Blood Testosterone Levels Research Articles

Comparison of Serum Testosterone Levels in Male Wild Boars and Domestic Pigs in Japan

(1) Background: The numbers of wild animals in Japan are increasing due to changes in the industrial structure and a decline in the population. Various extermination approaches have been used against animals that are classified as harmful, such as boars. Making effective use of exterminated wild animals will revitalize extermination activities by developing markets as the number of hunters declines. We measured serum testosterone levels to examine the potential value of male wild boars as a meat source and compared them with the testosterone levels in domestic male pigs. Testosterone has an analeptic effect even in small amounts. (2) Methods: Blood testosterone levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence in wild boars and domestic pigs, collected using box traps in Sasebo City. (3) Results: Almost no testosterone was detected in the sera of castrated domestic male pigs, and more testosterone was detected in wild male boars than in pigs. (4) Conclusions: The analysis demonstrated that male wild boars have unique nutritional value compared with domestic pigs.

Stress enhances aggression in male rats with genetic stress hyper-reactivity.

The current study investigated stress-induced aggressive behavior in the resident-intruder test in males of the genetically stress hyper-reactive Wistar Kyoto More Immobile (WMI), and the nearly isogenic, control Wistar Kyoto Less Immobile (WLI) strains. Tests were carried out against same-age intruders during adolescence, and same-age and juvenile intruders in adulthood. In adolescence and adulthood, prior acute restraint stress decreased social interactions and decreased aggressive behaviors of adolescents and adult WLIs. However, prior stress precipitated aggression in the adult WMI males toward both same-age, and juvenile intruders compared with control WMIs and WLIs. Trunk blood levels of testosterone and androstenedione increased in stressed WLIs, but not in WMIs, suggesting no direct role of androgens in the increased aggression of WMIs. Expressions of aggression-relevant genes showed patterns commensurate with being causative in aggressive behavior. The methyl-CpG binding protein 2 was lower in the frontal cortex of control WMIs, and in the amygdala of stressed WMIs compared with their respective WLIs. Frontal cortex expression of vasopressin receptor 1a and serotonin transporter increased, solely in WMI males after stress. As behaviors were the same toward same-age and non-threatening juvenile intruders, the stress-induced increase in confrontational behavior of the adult WMI male was not because of enhanced fear or anxiety. These results suggest that genetic stress hyper-reactivity is a risk factor for stress-induced increases in aggression in males. Additionally, as known aggression-related genes showed expression patterns paralleling aggressive behavior, this model system could identify novel molecular pathways leading to stress-enhanced aggression.

Beyond the Gender Binarism: Neural Correlates of Trans Men in a Functional Connectivity–Resting-State fMRI Pilot Study

Introduction: Several studies have investigated the specific neural correlates of trans people, highlighting mixed results. This study aimed to compare the presence of specific functional connectivity and differences in cognitive profile and hormone levels in trans men diagnosed with gender dysphoria (GD), and a homogeneous group of cisgender men and cisgender women. Methods: A total of 42 participants (19 trans men, 11 cisgender men, and 12 cisgender women) underwent a resting state fMRI and were measured for blood levels of testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone. A neuropsychological battery evaluated executive functions, attention, visual-perceptual ability, verbal fluency, manual preference, and general intelligence. Results: Trans men showed weaker functional connectivity in the precentral gyrus, subcallosal cortex, paracingulate gyrus, temporal pole, and cingulate gyrus than cisgender men (p < 0.01). Trans men performed worse than cisgender men in verbal and visuospatial working memory but similarly to cisgender women (p < 0.05). In trans men, functional connectivity of the precentral gyrus correlated positively with testosterone (r = 0.459, p = 0.064) and negatively with estradiol (r = −0.654, p = 0.004) and progesterone blood levels (r = −0.475, p = 0.054). The cluster involving the subcallosal cortex showed a positive correlation with testosterone (r = 0.718, p = 0.001), and a negative correlation with estradiol (r = −0.602, p = 0.011). The functional connectivity from a cluster involving the paracingulate gyrus showed a positive correlation with testosterone (r = 0.592, p = 0.012). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of overpassing the binary model by underlining the presence of neural pathways that could represent the peculiarity of the neural profile of people with GD.

Alginate oligosaccharide supplementation improves boar semen quality under heat stress

Heat stress is a serious problem that affects animal husbandry by reducing growth and reproductive performance of animals. Adding plant extracts to the diet is an effective way to help overcome this problem. Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS) is a natural non-toxic antioxidant with multiple biological activities. This study analyzed the potential mechanism of AOS in alleviating heat stress and improving semen quality in boars through a combination of multiple omics tools. The results indicated that AOS could significantly increase sperm motility (P < 0.001) and sperm concentration (P < 0.05). At the same time, AOS improved the antioxidant capacity of blood and semen, and increased blood testosterone (P < 0.05) level. AOS could improve the metabolites in sperm, change the composition of gut microbiota, increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Pseudomonas (P < 0.01), Escherichia-Shigella (P < 0.05), Bifidobacterium (P < 0.01), reduce the relative abundance of harmful bacteria such as Prevotella_9 (P < 0.05), Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 (P < 0.01), and increase the content of short chain fatty acids. Proteomic results showed that AOS increased proteins related to spermatogenesis, while decreasing heat shock protein 70 (P < 0.05) and heat shock protein 90 (P < 0.01). These results were verified using immunofluorescence staining technology. There was a good correlation among sperm quality, sperm metabolome, sperm proteome, and gut microbiota. In conclusion, AOS can be used as a feed additive to increase the semen quality of boars to enhance reproductive performance under heat stress.

Contribution of testosterone and estradiol in sexual dimorphism of early-onset Parkinson's disease.

Early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) occurs during the fertile life, when circulating neuroactive sex hormones might enhance the sexual dimorphism of the disease. Here, we aimed to examine how sex hormones can contribute to sex differences in EOPD patients. A cohort of 34 EOPD patients, 20 males and 14 females, underwent comprehensive clinical evaluation of motor and non-motor disturbances. Blood levels of estradiol, total testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were measured in all patients and correlated to clinical features. We found that female patients exhibited greater non-motor symptoms and a relatively higher rate of dystonia than males. In females, lower estradiol levels accounted for higher MDS-UPDRS-II and III scores and more frequent motor complications, while lower testosterone levels were associated with a major occurrence of dystonia. In male patients, no significant correlations emerged. In conclusion, this study highlighted the relevance of sex hormone levels in the sexual dimorphism and unique phenotype of EOPD.

Testosterone and neurobehavioral outcomes in special operations forces military with multiple mild traumatic brain injury.

U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) are at increased risk of multiple mild traumatic brain injury (mmTBI). Testosterone was prescribed for several participants in a VA program designed to address sequelae of mmTBI for SOF. To determine testosterone prevalence in the Palo Alto VA Intensive Evaluation and Treatment Program (IETP) and observe for association between testosterone and neurobehavioral outcomes. A retrospective cohort study included patients in the Palo Alto VA IETP. Sociodemographic data, testosterone blood levels, and neurobehavioral outcomes were collected from medical records. 55 IETP participants were included: six were testosterone users; the rest were classified as non-users. Testosterone use in this population is 11%, higher than reported national averages in the U.S. Of the 6 testosterone users, 2 (33%) had a formal diagnosis of hypogonadism prior to initiation of testosterone. Neurobehavioral outcome scores between testosterone users and non-users failed to show statistically significant differences, except for the PROMIS pain score, which was higher in the testosterone user population. The current study did not find an association between mmTBI, testosterone use, or testosterone level and neurobehavioral outcomes. This study highlights a need to further examine the relationship between hypogonadism, mmTBI, SOF culture around testosterone, and the effects of testosterone use in this population.

Is platelet-rich plasma and extracorporeal shock wave therapy a new frontier in treating patients with erectile dysfunction?

Background. Existing methods for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) do not always provide the necessary therapeutic effect and/or may not be recommended for certain patients.Aim. Evaluate the effectiveness of correcting erectile dysfunction using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT).Material and methods. 100 men were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Group 1 (n=20) received ESWT treatment on the penis twice a week for 6 weeks. Group 2 (n=40) and Group 3 (n=40) had two visits per week for 6 weeks, involving both ESWT and PRP injections into the penis. In Group 2, PRP activation was performed using ESWT, while in Group 3, it was done using a 10% solution of CaCl2. Patients were evaluated at 0 and 60 days of the study, assessing IIEF-5, SEP, EHS, GAQ, blood testosterone levels, and penile Doppler ultrasound with PGE1.Results. In group 1 IIEF-5 improved from 14.5 (10.5-17) to 19.5 (15.5-21) (р&lt;0.05). SEP changed from 2 (1-2) to 3 (2-4) (р&lt;0.05). EHS improved from 1.5 (1-2) to 3 (2.5-3) (р&lt;0.05). Baseline PSV was 16.3 cm/s (12.2-22.7), at 60 days post ESWT was 24 cm/s (19.4-26.8) (р&lt;0.05) and RI changed from 0.7 (0.7-0.9) to 0.9 (0.8-1) according D-PDU (р&lt;0.05). 14 patients (70 %) noted positive dynamics by GAQ at the last exam. In group 2 IIEF-5 was 13 (11-15) at 0 days, 18 (16-20) at 60 day (р&lt;0.05). SEP improved from 2 (1.5-2) to 3 (3-4) (р&lt;0.05). EHS changed from 2 (1-2) to 3 (2-3) (р&lt;0.05). D-PDU results demonstrated increase median PSV 15.6 cm/s (12.1-22.8) to 27 cm/s (20.6-33.5) (р&lt;0.05) and median RI from 0.8 (0.7-1) to 1 (0.8-1) (р=0.02). 34 men declared positive effects according to GAQ (85 %) In group 3 IIEF-5 results improved from 13 (9-15) to 18.5 (15-20.5) (р&lt;0.05). SEP improved from 2 (1-2) to 3 (3-4) (р&lt;0.05). EHS changed from 1 (1-2) to 3 (3-3) (р&lt;0.05). PSV increased from 17 cm/s (10.3-25) to 27.8 cm/s (20-36.6) (р&lt;0.05). RI improved from 0.8 (0.7-0.9) to 0.9 (0.8-1) (р=0.005). 33 patients respond to an improvement of erectile functions (82.5 %) by GAQ.Conclusion. All treatment methods were well-tolerated by all patients. The study results indicate a positive trend in improving erectile function and increasing total testosterone levels in the blood. When comparing groups, combination therapy significantly improves erectile function according to SEP, EHS, and penile Doppler ultrasound assessments. ESWT can be suggested as an activator for PRP.

Effect of regular winter swimming on blood morphological, rheological, and biochemical indicators and activity of antioxidant enzymes in males

BackgroundExposure of the human body to cold water triggers numerous beneficial physiological changes. The study aimed to assess the impact of regular winter swimming on blood morphological, rheological, and biochemical indicators and activity of antioxidant enzymes in males.MethodsThe study involved 10 male winter swimmers (the same participants examined before the season and after the season) and 13 males (not winter swimming, leading a sedentary lifestyle) in the control group. Fasting blood was collected twice: in November and in March of the following year. Basic blood morphological indicators, red cell elongation index (EI) and aggregation index (AI), concentrations of testosterone, cortisol, urea, and creatinine, as well as plasma activity of antioxidant enzymes of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined.ResultsThe data were collected from the same winter swimmers at the beginning and end of the season. Winter swimming resulted in a significant increase of EI values at a shear stress of 0.30 (p = 0.40), 0.58 (p < 0.001), 4.24 (p = 0.021), 8.23 (p = 0.001), 15.59 (p = 0.001), 30.94 (p = 0.004), and 60.00 Pa (p = 0.043); haemoglobin was lower than before the season (p < 0.027). No significant changes were observed in AI, AMP, T1/2, the levels of urea, creatinine, eGFR, testosterone, cortisol, or the activity of CAT or SOD. There was a statistically significant increase in GPx activity (p = 0.014) and increase in testosterone concentration (p = 0.035) in the group of winter swimmers examined before the season as compared with the control group. No statistically significant differences were found for the mean values of blood morphological indicators and other parameters.ConclusionsWinter swimming can prove to be a health-promoting factor in males, as indicated by a rise in the deformability of red blood cells in the blood vessel system after a full season of winter swimming, leading to better body oxygenation, and improves the antioxidant defence and testosterone concentration (within standard limits) in the group of winter swimmers examined before the season as compared with the control group. Winter swimming helps maintain appropriate levels of blood rheological indicators, urea, creatinine, eGFR, cortisol, testosterone, and activity of antioxidant enzymes.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT06223087, 15.01.2024.

Lack of causative mutation in the AMH and AMHR2 genes in a cat (38,XY) with persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS).

A 1-year-old European shorthair male cat with a normally developed penis was subjected to genetic, endocrinological and histological studies due to unilateral cryptorchidism. The blood testosterone level was typical for males, while the level of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) was very low. Surgical removal of internal reproductive organs was followed by a histological study, which revealed inactive testicles with neoplastic changes and derivatives of Mullerian ducts. Cytogenetic analysis showed a normal XY sex chromosome complement and molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Y-linked genes (SRY and ZFY). Although the level of AMH was low, two normal copies of the AMH gene were found using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Analysis of the coding sequences of two candidate genes (AMH and AMHR2) for persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS) in the affected cat and in control male cats (n = 24) was performed using the Sanger sequencing method. In the affected cat, homozygosity was found for three novel missense variants in Exon 1 (one SNP) and Exon 5 (two SNPs) of AMH, but the same homozygous genotypes were also observed in one and two control cats, respectively, whose sex development was not examined. Three known synonymous variants with homozygous status were found in AMHR2. We conclude that the DNA variants identified in AMH and AMHR2 are not responsible for PMDS in the affected cat.

Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Rat Reproductive System: Potential Benefits of Vitamin D3 Intervention.

Gravity in space can have a negative impact on the reproductive system. Given that the reproductive system is one of vitamin D's objectives, this study will use a simulated microgravity model to evaluate its impact on the rat reproductive system.Twenty-two male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups at random. Under microgravity circumstances, the rats were housed in both special and standard cages. Each group was then separated into two subgroups, one of which received vitamin D3 and the other did not. Blood was drawn twice to determine blood levels of vitamin D3, LH, FSH, and testosterone. Rat testes were isolated for histological analysis, as well as a piece of epididymis for sperm count and morphological examination.Microgravity had a detrimental effect on testicular tissue, resulting in lower serum levels of LH and testosterone (p-value < 0.001). Spermatogenesis was largely inhibited under microgravity. During microgravity conditions, however, vitamin D3 had a good effect on testicular structure, and the total number of sperm. Simulated microgravity affects the male reproductive system, compromising testicular morphology, sperm parameters, and hormonal balance. However, this study shows that vitamin D3 supplementation can act as a preventative strategy, minimizing the negative consequences of microgravity. The beneficial effect of vitamin D3 on testicular health and sperm quality implies that it may be useful in protecting male reproductive function in space-related situations.

Photoperiod-regulated mitophagy in the germ cells of Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii).

Photoperiod is a pivotal factor in affecting testicular function and spermatogenesis in seasonal-breeding animals. Mitophagy is essential for spermatogenesis, but its association with seasonal photoperiods has not been studied extensively. To explore this, we exposed male Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) to long-photoperiod (LP, 16 h/day) and short-photoperiod (SP, 8 h/day) conditions from their embryonic stages. Our results indicated that testis weight, volume, and relative testes weight were all significantly increased in LP compared to SP. Additionally, blood testosterone levels were markedly higher in LP than SP. Histological examination revealed that seminiferous diameter and epithelium thickness were greater in LP, with an increased abundance of germ cell types and cell numbers compared to SP. RT-qPCR analysis showed that mitophagy-promoting genes, such as Pink1, Prkn, Tomm7, Mnf2, Lc3, Optn, Gabarap, and Nbr1 were all upregulated in LP. Fluorescence in situ hybridization indicated that Pink1 expression was present in spermatogonia in SP, while in LP, Pink1 expression extended to almost all germ cell types with significantly higher mean optical density. Prkn expression was found in all germ cell types in both LP and SP, with a significantly higher mean optical density of 10-week-old LP males. Transmission electron microscopy showed normal mitochondrial morphology with clear membranes in SP, while the LP group had reduced cristae in mitochondria and damaged mitochondria undergoing autophagy. This study suggests that mitophagy may be involved in the photoperiodic spermatogenesis in Brandt's voles, providing insights into the role of photoperiod in seasonal reproduction in wild animals.

A biological characterization of patients with postmenopausal Parkinson's disease.

Menopause increases the risk for Parkinson's disease (PD), although the underlying biological mechanisms have not been established in patients. Here, we aimed to understand the basis of menopause-related vulnerability to PD. Main motor and non-motor scores, blood levels of estradiol, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, CSF levels of total α-synuclein, amyloid-β-42, amyloid-β-40, total tau, and phosphorylated-181-tau were examined in 45 women with postmenopausal-onset PD and 40 age-matched controls. PD patients had higher testosterone and lower estradiol levels than controls, and the residual estradiol production was associated with milder motor disturbances and lower dopaminergic requirements. In PD but not in controls, follicle-stimulating hormone levels correlated with worse cognitive scores and CSF markers of amyloidopathy and neuronal loss. In conclusion, menopause-related hormonal changes might differentially contribute to clinical-pathological trajectories of PD, accounting for the peculiar vulnerability to the disease.

Prenatal dexamethasone exposure impairs rat blood-testis barrier function and sperm quality in adult offspring via GR/KDM1B/FSTL3/TGFβ signaling.

Both epidemiological and animal studies suggest that adverse environment during pregnancy can change the offspring development programming, but it is difficult to achieve prenatal early warning. In this study we investigated the impact of prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) on sperm quality and function of blood-testis barrier (BTB) in adult offspring and the underlying mechanisms. Pregnant rats were injected with dexamethasone (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg·kg-1·d-1, s.c.) from GD9 to GD20. After weaning (PW4), the pups were fed with lab chow. At PW12 and PW28, the male offspring were euthanized to collect blood and testes samples. We showed that PDE significantly decreased sperm quality (including quantity and motility) in male offspring, which was associated with impaired BTB and decreased CX43/E-cadherin expression in the testis. We demonstrated that PDE induced morphological abnormalities of fetal testicle and Sertoli cell development originated from intrauterine. By tracing to fetal testicular Sertoli cells, we found that PDE dose-dependently increased expression of histone lysine demethylases (KDM1B), decreasing histone 3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) levels of follistatin-like-3 (FSTL3) promoter region and increased FSTL3 expression, and inhibited TGFβ signaling and CX43/E-cadherin expression in offspring before and after birth. These results were validated in TM4 Sertoli cells following dexamethasone treatment. Meanwhile, the H3K9me2 levels of FSTL3 promoter in maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and placenta were decreased and its expression increased, which was positively correlated with the changes in offspring testis. Based on analysis of human samples, we found that the H3K9me2 levels of FSTL3 promoter in maternal blood PBMC and placenta were positively correlated with fetal blood testosterone levels after prenatal dexamethasone exposure. We conclude that PDE can reduce sperm quality in adult offspring rats, which is related to the damage of testis BTB via epigenetic modification and change of FSTL3 expression in Sertoli cells. The H3K9me2 levels of the FSTL3 promoter and its expression in the maternal blood PBMC can be used as a prenatal warning marker for fetal testicular dysplasia.

A multi-modal approach to investigate Desmodium gangeticum's influence on stress-induced male infertility: In vivo, in vitro, and in silico assessments

Physical and psychological stress has an inverse relation with male libido and sperm quality. The present study investigates the potential fertility-enhancing properties of Desmodium gangeticum (DG) root extracts in male Wister rats subjected to immobilization-induced stress (SIMB). DG roots were extracted using n-hexane (HEDG), chloroform (CEDG), and water (AEDG). In the pilot study, aphrodisiac protentional was investigated at two doses (125 and 250 mg kg−1) of each extract. In the main study, the HEDG and AEDG at 125 and 250 mg kg−1 were challenged for the stress by immobilization (SIMB), for 6 h daily over 28 days. Parameters assessed included aphrodisiac effects, gonadosomatic index (GSI), semen quality, sperm quantity, fructose content, serum hormonal levels, testicular oxidative stress, and testicular histopathology. Additional in silico studies, including the lipid solubility index, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and SymMap studies were conducted for validation. HEDG demonstrated significant aphrodisiac activity, improved – GSI, sperm quality and quantity, and fructose content, serum testosterone levels, histological changes induced by SIMB in the testes. Swiss ADME studies indicated Gangetin (a pterocarpan) had a high brain permeation index (4.81), a superior docking score (-8.22), and higher glide energy (-42.60), compared with tadalafil (-7.17). The 'Lig fit Prot' plot in molecular dynamics simulations revealed a strong alignment between Gangetin and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). HEDG exerts aphrodisiac effects by increasing blood testosterone levels and affecting PDE5 activity. The protective effects on spermatozoa-related parameters and testicular histological changes are attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, of pterocarpan (gangetin).

Rekindling desire: Unveiling the Aphrodisiac potential of Apiaceae Elixirs

Background: In the realms of herbal pharmacology, the Apiaceae family has long held the torch, with parsley, coriander, and celery at the forefront. They have been extensively utilized in traditional therapies, including their use as aphrodisiacs. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the aphrodisiac potential of three Apiaceae plants: Petroselinum crispum, Coriandrum sativum, and Apium graveolens, both individually and in combination, to substantiate their traditional medicinal usage. Methods: The administration of extracts orally (at a dose of 250 mg/kg of body weight) was carried out daily for 15 days in various groups of male rats. To induce receptivity in female rats used for mating, hormonal treatment was employed. The study encompassed the assessment of general mating behavior, which was compared to that induced by the standard reference drug, sildenafil citrate. Additionally, hematological and biochemical assays were conducted. Results: The results of this study demonstrated that oral administration of the extracts at a dose of 250 mg/kg significantly heightened sexual activity in male rats. This was characterized by a substantial increase in parameters such as mounting frequency, erection frequency, ejaculation frequency, and copulatory rate, coupled with a noteworthy reduction in mounting latency, intromission latency, and latency time. However, when compared to the positive control group (sildenafil), the polyherbal formulation did not induce significant alterations in hematological parameters such as red blood cell count, white blood cell count, blood platelet count, and hemoglobin levels. Furthermore, the hepatic and renal markers in treated rats displayed no significant disturbances when administered with the individual extracts of the three Apiaceae plants or in combination, in comparison to the control group. The results also unveiled a substantial augmentation effect in blood testosterone levels following the individual administration of Apiaceae plant extracts when compared to the positive control group. The combined administration of these extracts at a dose of 250 mg/kg exhibited an even more pronounced effect in enhancing testosterone levels than administering the individual extracts. Conclusions: In conclusion, the polyherbal formulation comprising these Apiaceae plants demonstrated a substantial and sustained enhancement in the sexual activity of healthy male rats, without any discernible adverse effects. This suggests that the formulation maintains aphrodisiac properties, possibly attributed to its nerve-stimulating effects, thereby enhancing libido and potency. These findings not only support the traditional use of these herbs for their aphrodisiac properties but also propose potential applications for human use as a natural alternative for addressing male sexual disorders and as aphrodisiac agents.

Является ли аутоплазма, обогащенная тромбоцитарными факторами роста, и экстракорпоральная ударно-волновая терапия новым рубежом в лечении пациентов с эректильной дисфункцией?

Background. Existing methods for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) do not always provide the necessary therapeutic effect and/or may not be recommended for certain patients. Aim. Evaluate the effectiveness of correcting erectile dysfunction using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). Material and methods. 100 men were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Group 1 (n=20) received ESWT treatment on the penis twice a week for 6 weeks. Group 2 (n=40) and Group 3 (n=40) had two visits per week for 6 weeks, involving both ESWT and PRP injections into the penis. In Group 2, PRP activation was performed using ESWT, while in Group 3, it was done using a 10% solution of CaCl2. Patients were evaluated at 0 and 60 days of the study, assessing IIEF-5, SEP, EHS, GAQ, blood testosterone levels, and penile Doppler ultrasound with PGE1. Results. In group 1 IIEF-5 improved from 14.5 (10.5-17) to 19.5 (15.5-21) (СЂ&lt;0.05). SEP changed from 2 (1-2) to 3 (2-4) (СЂ&lt;0.05). EHS improved from 1.5 (1-2) to 3 (2.5-3) (СЂ&lt;0.05). Baseline PSV was 16.3 cm/s (12.2-22.7), at 60 days post ESWT was 24 cm/s (19.4-26.8) (СЂ&lt;0.05) and RI changed from 0.7 (0.7-0.9) to 0.9 (0.8-1) according D-PDU (СЂ&lt;0.05). 14 patients (70 %) noted positive dynamics by GAQ at the last exam. In group 2 IIEF-5 was 13 (11-15) at 0 days, 18 (16-20) at 60 day (СЂ&lt;0.05). SEP improved from 2 (1.5-2) to 3 (3-4) (СЂ&lt;0.05). EHS changed from 2 (1-2) to 3 (2-3) (СЂ&lt;0.05). D-PDU results demonstrated increase median PSV 15.6 cm/s (12.1-22.8) to 27 cm/s (20.6-33.5) (СЂ&lt;0.05) and median RI from 0.8 (0.7-1) to 1 (0.8-1) (СЂ=0.02). 34 men declared positive effects according to GAQ (85 %) In group 3 IIEF-5 results improved from 13 (9-15) to 18.5 (15-20.5) (СЂ&lt;0.05). SEP improved from 2 (1-2) to 3 (3-4) (СЂ&lt;0.05). EHS changed from 1 (1-2) to 3 (3-3) (СЂ&lt;0.05). PSV increased from 17 cm/s (10.3-25) to 27.8 cm/s (20-36.6) (СЂ&lt;0.05). RI improved from 0.8 (0.7-0.9) to 0.9 (0.8-1) (СЂ=0.005). 33 patients respond to an improvement of erectile functions (82.5 %) by GAQ. Conclusion. All treatment methods were well-tolerated by all patients. The study results indicate a positive trend in improving erectile function and increasing total testosterone levels in the blood. When comparing groups, combination therapy significantly improves erectile function according to SEP, EHS, and penile Doppler ultrasound assessments. ESWT can be suggested as an activator for PRP

Effect of Ginseng on Blood Lipid Profile, Testosterone Level and Epididymal Sperm Quality of Aged BALB/C Mice

Effect of Ginseng on Blood Lipid Profile, Testosterone Level and Epididymal Sperm Quality of Aged BALB/C Mice

Amphibian newts as experimental models for studying weight gain after castration.

Vertebrate animals often exhibit sexual dimorphism in body shape. In mammals, decreases in sex hormones caused by testicular castration can affect body shape and occasionally lead to pathologies such as obesity. Post-castration obesity can also be problematic for the health of companion animals, including non-mammals. In order to understand the mechanism of post-castration obesity in vertebrates other than mammals, experimental models are required. We examined whether the Iberian ribbed newt, which has recently become a popular experimental model for amphibian research, could serve as a model for analyzing changes in body shape after castration. In newts, new testes can be regenerated after removal of differentiated testes. We analyzed changes in body shape by removing the testes under conditions in which they could regenerate or conditions in which they could not regenerate. Removal of the testes reduced blood testosterone levels. The body weight and abdominal girth of the newts were increased compared with normal male newts. Transcriptome analysis of the liver showed that a set of genes related to lipid metabolism was continuously up-regulated in castrated newts. Our study suggests that changes in body shape after castration are common in vertebrates. Iberian ribbed newts are thus a suitable model for comparative studies of the long-term physiologic- and endocrine-level effects of castration.

Neuroplastin Expression in Male Mice Is Essential for Fertility, Mating, and Adult Testosterone Levels.

Male reproduction depends on hormonally driven behaviors and numerous genes for testis development and spermatogenesis. Neuroplastin-deficient (Nptn-/-) male mice cannot sire offspring. By immunohistochemistry, we characterized neuroplastin expression in the testis. Breeding, mating behavior, hormonal regulation, testicular development, and spermatogenesis were analyzed in cell-type specific neuroplastin mutant mice. Leydig, Sertoli, peritubular myoid, and germ cells express Np, but spermatogenesis and sperm number are not affected in Nptn-/- males. Neuroplastin lack from CNS neurons or restricted to spermatogonia or Sertoli cells permitted reproduction. Normal luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) blood levels in Nptn-/- males support undisturbed hormonal regulation in the brain. However, Nptn-/- males lack mounting behavior accompanied by low testosterone blood levels. Testosterone rise from juvenile to adult blood levels is absent in Nptn-/- males. LH-receptor stimulation raising intracellular Ca2+ in Leydig cells triggers testosterone production. Reduced Plasma Membrane Ca2+ ATPase 1 (PMCA1) in Nptn-/- Leydig cells suggests that Nptn-/- Leydig cells produce sufficient testosterone for testis and sperm development, but a lack of PMCA-Np complexes prevents the increase from reaching adult blood levels. Behavioral immaturity with low testosterone blood levels underlies infertility of Nptn-/- males, revealing that Np is essential for reproduction.

Pathological effects of feeding aflatoxin-contaminated feed on immune status and reproductive performance of juvenile white leghorn males and its mitigation with ∝-tocopherol and Moringa oleifera.

This study was planned to detect the adverse pathological consequences of aflatoxin B1 in White Leghorn (WLH) layer breeder males. Eight-week-old male layer cockerels were separated into six experimental categories: A group was kept as negative control, offered with normal feed only; group B was fed with 400ppb amount of aflatoxin, while groups F and D fed with normal feed and supplemented with vitamin E 100ppm and 1% Moringa oleifera, respectively, whereas groups E and C were fed with 400ppb aflatoxin containing feed and ameliorated with vitamin E 100ppm and 1% Moringa oleifera, respectively. This study was continued for 2months and immunologic disorders and reproductive parameters were observed during the trial. To find out immunological status lymphoproliferative response to phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P), antibody titers against sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) and carbon clear assay were performed by collecting samples from five birds from each group. The whole data was measured by ANOVA test, and group means were compared by DMR test by using M-Stat C software. Regarding the reproductive status, spermatogenesis, blood testosterone level, testes weight, testes histology, sperm motility, and morphology were negatively affected by aflatoxins, but these deviations positively ameliorated by vitamin E and Moringa. Vitamin E and Moringa found advantageous in boosting the immune status of affected bird.All the immunological parameters including antibody titers against sheed red blood cells, lymphoproliferativeresponse to avian tuberculin and phagocytic potential of macrophages were suppressed by AFB1 however incontrol, Moringa and vitamin E groups these immunological responses were significantly higher.