Changes In Testosterone Levels Research Articles

CHANGE IN TESTOSTERONE LEVELS IN ENDOSCOPIC OPERATIONS ON THE PROSTATE GLAND

To date, there have been single studies showing a decrease in testosterone levels in patients as a result of urologic surgeries. It was found that a low level of testosterone has a negative impact on the physical and mental state of men. It was also found that a low level of testosterone increases the likelihood of postoperative complications.Purpose. Study the changes in testosterone levels in prostate plasma ablation.Patients and methods. 47 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent plasma ablation of the prostate were examined. All patients were divided into 3 groups: Group I (14 patients) – patients with a normal preoperative level of testosterone (above 12 nmol/L), IIA group (17 patients) – patients with preoperative testosterone deficiency receiving HRT 2 weeks before surgery and during the entire period of postoperative follow-up and IIB group (16 patients) – patients with preoperative testosterone deficiency who did not receive therapy. In addition to standard general clinical examinations, all patients had a blood test for total testosterone, luteinizing hormone, sex hormone binding globulin. The level of free testosterone was calculated from the nomogram of Vermeulen, also testing was carried out using questionnaires AMS and IIEF-5.Results. The decrease in the level of testosterone as a result of the operation was noted in all patients. A month after the operation, none of the groups recorded a return of testosterone values to the original level. However, in the group of patients undergoing HRT, normalization of the testosterone level (12.1 nmol/L and more) was noted by 30 days. Also, early and late postoperative complications were assessed in all three groups. In the group of patients with testosterone deficiency who did not receive HRT, the number of complications was significantly higher. In the group of patients receiving HRT, there was an improvement in the general condition and erectile function, confirmed by the results of the AMS and IIEF-5 questionnaires.Conclusion. Performing plasma ablation of the prostate gland on a par with other methods of endoscopic surgery of the prostate gland leads to a significant decrease in the level of testosterone in the blood. Performing such operations against a background of testosterone deficiency adversely affects the clinical course of the early postoperative period, the development of complications and the general condition of the patient. Preoperative diagnosis and correction of testosterone deficiency is an important component that allows minimizing the number of risks and complications resulting from surgical interventions, as well as improving the quality of life and accelerating post-operative rehabilitation of patients.

Neonatal Overnutrition Increases Testicular Size and Expression of Luteinizing Hormone β-Subunit in Peripubertal Male Rats.

Proper nutrition is important for growth and development. Maturation of the reproductive axis and the timing of pubertal onset can be delayed when insufficient nutrition is available, or possibly advanced with nutritional abundance. The childhood obesity epidemic has been linked to a secular trend in advanced puberty in some populations. The increase in circulating leptin that occurs in association with obesity has been suggested to act as a signal that an adequate nutritional status exists for puberty to occur, allowing activation of central mechanisms. However, obesity-associated hyperleptinemia is linked to decreased leptin sensitivity, at least in adults. Here, we analyzed whether neonatal overnutrition modifies the response to an increase in leptin in peripubertal male rats, as previously demonstrated in females. Wistar rats were raised in litters of 4 (neonatal overnutrition) or 12 pups (controls) per dam. Leptin was administered sc (3 µg/g body weight) at postnatal day 35 and the rats killed 45 min or 2 h later. Postnatal overfeeding resulted in increased body weight and circulating leptin levels; however, we found no overweight-related changes in the mRNA levels of neuropeptides involved in metabolism or reproduction. In contrast, pituitary expression of luteinizing hormone (LH) beta-subunit was increased in overweight rats, as was testicular weight. There were no basal differences between L4 and L12 males or in their response to leptin administration in pSTAT3 levels in the hypothalamus at either 45 min or 2 h. In contrast, pJAK2 was found to be higher at 45 min in L4 compared to L12 males regardless of leptin treatment, while at 2 h it was higher in L4 leptin-treated males compared to L12 leptin-treated males, as well as L4 vehicle-treated rats. There were no changes in response to leptin administration in the expression of the neuropeptides analyzed. However, serum LH levels rose only in L4 males in response to leptin, but with no change in testosterone levels. In conclusion, the advancement in pubertal onset in males with neonatal overnutrition does not appear to be related to overt modifications in the central response to exogenous leptin during the peripubertal period.

Оценка тестостеронемии у мужчин, подвергнутых оперативному лечению стриктур мочеиспускательного канала

Testosterone plays an important role in the functioning of various organs and systems of the male body. Its diagnostic and prognostic values are studied both in urological diseases and in the patients undergoing non-urologic surgery. To investigate changes in testosterone level in patients with urethral strictures (US) depending on its baseline level, the cause of US, the age of patients and the number of surgeries. The study comprised 30 patients aged 19-63 years with traumatic (76.7%) and inflammatory (23.3%) US. Primary and recurrent US were diagnosed in 25 (83.3%) and 5 (16.7%) patients, respectively. Nineteen (63.3%) patients underwent excision and primary anastomosis, while replacement urethroplasty was performed in 11 (36.7%) patients. In addition to the standard diagnostic work-up, all patients were tested for total serum testosterone 24 hours prior to surgery and at 1, 3, 7, 14 days after the operation. 33.3% of men with US had a testosterone deficiency in the absence of any testicular or endocrine injuries and diseases. Surgery was associated with a drop in testosteronemia in 83.3% of patients. The degree of postoperative testosterone level decline and its changes were significantly influenced by the age of patients and the number of operations. Men who had baseline testosterone deficiency and underwent repeat surgeries remained in a hypogonadal state throughout the postoperative period. Investigating the clinical value of testosterone in men with US and the risks of their surgical treatment associated with testosterone deficiency will provide insight into the role of testosterone in the treatment of this condition and the decision-making regarding pharmacological correction of testosterone deficiency in patients undergoing surgery for US.

Unraveling age, puberty and testosterone effects on subcortical brain development across adolescence

The onset of adolescence in humans is marked by hormonal changes that give rise to secondary sexual characteristics, noted as puberty. It has, however, proven challenging to unravel to what extent pubertal changes may have organizing effects on the brain beyond chronological age, as reported in animal studies. The present longitudinal study aimed to characterize the unique effects of age and puberty on subcortical brain volumes and included three waves of data collection at two-year intervals and 680 T1-weighted MRI scans of 271 participants (54% females) aged between 8 and 29 years old. Generalized additive mixed model procedures were used to assess the effects of age, self-report pubertal status and testosterone level on basal ganglia, thalamus, hippocampus, amygdala and cerebellum gray matter volumes. We observed age-related increases in putamen and pallidum volumes, and decreases in accumbens and thalamus volumes, all show larger volumes in boys than girls. Only the cerebellum showed an interaction effect of age by sex, such that males showed prolonged increases in cerebellar volume than females. Next, we showed that changes in self-report puberty status better described developmental change than chronological age for most structures in males, and for caudate, pallidum and hippocampal volumes in females. Furthermore, changes in testosterone level were related to development of pallidum, accumbens, hippocampus and amygdala volumes in males and caudate and hippocampal volumes in females. The modeling approach of the present study allowed us to characterize the complex interactions between chronological age and pubertal maturational changes, and the findings indicate puberty unique changes in brain structure that are sex specific.

Muscles of the trunk and pelvis are responsive to testosterone administration: data from testosterone dose–response study in young healthy men

Testosterone dose-dependently increases appendicular muscle mass. However, the effects of testosterone administration on the core muscles of the trunk and the pelvis have not been evaluated. The present study evaluated the effects of testosterone administration on truncal and pelvic muscles in a dose-response trial. Participants were young healthy men aged 18-50years participating in the 5α-Reductase (5aR) Trial. All participants received monthly injections of 7.5mg leuprolide acetate to suppress endogenous testosterone production and weekly injections of 50, 125, 300, or 600mg of testosterone enanthate and were randomized to receive either 2.5mg dutasteride (5aR inhibitor) or placebo daily for 20weeks. Muscles of the trunk and the pelvis were measured at baseline and the end of treatment using 1.5-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. The dose effect of testosterone on changes in the psoas major muscle area was the primary outcome; secondary outcomes included changes in paraspinal, abdominal, pelvic floor, ischiocavernosus, and obturator internus muscles. The association between changes in testosterone levels and muscle area was also assessed. Testosterone dose-dependently increased areas of all truncal and pelvic muscles. The estimated change (95% confidence interval) of muscle area increase per 100mg of testosterone enanthate dosage increase was 0.622cm2 (0.394, 0.850) for psoas; 1.789cm2 (1.317, 2.261) for paraspinal muscles, 2.530cm2 (1.627, 3.434) for total abdominal muscles, 0.455cm2 (0.233, 0.678) for obturator internus, and 0.082cm2 (0.003, 0.045) for ischiocavernosus; the increase in these volumes was significantly associated with the changes in on-treatment total and free serum testosterone concentrations. In conclusion, core muscles of the trunk and pelvis are responsive to testosterone administration. Future trials should evaluate the potential role of testosterone administration in frail men who are predisposed to falls and men with pelvic floor dysfunction.

The effects of money exposure on testosterone and risk-taking, and the moderating role of narcissism

Although prior research has demonstrated that reminders of money influence motivations and behaviors, there has been scant attention to whether money cues can alter physiological responses. An experiment testing male participants assessed whether being randomly assigned to handle money versus paper would change men's testosterone levels and affect financial risk-taking. Results showed that the effects of handling money on testosterone levels and risk-taking depended on trait narcissism. Among men low in narcissism, handling money led to a greater increase in testosterone levels from Time 1 (baseline) to Time 2 (post-manipulation) compared with their counterparts in a neutral, non-money condition. Conversely, highly narcissistic men who were randomly assigned to handle money exhibited a weaker increase in testosterone levels relative to men in the neutral condition. The results of moderated mediation analyses suggested that money exposure affected financial risk-taking through changes in testosterone levels. Men low in narcissism became more inclined to take risks through an increase in testosterone levels, whereas men high in narcissism became more risk averse via a decrease in testosterone levels.

Differences in salivary hormones and perception of exertion in elite women and men volleyball players during tournament.

Sports tournaments induce both psychological and physiological stress, which seems to be different between men and women. Competition induces anticipatory rises in testosterone and cortisol levels, which may affect performance and physical exertion during tournaments. The aim of this study was to compare the changes in salivary cortisol and testosterone concentrations between men and women during an official volleyball tournament and to test potential correlations between changes in these hormones and perceived exertion after match. Three matches of each team were assessed in the group stage of the Men and Women South American Volleyball Championship. Salivary cortisol and testosterone levels were measured in the fasting state, before and after each match. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed after each match. Fasting cortisol concentrations were higher in women than men (~25%, P<0.001) while fasting testosterone was higher in men than women (~46%, P<0.001). Cortisol concentration increased only after the second match in men (+53.7%, P<0.001). Testosterone concentration was low before and after the third match in men (P<0.001) while it was elevated after the third match in women (P=0.003). The rate of perceived exertion was correlated with the change in testosterone levels due to the matches in both women (r=0.33; P=0.04) and men (r=0.44; P=0.02), which was not observed for cortisol concentrations. These results indicate that women have higher fasting cortisol, but lower fasting testosterone concentrations than men during a volleyball tournament. Thus, hormonal responses of women and men are different and related to their effort during the matches.

Investigation of the effect of naringenin on oxidative stress-related alterations in testis of hydrogen peroxide-administered rats.

Testis tissue is prone to oxidation because its plasma membrane contains many polyunsaturated fatty acids. Naringenin is a plant-derived natural flavonoid. We investigated the possible ameliorative role of naringenin on the hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 )-induced testicular damage in Wistar rats. Animals received 12mg/kg H2 O2 by intraperitoneal injection, and 50mg/kg naringenin via orogastric gavage for 4 weeks. In the H2 O2 group, the testis malondialdehyde level increased, while the amount of reduced glutathione, glutathione transferase activities, and the testis weight decreased. There were severe testicular damages in the H2 O2 group otherwise their grade were less in the naringenin+H2 O2 group. However, the serum testosterone concentrations decreased in both the H2 O2 and the naringenin+H2 O2 groups. The testicular zinc and calcium levels reduced in the H2 O2 -treated rats. In conclusion, the administration of H2 O2 caused oxidative stress in the testes and naringenin supplementation decreased the H2 O2 -induced effects, except for changes in testosterone levels.

Corticosteroid modulation and testosterone changes during alcohol intoxication affects voluntary alcohol drinking

A number of studies have shown that stress and an activated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are associated with increased voluntary alcohol drinking. Recently, associations have been found between activated HPA and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes in alcohol-preferring AA and non-preferring ANA, F2 (crossbred second generation from original AA and ANA), and Wistar rats. The aim of the present study has been to determine the role of corticosterone and alcohol-related testosterone-effects in subsequent alcohol drinking in AA, ANA, F2 and Wistar rats. The present study comprises of four substudies presenting new analyses of existing data, by which correlations between basal corticosterone levels, changes in testosterone levels during alcohol intoxications and subsequent voluntary alcohol consumption are investigated. The results displayed positive correlations between basal corticosterone levels and subsequent alcohol-mediated testosterone elevations, which was positively associated with voluntary alcohol consumption. The results also showed a negative correlation between basal corticosterone levels and alcohol-mediated testosterone decreases, which was negatively associated with alcohol consumption. In conclusion, the present study displays novel results, according to which the HPA axis, one hand, relates to testosterone elevation (potentially causing and/or strengthening reinforcement) during alcohol intoxication, which in turn may relate to higher voluntary alcohol consumption (AA rats). Vice versa, the HPA axis may also relate to alcohol-mediated testosterone decrease (causing testosterone reduction and disinforcement) and low-alcohol drinking (ANA, F2 and Wistar rats). In addition, the present results showed that alcohol-mediated testosterone changes may also, independently of the HPA axis, correlate with voluntary alcohol drinking, which indicate the impact of genetic factors. Thus, the role of the HPA-axis may be more related to situational stress than to intrinsic factors. In further studies, it should be investigated, whether the present results also apply to stress and human alcohol drinking.

Interactive Effect of Corticosterone and Lactate on Regulation of Testosterone Production in Rat Leydig Cells.

The increasing intensity of exercise enhanced corticosterone and lactate production in both humans and rodents. Our previous studies also demonstrated that lactate could stimulate testosterone production in vivo and in vitro. However, the production of testosterone in response to combined corticosterone and lactate on Leydig cells, and underlying molecular mechanisms are remained unclear. This study investigated the changes in testosterone levels of Leydig cells upon exposure to lactate, corticosterone or combination of both, and revealed the detailed mechanisms. Leydig cells were isolated from rat testes, and treated with different concentrations of lactate (2.5-20 mM), cortiosterone (10-9 -10-4 M) and lactate plus corticosterone. The production of testosterone were assayed by radioimmunoassay, and the key molecular proteins, including luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), protein kinase A (PKA), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and cholesterol P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) involved in testosterone production were performed by Western blot. Results showed that testosterone levels were significantly increased with lactate, while decresed with corticosterone and lactate plus corticosterone treatment. Protein expressions of LHR and P450scc were upregulated with lactate treatment. However, PKA and P450scc were downregulated by lactate plus corticosterone treatment. This downregulation was followed by decreased testoterone levels in Leydig cells. Furthermore, acetylated cAMP, which activates testosterone production was increased with lactate, but not altered by conrtiosterone. Our findings conclude that corticosterone may interfere with lactate, and restrict lactate-stimulated testosterone production in Leydig cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2135-2144, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of Quinolones on Serum Testosterone Level in Male Albino Rats

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;To determine the toxic effects of quinolones on serum testosterone level in male albino rats.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;Eighty male albino rats were randomly divided into A, B, C and D groups each group having 20 albino rats. These groups were further subdivided into A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1 and D2 having 10 albino rats each. Ciprofloxcin, ofloxacin and enoxacin dissolved in distilled water were given at 135mg/kg/ day, 72mg/kg/day and 12.5mg/kg/day to groups A, B and C respectively for 12 weeks. Only distilled water was given to group D which was control group for the same time period. Blood samples were drawn for testosterone hormone level estimation at 0, 14&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;, 28&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; and 42&lt;sup&gt;nd&lt;/sup&gt; day in subgroups Al, B1, Cl and D1 and then the animals in said groups were sacrificed on 42&lt;sup&gt;nd&lt;/sup&gt; day to identify testicular morphological changes. Rats in subgroup A2, B2, C2 and D2 were kept alive till 84&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; day after stopping drugs at 42 days to find out if there is any change in levels of testosterone after discontinuation of the treatment. Blood samples for testosterone hormone estimation were taken at 0, 14&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;, 28&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;, 42&lt;sup&gt;nd, &lt;/sup&gt;56&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;, 70&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; and 84&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; day from subgroups A2, B2, C2 and D2. Testosterone hormone estimation assay was performed on the collected samples.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;Testosterone assay showed significant decrease in serum testosterone levels in all experimental groups, when compared with control group. These levels did not return back to normal even after withdrawal of drugs. This study suggests a gonadotoxic potential of quinolones.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Quinolones reduce serum testosterone levels and should be used carefully for long term therapy.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Spermatogenic and Haematological effects of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Hymenocardia acida Stem Bark on Aluminium-Induced Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

This study was designed to determine the spermatogenic and haematological effects of aqueous and ethanolic stem bark extracts of Hymenocardia acida on Aluminium chloride-induced toxicity in male wistar rats. Thirty male albino Wistar rats were used and toxicity was induced using 100 mg/kg body weight (bw) AlCl3. The rats were distributed into six groups of five rats each. The drug and extract administration lasted for seven days, thereafter the animals sacrificed. The results indicated that oral dose of 100 mg/kg bw extracts of H. acida did not show any significant (p>0.05) change in testosterone levels when compared with both normal and negative control. Ethanolic extract showed non-significant (p>0.05) increase on Luteinizing hormone (LH) when compared with both normal and negative control group. Administration of AlCl3 caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), while the plants extracts caused a non-significant increase when compared with the negative control. Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substance (TBARS) increased significantly (p<0.05) in negative control, but decreased significantly in groups treated with aqueous and ethanolic extract of H. acida when compared with the negative control. Induction of AlCl3- toxicity caused a non-significant (p>0.05) alterations of most of the haematological parameters evaluated, but administration of the plant extracts was able to mildly ameliorate these effects (especially on RBC and Hb). The result of this study shows AlCl3 toxicity causes alterations of LH, FSH and TBARS, but aqueous and ethanolic stem bark extracts of H. acida may possibly ameliorate the alteration. Also, AlCl3- toxicity mildly influences the synthesis of certain haematological indices, but the extracts may modulate some of this interference.

Spermatogenic and Haematological effects of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Hymenocardia acida Stem Bark on Aluminium-Induced Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

This study was designed to determine the spermatogenic and haematological effects of aqueous and ethanolic stem bark extracts of Hymenocardia acida on Aluminium chloride-induced toxicity in male wistar rats. Thirty male albino Wistar rats were used and toxicity was induced using 100 mg/kg body weight (bw) AlCl3. The rats were distributed into six groups of five rats each. The drug and extract administration lasted for seven days, thereafter the animals sacrificed. The results indicated that oral dose of 100 mg/kg bw extracts of H. acida did not show any significant (p>0.05) change in testosterone levels when compared with both normal and negative control. Ethanolic extract showed non-significant (p>0.05) increase on Luteinizing hormone (LH) when compared with both normal and negative control group. Administration of AlCl3 caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), while the plants extracts caused a non-significant increase when compared with the negative control. Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substance (TBARS) increased significantly (p<0.05) in negative control, but decreased significantly in groups treated with aqueous and ethanolic extract of H. acida when compared with the negative control. Induction of AlCl3- toxicity caused a non-significant (p>0.05) alterations of most of the haematological parameters evaluated, but administration of the plant extracts was able to mildly ameliorate these effects (especially on RBC and Hb). The result of this study shows AlCl3 toxicity causes alterations of LH, FSH and TBARS, but aqueous and ethanolic stem bark extracts of H. acida may possibly ameliorate the alteration. Also, AlCl3- toxicity mildly influences the synthesis of certain haematological indices, but the extracts may modulate some of this interference.

Testosterone level changes after perceiving the body odour of a possible rival in human males: the role of facial symmetry

An individual’s body odour is a characteristic that is used to obtain information about conspecifics. However, to our knowledge the role of body odour and the degree of facial symmetry on testosterone changes among men as indicators of possible rivals has not been investigated yet. A group of 113 men were photographed to obtain their degree of facial symmetry, i.e., the small random deviations in facial bilateral traits. They smelled and assessed the odour of men with different grades of facial symmetry, and donated two saliva samples (pre- and post-stimulus sample) to measure the change in their testosterone levels. We found that testosterone levels decreased in symmetrical men who perceived the odour of asymmetrical men. Our results suggest that men could perceive characteristics in other men that are highly valued by women through odour to identify possible rivals, and that the observed decrease in testosterone levels could be related to an inhibition of competitive behaviours.

Temporal organization: A novel mechanism of hormonal control of male-typical sexual behavior in vertebrates

In vertebrates, male-typical sexual behavior (MSB) is largely controlled by gonadal androgens, however, the mechanism of this control is believed to vary among species. During immediate activation MSB is tightly correlated with circulating levels of androgens, while the organization of MSB by a hormonal event at a specific developmental period, early in ontogeny or during puberty, has been postulated in other lineages. Here, we put forward an alternative concept of “temporal organization”. Under temporal organization longer exposure to circulating androgens is needed for the onset of MSB, which can continue for a long time after the levels of these hormones drop. We tested this concept through long-term monitoring of MSB in females and castrated males of the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) in response to experimental changes in testosterone levels. Several weeks of elevated testosterone levels were needed for the full expression of MSB in both treatment groups and MSB diminished only slowly and gradually after the supplementation of exogenous testosterone ended. Moreover, despite receiving the same application of the hormone both the progressive onset and the cessation of MSB were significantly slower in experimental females than in castrated males. We suggest that the concept of temporal organization of MSB can parsimoniously explain several earlier discrepancies and debatable conclusions on the apparent variability in the hormonal control of MSB in vertebrates, which were based on behavioral testing at a few subjectively selected time points. We conclude that long-term and continuous behavioral testing after hormonal manipulations is needed to understand the regulation of MSB in vertebrates.

Effects of Testosterone Replacement on Electrocardiographic Parameters in Men: Findings from Two Randomized Trials

Endogenous testosterone levels have been negatively associated with QTc interval in small case series; the effects of testosterone therapy on electrocardiographic parameters have not been evaluated in randomized trials. To evaluate the effects of testosterone replacement on corrected QT interval (QTcF) in two randomized controlled trials. Men with pre- and postrandomization electrocardiograms (ECGs) from the Testosterone and Pain (TAP) and the Testosterone Effects on Atherosclerosis in Aging Men (TEAAM) Trials. Participants were randomized to either placebo or testosterone gel for 14 weeks (TAP) or 36 months (TEAAM). ECGs were performed at baseline and at the end of interventions in both trials; in the TEAAM trial ECGs were also obtained at 12 and 24 months. Difference in change in the QTcF between testosterone and placebo groups was assessed in each trial. Association of changes in testosterone levels with changes in QTcF was analyzed in men assigned to the testosterone group of each trial. Mean total testosterone levels increased in the testosterone group of both trials. In the TAP trial, there was a nonsignificant reduction in mean QTcF in the testosterone group compared with placebo (effect size = -4.72 ms; P = 0.228) and the changes in QTcF were negatively associated to changes in circulating testosterone (P = 0.036). In the TEAAM trial, testosterone attenuated the age-related increase in QTcF seen in the placebo group (effect size= -6.30 ms; P < 0.001). Testosterone replacement attenuated the age-related increase in QTcF duration in men. The clinical implications of these findings require further investigation.

Longitudinal Changes in Serum Levels of Testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone in Testicular Cancer Patients after Orchiectomy Alone or Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cisplatin

BackgroundControversy exists whether Leydig cells recover after testicular cancer (TC) treatment or whether premature hormonal aging will occur. ObjectiveEvaluate serial changes in total testosterone (TT) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in patients treated with orchiectomy alone (Stage I) or combination chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP). Design, settings, and participantsChanges in TT and LH were investigated during 5-yr follow-up (Stage I: n=75, BEP: n=81). A selected group of TC patients with mild Leydig cell dysfunction (LH ≥ 8 IU/l) were followed for a longer period (Stage I: n=20, BEP: n=23). An age-matched control group of 839 healthy men served as controls for TT and LH levels. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisChanges in age-adjusted TT and LH were evaluated separately in each treatment group with univariate linear regression analysis. The proportion of patients initiating testosterone substitution during follow-up was calculated. Results and limitationsIn the 75 Stage I patients there were no significant changes in LH and TT, while in the 81 BEP treated patients there was a significant decline in LH during follow-up (–24.2 percentage point/yr, 95% confidence interval: –38.5 to –9.9, p=0.001). In total, 11% of Stage I patients and 15% of BEP-treated patients initiated testosterone substitution. In the 23 BEP-treated patients with mild Leydig cell dysfunction there was a significant decline in age-adjusted TT (–0.9 percentage point/yr, 95% confidence interval: –1.8 to –0.04, p=0.04), while in the 20 Stage I patients there were no significant changes in age-adjusted LH and TT. Limitations include the retrospective study design. ConclusionsTT remained stable during 5-yr follow-up in TC patients treated with orchiectomy alone or BEP. BEP-treated patients with mild Leydig cell dysfunction during follow-up were at risk of long-term testicular failure and evaluation of Leydig cell function beyond follow-up should be considered in this group of patients. Patient summaryThis study shows that the majority of testicular cancer survivors had stable testosterone levels after treatment for testicular cancer. However, 11–15% of patients needed testosterone substitution after treatment.

837P - Long-term changes in testosterone levels in testicular cancer survivors

837P - Long-term changes in testosterone levels in testicular cancer survivors

Pulmonary exposure to cellulose nanocrystals caused deleterious effects to reproductive system in male mice

ABSTRACTOver the past several years there has been an increased number of applications of cellulosic materials in many sectors, including the food industry, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. However, to date, there are few studies investigating the potential adverse effects of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). The objective of this study was to determine long-term outcomes on the male reproductive system of mice upon repeated pharyngeal aspiration exposure to CNC. To achieve this, cauda epididymal sperm samples were analyzed for sperm concentration, motility, morphological abnormalities, and DNA damage. Testicular and epididymal oxidative damage was evaluated, as well as histopathology examination of testes. In addition, changes in levels of testosterone in testes and serum and of luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum were determined. Three months after the last administration, CNC exposure significantly altered sperm concentration, motility, cell morphology, and sperm DNA integrity. These parameters correlated with elevated proinflammatory cytokines levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in testes, as well as oxidative stress in both testes and epididymis. Exposure to CNC also produced damage to testicular structure, as evidenced by presence of interstitial edema, frequent dystrophic seminiferous tubules with arrested spermatogenesis and degenerating spermatocytes, and imbalance in levels of testosterone and LH. Taken together, these results demonstrate that pulmonary exposure to CNC induces sustained adverse effects in spermatocytes/spermatozoa, suggesting male reproductive toxicity.

Effects of two dominance manipulations on the stress response: Cognitive and embodied influences

In response to stress, physiological and mental resources are allocated towards those systems that are needed for rapid responding in terms of fight or flight. On the other hand, long term regenerative processes such as growth, digestion and reproduction are attenuated. Levels of the sex steroid testosterone are reduced in participants that suffer from chronic stress. However, beyond its role for reproductive functions, testosterone plays an important role in the regulation of social status and dominance, testosterone levels increase during competition or when the social status is challenged. The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), a laboratory stressor with a substantial social-evaluative component, can provoke an increase in salivary testosterone levels. Still, so far the reported findings regarding acute stress effects on testosterone are equivocal, possibly due to moderating effects. In this study we experimentally manipulated social dominance in 56 healthy participants (28m) by two independent manipulations (body posture and cognitive role taking) and subjected them to the TSST. We analyzed salivary testosterone and cortisol levels as dependent measures for the endocrine stress response. The role taking manipulation interacted with the testosterone response: we found the strongest increase when participants had to put themselves in a dominant (vs. submissive) role. Our results suggest that transient changes in testosterone levels during stress reflect a response to status threat that is affected by social dominance.