Changes In Testosterone Research Articles

Effect of fenugreek extract supplement on testosterone levels in male: A meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Different types of glycosides extract of fenugreek have shown androgenic and anabolic effect in male. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of fenugreek extract on total testosterone levels in male. Medline via PubMed, Scopus databases, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched up to November 2018 for randomized clinical trials comparing intake of fenugreek extract with control group. Data on change in serum total testosterone were pooled using random-effects models. A total of four trials were included. Fenugreek extract has a significant effect on total serum testosterone. Results from clinical trials suggest that fenugreek extract supplement has an effect on serum total testosterone levels in male.

The effect of altitude and progressive exercise activity on the profile of testosterone changes and Some of immunity markers in active student basketball team

Background and Study Aim. Training activities and altitude cause some of changes in the physiological adaptations and also athletic functionality. The purpose of this study was the effect of altitude and progressive exercise activity on the profile of testosterone changes and Some of immunity markers in active student basketball team.
 Material and Methods. As to subjects this survey, 36 active male students with an average age of (19.5± 0.83) were selected from 36 athletes with a maximum rate of oxygen uptake of about (VO2max=58.66± 2.9). The subjects, who were tested in the sea level f and post IAE (8 of periodical ascending to the height of 2800 meters for 3 days), were then asked on cycle ergometer (starting with 100 watts, increasing 25 watts every 3 minutes, with the work-to-rest ratio of 3 to 1) to exhaustion. The initial blood sampling of the subjects was done 72 hours before the main test to determine the similar conditions of the subjects, and to measure the initial level of Testosterone hormone, lymphocytes and neutrophiles, in the sea level. Also, the blood sampling of both after and before the progressive exercise activity and the IAE stage were done. The serumal concentration of testosterone was measured via Elisa method and the amounts of lymphocytes and neutrophiles were determined using Cell-Counter set. For statistical analysis, using the tests of Kolmogorov and Smirnov, repeated measurements were done in the level of (p≤0.05). The complete process of analyzing the result was done through the software SPSS22.
 Results. The outcomes of the present survey show the amount of lymphocytes and neutrophiles after a session of progressive exercise activity have had a meaningful increase (p<0.05). But, the increase rate of testosterone was not meaningful difference (p>0.05). Testosterone, lymphocytes and neutrophiles showed a meaningful increase after progressive exercise activity in IAE conditions (p<0.05). Also, the amounts of Testosterone, lymphocytes and neutrophiles, before IAE has not shown a meaningful rise, when compared to sea level conditions (p>0.05). 
 Conclusions. It seems that, even though these changes were not meaningful, they were effective in reducing both the functionality of the subjects and the exhaustion duration. Therefore, it seems that repeated IAE sessions over three days can provide physiological adaptations to height and decrease Prevent performance.

Influence of Weekly Workload on Physical, Biochemical and Psychological Characteristics in Professional Rugby Union Players Over a Competitive Season.

Dubois, R, Lyons, M, Paillard, T, Maurelli, O, and Prioux, J. Influence of weekly workload on physical, biochemical and psychological characteristics in professional rugby union players over a competitive season. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 527-545, 2020-This study aimed to (a) quantify the physical workload (P-WL) during training and games throughout the professional rugby season and (b) analyze the influence of the season period and weekly-WL, at short (acute) and moderate (chronic) terms, on physical, biochemical, and psychological responses during the season. Physiological (physical and biochemical) responses to P-WL were analyzed by examining changes in the individual Z score of the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIRT), submaximal aerobic tests (5'/5'-test), strength tests, countermovement jump tests, blood sampling, and "recovery-stress" scores (RESTq) in 14 professional players (26.9 ± 1.9 years). Changes throughout the season were analyzed using a linear mixed model to identify changes in P-WL, whereas repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyze changes in physiological responses across the season. The relationship between P-WL and physiological responses was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). The results showed that the preseason period comprised the highest level of P-WL compared with all other blocks across the season (p < 0.001). The acute P-WL, acute competitive-WL, and number of impacts seemed to be the WL parameters, which most influenced the physiological responses (changes in testosterone [T], cortisol [C], T/C ratio, IGF-1/C ratio, strength, and RESTq index). The chronic P-WL, particularly conditioning-WL, induced positive changes in fitness characteristics (YYIRT and 5'/5'-test). Finally, this study provides information to players and coaches alike as to the influence of P-WL on as well as adaptations in physiological and psychological indices throughout a playing season. This information can greatly inform the training and preparation of future players in different levels.

Long-term testosterone undecanoate replacement therapy: Impact of ethnicity.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is indicated for symptomatic male hypogonadism. However, the safety and efficacy profiles across different ethnicities for long-term TRT remain unclear. To measure the impact of ethnicity on various biochemical parameters following testosterone undecanoate (TU) replacement. A retrospective analysis of 50 male patients treated with TU from 2006 to 2017 in a large secondary care centre was performed. Changes in total testosterone, PSA, haematocrit, haemoglobin, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) over eight years of treatment were analysed. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to assess differences in these parameters between Caucasians and South Asians. Thirty-one Caucasians (age: median (IQR) 55.0years (49.0-68.0); total duration of follow-up 6.1years (2.9-9.3)) and 19 South Asians (age: median (IQR) 52.0years (38.0-69.0); duration of follow-up 6.5years (1.3-8.4)) were treated with TU during the study period. There was no significant difference in total testosterone levels between the two ethnicities. We noted a higher free and bioavailable testosterone in South Asians than Caucasians, albeit within their reference range. PSA was higher in Caucasians than South Asians at two and eight years of TU therapy. After one year of TRT, haematocrit was higher in South Asians than Caucasians at one year, whereas LDL and total cholesterol were significantly higher in Caucasians than South Asians. Caucasians have a tendency towards increased PSA, total cholesterol and LDL compared with South Asians with TU replacement therapy. There is a higher increment of haematocrit in South Asians following one year of TU replacement therapy. All biochemical changes following TRT were within the respective reference ranges suggesting no apparent risk of prostate cancer and venous thromboembolism.

Associations of fluoride exposure with sex steroid hormones among U.S. children and adolescents, NHANES 2013–2016

Fluoride mediated disruption of sex steroid hormones has been demonstrated in animals. However, evidence from humans was limited and contradictory, especially for children and adolescents. Based on data of the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016, a total of 3392 subjects aged 6–19 years were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Both plasma and water fluoride levels were quantified electrometrically using the ion-specific electrode. Sex steroid hormones of total testosterone, estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were tested in serum. Percent changes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in sex steroid hormones associated with tertiles of fluoride levels (setting the first as reference) were estimated using adjusted linear regression models by stratification of gender and age. Compared with subjects at the first tertile of plasma fluoride, percent changes (95% CIs) in testosterone were −8.08% (−17.36%, 2.25%) and −21.65% (−30.44%, −11.75%) for the second and third tertiles, respectively (P trend <0.001). Male adolescents at the third tertile of plasma fluoride had decreased levels of testosterone (percent change = −21.09%, 95% CIs = −36.61% to −1.77%). Similar inverse associations were also found when investigating the relationships between plasma fluoride and estradiol. Besides, the data indicated decreased levels of SHBG associated with water and plasma fluoride among the male adolescents (percent change of the third tertile = −9.39%, 95% CIs = −17.25% to −0.78%) and female children (percent change of the second tertile = −10.78%, 95% CIs = −17.55% to −3.45%), respectively. The data indicated gender- and age-specific inverse associations of fluoride in plasma and water with sex steroid hormones of total testosterone, estradiol and SHBG in U.S. children and adolescents. Prospective cohort studies are warranted to confirm the causality.

Seasonal Changes of Serum Gonadotropins and Testosterone in Men Revealed by a Large Data Set of Real-World Observations Over Nine Years.

Environmental rhythmicity is able to affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in several animals to achieve reproductive advantages. However, conflicting results were obtained when assessing the environmental-dependent rhythmicity on reproductive hormone secretion in humans. This study was designed to evaluate seasonal fluctuations of the main hormones involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in men, using a big data approach. An observational, retrospective, big data trial was carried out, including all testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurements performed in a single laboratory between January 2010 and January 2019 using Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay. Subjects presenting any factor interfering with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis were excluded. The trend and seasonal distributions were analyzed using autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models. A total of 12,033 data, accounting for 7,491 men (mean age 47.46 ± 13.51 years, range 18–91 years) were included. Testosterone serum levels (mean 5.34 ± 2.06 ng/dL, range 1.70–15.80 ng/dL) showed a seasonal distribution with higher levels in summer and a direct correlation to environmental temperatures and daylight duration. LH levels (mean 4.64 ± 2.54 IU/L, range 1.00–15.00 IU/L) presented 2 peaks of secretion in autumn and spring, independently from environmental parameters. FSH levels (mean 5.51 ± 3.24 IU/L) did not show any seasonal distribution. A clear seasonal fluctuation of both LH and testosterone was demonstrated in a large cohort of adult men, although a circannual seasonality of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal hormones in humans could be not strictly evolutionarily required. Testosterone seasonality seems independent from LH fluctuations, which could be regulated by cyclic central genes expression, and more sensible to environmental temperatures and daylight duration.

006 Using Serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone to Evaluate Changes in Intratesticular Testosterone Among Men Receiving Therapies That Alter Serum Testosterone

006 Using Serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone to Evaluate Changes in Intratesticular Testosterone Among Men Receiving Therapies That Alter Serum Testosterone

188 Comparative Assessment of Outcomes Using Two Different Intramuscular Testosterone Replacement Therapy Regimens

Hypogonadism is defined as serum total testosterone level < 300 ng/dL in combination with clinical signs or symptoms. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) aims to restore testosterone levels and reverse the signs and symptoms of hypogonadism. Several testosterone delivery systems, including intramuscular (IM) injections, are currently available. Nevertheless, side effect profile for the different dosing regimens of IM testosterone injections has not been investigated. We sought to compare outcomes using two different commonly used IM TRT regimens. We conducted a multi-institutional retrospective review of charts of men who presented to 4 different clinics between 2015 and 2019. Patients were included if they were 18 years or older and received one of the following TRT regimens: 100mg IM once weekly or 200mg IM once every other week. Patients were excluded if they received any additional non-TRT hormone replacement therapies in the last 6 months or had a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Primary outcomes were absolute and relative changes in Total Testosterone (TT), Free Testosterone (FT), Estradiol (E), Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and Hematocrit (Hct) at 3, 6 and 12 months after initiation of TRT. Secondary outcomes were any significant rises in E, Hct, PSA, and any other treatment related adverse events requiring cessation of TRT.

Bumpy and Smoother Pathways of Puberty Hormone Change: A Novel Way to Define Gonadal Hormone Trajectories in Adolescents.

ContextThe study of gonadal hormone effects on adolescent wellbeing has been limited by logistical challenges. Urine hormone profiling offers new opportunities to understand the health and behavioral implications of puberty hormones.ObjectiveTo characterize pubertal change in urinary testosterone and estradiol among male and female adolescents, respectively.DesignThree-year prospective cohort study.SettingAustralian regional community.Participants282 (163 male) normally developing adolescents aged 11.8 ± 1.0 years at baseline.Main outcome measureQuarterly urine measurements of testosterone and estradiol (mass spectrometry); annual anthropometric assessment and Tanner stage (TS) self-report.ResultsTwo-class sigmoidal and quadratic growth mixture models (centered on age at TS3) were identified as best-fit for describing testosterone (male) and estradiol (female) change. Classes 1 (male: 63%; female: 82%) and 2 (male: 37%; female: 18%) were respectively named the “stable” and “unstable” trajectories, characterized by different standard deviation of quarterly hormone change and magnitude of hormone peaks and troughs (all P < 0.001). Compared with class 1 (stable), class 2 males were taller at baseline (154 vs 151 cm), reported earlier and faster TS progression (P < 0.01), and showed higher serum testosterone levels at baseline and 3 years (P ≤ 0.01). Class 2 females exhibited smaller height and weight gains over the 3 years and had higher baseline serum estradiol (249 vs 98 pmol/L; P = 0.002) than class 1.ConclusionsAdolescents showed 2 distinct urinary gonadal hormone trajectories, characterized by stability of change over time, which were not associated with consistent anthropometric differences. Results provide a methodology for studying gonadal hormone impacts on other aspects of biopsychosocial wellbeing. Identification of potential “at-risk” hormone groups would be important for planning supportive interventions.

Salivary and Serum Concentrations of Cortisol and Testosterone at Rest and in Response to Intense Exercise in Boys Versus Men.

This study compared salivary and serum concentrations of testosterone and cortisol at rest and in response to intense multitask exercise in boys and men. Early morning saliva and venous blood samples were obtained before and 15minutes after exercise from 30 competitive swimmers (15 boys, age 14.3 [1.9]y; 15 men, age 21.7 [3.1]y). Exercise included a swim-bench maximal strength task and an all-out 200-m swim, followed by a high-intensity interval swimming protocol (5 × 100m, 5 × 50m, and 5 × 25m). At baseline, fasting testosterone (but not cortisol) concentration was higher in men than boys in serum and saliva (P < .05). Salivary and serum cortisol increased postexercise, with a greater increase in men compared with boys (men: 226% and 242%; boys: 78% and 64%, respectively; group by time interaction, P < .05). Testosterone was reduced postexercise in serum but not in saliva (men: -14.7% and 0.1%; boys: -33.9% and -4.5%, respectively, fluid by time interaction, P < .01). Serum and salivary cortisol (but not testosterone), preexercise and postexercise values were strongly correlated in both men and boys (r = .79 and .82, respectively; P < .01). In summary, early morning high-intensity exercise results in a decrease in testosterone in serum, but not saliva, and an increase in cortisol irrespective of the fluid used, in both boys and men. When examining immediate postexercise changes, the lack of correlation in testosterone between saliva and serum suggests that saliva may not be an appropriate fluid to examine changes in testosterone. The high correlation observed between serum and saliva for cortisol indicates that, in both boys and men, saliva may be used to monitor the immediate cortisol response to exercise.

Seasonal changes of serum gonadotropins and testosterone in men: a reappraisal from a large data set of real-world observations over eight years

Seasonal changes of serum gonadotropins and testosterone in men: a reappraisal from a large data set of real-world observations over eight years

Short-term effect of pharmacologically induced alterations in testosterone levels on common blood biomarkers in a controlled healthy human model

Testosterone deficiency in males is associated with serious comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes type two, and also an increased risk of premature death. The pathogenetic mechanism behind this association, however, has not yet been clarified and is potentially bidirectional. The aim of this clinical trial was to gain insight into the short-term effect of changes in testosterone on blood analytes in healthy young men. Thirty healthy young male volunteers were recruited and monitored in our designed human model. Blood sampling was performed prior to and 3 weeks after pharmacological castration with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist. Subsequently, testosterone replacement with 1000 mg testosterone undecanoate was given and additional blood samples were collected 2 weeks later. The alterations in the levels of 37 routine biomarkers were statistically analysed. Eight biomarkers changed significantly in a similar manner as testosterone between the time points (e.g. prostate specific antigen, creatinine and magnesium), whereas seven other markers changed in the inverse manner as testosterone, including sexual hormone-binding globulin, urea, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Most of our results were supported by data from other studies. The designed controlled human model yielded changes in known biomarkers suggesting that low testosterone has a negative effect on health in young healthy men.

Experimental empathy induction promotes oxytocin increases and testosterone decreases

Oxytocin and testosterone coordinate adaptive social behaviors with stimuli in the environment. Administration of oxytocin and testosterone is associated with increased and reduced indicators of empathy, respectively, but how levels of these hormones are jointly affected by naturalistic empathy-inducing stimuli remains unclear. In this study, salivary oxytocin and testosterone levels were measured in 173 healthy adults before and after watching a video involving a gravely ill child. Participants also completed questionnaires to assess psychological variables predicted to affect oxytocin reactivity (Autism-Spectrum Quotient, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Empathy and Systemizing Quotients). On average, there was a 14% increase in oxytocin (p = 0.003) and 4% decrease in testosterone (p = 0.001) pre- to post-video. Opposite directional changes in hormone levels occurred together, as supported by a chi-square test (p < 0.001) and a circular statistics test (p < 0.05). Considered separately, psychological traits did not predict hormone levels or changes to any appreciable degree. However, oxytocin and testosterone changes were linked with empathy relative to systemizing such that: (1) ‘Empathy Bias’ was associated with a large oxytocin increase but little change in testosterone, while (2) ‘Systemizing Bias’ and ‘Balance’ between empathy and systemizing were associated with a decrease in testosterone but little change in oxytocin. These findings suggest that participants were divisible into ‘high oxytocin responders’ (relatively empathetic) and ‘high testosterone responders’ (balanced or systemizing-biased). These findings support a model of joint, opposite changes in oxytocin and testosterone under experimental empathy induction, with high, somewhat predictable, diversity in individual responses.

Regulatory effects of curcumin on spleen apoptosis in overtraining rats and its mechanism

To study the mechanisms of curcumin alleviating oxidative stress and spleen apoptosis induced by overtraining in rats by regulating Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway. Male Wistar rats of 7 weeks old were divided into control group (C group, 12), overtraining group (OM group, 11), curcumin + overtraining group (COM group, 14). The C Group did not undergo any exercise intervention. The OM and COM group underwent 8-week incremental load swimming training. During the training, rats in the COM group were treated with curcumin at the dose of 200 mg/(kg·d) in the volume of 5 ml/kg by gavage, and rats in the other groups were given an equal volume of solvent, 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Twenty-four hours after the last training, the spleen index was calculated by weighing, the pathological changes of the spleen were observed by light microscopy, and the biochemical indicators of blood and spleen were detected. The spleen structure of C group was normal under light microscope; the spleen index of OM group was significantly lower than that of C group (P＜0.01) and pathological changes were obvious; the spleen index of COM group was significantly higher than that of OM group (P＜0.05) and histomorphological changes were relieved. Compared with C group, in OM group, serum corticosterone (Cor) level, spleen apoptosis level, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and the expression of proapoptotic Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) in spleen were increased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01); the body weight, serum testosterone (T), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, the expressions of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma-2 protein (Bcl-2) in spleen were decreased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01); the expression of Nrf2 was not changed significantly (P＞ 0.05). Compared with OM group, in COM group, there were no significant changes in body weight (P＞0.05), serum T level, SOD activity, the expressions of Bcl-2, Nrf2 and HO-1 in spleen were increased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01); serum Cor level, spleen apoptosis level, MDA concentration and the expression of Bax were decreased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). The change trend of T/Cor ratio between groups was consistent with the change of testosterone, and the change trend of Bcl-2/Bax ratio was consistent with the change of Bcl-2. The 8-week incremental load excessive swimming training aggravated spleen apoptosis, led to pathological changes and dysfunction of spleen. Curcumin can up-regulate expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, alleviate oxidative stress induced by overtraining, enhance Bcl-2 expression and attenuate Bax expression, thereby inhibiting excessive spleen apoptosis of rats, protecting the structure and function of spleen.

Association of Long-Term Dynamics in Circulating Testosterone with Serum PSA in Prostate Cancer-Free Men with Initial-PSA < 4ng/mL.

We previously reported that an accelerated decline in circulating testosterone level is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer (PCa). This study is to examine whether testosterone change rate is related to serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration among PCa-free men. Longitudinal data were derived from electronic medical records at a tertiary hospital in the Southeastern USA. PCa-free men with initial-PSA < 4ng/mL and ≥ 2 testosterone measurements were included (n = 632). Three PSA measures (peak, the most recent, and average PSA) during the study period (from first testosterone measurement to the most recent hospital visit) were examined using multivariable-adjusted geometric means and were compared across quintiles of testosterone change rate (ng/dL/month) and current testosterone level (cross-sectional). Mean (standard deviation, SD) age at baseline was 59.3 (10.5) years; mean study period was 93.0 (55.3) months. After adjusting for covariates including baseline testosterone, the three PSA measures all significantly increased across quintile of testosterone change rate from increase to decline (peak PSA: quint 1 = 1.09, quint 5 = 1.41; the most recent PSA: quint 1 = 0.85, quint 5 = 1.00; average PSA: quint 1 = 0.89, quint 5 = 1.02; all Ptrend < 0.001). But current testosterone level was not associated with PSA levels. Stratified analyses indicated men with higher adiposity (body mass index > 24.1kg/m2) or lower baseline testosterone (≤ 296ng/dL) were more sensitive to testosterone change in regard to PSA. Among PCa-free men, accelerated testosterone decline might correlate with higher serum PSA concentration. It will help to elucidate the mechanisms relating aging-accompanying testosterone dynamics to prostate carcinogenesis.

Effects of Anthocleista djalonensis root extracts on reproductive hormones and testicular marker enzymes in adult male Wistar rats.

This study evaluated the effect of methanol and aqueous ethanol root extracts (200mg/kg body weight) of Anthocleista djalonensis on sex hormone concentrations and testicular marker enzymes of adult rats after 60days of administration followed by 60days of treatment withdrawal. The results showed no significant changes in testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels during the 60days of extract treatment. Interestingly, 60days after treatment withdrawal, there was an increase in intratesticular and serum testosterone and serum FSH in the methanol but not aqueous ethanol extract post-treatment groups. Intratesticular 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) activity remained unaffected while that of 17β-HSD increased slightly during treatment of both extracts and the increase reached a statistical significance level (p<.05) during post-treatment. Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity in the testis of the methanol but not aqueous ethanol extract-treated animals remained high during post-treatment compared to initial treatment values. Phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts showed that phenol and flavonoid constituents were higher in the methanol than the aqueous ethanol extract and has higher antioxidant activity. Altogether, post-treatment effect of the extract on the testis was more effective than treatment-related effect and the methanol extract appears to have better and consistent effects on the investigated parameters probably due to higher antioxidant activity conferred to it by its phenolic and flavonoid contents.

The Correlation between Luteinizing hormone, Follicle stimulating hormone, Testosterone, and Prolactin Level at Different Depression Level in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients

Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder in which the number of cysts in women’s ovaries is dramatically increased. It is a principle factor behind different symptoms and problems. Although non-life threatening, it may lead to some disease processes in later life. This study aimed to examine the alterations of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone and prolactin levels with increased levels of depression in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients. Psychological assessment of 50 women of reproductive age was performed using Beck’s Depression Inventory. In PCOS patients, depression induced LH and prolactin levels&nbsp; and&nbsp; markedly lowered FSH with a maintenance of an expected normal LH/FSH ratio. No change in testosterone was noted. Few symptoms of hirsutism were seen. Conclusion: It seems that LH level is clearly increased and FSH level decreased significantly in comparison with their normal ranges. Prolactin tests were markedly elevated, while no alteration was noted for testosterone.

Effects of testosterone supplementation on body composition and lower-body muscle function during severe exercise- and diet-induced energy deficit: A proof-of-concept, single centre, randomised, double-blind, controlled trial

BackgroundSevere energy deficits during military operations, produced by significant increases in exercise and limited dietary intake, result in conditions that degrade lean body mass and lower-body muscle function, which may be mediated by concomitant reductions in circulating testosterone. MethodsWe conducted a three-phase, proof-of-concept, single centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (CinicalTrials.gov, NCT02734238) of non-obese men: 14-d run-in, free-living, eucaloric diet phase; 28-d live-in, 55% exercise- and diet-induced energy deficit phase with (200 mg testosterone enanthate per week, Testosterone, n = 24) or without (Placebo, n = 26) exogenous testosterone; and 14-d recovery, free-living, ad libitum diet phase. Body composition was the primary end point; secondary endpoints included lower-body muscle function and health-related biomarkers. FindingsFollowing energy deficit, lean body mass increased in Testosterone and remained stable in Placebo, such that lean body mass significantly differed between groups [mean difference between groups (95% CI), 2.5 kg (3.3, 1.6); P < .0001]. Fat mass decreased similarly in both treatment groups [0.2 (−0.4, 0.7), P = 1]. Change in lean body mass was associated with change in total testosterone (r = 0.71, P < .0001). Supplemental testosterone had no effect on lower-body muscle function or health-related biomarkers. InterpretationFindings suggest that supplemental testosterone may increase lean body mass during short-term severe energy deficit in non-obese, young men, but it does not appear to attenuate lower-body functional decline. FundingCollaborative Research to Optimize Warfighter Nutrition projects I and II, Joint Program Committee-5, funded by the US Department of Defence.

Alteration of testicular regulatory and functional molecules following long-time exposure to 900MHz RFW emitted from BTS.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate changes in testosterone and some of the functional and regulatory molecules of testis such as P450scc, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α (IL-1α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nerve growth factor (NGF) following exposure to 900MHz radio frequency (RF). Thirty adult male Sprague Dawley rats (190±20g BW) were randomly classified in three equal groups, control (sham, without any exposure), short-time exposure (2hr) (STE) and long-time exposure (4hr) (LTE). The exposure was performed for 30 consecutive days. The testosterone level in both exposed groups was significantly less than control (p<.05). Level of TNF-α in both exposed groups was significantly greater than control (p<.05). IL-1α and NGF levels in LTE were significantly higher than the STE and control groups (p<.05). Level of IL-1β in LTE was significantly higher than control (p<.05). Expression of both P450scc and StAR mRNA was significantly down-regulated in both exposed groups compared to control (p<.05). Our results showed that RFW can affect testis and reproductive function through changes in factors, which are important during steroidogenesis, and also through changes in inflammatory factors, which regulate Leydig cell functions.

Muscle Glycogen Content during Endurance Training under Low Energy Availability

The present study investigated the effects of three consecutive days of endurance training under conditions of low energy availability (LEA) on the muscle glycogen content, muscle damage markers, endocrine regulation, and endurance capacity in male runners. Seven male long-distance runners (19.9 ± 1.1 yr, 175.6 ± 4.7 cm, 61.4 ± 5.3 kg, maximal oxygen uptake [V˙O2max]: 67.5 ± 4.3 mL·kg·min) completed two trials consisting of three consecutive days of endurance training under LEA (18.9 ± 1.9 kcal·kg FFM·d) or normal energy availability (NEA) (52.9 ± 5.0 kcal·kg FFM·d). The order of the two trials was randomized, with a 2-wk interval between trials. The endurance training consisted of 75 min of treadmill running at 70% of V˙O2max. Muscle glycogen content, respiratory gas variables, and blood and urine variables were measured in the morning for three consecutive days of training (days 1-3) and on the following morning after training (day 4). As an indication of endurance capacity, time to exhaustion at 19.0 ± 0.8 km·h to elicit 90% of V˙O2max was evaluated on day 4. During the training period, body weight, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle volume were significantly reduced in LEA (P = 0.02 for body weight and skeletal muscle volume, P = 0.01 for fat-free mass). Additionally, muscle glycogen content was significantly reduced in LEA (~30%, P < 0.001), with significantly lower values than those in NEA (P < 0.001). Time to exhaustion was not significantly different between the two trials (~20 min, P = 0.39). Three consecutive days of endurance training under LEA decreased muscle glycogen content with lowered body weight. However, endurance capacity was not significantly impaired.