Blood Testosterone Research Articles

Clinical Experience of our First 50 Patients with Testosterone Undecanoate Capsules (Jatenzo)

ABSTRACT Introduction Testosterone Undecanoate (TU) in capsule form (Jatenzo, Clarus Therapeutics) was FDA-approved as a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for adult males with primary or secondary hypogonadism in 2019. We have now over 100 patients using TU capsules. The capsule is an oral self-emulsifying drug delivery system that is a highly lipophilic prodrug carried with lipoproteins into intestinal lymphatics, thus avoiding first pass metabolism of testosterone by the liver. Entrance into the left subclavian vein at the thoracic duct allows esterases to release active testosterone from the TU prodrug. Objective To review our experience with TU capsules in our first 50 patients, including initial patient experiences, medication drop-out rate, and relevant side effects. Methods This is a retrospective chart review of our patients prescribed and using TU capsules. We follow the PI regarding titration to identify the ideal TU capsule dose. Instructions to the patient included taking the capsule with some fat (spoonful of peanut butter, almond butter, or avocado). Based on TU reaching steady state at only 7 days, patients were instructed to take the 237 mg tablet in the morning and at lunchtime get a testosterone blood test. If the dose was adjusted, the patient repeated the above protocol at 7 days post dose adjustment. Results The study group consisted of the first 50 patients at our facility (mean age 54 +/- 9 years) who were prescribed and received the TU capsules. 82% of patients were on TRT previously; 49% had been on IM testosterone cypionate; 27% on testosterone gels. The mean testosterone value for these patients prior to TU capsule use was 347 +/- 86 ng/dl. This was higher than the clinical trial data as we did not require discontinuation of other TRT prior to starting treatment with TU capsules. Overall, 61% of patients remained at 237 mg BID TU capsules, 26% were titrated to 158 mg tabs x 2 BID, and 12% were titrated to 198 mg tabs x 2 BID. One patient's starting dose was reduced to 198 mg BID as his testosterone was elevated at the starting dose. Patients using other TRT's prior to TU capsules reported enjoying no longer needing IM injection, pellet insertion, negative aspects of gel such as messiness or transference to others. For patients for whom we had a baseline SHBG value, SHBG lowered in all patients with TU capsule use, thus increasing free testosterone values. For patients for whom we had a baseline dihydrotestosterone value, dihydrotestosterone increased in all patients, providing higher values than with other TRT strategies. No increase in hematocrit requiring phlebotomy was observed, nor hypertension requiring treatment. One patient discontinued TU capsule use due to bothersome heartburn. The large capsule size (2.5 cm long and 1 cm wide) was not a reason for discontinuation as the smooth capsule is easy to swallow. There were no liver function test abnormalities. Some patients observed increased erection function/libido several hours after taking TU capsules. Conclusions Our initial experience with TU capsules for the treatment of hypogonadism has been very favorable. Disclosure No

Association between ambient air pollution and blood sex hormones levels in men

Concerns are growing over time on the adverse health effects of air pollution. However, the association between ambient air pollution and blood sex hormones in men is poorly understood. We included 72,917 men aged 20–55 years from February 2014 to December 2019 in Beijing, China in this study. Blood testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and prolactin levels of each participant were measured. We collected exposure data of daily ambient levels of particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10) and ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide, and ozone. Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the potential association between ambient air pollution exposure and blood sex hormone levels. The results showed that both immediate and short-term cumulative PM2.5, PM10, and SO2 exposure was related to altered serum sex hormone levels in men, especially testosterone. An increase of 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5 and PM10 in the current day was related to a 1.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9%–2.3%) and 1.1% (95% CI: 0.5%–1.6%) decrease in testosterone, respectively, and a decreasing tendency of accumulated effects persisted within lag 0–30 days. The present study demonstrated that it is important to control ambient air pollution exposure to reduce effects on the reproductive health of men.

BIOMEDICINE ON HORMONE MEDIATION OF SPORTS IN ADOLESCENT HEIGHT DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical exercise is an important factor in regulating energy balance and body composition. Exercise itself is a kind of body stress. It involves the central nervous system, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and other systems. Sports have various effects on the hormones in adolescent height development. Objective: This article analyzes the effects of different time and load exercise training on the levels of serum testosterone, free testosterone, and cortisol in young athletes. Methods: The athletes’ blood samples were collected at the quiet time in the morning before each experiment, immediately after exercise, and at three time intervals the next morning. Then blood testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), and corticosteroids (C) were measured. Results: One-time and one-day high-volume training can cause a decrease in serum testosterone and free testosterone levels and an increase in cortisol hormones in young athletes. The testosterone level of young athletes rises immediately after exercise. Conclusion: Hormonal changes after physical exercise provide a scientific basis for athlete exercise load prediction and exercise plan formulation. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

Maternal postnatal early overfeeding induces sex-related cardiac dysfunction and alters sexually hormones levels in young offspring

Postnatal early overfeeding (PO) is a risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders. However, remains unknown the cardiac effects in the second generation from postnatal overfed dams. Our aim was to investigate the effects of maternal PO on cardiac parameters in second generation (F2) offspring. For this, pregnant Wistar rats (F0) were divided into two groups: normal litter (NL, 9 pups) and small litter (SL, 3 pups). At P70, female offspring (F1) of both groups were mated with non-PO male rats. At P21 male and female F2 offspring (NLO and SLO) were weaned, and at P45 they were euthanized to evaluate the cardiac function and sample collection. Male and female SLO showed increased body weight, food intake and adiposity. Blood estradiol levels were increased in the male SLO and decreased in the female SLO. Blood testosterone levels increased in SLO females, but not change in SLO male rats. Although SLO offspring presented cardiac hypertrophy, only males had ex vivo functional impairments, such as reduction of the intraventricular systolic pressure and dP/dt. Male and female SLO had increased interstitial fibrosis; however, only the male SLO had increased perivascular fibrosis. In addition, only male rats from SLO group had decreased AKT and Type 2 Ang-2 receptor, increased catalase and type alpha estrogenic receptor protein levels. Maternal PO leads to obese phenotype and alters sex-steroid levels in both male and female offspring. Although both sexes showed cardiac hypertrophy, only male offspring showed cardiac dysfunction, which may be related with Ang2 and AKT signaling impairments.

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation to Improve the Physiology and Psychology Response, Response-Ability, and Sleep Efficiency in Athletes with Poor Sleep Quality.

Athletes often have poor sleep quality before a competition. Sleep quality can stabilize mood and improve sports performance. The randomized controlled study explored the effects of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) on the physiology, psychology, response-ability, and sleep quality of athletes who had poor sleep quality before a competition. Athletes who had poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale score > 5) and had a competition in less than 2 months were recruited. The athletes were grouped into the CES group, which received a 2-week CES treatment (n = 20, age = 21.55 ± 2.26 years), and a placebo group (n = 20, age = 21.05 ± 1.46 years), which received a 2-week sham CES treatment. We performed biochemical analysis, a simple reaction time test, choice reaction time tests, the Profile of Mood States, heart rate variability (HRV), and an Actigraphy activity recorder to measure outcomes before and after the interventions. Our results revealed no significant differences in blood urea nitrogen, creatine phosphate, testosterone, cortisol, and saliva pH between and within groups (p > 0.05). Significant decreases in negative mood states (i.e., anger, tension, and depression) and choice reaction time in the CES group were noted (p < 0.05), moreover, the anger, tension, and depression mood decreased from 0.36 ± 0.45 (95% CI = 0.16–0.55), 1.62 ± 0.97 (95% CI = 1.19–2.04), and 1.67 ± 1.06 (95% CI = 1.20–2.13) to 0.11 ± 0.20 (95% CI = 0.02–0.19, p = 0.03), 1.12 ± 0.74 (95% CI = 0.79–1.44, p = 0.04), and 0.81 ± 0.75 (95% CI = 0.48–1.13, p = 0.001), respectively. Additionally, choice reaction time was decreased from 420.85 ± 41.22 ms (95% CI = 402.78–438.91) to 399.90 ± 36.71 ms (95% CI = 383.81–415.98, p = 0.04) and was also noted in the CES group. For HRV, and Actigraphy activity for sleep measure, the low-frequency (LF)/high-frequency (HF) ratios changed from 1.80 ± 1.39 (95% CI = 1.19–2.40) to 1.21 ± 0.73 (95% CI = 0.89–1.53, p = 0.10), and sleep efficiency decreased from 87.94 ± 6.76% (95% CI = 84.97–90.90) to 81.75 ± 9.62% (95% CI = 77.53–85.96, p = 0.02) in the CES group. The change in LF/HF after the trial were found between CES and placebo groups (p < 0.05). Yet, the decrease in sleep efficiency in the placebo group were noted (p < 0.05). However, we found that the regression line for sleep efficiency was decreased less during the study while using CES. The CES intervention could reduce negative emotions, improve choice reaction times, enhance the parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve activity imbalances, and slow sleep efficiency deterioration. Regardless, small effect sizes of the application of CES on psychology response, response-ability, and sleep efficiency were concluded in athletes with poor sleep quality before a competition.

Analysis of the Effect of Acupuncture and Pressing of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Recovery of Delayed Muscle Soreness in Athletes.

In this study, we have analyzed numerous effects of the acupuncture and pressing of traditional Chinese medicine on recovery of delayed muscle soreness in athletes. To implement this idea, a total of 84 athletes with delayed muscle soreness treated in our hospital from January 2018 to June 2020 were included. According to the random number table method, they were divided into the experimental group and the control group: among them, 42 cases were in the experimental group and were treated by TCM acupuncture. In the control group, 42 athletes used rehabilitation training. Compared with serum CK levels in the control group, serum CK levels in the experimental group decreased after training, and there was a significant difference (P < 0.05). After intensive training in the control group (P < 0.05), it indicated that acupuncture and pressing of traditional Chinese medicine was effective in the recovery of fatigue after exercise, which was significantly better than that in the control group. The serum testosterone value of the experimental group before intensive training had no significant difference, but the serum testosterone value of the moxibustion group of male athletes after intensive training was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Female athletes have a low blood testosterone base and are less affected by the gonad axis. There was no statistically significant difference in RPE scores before treatment. After treatment, the RPE score of the experimental group decreased rapidly (P < 0.05), which was statistically significant compared with the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS scores before treatment. After treatment, the VAS score in the experimental group decreased rapidly (P < 0.05) compared with the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, compared with the control group, the experimental group had a decrease in calf circumference, an increase in muscle strength, and an increase in the range of motion (P < 0.05). Acupuncture and pressing of traditional Chinese medicine have obvious clinical application value in the treatment of delayed muscle soreness in athletes, and they have great clinical application value. Muscle injury is a common disease of athletes.

Elevated prenatal maternal sex hormones, but not placental aromatase, are associated with child neurodevelopment

Fetal exposure to testosterone may contribute to vulnerability for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is hypothesized that placental aromatase prevents fetal exposure to maternal testosterone, however, this pathway and the implications for child neurodevelopment have not been fully explored. We examined the relationships between prenatal maternal testosterone and estradiol at 19.2 ± 1.3 weeks, cord blood testosterone and estradiol at birth, placental aromatase mRNA expression, and neurodevelopment using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), the Behavioral Assessment System for Children, 3rd Edition (BASC-3), and the Empathizing Quotient for Children (EQ-C) at 4.5–6.5 years of age in a sample of 270 Nulliparous-Mothers-to-be (nuMoM2b) study participants. Maternal testosterone levels were positively associated with SCQ scores, but the association was not significant after adjusting for maternal age at delivery, nor was there a significant interaction with sex. Maternal estradiol levels were negatively associated with BASC-3 Clinical Probability scores among males (n = 139). We report a significant interaction effect of cord blood testosterone and fetal sex on both total SCQ scores and t-scores on the Developmental Social Disorders subscale. Placental aromatase was not associated with any neurodevelopmental or hormone measure, but under conditions of low placental aromatase expression, high maternal testosterone was positively associated with SCQ scores in males (n = 46). No other associations between hormone levels and neurodevelopment were significant. Our findings provide a foundation for further investigation of the mechanisms through which maternal sex hormones and placental steroidogenesis may affect fetal hormone production and neurobehavior.

Nanoparticles of Costus&nbsp;speciosus Ameliorate Diabetes-Induced Structural Changes in Rat Prostate through Mediating the Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines IL 6, IL1β and TNF-α.

Diabetes mellitus is a common global health problem. Among the complications that are frequently associated with DM are the alternation of sexual function and fertility, especially in young men. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of nanoparticles of Costus speciosus (C. speciosus) in preserving the prostatic structure of diabetic rats and to explore the mechanism behind this effect. A model of DM was induced in male albino rats by a single intraperitoneally injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg body weight). Five groups (n = 10 each) of rats were included in this study: the control, C. speciosus gold nanoparticles-treated (150 mg/kg body weight through gastric intubation for 30 days), untreated diabetic, metformin-treated diabetic (500 mg/kg/day gastric intubation for 30 days) and the C. speciosus-treated diabetic group. The blood glucose, insulin and testosterone levels as well as oxidants/antioxidants status were assessed in the serum. Gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL1β and IL-6 were assessed in the prostate homogenate. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed and the prostate was dissected out and prepared for histopathological and immunohistochemistry study using Ki67 and Bcl-2. C. Speciosus nanoparticles significantly decreased (p = 0.03) the blood glucose level while significantly increasing insulin (p = 0.01) and testosterone (p = 0.04) levels compared to the untreated diabetic rats. Oxidants/antioxidants status was markedly improved after administration of C. speciosus. Prostatic expression of the mRNA of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL1β and TNF-α was down-regulated in metformin- and C. speciosus-treated rats. The histological structure of the ventral prostate was preserved in metformin- and C. speciosus-treated diabetic rats with a significantly thicker epithelial cell layer and significant increase immunoexpression in Bcl-2 and Ki67. In conclusion, the protective effect induced by C. speciosus nanoparticles on the prostate of diabetic rats might be directly mediated through the down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines and the up-regulation of antioxidant activity and indirectly mediated through the anti-hyperglycemic effect through enhancing insulin secretion.

Effects of systemic androgens on late-stage urethral wound healing: An animal study.

There are limited data regarding the effects of systemic androgens on late-stage urethral wound healing. To evaluate the effects of systemic androgens on fibrosis and scar formation in late-stage urethral wound healing. Forty-five male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups. First group consisted of 15 rats that were castrated on 23days of age and were given 5mg/kg testosterone undecanoate with 1/25ml cottonseed oil intraperitoneally at weekly intervals for 3weeks (castrated and replaced with testosterone rats [CAS+T] group). The castrated rats (CAS) group included 15 castrated rats. The remaining 15 rats underwent sham surgery. CAS and sham groups also received 1/25ml cottonseed oil intraperitoneally at weekly intervals for 3weeks. Furthermore, all groups were divided into three subgroups after testosterone/placebo administration (urethroplasty performed after first, second, and third weeks) in accordance with the urethroplasty timing. All animals were sacrificed 6weeks after urethroplasty. Serum testosterone level was measured, tissue samples were investigated using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome. Alpha-SMA, Coll 1 and Coll 3 primary antibodies were applied for immunohistochemical examination. Expression of cytokines and growth factors, such as Bax, Bcl2, IL-10, IP-10, TNF-alpha, TGFb1, MMP9, Col-I, Col-III, TIMP-1, fibronectin, fibroblast growth factor 10, platelet-derived growth factor, alpha-SMA, were also evaluated in the tissues. The blood testosterone levels were significantly higher in CAS+T group at the time of urethroplasty compared with the levels in CAS group; however, this difference was not observed at the time of sacrification (p<0.001 and 0.97, respectively). Histological analysis with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining revealed a significantly higher fibrosis in the sham group compared with the others. Significantly lower fibrosis was detected in the CAS group in the pairwise comparison of the pathological fibrosis area between the CAS and CAS+T groups (p<0.001). Furthermore, tissue collagen-1, collagen-3, and alpha-SMA expression levels were statistically different between CAS and CAS+T groups (p<0.001, <0.05, and <0.001, respectively). The tissue levels of BAX, TIM-1, MMP-9, Coll-I, Coll-III, TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 mRNA expressions in the CAS+T group were different than the levels in CAS group (as <0.5-fold and >1.5-fold changes, respectively). The expressions of all these markers were significantly higher in the sham group. The subgroup analysis of CAS+T group (urethroplasty performed after first, second, and third weeks) revealed similar histopathological wound healing findings. Debate continues on the effects and benefits of androgen use regarding urethral healing. There are two main routes for administration as systemic or local. This study focuses on the late-stage histologic and biochemical effects of systemic androgens. Systemic androgens adversely affect wound healing and cause abnormal extracellular matrix as well as scar formation.

Low testosterone concentrations and risk of ischaemic cardiovascular disease in ageing: not just a problem for older men

Coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and ischaemic stroke increase sharply in prevalence with age in both men and women.1 The understanding that such diseases are more likely to occur in women after the menopause has motivated research into the cardiovascular effects of low blood oestrogen concentrations. By contrast, it is less well appreciated that blood testosterone concentrations also decrease gradually with age in women, although these concentrations can rise again at the start of the seventh decade.

A0394 - Firmicutes in gut microbiota correlate with blood testosterone levels in elderly men

A0394 - Firmicutes in gut microbiota correlate with blood testosterone levels in elderly men

Association of Smoking with the Blood Concentration of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D and Testosterone at High and Low Altitudes.

PurposeThis research examined the association of cigarette smoking and altitude with the blood levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, testosterone and carotid artery thickness.Patients and methodsThis comparative cross-sectional study involved 37 non-smokers and 24 smokers from a high-altitude area (≥2245 m above sea level) and 40 smokers and 40 non-smokers from a low-altitude area (39–283 m above sea level). The blood testosterone level was determined spectrophotometrically, and the 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentration was measured by ELISA. The IMT of the right and left carotid arteries was determined using ultrasound imaging.ResultsSmoking notably elevated the thickness of the intima media of the right and left carotid arteries at both high and low altitudes (p ≤ 0.001). Smoking at high altitude was associated with a significant increase in the concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D and testosterone, while at low altitude it was associated with a significant decrease in both parameters (p ≤ 0.046).ConclusionThese contrasting results suggest that future studies should focus on finding out if other biochemical parameters show any significant differences in smokers or/and non-smokers when they are tested at elevated height and sea-level. This indicates that dose modifications of medicines (related to alterations in vitamin D and testosterone levels) should be kept in mind while treating smokers and non-smokers at elevated height above sea level.

Correction of Androgen Deficiency in Men with Type 2 Diabetes.

In men with low levels of testosterone in the blood, it is believed that the symptoms can be regarded as an association between testosterone deficiency syndrome and related comorbidities. To investigate the effectiveness of testosterone therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and androgen deficiency. Testosterone replacement therapy was carried out in 26 men with T2D and clinically or laboratory-confirmed androgen deficiency. The age of the subjects ranged from 35 to 69 years old. Laboratory studies included determinations of the concentration of the hormones estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The observation period was 9 months. The average level of total blood testosterone in the subjects before treatment was 9.4 mol/l and was likely lower than that of the control group (19.3 ± 1.6 nmol/l). The levels of total testosterone in the subjects ranged from 3.9 nmol/l to 10.7 nmol/l, and hormone levels measuring less than 8.0 nmol/l were observed in only 11 patients. After a course of testosterone replacement therapy, a stabilization in total testosterone levels at the level of reference values (as compared to the start of treatment) was observed in the blood of men with T2D after 9 months of observation and the administration of the fourth injection (16.83 ± 0.75 nmol/l). The use of long-acting injectable testosterone undecanoate leads to normalization of total testosterone levels in the blood of men with T2D and androgen deficiency, and LH levels in these patients are unlikely to change.

Association of Anti Mullerian Hormone with Biochemical markers in womens with and without Polycystic Ovarian disease

Introduction: The frequency of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has come to nearly epidemic extents in ladies of reproductive age around the world. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the foremost common endocrinological problems in ladies. In expansion to chronic oligo-anovulation, the fundamental highlights of the PCOS incorporate raised levels of circulating androgens or clinical hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovary morphology, modified gonadotropin secretion, insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia frequently related with obesity. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the affiliations of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) with biochemical characteristics between ladies with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Material &amp; Method: Study design: Quantitative cross sectional Settings: Lady Wallington Hospital Lahore Duration: Six months i.e. 1st July 2021 to 31st December 2021 Methodology: Quantitative cross sectional study was performed at lady Wallington hospital Lahore. The total numbers of patients were 150. Age of females was in between 18-35 years. The diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome was made according to the Rotterdam ESHRE-ASRM criteria. The various parameters which include Body mass index, lipid profile, Blood sugar levels, FSH, LH, Prolactin, testosterone levels, AMH DHEA-S, HOMA-IR and adiponectin were measured. Collected data was entered in SPSS version 23 and analyzed. Results: Data for females with PCOS and control summarized briefly in table no 1. AMH level have significant p value 0.001 and clearly showed that it is higher in females with PCOS whether fatty or non-fatty than normal or control. Conclusion: In conclusion, AMH levels were essentially higher in ladies with PCOS, in any case of age and BMI, and exhibited no relationship with obesity, insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome-related factors. Only testosterone shown an impact on serum AMH levels in PCOS group, whereas age, adiponectin as well as testosterone altogether related with AMH levels within the control group. Keywords: Polycystic ovarian syndrome, AMH, Gonadotrophin, TSH, Insulin

Ipidacrine (Axamon), A Reversible Cholinesterase Inhibitor, Improves Erectile Function in Male Rats With Diabetes Mellitus-Induced Erectile Dysfunction.

ABSTRACTSBackgroundManagement of diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) is challenging because of its insufficient responses to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.AimTo compare the effects of ipidacrine, a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor, and sildenafil on DMED in a rat model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes.MethodsErectile dysfunction (ED) caused by STZ-induced diabetes mellitus was modeled in adult male Wistar rats, which were randomized to 4 groups: untreated diabetic rats, sildenafil (5 mg/kg), ipidacrine (3.6 mg/kg) and ipidacrine (6.7 mg/kg). The test drug (ipidacrine), comparator (sildenafil) or control substance (1% starch solution) were administered orally for 5 days or 14 days. Erectile function was assessed by the change in the maximum intracavernous pressure (ICPmax) following cavernous nerve electrical stimulation. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was recorded, and the ICPmax/MAP ratio was calculated. Sexual behavior, cholinesterase activity and blood testosterone level tests assessed.Main Outcome MeasureThe quantitative value of ICPmax/MAP 14 days after the start of administration of the test drug and the comparison drug.ResultsAnimals with STZ-induced diabetes mellitus showed a significant decrease in ICPmax and ICPmax/MAP ratio compared to the intact control group. When ipidacrine was administered to rats with DMED for 14 days, an increase in these indicators was noted. It was proved that ipidacrine at a dose of 6.7 mg/kg has noninferiority compared to sildenafil on the DMED model. Significant increase in ICPmax compared to STZ-control after electrostimulation of the cavernous nerve was recorded following administration of ipidacrine at a dose of 6.7 mg/kg (P < .05) and sildenafil at a dose 5 mg/kg (P < .05). Neither the test drug, nor the comparator were associated with increase in testosterone levels in blood; as well both drugs did not promote activation of sexual behavior.Clinical ImplicationsIpidacrine may be considered as an effective therapy for DMED but needs to be verified in human investigations.Strengths & LimitationsThe role of ipidacrine, was firstly demonstrated in rats with DMED. However, the results were obtained in animal experiments, and will be further tested in the study of receptor interactions and the determination of cellular targets.ConclusionThis is the first study to show that administration of ipidacrine, the reversible cholinesterase inhibitor, improved erectile function in diabetic rats and these results may be beneficial in further studies using ipidacrine for treatment of DMED, particularly in non-responders to PDE5 inhibitors.Bykov V, Gushchina E, Morozov S, et al. Ipidacrine (Axamon), A Reversible Cholinesterase Inhibitor, Improves Erectile Function in Male Rats With Diabetes Mellitus-Induced Erectile Dysfunction. Sex Med 2022;10:100477.

Evaluation of insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunctions in newly diagnosed polycystic ovarian syndrome patients

Introduction: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at increased risk of developing glucose intolerance and diabetes attributed to increased insulin resistance (IR). However, it is not clear whether β-cell dysfunction has a central role in pathogenesis. The distinction has important implications for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in PCOS with interventions that ameliorate IR. This study aimed to find if IR differs among the various phenotypes of PCOS and perform a quantitative estimation of β-cell dysfunction versus IR in patients of PCOS participants. Materials and Methods: This case–control study was conducted for 1 year in the Endocrinology and Gynaecology outpatient departments at Gauhati Medical College. Fifty women newly diagnosed with PCOS, as per the Rotterdam criteria, were considered cases. Fifty, age- and body mass index-matched healthy females were taken as controls. Fasting and postprandial blood glucose, serum insulin, testosterone, and oral glucose tolerance test values were taken. Impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and type 2 diabetes mellitus T2DM were diagnosed according to ADA 2011 criteria. IR and β-cell function were determined by “homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)”. Results: We observed an altered relationship between IR and insulin secretion, consistent with an intrinsic β-cell defect, wherein IR led to a decreased amount of compensatory insulin secretion in PCOS compared with normal women. The correlation coefficients relating HOMA%B to HOMA-IR were lower in PCOS, indicating less compensatory insulin secretion for a given increment in IR. Conclusion: PCOS patients are at increased risk of developing glucose intolerance and diabetes.

Testosterone levels in patients with psychosis versus healthy subjects

Background According to meta-analyses, one in 150 individuals will be diagnosed with psychotic disorder in their lifetime. Hypothesis arose that blood testosterone might be involved in pathophysiology of psychotic disorders. Testosterone could be one of the predicting markers of manifestation of early psychotic and affective symptoms. Objectives The present study aims to evaluate the role of testosterone between psychotic males and healthy controls and its associations with psychopathological correlates. Methods Blood samples were drawn from 61 acute psychotic patients consecutively admitted to the mental hospital without known comorbid endocrine disorders. Patients were included into the study if the criteria of ICD-10 F20- F23, F25 were met and compared to 69 control group samples. Severity of the psychotic episode was evaluated using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and venous blood samples were drawn for analysis of blood testosterone concentration (BTC) on the day of admission and on the day of discharge from the hospital. Results Psychotic patients compared to control group were same age group (34 ± 13 years vs. 31 ± 12 years, p = 0.180). Psychotic patients in comparison to control subjects had higher BTC (9.2 ± 8.6 vs. 5.3 ± 1.9; p < 0.001). The significant association has been found between anxiety (r = 0.290, p = 0.023), guilt feelings (r = 0.500, p < 0.001), depressive mood (r = 0.043, p < 0.001), hallucinatory behavior (r = −0.268, p = 0.037), uncooperativeness (r = −0.311, p = 0.015), unusual thought content (r = −0.313, p = 0.014), excitement (r = 0.391, p = 0.002) in BPRS score and BTC (r = −0.315, p = 0.013). Conclusions Psychotic patients had higher BTC compared to control subjects. BTC is linked to psychiatric symptoms manifestation.

Spermogram and Hormone Profile Indicators Analysis Among Patients with Different Types of Male Infertility Depending on Antioxidant System Status

The objective: evaluation of interrelation between indicators of spermoplasm, androgen profile and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in spermoplasm among men with different types of male infertility. Materials and methods. 39 men at the age ranged from 24 to 45 years with different degrees of spermatogenesis and hormonal profile disorders were examined; MDA content in spermoplasm among patients who were diagnosed with «secretory male infertility» (n=7) was 23.3-38.3 μm/l, diagnosed with «excretory-toxic male infertility» (n=32) – 17.3–53.0 μm/l, therefore this group was divided into subgroups: 1 – up to 19.9 μm/l; 2 – within 20.6–29.1 mcm/l; 3 – more than 30.0 μm/l. In spermoplasm of the control group (donor sperm), this indicator was within 20.8–24.9 μm/l range. Interrelation assessment between the investigated indicators was carried out by methods of variational and correlation analysis using non-parametric statistics. Results. Studies results showed that the number of white blood cells in patients’ sperm of all groups exceeded the standard, wherein a close connection between this indicator and MDA content in spermoplasm (r=0.99 and r=0.48, with α≤0,05) was established. In groups where lipid peroxidation activity was significantly higher than control indicators, the highest percentage of men (more than 40%) with reduced sperm activity and viability was detected. Free testosterone decrease was observed among almost 70-90% of examined men, while the most significant changes were found among patients who were diagnosed with «excretory-toxic male infertility» and high MDA content in spermoplasm. A close positive connection between MDA content and sperm dilution time (r=0.79; α≤0,05) was established in group of patients who were diagnosed with «secretory male infertility», as well as the level of LH in blood (r=0.74; α≤0,05); among patients who were diagnosed with «excretory-toxic male infertility» the status of the pro-antioxidant system, which is characterized as «oxidative stress» (third subgroup), a reliable negative association was found between MDA level in spermoplasm and the level of FSH in blood (r=– 0.75; α≤0,05). Conclusions. A relation between high MDA level in spermoplasm and increase of white blood cells number in sperm was established, as well as a decrease of sperm motor activity and content of bioavailable testosterone in blood.

Glutathione detoxication processes in females suffering from sterility

Thirty females suffering from sterility were examined. Fertility disorders were accompanied by hyperandrogeny. Hormones FSH, LH, testosterone and progesterone in blood were studied. Besides, an activity of enzymes GPO, GTD, GST, G-6-PD in washed erythrocytes and tissue homogenate of ovary was investigated. Findings obtained demonstrate noticeable disorders in glutathione detoxication processes in females with infertility and they are related to hormones level, in particular androgens. An increase of GPO in females with hyperandrogeny showed deepupdates in metabolism processes of steroid hormones in ovary. It manifests beforehand for development of follicle that is predictive sign of unovulation in the beginning of menstrual cycle.

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.