Changes In Testosterone Research Articles

The effect of a fermented soy beverage among patients with localized prostate cancer prior to radical prostatectomy

BackgroundFermented soy products have shown to possess inhibitory effects on prostate cancer (PCa). We evaluated the effect of a fermented soy beverage (Q-Can®), containing medium-chain triglycerides, ketones and soy isoflavones, among men with localized PCa prior to radical prostatectomy.MethodsWe conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized trial of Q-Can®. Stratified randomization (Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score at diagnosis) was used to assign patients to receive Q-Can® or placebo for 2–5 weeks before RP. Primary endpoint was change in serum PSA from baseline to end-of-study. We assessed changes in other clinical and pathologic endpoints. The primary ITT analysis compared PSA at end-of-study between randomization arms using repeated measures linear mixed model incorporating baseline CAPRA risk strata.ResultsWe randomized 19 patients, 16 were eligible for analysis of the primary outcome. Mean age at enrollment was 61, 9(56.2%) were classified as low and intermediate risk, and 7(43.8%) high CAPRA risk. Among patients who received Q-Can®, mean PSA at baseline and end-of-study was 8.98(standard deviation, SD 4.07) and 8.02ng/mL(SD 3.99) compared with 8.66(SD 2.71) to 9.53ng/mL(SD 3.03), respectively, (Difference baseline – end-of-study, p = 0.36). There were no significant differences in Gleason score, clinical stage, surgical margin status, or CAPRA score between treatment arms (p > 0.05), and no significant differences between treatment arms in end-of-study or change in lipids, testosterone and FACT-P scores (p > 0.05).ConclusionsShort exposure to Q-Can® among patients with localized PCa was not associated with changes in PSA levels, PCa characteristics including grade and stage or serum testosterone. Due to early termination from inability to recruit, study power, was not achieved.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for premenstrual syndrome symptoms in patients with obesity.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a pathological condition characterized by a series of abnormal physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. We evaluated the effectiveness of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in the treatment of patients with obesity and PMS. In this case-control study, 131 patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 27.5kg/cm2) diagnosed with moderate-to-severe PMS from March 2018 to March 2022 were prospectively selected to undergo LSG or not at their own discretion. Participants self-reported their PMS severity using the Premenstrual Syndrome Screening Tool. Among them, 68 patients chose LSG surgery, and 63 control group patients were followed up without surgery. Data were recorded at baseline and at 3months post-treatment. We used a multivariate analysis to assess the improvement in PMS symptoms and associated factors. Of the 131 patients with obesity and PMS, the improvement rate of PMS in the LSG group was 57.35% (n = 39), while the improvement rate of PMS in the control group was 25.40% (n = 16). Furthermore, our study revealed that surgery is an independent factor affecting the improvement of patients with PMS. Additionally, there was a correlation between alcohol use, T2DM and obesity-related metabolic diseases, and BMI with PMS. The changes in BMI, testosterone, and estradiol(E2) levels may also contribute to the improvement of patients with obesity and PMS. LSG can improve the management of obesity in patients with PMS to some extent. Changes in BMI, testosterone, and E2 may be indicative of improvement in patients with obesity and PMS.

Pre-pregnancy preparation of women with hypoandrogenism and female sexual dysfunction

The onset of pregnancy in the natural cycle is a task that requires the coordinated work of both central and peripheral levels of regulation of hypothalamic‑pituitary hormones. An analysis of the reproductive health of women with a menstrual cycle disorder against the background of hypoandrogenism indicates an unsatisfactory course of the early stages of the pregnancy process with the subsequent formation of infertility against the background of a reduced ovarian reserve. Hypolubrication is considered a clinical marker of hypoandrogenism in women of reproductive age.
 Objective — Optimization of pre‑pregnancy training in women with hypoandrogenism, menstrual cycle disorders and early pregnancy losses in the anamnesis.
 Materials and methods. A comprehensive clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination involved 90 women with menstrual cycle disorders and hypoandrogenism, from them 45 women received the proposed therapy (group Ia), and 45 patients traditional therapy (group IIa). The control group consisted of 30 healthy women at the stage of pre‑gravid examination. The age of women was 18 to 35 years. Hormonal reproductive background was determined on the 5 ‑ 7th day of the menstrual cycle in all examined women, as well as levels of thyroid‑stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody, vitamin D, homocysteine. The proposed algorithm of pre‑gravid measures included: 1) optimization of thyroid gland function (after consultation with an endocrinologist); 2) restoration of pituitary‑ovarian relationships in case of functional central hypogonadism; 3) therapy aimed at optimizing the prolactin level (target value 12.5ng/ml); 4) reduction of homocysteine level (target level 5.6 mmol/l); 5) normalization of vitamin D level (norm is 75—125 nM/l, insufficiency defined as 50—75 nM/l, and deficiency <50 nM/l). The target control parameters included restoration of lubrication, ovulatory menstrual cycle, onset and progression of pregnancy. IBM SPSS Statistics version 25.0 software was used for statistical processing of the obtained data. The control periods of therapy were 3, 6 and 9 months.
 Results. In women with proposed treatment algorithm, therapy resulted in the recovery of vitamin D levels, starting from the 6th month of therapy, and complete normalization was recorded at the 9th month of treatment. This indicates the need for long‑term supplementation of vitamin D in women with hypoandrogenism. A decrease in the homocysteine levels was also noted on the 6th month of treatment, and its normalization after 9 months of treatment. Elevated homocysteine levels and vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency were observed throughout the follow‑up period in the conventional therapy group. In women with the proposed therapy, the levels of follicle‑stimulating hormone (FSH), TSH, luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin tend to normalize already from the 3rd month of therapy, while the highest positive increase was noted in the LH indicator on the 3rd‑6th month of treatment. Ovarian steroidogenesis approached the indicators of the control group after 6—9 months of therapy. Proandrogenic steroidogenesis began to increase on the 3rd month of therapy, reaching maximum on the 9th month. Unsatisfactory indicators of changes in free testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA‑C) were noted in women from the group of the traditional pre‑pregnancy preparation even after 9 months.
 The specified features of steroid support of the hormonal background of women’s reproductive health demonstrated the following: signs of female sexual dysfunction in the group with the proposed therapy completely disappeared after the 9th month of treatment, and in the group of traditional therapy they continued to bother 91.1% of women. At the end of the observation period, the regular menstrual cycle was gained in 40.0% of women with the proposed therapy and in 6.7% with the traditional one. Progressive pregnancies in the group with the proposed algorithm were achieved in 37.5% of women (successfully overcame the luteoplacental barrier), and in 8.8% in the group of the traditional approach (ended by early termination of pregnancy).
 Conclusions. The period of formation of the luteal phase insufficiency is the specific feature of the restoration of menstrual cycle fullness in women with hypoandrogenism, which requires additional therapy to ensure the conditions for a full‑fledged secretory endometrium transformation. The pregnancy process takes place in unfavorable conditions, which can lead to early pregnancy losses. The period of pre‑pregnancy measures in this group of patients should last at least 6—9 months. Traditional pre‑pregnancy preparation does not contribute to the restoration of the central mechanisms of menstrual cycle regulation in women with hypoandrogenism, nor does it contribute to the restoration of full‑fledged ovarian steroidogenesis, it is accompanied by anovulation and insufficiency of the luteal phase, early pregnancy losses. Symptoms of female sexual dysfunction do not disappear under the influence of traditional treatment.

Effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on male reproductive function in chinese men with obesity: A prospective cohort study.

Obesity is a widely recognized global public health issue, and bariatric surgery has emerged as an effective intervention for alleviating obesity associated health complications. However, the impact of bariatric surgery on male reproductive function remains inconclusive in the literature. The current understanding of the impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on male reproductive function remains ambiguous, despite its status as the most commonly performed bariatric surgery. This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on erectile function and semen quality. A total of thirty-four obese patients were enrolled in this study and underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Prior to the operation and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperation, all participants were required to complete the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire and undergo a nocturnal erectile function test and semen quality analysis. Within 12 months postoperation, body mass index, blood lipids, and insulin resistance showed significant improvement. The IIEF-5 score increased significantly (18.88±5.97 vs. 23.78±3.19, P < 0.05), and the frequency and duration of erections significantly improved compared to baseline. Sperm concentration, total motility, survival rate, and sperm morphology parameters exhibited a significant decline at 3 months but demonstrated a significant improvement at 6 and 12 months post-operation. At 12 months, sperm concentration was shown to be correlated with changes in zinc (r = 0.25, P = 0.033) as well as changes in testosterone (r = 0.43, P = 0.013). LSG has beneficial effects on erectile function, despite a transient decline in semen quality at 3 months postoperatively, followed by a significant improvement at 12 months.

Intranasal oxytocin interacts with testosterone reactivity to modulate parochial altruism

The neuropeptide hormone oxytocin and the steroid hormone testosterone have received attention as modulators of behavior in the context of intergroup conflict. However, to date, their interactive effect has yet to be tested. Here, in a double-blind placebo-control design, 204 participants (102 female participants) self-administrated oxytocin or placebo and completed an experimental economic game modeling intergroup conflict. Salivary testosterone (n = 192) was measured throughout the task to assess endogenous reactivity. As a caveat, even at this sample size, our derived power to detect small effects for 2- and 3-way interactions was relatively low. For male participants, changes in testosterone predicted willingness to sacrifice investments for the betterment of the group. Intranasal administration of oxytocin strongly diminished this effect. In female participants, we found no credible evidence for association between changes in testosterone and investments, rather, oxytocin effects were independent of testosterone. This 3-way interaction was of medium to large effect size (Odds Ratio 5.11). Behavior was also affected by social cues such as signaling of ingroup and outgroup members. Our findings provide insights as to the biological processes underpinning parochial altruism and suggest an additional path for the dual influence of oxytocin and testosterone on human social behavior.

Testosterone bounce predicts favorable prognoses for prostate cancer patients treated with degarelix.

To clarify the clinical roles of changes in testosterone (T) levels with a cut-off level of 20 ng/dL as predictive factors for prostate cancer patients treated with degarelix acetate. A total of 120 prostate cancer patients who received hormone therapies with gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist degarelix acetate were retrospectively analyzed. The predictive values of nadir T levels, max T levels, T bounce, and other clinical factors were evaluated for overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and progression-free survival (PFS). T bounce was defined as satisfying both nadir serum T levels of <20 ng/dL and max serum T levels of ≥20 ng/dL during hormone therapies. In 120 prostate cancer patients, 16 (13%) patients did not achieve nadir T < 20 ng/dL, and 76 (63%) patients had max T ≥ 20 ng/dL. The median times to nadir T and max T are 108 and 312 days, respectively. T bounce was shown in 60 (50%) patients and is associated with favorable prognoses both for OS (p = 0.0019) and CSS (p = 0.0013) but not for PFS (p = 0.92). While in the subgroup analyses of the patients with the progression of the first-line hormone therapies, T bounce predicts favorable OS (p = 0.0015) and CSS (p = 0.0013) after biochemical recurrence. The present study revealed that T bounce with cut-off levels of 20 ng/dL is a promising biomarker that predicts OS and CSS for prostate cancer patients treated with degarelix acetate.

Clinical significance of endocrine disorders in the development of early vascular aging in males with abdominal obesity and concomitant arterial hypertension: An observational cohort study

Background. Visceral obesity is a risk factor in the development of metabolic and endocrine disorders leading to arterial hypertension and cardiovascular complications. Their early predictors include increased vascular stiffness and early vascular aging. The current literature lacks studies into the effects of changes in testosterone, cortisol, and aldosterone levels in serum on vascular stiffness and the development of early vascular aging in patients with visceral obesity. Objective. To determine the relationship between hypercortisolemia, hyperaldosteronemia, and hypotestosteronemia and vascular stiffness and the presence of early vascular aging in male patients with visceral obesity. Methods. An observational cohort study of 78 males aged 35–45 years (mean age 38.1 ± 6.5 years) diagnosed with abdominal obesity and grade 1 arterial hypertension was conducted. The mean waist circumference ranged 105.5 ± 6.9 cm; systolic and diastolic blood pressure ranged 152.5 ± 5.0 and 92.5 ± 5.0 mm Hg, respectively. The vascular age of the studied patients (n = 78) comprised 44.1 ± 6.2 years, which was statistically higher than their passport age (р &lt; 0.001). The studied patients were divided into subgroups according to both total testosterone (&lt; 12.1 nmol/l in subgroup 1A (n = 49) and ≥ 12.1 nmol/L in subgroup 1B (n = 29)) and cortisol in the evening saliva portion (&gt; 4.5 nmol/L in subgroup 2A (n = 24) and ≤ 4.5 nmol/L in subgroup 2B (n = 24)). All the patients completed the study. To assess the hormonal status, the total testosterone sex steroid-binding globulin (SSBP) and insulin in morning serum samples were investigated. Insulin resistance was assessed based on the NOMA-IR index. The concentration of total testosterone was determined by enhanced chemiluminescence (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, J&amp;J); the SSBP and insulin levels were determined by delayed fluorescence. Aldosterone content was determined by radioimmunoassay; free cortisol and testosterone were measured by luminescent LIA. Free and bioavailable testosterone concentrations in serum were calculated using an online calculator (issam.ch/freetesto.htm). The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was determined using a VaSera VS-15000N device, which automatically calculated the vascular age. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 10.0 Windows package (StatSoft, Inc., USA). Results. The vascular age of patients with hypogonadism was statistically significantly ( р &lt; 0.001) higher than their passport age and the vascular age in males without hypogonadism. The CAVI and vascular age were also statistically significantly higher in males with functional hypercorticism (р &lt; 0.001) compared with a subgroup of patients without hypercorticism. The vascular age and CAVI increased with an increase in the salivary cortisol concentration 2200 (r = 0.5; р &lt; 0.05) and decreased with an increase in the salivary cortisol level 900 (r = –0.5; р &lt; 0.05). These parameters decreased with an increase in serum aldosterone obtained in the morning (r = –0.4; p &lt; 0.05) and increased with an increase in serum aldosterone in the evening (r = 0.4; p &lt; 0.05). In 23% (n = 18), an inversion of the daily rhythm of cortisol production was observed; in these patients, salivary cortisol levels of 2200 exceeded salivary cortisol levels of 900. The vascular age of patients with the inversion of cortisol production (49.4 ± 4.4 years) was statistically significantly ( р &lt; 0.001) different from that of patients with normal changes in salivary cortisol concentrations (41.9 ± 4.9 years). CAVI was also higher (р &lt; 0.001) in males with inverted fluctuations in salivary cortisol levels (7.51 ± 0.62) compared to those with normal diurnal rhythm (6.45 ± 0.69). The results of aldosterone evaluation revealed that 17% of the patients (n = 13) had higher aldosterone levels in the evening serum portion compared to the morning serum portion. In these patients, the vascular age (45.8 ± 5.1 years) was higher ( р &lt; 0.001) than that in males with normal physiologic changes in aldosterone levels (41.6 ± 5.7 years). A similar pattern was observed when comparing vascular stiffness indices. Thus, the CAVI in men with inverted changes in aldosterone concentration (6.9 ± 0.8) was significantly higher ( р &lt; 0.001), compared to that in men with physiological changes in blood aldosterone levels (6.4 ± 0.8). Conclusion. Endocrinologic disorders in male patients with visceral obesity and concomitant arterial hypertension (functional hypogonadism, functional hypercorticism, inverted daily rhythms of cortisol and aldosterone production) contribute to the development of early vascular aging by increasing vascular stiffness.

Longitudinal Changes in Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) and Risk of Incident Diabetes: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN).

To investigate the associations of longitudinal changes in sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone (T) over the menopause transition with the risk of diabetes. We followed 2,952 participants in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) who were premenopausal or early perimenopausal and diabetes-free at baseline. SHBG,T, and estradiol (E2) levels were measured at up to 13 follow-up visits (over up to 17 years). We used complementary log-log-based discrete-time survival models anchored at baseline. Diabetes developed in 376 women. A 5-unit increase in time-varying SHBG was associated with a 10% reduced risk of diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 0.91, 95% CI 0.87-0.95), adjusting for covariates, and baseline SHBG,T, and E2 levels. Time-varying T was not associated with diabetes risk. Compared with the lowest quartile for annual rate of change of SHBG since baseline (quartile 1 [Q1] -92.3 to -1.5 nmol/L), all other quartiles were associated with a decreased risk of diabetes adjusting for covariates and baseline SHBG; associations persisted after adjusting for rate of change of T and E2 (Q2 [> -1.5 to -0.2 nmol/L] HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.23-0.48; Q3 [> -0.2 to 1.3 nmol/L] HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.25-0.55; Q4 [>1.3 to 82.0 nmol/L] HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.30-0.63). Increasing levels of SHBG over the menopause transition were associated with a decreased risk of incident diabetes. Stable to increasing rates of change in SHBG were also independently associated with a decreased risk of diabetes compared with decreasing rates of change, suggesting SHBG may affect glucose through a mechanism beyond androgenicity.

Camel filariasis (Dipetalonema evansi) and its association with clinical balanoposthitis with reference to prominent changes in clinical findings, serum testosterone, semen analysis, and testicular histopathology

BackgroundCamel filariasis induced variable clinical syndromes characterized by fever, lethargy, localized dermal lesions, loss of condition, and testicular and scrotal swelling. The objective of the present work focused on clarifying the diagnostic importance of clinical findings, serum testosterone, and semen analysis as well as blood smear and testicular histopathology as a differential tool between only balanoposthitis without filariasis male camels group (OnlyBpgr) and balanoposthitis-filariasis infected male camels group (BpFlgr). The study also monitored the associations between the severity of ticks’ infestations in investigated male camels and the occurrence of balanoposthitis only or balanoposthitis with filariasis.Results and conclusionsThe study reported significant correlation between serum testosterone, serum cortisol, and sperm vitality and abnormalities percentages. The study included male camels (n = 250) classified into three groups: healthy control group (Contgr; n = 30), OnlyBpgr (n = 210), and BpFlgr (n = 10). These male camels were clinically and laboratory examined, and skin scraping tests and testicular histopathology were conducted. The study confirmed the association of the changes in clinical findings, whole blood picture, serum testosterone, serum cortisol, and semen analysis, with OnlyBpgr and BpFlgr. These changes were more prominent in BpFlgr than in OnlyBpgr. Skin scraping test results revealed a higher severity of live ticks’ infestation in BpFlgr than in OnlyBpgr because, unlike OnlyBpgr, all camels in BpFlgr (n = 10) were suffering from live ticks’ infestation. It also concluded the higher efficacy of histopathology of testicular tissues in male camels as a diagnostic tool for adult filaria in balanoposthitis-affected male camels than blood smear because all cases of camel filariasis in the current work were negative for microfilaria on microscopic examination of diurnal blood smear as well as testicular histopathology revealed detection of adult filaria in all camel filariasis associated with balanoposthitis. Strong correlation relationships were demonstrated between serum testosterone, serum cortisol, and semen analysis results. Positive correlations were reported between serum testosterone levels and sperm vitality percentages. However, negative correlations were stated between serum testosterone and each of serum cortisol and sperm abnormalities either in Contgr, OnlyBpgr, or BpFlgr.

Maturity-Associated Longitudinal Variations in Exercise-Induced Acute Hormonal Responses in Adolescent Male Athletes.

To examine longitudinal changes in exercise-induced hormonal responses in adolescent male basketball players. Fifteen adolescent males were assigned to prepeak height velocity (pre-PHV) and post-PHV groups according to the predicted age at PHV. Salivary testosterone, cortisol levels, and the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio were evaluated before (PRE), immediately after (POST), and 15minutes after a bodyweight resistance training session, which was repeated after 1year to analyze longitudinal changes in testosterone and cortisol levels. Resting testosterone levels and acute testosterone responses after bodyweight resistance training increased in both groups after 1year at all measurement points. The POST testosterone levels at initial measurement and PRE and 15-minute postexercise levels at 1year in the post-PHV group were significantly higher than those in the pre-PHV group. Cortisol levels significantly decreased in the post-PHV group at baseline and 1year later. In the post-PHV, the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio after bodyweight resistance training was significantly increased at baseline and 1year later. Although testosterone levels increase with age, no acute response to bodyweight resistance training was observed after 1year. The change in anabolic status indicated by the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio was due to a decrease in cortisol levels.

The effects of a land-based warm-up and accompanying passive heat retention on core body temperature, hormones, and subsequent performance in elite surfers.

Surfing is a high participation sport, yet little sport science research exists regarding competitive performance in surfing. Given surfing's inclusion as an Olympic sport from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics onwards, an examination of performance would seem useful. In numerous land-based sports, and in swimming, the importance of a warm-up and muscle heat is well documented. However, surfing is a unique sport in that it is undertaken both above and below water. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a warm-up in terms of readiness to perform in surfing. We discuss this in the context of thermal regulation, hormone profile change, and the subsequent expression of "power" on waves-a key criteria that surfers are scored for. Nineteen advanced level surfers (i.e., competitive at just below national level in Australia; n = 15 males and n = 4 females) with mean (±SD) age, height, and weight of 24.5 ± 11.6 years, 174.7 ± 9.1 cm, and 67.7 ± 10.2 kg, respectively, were recruited. We adopted a repeated measures pre- and post-design whereby participants engaged in several simulated surfing competitions in an artificial wave pool; once after an active warm-up combined with a passive heat retention strategy (i.e., wrapping themselves in survival blankets-treatment), and once after no warm-up (control). Saliva samples were collected pre- and post-active warm-up, or at equivalent times under control conditions, for the measurement of testosterone and cortisol. Increases in these hormones have previously been associated with an enhanced readiness to compete. Our results demonstrate a clear thermoregulatory benefit from the treatment, with the participants' core body temperatures typically higher from the end of the warm-up to the end of the surf session following treatment (p ≤ 0.03), and a magnitude of increase in core body temperature once in the water that is greater following treatment (p = 0.01). A small magnitude upward change in testosterone (p = 0.01) and cortisol (p ≤ 0.001) following warm-up was also observed. Finally, warm-up was associated with an improved wave performance compared with the control, with a 20% increase in the performance score typically observed (p ≤ 0.01). We argue that the improved thermal profile may have influenced power and, as such, surfing performance was enhanced.

Changes in Testosterone and Corticosterone Profiles in Stone Magpie Birds under Songbird Contest Condition

Changes in Testosterone and Corticosterone Profiles in Stone Magpie Birds under Songbird Contest Condition

Association between serum testosterone changes and parameters of the metabolic syndrome.

Testosterone production is important in males, and various physical and psychological abnormalities occur in individuals with low testosterone levels. In the present study, we aimed to examine the effects of longitudinal changes in total testosterone levels in the same cohort. We included 178 male subjects who visited our hospital multiple times between 2018 and 2023 for medical checkups for at least 3 years. The median baseline age and total testosterone level (TT) of the cohort were 61 years and 4.74 ng/mL, respectively. The patients were divided into four groups based on the difference in TT (ΔTT) between baseline and last visit (Q1, n = 45; Q2, n = 45; Q3, n = 44; Q4, n = 44). ΔTT values ranged from -3.07 to -0.78 ng/mL in Q1, from -0.75 to -0.05 ng/mL in Q2, from -0.03 to 0.73 ng/mL in Q3, and from 0.75 ng/mL to 3.4 ng/mL in Q4. The median ΔTT were -1.22 for Q1, -0.35 for Q2, +0.19 for Q3, and +1.43 for Q4. Decreased TT tended to increase body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and visceral fat (p for trend 0.0136, 0.0272, 0.0354, and 0.0032, respectively), and decrease adiponectin level (p for trend 0.0219). Herein, we found that decreased TT increases visceral fat and decreases adiponectin levels.

Patient Satisfaction with Oral Testosterone Undecanoate in Men Who Received Prior Testosterone Therapy: An Open-Label, Single-Center Clinical Trial.

To evaluate patient satisfaction and symptom control in hypogonadal men transitioning from other testosterone therapies to oral testosterone undecanoate (TU). In this open-label clinical trial, men aged 18 to 75 years with hypogonadism were switched to oral TU after a sufficient washout of previous testosterone therapies. Treatment satisfaction and symptom control were primarily measured using the 9-item Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM-9) and quantitative androgen deficiency in aging males (qADAM) questionnaires, respectively. Secondary outcomes included changes in serum testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), hematocrit (HCT), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Forty-one men participated, with significant improvements in all TSQM-9 scores observed over 6 months. Symptom control as measured by qADAM remained consistent. There was a significant increase in serum T and E2 levels, but HCT and PSA levels remained stable. Switching to oral TU from other testosterone therapies is associated with increased patient satisfaction and stable hypogonadal symptom control.

Lycopene modulates testicular injury oxidative stress and caspases upregulation induced by fenvalerate in male rats

Fenvalerate (FEN) is one of the widely utilized synthetic pyrethroids that may negatively impact male fertility in animals and people, while the potential mechanism is still unknown. This study aimed to assess lycopene’s potential therapeutic value in protecting male rats from testicular damage and oxidative stress caused by FEN. In our investigation, 28 male rats were randomized into four groups at random: lycopene (10 mg/kg BW), FEN (20 mg/kg BW), and lycopene plus FEN. The rats got their doses orally by gavage each day for four weeks. Animals that had consumed FEN showed high levels of hydrogen peroxide and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, phosphatases, and aminotransferases. However, there was a considerable drop in antioxidant enzyme activity, glutathione, and protein content. Significant changes in testosterone, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones, and sperm quality were also found. In addition, the expression of caspases 3 and 8 in rat testes was significantly upregulated. Biochemical, molecular, spermatological, and histological alterations have all been brought back to normal by lycopene. These findings imply that lycopene may have antioxidant and preventive properties against testicular damage brought on by FEN. Keywords: Fenvalerate; Lycopene; Apoptosis; Semen quality; Oxidative stress.

Dynamic serum testosterone concentration may predict in vitro fertilization yield during ovarian stimulation by a gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist long protocol in women with normal ovarian reserve

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether dynamic changes in serum total testosterone (TT) levels during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) by a GnRH‐a (gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist) long protocol may predict pregnancy in women with normal ovarian reserve in in vitro fertilization.MethodsThe TT measurements were added to routine hormone tests during COS. The TT dynamic changes, clinical pregnancy rate, and quality of oocytes and embryos of 109 patients were analyzed.ResultsCompared with the non‐pregnancy group, in the pregnancy group the TT level on Gn initial day (TTinitial‐d) increased sharply when the dominant follicle reached a diameter 10–12 mm [TTfΦ (10–12)‐d] and on human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) day (TTHCG‐d), also the ratios of TTfΦ (10–12)‐d to TTinitial‐d (1.23 ± 0.37 vs. 1.10 ± 0.58, p = 0.040) and TTHCG‐d to TTinitial‐d (2.32 ± 1.26 vs. 2.00 ± 1.43, p = 0.019) increased notably. Of the 2 TT ratios, the first tertile limit was regarded as the threshold of high TT ratios (1.00, 1.45). High tertiles had higher pregnancy rates than low tertiles (82.86% vs. 42.11%, p = 0.006; 71.43% vs. 44.83%, p = 0.040). The 2 TT ratios were positively associated with the number of metaphase II oocytes and good‐quality embryos.ConclusionOf COS in a long GnRH‐a protocol with optimized outcome, serum TT kinetics appears to be characterized by sharp rises at the early and late stages of follicle growth. The ratios of TTΦ (10–12)‐d to TTinitial‐d and TTHCG‐d to TTinitial‐d may be predictors for pregnancy and qualitative outcomes of oocytes and embryos.

Long-term green-Mediterranean diet may favor fasting morning cortisol stress hormone; the DIRECT-PLUS clinical trial.

Fasting morning cortisol (FMC) stress hormone levels, are suggested to reflect increased cardiometabolic risk. Acute response to weight loss diet could elevate FMC. Richer Polyphenols and lower carbohydrates diets could favor FMC levels. We aimed to explore the effect of long-term high polyphenol Mediterranean diet (green-MED) on FMC and its relation to metabolic health. We randomized 294 participants into one of three dietary interventions for 18-months: healthy dietary guidelines (HDG), Mediterranean (MED) diet, and Green-MED diet. Both MED diets were similarly hypocaloric and lower in carbohydrates and included walnuts (28 g/day). The high-polyphenols/low-meat Green-MED group further included green tea (3-4 cups/day) and a Wolffia-globosa Mankai plant 1-cup green shakeFMC was obtained between 07:00-07:30AM at baseline, six, and eighteen-months. Participants (age=51.1years, 88% men) had a mean BMI of 31.3kg/m2, FMC=304.07nmol\L, and glycated-hemoglobin-A1c (HbA1c)=5.5%; 11% had type 2 diabetes and 38% were prediabetes. Baseline FMC was higher among men (308.6 ± 90.05nmol\L) than women (269.6± 83.9nmol\L;p=0.02). Higher baseline FMC was directly associated with age, dysglycemia, MRI-assessed visceral adiposity, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high-sensitivity C-reactive-protein (hsCRP), testosterone, Progesterone and TSH levels (p ≤ 0.05 for all). The 18-month retention was 89%. After 6 months, there were no significant changes in FMC among all intervention groups. However, after 18-months, both MED groups significantly reduced FMC (MED=-1.6%[-21.45 nmol/L]; Green-MED=-1.8%[-26.67 nmol/L]; p<0.05 vs. baseline), as opposed to HDG dieters (+4%[-12 nmol/L], p=0.28 vs. baseline), whereas Green-MED diet FMC change was significant as compared to HDG diet group (p=0.048 multivariable models). Overall, 18-month decrease in FMC levels was associated with favorable changes in FPG, HbA1c, hsCRP, TSH, testosterone and MRI-assessed hepatosteatosis, and with unfavorable changes of HDLc (p<0.05 for all, weight loss adjusted, multivariable models). Long-term adherence to MED diets, and mainly green-MED/high polyphenols diet, may lower FMC, stress hormone, levels,. Lifestyle-induced FMC decrease may have potential benefits related to cardiometabolic health, irrespective of weight loss. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03020186.

Effects of Metabolites, Sex, Sire, and Muscle Type on Chilled Lamb Meat Colour.

Meat is an important source of high-value protein providing sustainable nutrition for human health. The discolouration of meat results in significant waste, which threatens the sustainability of meat production in terms of availability, affordability, and utilisation. Advancing the knowledge of factors and underlying mechanisms for meat discolouration supports the sustainability transformation of meat production practices. Previous studies found that colour stability may be associated with signature changes in certain metabolites, including NADH, glutamate, methionine, and testosterone. This study aimed to confirm the effect of these metabolites and sex, sire, and muscle type on lamb meat colour. NADH and glutamate improved colour stability as evidenced by the increased metmyoglobin reductase activity, while methionine and testosterone had detrimental effects. Overall, lamb meat was discoloured with retail display for up to 10 days at 4 °C. The semitendinosus muscle had higher L*, b*, and hue angle and lower a* (p < 0.05) than other muscles, especially in ewes. Lamb meat from rams had a higher L* and hue angle and lower a* than the ewes (p < 0.05), especially in the colour-labile group, suggesting an interaction between sex and sire. The outcomes of this study will help make the production of meat more sustainable by assisting the meat industry in improving the selection of animals for meat production and processing practices to reduce meat waste due to discolouration.

Analysis of semen parameters, and hormonal changes of FSH, LH, testosterone, and libido following bariatric surgery.

Although studies have shown that bariatric surgery can have a positive effect on the patient's sexual function, there are still disagreements and contradictions in this regard. The present study is aimed to evaluate semen parameters, hormonal changes of FSH, LH, testosterone, and libido following bariatric surgery. The present research as a prospective study was performed on 20 male candidates for bariatric surgery referred to Golestan and Aria hospitals in Ahvaz in 2021. Semen parameters (volume, count, motility, and the percentage of sperm with normal morphology), hormonal profile (including FSH, LH test hormones), and sexual function were evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire before and 6 months after the surgery. The results of this study indicated that semen parameters did not change significantly 6 months after surgery in comparison with before the surgery (P < 0.05). After the operation, just the total level of testosterone increased significantly (2.23 nmol/L vs. 2.74, P = 0.009). However, LH and FSH levels did not change significantly six months after surgery (P = 0.858 and P = 0.287). The results indicated significant improvement in IIEF score after the operation (P = 0.011). The findings of the present study indicated that the decrement of weight as a result of bariatric surgery had a favorable effect on the levels of serum testosterone and sexual performance, while semen parameters did not improve after surgery.

Structural and clinical characterization of CYP11B2 inhibition by dexfadrostat phosphate

Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) represents a promising drug target because its genetic dysregulation is causally associated with cardiovascular disease, its autonomous activity leads to primary aldosteronism, and its deficiency leads to salt wasting syndromes. The serendipitous discovery that the dextro-rotatory stereoisomer of the racemic aromatase (CYP19A1) inhibitor CGS16949A mediates potent CYP11B2 inhibition led to the purification and clinical development of dexfadrostat phosphate. To characterize the pharmacophore of dexfadrostat phosphate, structure-based enzyme coordination with CYP11B2, CYP11B1 and CYP19A1 was combined with steroid turnover upon in vitro and clinical treatment. Dexfadrostat, but not its 5S-enantiomer (5S-fadrozole), precisely coordinates with the catalytic heme moiety in the space of the CYP11B2 substrate binding pocket forming a tight and stable complex. Conversely, neither rigid nor flexible docking led to a plausible coordination geometry for dexfadrostat in steroid 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1 – orthologue to CYP11B2) or in CYP19A1. The inhibitory preference of dexfadrostat was confirmed in vitro using an adrenal cortex-derived cell line. Dexfadrostat phosphate treatment of healthy subjects in the context of a clinical phase 1 study led to a dose-dependent decrease in urinary aldosterone secretion, accompanied by an increase in urinary corticosterone and deoxycorticosterone metabolites. Increased urinary corticosterone metabolites are indicative of CYP11B2 (18-oxidase) inhibition with clinical features reminiscent of patients with inborn corticosterone methyloxidase type II deficiency. An off-target effect on CYP19A1 was not observed as indicated by no clinical changes in testosterone and estradiol levels. Therefore, dexfadrostat exhibits the ideal structural features for binding and catalytic inhibition of CYP11B2 but not CYP11B1. Clinically, treatment with dexfadrostat phosphate leads to suppression of aldosterone levels by inhibiting predominantly one or both final CYP11B2-mediated reactions.