT. LTTT has potential application in other catabolic states in men and women.

A Prospective Study of the Relationship Between Clinical Outcomes After Enzalutamide and Serum Androgen Levels Measured via Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry in Patients with Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

BackgroundEnzalutamide (ENZ) is used to treat patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the kinetics of serum androgens before and after ENZ treatment are unknown. ObjectiveTo elucidate the kinetics of serum androgens and explore the possibility of identifying a useful marker for predicting the effects of ENZ. Design, setting, and participantsWe conducted a prospective study from 2014 to 2018 at Gunma University Hospital and related facilities. Data were analyzed for 104 patients with CRPC treated with ENZ. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisWe measured serum androgen levels using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Relationships with outcomes were assessed using multivariable Cox regression and log-rank analyses. Results and limitationsThe median age of the patients was 73 yr. Median serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels were 49.0, 5.8, 222.2, and 326.3 pg/ml, respectively. We performed multivariate analysis using Cox regression to predict prostate-specific antigen progression–free survival (PSA-PFS) and overall survival (OS). Hemoglobin level (≥12.5 vs <12.5 g/dl), docetaxel treatment history (no vs yes), and DHT level (≥5.9 vs <5.9 pg/ml) were significant predictors of PSA-PFS (p < 0.05). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (0 vs. 1–2), hemoglobin level (≥12.5 vs <12.5 g/dl), presence of visceral metastasis (no vs yes), amount of bone metastasis (extent of disease 0–2 vs 3–4), and docetaxel treatment history (no vs yes) were significant predictors of OS (p < 0.05). Binomial logistic analysis of the predictors of any grade of anorexia, malaise, and fatigue showed that the presence of visceral metastasis and a low DHT level (<5.9 pg/ml) were significant. ConclusionsOur results suggest that serum androgen levels before ENZ treatment may be useful for predicting efficacy, prognosis, and the incidence of adverse events. Patient summaryWe measured blood levels of testosterone and other male hormones before treatment with enzalutamide among men with prostate cancer resistant to castration. We found that the levels of these hormones may be useful for predicting the efficacy of enzalutamide treatment, prognosis, and the occurrence of adverse side effects.

Testosterone, cortisol, vitamin D and oxidative stress and their relationships in professional soccer players.

The testosterone/cortisol ratio has been used in sport physiology to evaluate the balance between anabolism and catabolism; its decrease below 30% has been considered a marker of overtraining. In this framework recent studies in soccer players have investigated the relationships between testosterone, cortisol, vitamin D and reactive oxygen species, but with unconvincing results. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the behavior of such biological parameters and their relationships both in winter (the season of championship) and in summer (off-competition season), characterized by different homeostatic situations. Twenty-seven professional male football players (Second Italian Division), were studied. Blood levels of free testosterone, cortisol, vitamin D and reactive oxygen species were evaluated in August (pre-season training) and in February, in the midseason. A comparison between these two periods was performed and for each of them the relationships between the biological parameters were evaluated. Blood levels of testosterone were higher during summer whereas those of cortisol were higher in winter. Vitamin D levels were higher in summer; in this season a positive significant relationship between vitamin D and testosterone was observed (P=0.001), but not in winter (P=0.592). Reactive oxygen species were higher in winter; in this season a significant positive relationship between these substances and cortisol was observed (0.000), but not in summer (P=0.325). In professional soccer players it was found a positive relationship between vitamin D and testosterone in summer and between reactive oxygen species and cortisol in winter. However, the question whether such results are genuine cause-effect relationships or mere casual or spurious statistical correlations is still unsolved. As matter of fact, such results could be dependent from other determinants which might drive the aforementioned biological parameters in the same direction. These conclusions must be considered valid only in relation to the experimental conditions (training workload, diet and sun exposure) of the present study.

Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Corchorus olitorius on the testis and blood testosterone level of adult Wistar rats

Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Corchorus olitorius on the testis and blood testosterone level of adult Wistar rats