Damage In Men Research Articles

Handgrip Strength Is Inversely Associated With the Progression of Kidney Damage in a General Japanese Population: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background Handgrip strength is an indicator of muscle function and a predictor of health outcomes. However, only a few studies have examined the association between handgrip strength and the development of kidney damage. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association of handgrip strength with kidney damage in a general Japanese population. Methods This prospective cohort study enrolled participants with normal kidney function who attended annual health check-ups in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, between April 2016 and March 2020. Clinical information, including data from blood and urine tests, physiological examinations, and handgrip strength tests, was collected at enrollment. Lifestyle information was also collected via a self-administered questionnaire. The study participants were followed up for the progression of kidney damage until March 2023. Relative handgrip strength was calculated by dividing the handgrip strength by the body mass index to adjust for differences in body mass. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the relationship between relative handgrip strength and the progression of kidney damage. Results A total of 4304 participants with normal kidney function were enrolled in this study. During the mean follow-up period of approximately 4 years (SD 1.8 years), 15.4% of the participants developed kidney damage. After adjusting for covariates, higher relative handgrip strength was associated with a lower risk of kidney damage in men (HR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43 - 0.90; p = 0.012), but no significant association was observed in women. Conclusions Higher relative handgrip strength is associated with a lower risk of kidney damage in men. This finding highlights the importance of muscle strength in preventing kidney damage.

Analysis of plasma-derived small extracellular vesicle characteristics and microRNA cargo following exercise-induced skeletal muscle damage in men.

Extracellular vesicle (EV) cargo is known to change in response to stimuli such as muscle damage. This study aimed to assess particle size, concentration and microRNA (miR) content within small EV-enriched separations prepared from human blood taken before and after unaccustomed eccentric-biased exercise-induced muscle damage. Nine male volunteers underwent plyometric jumping and downhill running, with blood samples taken at baseline, 2, and 24 h post-exercise. EVs were separated using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and their characteristics evaluated by nanoparticle tracking. No changes in EV size or concentration were seen following the muscle-damaging exercise. Small RNA sequencing identified 240 miRs to be consistently present within the EVs. RT-qPCR analysis was performed: specifically, for known muscle-enriched/important miRs, including miR-1, -206, -133a, -133b, -31, -208b, -451a, -486 and - 499 and the immune-important miR-21, -146a and - 155. Notably, none of the immune-important miRs within the EVs tested changed in response to the muscle damage. Of the muscle-associated miRs tested, only the levels of miR-31-5p were seen to change with decreased levels at 24 h compared to baseline and 2 h, indicating involvement in the damage response. These findings shed light on the dynamic role of EV miRs in response to exercise-induced muscle damage.

Sperm DNA damage in men with severe asthenozoospermia

Background. Sperm motility is a fundamental factor for sperm penetration into the oocyte and fertilization. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2021, less than 42% of motility is called asthenozoospermia, which is one of the most common causes of male infertility. This retrospective cohort study aims to investigate sperm DNA damage with TUNEL and SCSA methods and its relationship with sperm parameters, age, and body mass index (BMI) in severe asthenospermia (<2% sperm motility) and normozoospermia. Methods. The study parameters between 111 subjects with severe asthenozoospermia and 113 subjects with normozoospermia were investigated. The 2010 World Health Organization guidelines were used to evaluate sperm parameters, and TUNEL and SCSA methods were used to assess sperm DNA damage. The statistical analysis was done using the t-test of two independent samples. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between sperm DNA damage and sperm parameters, age, and BMI P<0.05 was considered significant. Results. The mean seminal volume, sperm concentration and count, and the percentage of sperm total motility and progressive motility were significantly lower in severe asthenospermic subjects compared to normozoospermic subjects (P<0.001). In addition, the mean percentage of sperm DNA damage in severe asthenozoospermic individuals was significantly higher than in normozoospermic individuals (P<0.001). There was also a positive and significant relationship between sperm DNA damage and the age of severely asthenozoospermic men. Conclusion. Sperm motility, sperm DNA damage, and the father's age are essential in the successful conception, development, and health of the embryo. Therefore, the evaluation of sperm DNA damage is recommended in examining male fertility and selecting the appropriate treatment approach for men with severe asthenozoospermia. Practical Implications. Considering that the sperm genome constitutes 50% of the genetic material of the next generation, evaluating sperm DNA health to determine the appropriate treatment approach in infertile men can be influential in the success of assisted reproductive techniques and in maintaining the next generation’s health.

Arterial stiffness, blood pressure progression and penile vascular disease in males with erectile dysfunction: a closer look at microcirculatory damage

Abstract Background Elevated aortic stiffness may be associated with microvascular remodelling and damage, which may be an important causal contributor to incident cardiovascular disease. Recent evidence supports the independent of age and blood pressure (BP) level predictive value of severe penile arterial insufficiency for adverse cardiovascular events. Purpose Aim of the study is to examine in men with erectile dysfunction the association of increased aortic stiffness with penile vascular damage by taking into account BP level. Methods We measured carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and assessed microvascular (penile vascular damage) changes in four age-matched groups without a history of diabetes and cardiovascular disease; Normal BP (n=137), high-normal BP (n=94), stage I hypertension (n=82) and stage II and III hypertension (n=76). Microvascular damage was examined by measuring penile peak systolic velocity (PSV) with a dynamic penile color Doppler ultrasonography after intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1. Lower PSV values indicate severe penile vascular disease. Results Carotid-femoral PWV increased and PSV decreased across BP groups (all P<0.001). In regression analysis increased systolic BP (b= -0.185, P<0.01) and PWV (b= -0.170, P<0.05) are significant determinants of low penile PSV after controlling for age, body mass index, cholesterol and smoking. We dichotomized carotid-femoral PWV taking into account the mean value in the whole study population. Figure shows the differences in PSV across the BP groups considering the cut-off PWV value of 8.5m/s (high vs low PWV). Individuals with higher PWV had lower penile PSV in normal BP (P<0.01) and in high normal BP group (P=0.02) after adjusting for age and systolic BP. On the contrary, hypertensive patients already have significant structural damage in the penile arteries and high PWV does not further reduce penile blood flow. Interestingly, figure shows the comparable PSV measurements between individuals with high-normal BP level who had high PWV and patients in stage 1 hypertension group denoting significantly impaired microvascular damage in males with high-normal BP and increased aortic stiffness. The high normal BP group has significantly lower PSV compared to normal BP group independently of PWV value. Conclusion Increased aortic stiffness may promote penile microvascular remodelling and damage in men without increased BP level. Additionally, in men with high-normal BP higher arterial stiffness is associated with comparable penile microvascular damage of men with arterial hypertension. Because aortic stiffening may be preventable, further clinical research on earlier preventive measures that focus on aortic stiffness and microvascular remodelling within individuals with erectile dysfunction who have normal BP is warranted.Aortic stiffness, BP level and PSV

Systematic Review on Infertility in Men Due to Sperm DNA Damage: Causes Investigations, & Management

The prevalence of sperm DNA damage is common in infertile men, caused by several factors. This systematic review aims to conclude causative agents, advanced and effective diagnostic aids, and treatment plans. After a critical review of 1123 articles and research papers collected from Google Scholar, Pub-Med, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Embase, PsycINFO, Ovid Medline, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, 14 reviews have been included in this systemic review according to PRISMA guidelines. Included studies describe sufficiently regarding cause, investigations and management of infertility in men caused by sperm DNA damage. According to the results, 14 reviews have been eligible for this systemic review. The subject of these reviews is associated with sperm DNA damage in men, causing infertility. These reviews summarised Oxidative stress as one of the major causative factors. Different diagnostic tools have advantages, making them suitable for the scenario. It summarises that the factors affecting male infertility are general worldwide. This review could provide fundamental strategic plans dealing with specific risk factors and managing accordingly.

The Association of suPAR with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Young and Healthy Adults.

The soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), as a correlate of chronic low-grade inflammation, may be used to predict individual cardiovascular risk. Since chronic low-grade inflammation is thought to be associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, this study aimed to evaluate if suPAR plasma levels are correlated with cardiovascular risk factors in young and healthy adults (aged 25-41 years). Consequently, data from the GAPP (genetic and phenotypic determinants of blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors) study were used to investigate suPAR plasma levels in relation to the following cardiovascular risk factors and laboratory parameters: BMI, physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking status, blood pressure parameters, glucose status, and lipid levels. Additionally, suPAR was compared to the healthy lifestyle score and the Framingham score representing the overall cardiovascular risk profile. These associations were assessed using two different statistical approaches. Firstly, all cardiovascular risk factors and scores were compared amongst sex-specific suPAR plasma levels with ANOVA analysis. Secondly, sex-specific multivariable linear regressions were performed. Female participants had higher plasma suPAR levels than male participants (1.73 ng/mL versus 1.50 ng/mL; p < 0.001). A significant inverse correlation between suPAR plasma levels and HDL cholesterol was found in men (p = 0.001) and women (p < 0.001). Furthermore, male (p < 0.001) and female participants (p < 0.001) who smoked showed significantly higher plasma levels of suPAR (p < 0.001). For male participants, an inverse correlation of the healthy lifestyle score with suPAR plasma levels (p = 0.001) and a positive correlation of the Framingham score with suPAR plasma levels (p < 0.001) were detected. In women, no such correlation was found. The cholesterol levels (p = 0.001) and HbA1c (p = 0.008) correlated significantly with plasma suPAR levels in female participants. suPAR plasma levels were found to be strongly associated with certain cardiovascular risk factors; however, sex-specific differences were found. These sex-specific differences might be explained by the higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in men resulting in a stronger correlation of suPAR as a marker of low-grade inflammation, since the existence of the risk factors already led to subclinical damage in men. Further research on suPAR levels in an older study population is needed.

SPERMATOZOA DNA DAMAGE IN MEN WITH REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS

Male infertility is a serious emerging problem of public health, with high social significance due to its direct connection to negative demographic trends in Bulgaria and in different regions of the world. The targeted and multifaceted studies in this field are contradictory and incomplete. Purpose: The present study analyzes the degree of spermatozoa DNA damages in men with reproductive problems. The aim of the study was to investigate the spermatozoa DNA damage in men with reproductive problems by complex approach combining comet assay and conventional sperm analysis. Material and methods: Totally 80 individuals have been studied by the usage of the conventional sperm analysis and the comet assay. The impact of environmental and lifestyle factors was analyzed based on completing the participants' voluntary questionnaire. Results: About 21% of the participants among the studied group were undergoing occupational hazards, 22% were smokers, 42% – alcohol consumers, 13% – drug users, 7% taking anabolic steroids, 31% – taking medications and 5% work or live under stress. The results obtained show that about 55% of the subjects studied were with normozoospermia, 19% – with asthenozoospermia, 13% – with oligoasthenozoospermia, 10% – with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and 3% – with asthenoteratozoospermia. Elevated levels of mean values of comet parameters were observed when the concentration, motility and percentage of cells with normal morphology were decreased (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: The statistically significant relationships between the analyzed characteristics could be successfully used for prognostic purposes in characterizing male reproductive health. The results of our study also confirmed that some environmental factors affecting negatively sperm structure and function should continue to be a significant public health concern nowadays.

P-083 The incidence of sperm DNA damage in men with chronic reproductive health issues

Abstract Study question What is the incidence of sperm DNA damage in men attending tertiary (urological) healthcare with long histories of infertility? Summary answer The majority of these men (95%), all with normal semen analyses had high levels of sperm DNA damage. What is known already Conventional semen analysis assesses sperm concentration, motility, and morphology but with a high degree of biological variability. Around 25% of men are given a diagnosis of unexplained infertility by normal semen analysis. The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated in 2021 that ‘clinically there is a growing awareness that chromosomal anomalies and gene mutations underlie a diverse spectrum of male infertility,’ so now recommends that sperm DNA is determined as an extended analysis. Sperm DNA damage occurs more often in infertile men and DNA damage is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss and decreased live birth rates following fertility treatment. Study design, size, duration A retrospective study of men attending a tertiary centre with productive failure had been offered a standard semen analysis and sperm DNA fragmentation using SpermComet technology. Participants/materials, setting, methods Results from 148 men tested between April 2017 and September 2021 were recruited from a tertiary urological database in the UK. Alongside a semen analysis, they also had a sperm DNA fragmentation test. Sperm DNA quality for the participants was assessed and reported as average, low and high DNA damage as a percentage compared with clinical thresholds used by Examen from their sperm data bank of 74 fertile sperm donors with recently achieved clinical pregnancies. Main results and the role of chance The average comet score was 37.8% +/-0.5, low comet score was 35.3% +/- 1.5 and high comet score was 20.2% +/-1.2. These values were all significantly outside ( p &amp;lt; 0.001, Mann Whitney test)) fertile parameters. 95% of these men presenting for infertility investigations had a significantly raised DNA damage across their semen sample with low proportions of healthy sperm and high levels of sperm with genomic damage. Limitations, reasons for caution Retrospective design, small sample size, lack of randomisation and low power analysis. Wider implications of the findings Sperm DNA damage was found in most of these men who, over years of investigation hadn't been offered tests other than semen analysis or therapy to improve their sperm quality. Thus, this tool could be a useful adjunct to semen analysis to guide the men to reproductive health. Trial registration number not applicable

P-033 A third of men with normospermia attending for initial fertility assessment could have DNA damage

Abstract Study question What is the incidence of sperm DNA damage in men with normal semen analyses attending for initial fertility investigation? Summary answer Half of men (54%) attending for infertilty investigation had a normal semen analysis of which a third (32%) of these had abnormal sperm DNA. What is known already Conventional semen analysis assesses sperm concentration, motility, and morphology but with a high degree of biological variability. Around 25% of men are given a diagnosis of unexplained infertility by normal semen analysis. The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated in 2021 that ‘clinically there is a growing awareness that chromosomal anomalies and gene mutations underlie a diverse spectrum of male infertility,’ so now recommends that sperm DNA is determined as an extended analysis. Sperm DNA damage occurs more often in infertile men and DNA damage is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss and decreased live birth rates following fertility treatment. Study design, size, duration A prospective cohort study of men attending a secondary fertility clinic were offered a standard semen analysis plus sperm DNA fragmentation using SpermComet technology. UK IRAS ethical approval was obtained. Men attending were given a patient information leaflet at their first appointment. The study duration was 6 months. In total, 142 men were recruited out of a possible maximum of 409 attendees. Participants/materials, setting, methods Participants included men who had been referred as a couple to a secondary level infertility clinic for an initial assessment. Information leaflets were either posted to them prior to their first appointment or given to them at the initial nurse-led consultation. Those who subsequently contacted our research team re-attended for a sperm analysis and an aliquot was cryopreserved and sent in weekly batches to Examen (Northern Ireland) for SpermComet DNA fragmentation assessment. Main results and the role of chance Between May and November 2021, there were 409 attendees of whom 142 consented to the study. Sperm DNA quality for the participants was assessed and reported as average, low and high DNA damage as a percentage compared with clinical thresholds used by Examen from their sperm bank of 63 fertile sperm donors who had recently achieved clinical pregnancies. Of the 142 recruited, 77 men (54%) attending for initial investigations had normospermia assessed against the WHO criteria, so were initially classified as unexplained. Of these, 25 (32%) had abnormal sperm DNA values. The average comet score was 39.7% +/-1.3, low comet score was 37.8% +/- 4.4 and high comet score was 17.0% +/-2.0. These values were all significantly outside ( p &amp;lt; 0.001) of the fertile parameters from 63 fertile donors used by Examen (fertile range: average &amp;lt;26%%, low &amp;gt;74% and high &amp;lt;4%). Our results suggest that up to a third of men reported to have normospermia will have DNA damaged sperm. This is important to consider before labelling a couple as 'unexplained'. Knowing the male's sperm DNA fragmentation assessment would allow for further discussion and exploration of lifestyle and dietary advice. Limitations, reasons for caution During the study period, not all attendees agreed to participate as it required an additional hospital visit. In this single site study, men have not yet been followed up for future fertility outcome such as natural conception and need or success of assisted conception. Wider implications of the findings Sperm DNA damage was found in a third of men who would previously have been classified as fertile and offered no further investigations or treatment to improve their sperm quality. Thus, this tool could be a useful adjunct to semen analysis to guide these couples’ future treatment pathways. Trial registration number not applicable

Sperm DNA damage in men with spinal cord injury: the relative incidence of single- and double-strand DNA breaks.

Men with spinal cord injury (SCI) show a high proportion of sperm DNA damage in their ejaculate but the underlying pathology remains elusive. To investigate the relative incidence of single (SSBs) and double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) and DNase activity in men with SCI. This study included ejaculates of 20 men with SCI and 27 normozoospermic (sperm donors). A TwoTails comet assay (TTComet) allowed visualization of three categories of sperm DNA damage corresponding to SSBs, DSBs and those with a combination of SSBs and DSBs, facilitating accurate calculation of the total proportion of SSBs and DSBs. A subset of 15 individuals (sperm donors and SCI patients) was used to test for DNase activity in the seminal plasma. While the proportion of DSBs in men with SCI (median-57.5%) was higher (P=0.000) than normozoospermic samples (median-4.6%), the proportion of SSBs was higher (P=0.022) in the normozoospermic ejaculates (median-6.0%) compared to men with SCI (median-2.5%). The relative proportion of the total DSBs with respect to the total SSBs was 3.3× in men with SCI but 0.9× in normozoospermic samples. We further confirmed the high DNase activity in the seminal plasma of men with SCI. The TTComet assay provided new insights to the pathology of sperm DNA in men with SCI and may have diagnostic value in developing sperm selection methodologies to reduce DSBs prior to ART. Men with SCI are characterized by a high proportion of sperm with DSBs and high levels of DNase activity in the seminal plasma compared to normozoospermic men.

The Role of Seminal Oxidative Stress Scavenging System in the Pathogenesis of Sperm DNA Damage in Men Exposed and Not Exposed to Genital Heat Stress

Responding to the need for the verification of some experimental animal studies showing the involvement of oxidative stress in germ cell damage in the heat-induced testis, we investigated the possibility of a direct relationship between seminal oxidative stress markers (total antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, superoxide dismutase activity, and malondialdehyde concentration) and ejaculated sperm chromatin/DNA integrity (DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation abnormalities) in distinct groups of men exposed and not exposed to prolonged scrotal hyperthermia. A statistical increase in the proportion of sperm with DNA fragmentation was observed in all the studied subgroups compared to the fertile men. In turn, the groups subjected to heat stress as professional drivers or infertile men with varicocele presented greater disturbances in the oxidative stress scavenging system than men not exposed to genital heat stress. Based on the comparative analysis of the studied parameters, we can conclude that alterations in the seminal oxidative stress scavenging system are directly engaged in the pathogenesis of ejaculated sperm DNA damage regardless of the intensity of the impact of thermal insult. To the best of our knowledge, this study, for the first time, revealed the co-existence of oxidative stress and sperm DNA damage in the semen of professional drivers.

Relationship between serum vitamin D levels semen parameters and sperm DNA damage in men with unexplained infertility.

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between serum level of vitamin D, semen analysis parameters and sperm DNA damage in men with unexplained subfertility. Fifty-eight men diagnosed with unexplained infertility and 50 age and BMI matched fertile men were included in the study. A participant whose semen parameter is normal but pregnancy is not achieved was accepted as unexplained male infertility. Blood samples were taken from all participants following three-day abstinence for measurement of vitamin D. Sperm DNA damage was assessed by Aniline Blue staining of the collected samples. Compared with the fertile men, male patients with unexplained infertility had significantly lower vit D levels (27.00 ng/mL (12.63-39.30) vs. 23.66 ng/mL (7.50-55.00), p<0.004). While the number of patients with vitamin D levels lower than 20 ng/mL was 26 (44.8%) in the infertile group, it was recorded as 5 (10.0%) in the fertile group (p<0.001). DNA damage was found in 31.50% (9.0-71.0) of the infertile men and 26.00% (11.0-54.0) of the fertile men. DNA damage was found to be significantly higher in the unexplained infertile group (p<0.002). In men with unexplained male infertility, serum vit D levels were positively correlated with total sperm count (r = 0.527, p<0.001), total motility (r = 0.527, p<0.001) and sperm morphology (r = 0.416, p = 0.001). There was a negative and significant correlation between vit D levels and sperm DNA damage (r = -0.605, p<0.001). In the logistic regression analysis, serum vit D > 20 ng/mL led to an improvement in fertility outcome. Men with unexplained infertility exhibit decreased serum vit D levels and increased sperm DNA damage.

Nonarthritic Hip Pathology Patterns According to Sex, Femoroacetabular Impingement Morphology, and Generalized Ligamentous Laxity

Background: Sex differences are frequently encountered when diagnosing orthopaedic problems. Current literature suggests specific sex differences, such as a higher prevalence of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement syndrome in male patients and features of hip instability in female patients. Purpose: To identify hip pathology patterns according to sex, alpha angle deformity, and generalized ligamentous laxity (GLL) in a nonarthritic patient population that underwent primary hip arthroscopy in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and labral tears. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy between February 2008 and February 2017 were included and separated into male and female groups for initial analysis. Patients were excluded if they had Tönnis osteoarthritis grade >1, previous ipsilateral hip surgery, or previous hip conditions. The demographics, radiographic findings, intraoperative findings, and surgical procedures were then analyzed and compared. Subanalyses were performed for both groups. A threshold of 1 SD above the mean alpha angle in the male group was used to create 2 subgroups. For female patients, GLL based on a Beighton score ≥4 was used to divide the group. Intraoperative findings were compared for both subanalyses. Results: A total of 2701 hips met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of those, 994 hips were in the male group and 1707 in the female group. The mean ± SD age was 36.6 ± 13.8 and 37.1 ± 15.0 years for the male and female groups, respectively(P = .6288). The average body mass index was significantly higher in the male group (P < .0001). GLL was more common in women (38.6%) than men (13.6%) (P < .001). The male group had a higher proportion of acetabular Outerbridge grade 3 (21.8%) and 4 (19.2%) lesions when compared with the female group (9.3% and 6.3%, respectively) (P < .0001). Men in the subgroup with an alpha angle ≥78° reported higher rates of acetabular Outerbridge grade 4 damage than men with an alpha angle <78° (P < .001). Mean lateral center-edge angle was lower in the female subgroup with Beighton score ≥4 vs <4 (23.7°± 4.2° vs 31.3°± 5.8°; P < .0001). Conclusion: In this analysis of a large cohort of patients who underwent hip arthroscopy, 2 patterns of hip pathologies were related to sex. On average, male patients had larger alpha angles and increased acetabular chondral damage when compared with their female counterparts. Furthermore, a larger cam-type anatomy was associated with more severe acetabular chondral damage in men. In the female group, the incidence of features of hip instability such as GLL were significantly higher than in the male group.

Reliability of the sperm chromatin dispersion assay to evaluate sperm deoxyribonucleic acid damage in men with infertility

To investigate the intraindividual agreement of the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) assay results to assess sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in men with infertility. Diagnostic test reliability study. Andrology laboratories. A total of 219 men with infertility. Sperm DNA fragmentation assessment in two ejaculates of the same subjects within a 3-month interval, using the SCD assay performed and analyzed by the same observers under similar testing conditions. Cohen's κ statistics to assess the degree of agreement between the pairs of results after converting the nominal SCD values into categorical data, that is, normal (<20%), intermediate (21%-29%), and high (≥30%) SDF rates. We also assessed the pairs of results using reliability measures for numerical variables (intraclass correlation coefficient for consistency using the two-way mixed-effects model and Bland-Altman plots). The degree of agreement in classifying patients according to normal and pathological SDF classes was overall substantial (κ= 0.632; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.546-0.718). A total of 76.7% of individuals were classified under the same class using paired ejaculates. The agreement rate was highest (approximately 80%) in ejaculates initially classified as either normal or high and lowest (approximately 60%) among those with intermediate SDF levels. The frequency of intermediate SDF ejaculates downgraded to normal or upgrade to high SDF classes in the second test was similar (approximately 20%). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.856 (95% CI, 0.812-0.887), and the mean difference between the pairs of observations was 0.80% (95% CI, -0.72 to 2.23), indicating no systematic difference between paired observations. Our study indicates a substantial intraindividual agreement of paired SCD assay results to classify men with infertility into three SDF categories: normal, intermediate, and high. The reliability of the SCD assay was adequate and exceeded 0.80 using two ejaculates analyzed within a 3-month interval under similar conditions. Although this evidence overall supports a single SCD test for patient classification using predefined SDF thresholds, particularly when the first test shows normal or high SDF levels, one in four men will have discordant values in paired ejaculates. Clinicians should be judicious when using SDF test results in decision-making.

Differential inflammatory response of men and women subjected to an acute resistance exercise

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the inflammatory response, lipid peroxidation and muscle damage in men and women athletes subjected to an acute resistance exercise. MethodsTwenty college athletes (10 men and 10 women) performed a half-squat exercise consisting of five incremental intensities: 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of the one-repetition maximum. Blood samples were collected at rest, 15 min and 24 h post-test. The concentration of lipid peroxidation markers and the activities of a skeletal muscle damage marker and a cardiac muscle damage marker were determined in serum. Serum α-actin was measured as a marker of sarcomere damage. Serum levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were determined to assess the inflammatory response. ResultsInterleukin-6 levels were higher at 24 h post-test than at rest and 15 min post-test in men (p < 0.05). Moreover, men showed significantly higher hydroperoxide levels in response to resistance exercise at 24 h post-test than at 15 min post-test (p < 0.05). No differences were found in muscle damage parameters regardless of sex or the time point of the test. No differences regarding the studied variables were found when comparing among different time points in women. ConclusionOur results show a larger influence of half-squat exercises on the release of IL6 and on lipid peroxidation in men than in women at equivalent workloads.

Coenzyme Q10, oxidative stress markers, and sperm DNA damage in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia.

ObjectiveOxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in the etiology of unexplained male infertility. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant that may improve semen quality and OS in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT), but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of CoQ10 on OS markers and sperm DNA damage in infertile patients with idiopathic OAT.MethodsThis prospective controlled study included 50 patients with idiopathic OAT and 50 fertile men who served as controls. All patients underwent a comprehensive medical assessment. Patients and controls received 200 mg of oral CoQ10 once daily for 3 months. Semen and blood were collected and analyzed for sperm parameters, seminal CoQ10 levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total antioxidant capacity, catalase, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), and serum hormonal profile.ResultsThe administration of CoQ10 to patients with idiopathic OAT significantly improved sperm quality and seminal antioxidant status and significantly reduced total ROS and SDF levels compared to pretreatment values.ConclusionCoQ10, at a dose of 200 mg/day for 3 months, may be a potential therapy for infertile patients with idiopathic OAT, as it improved sperm parameters and reduced OS and SDF in these patients.

Moderate intensity cycling is better than running on recovery of eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of moderate intensity running and cycling on markers of exercise-induced muscle damage in men. Study designRandomized controlled trial. SettingLaboratory. ParticipantsThirty volunteers were randomized in three groups [running (RG; n = 10), cycling (CG; n = 10) and control (CON; n = 10)] and were evaluated at baseline, post 24, 48 and 72 h of knee extensors’ muscle damage protocol. CON performed passive recovery, while RG and CG performed active recovery immediately after the protocol, as well as 24 h and 48 h afterwards. Main outcomes(i) maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC); (ii) delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS); (iii) plasma creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. ResultsNo group-by-time interaction was found in any outcome evaluated (p > 0.05). All groups presented decreases in MVIC and increases in DOMS (p < 0.001), without differences in CK and LDH. Compared with CON, exercise groups presented likely beneficial effects for LDH, while only CG had a likely beneficial effect for DOMS. Lastly, CG presented likely/very likely beneficial effects for MVIC and DOMS compared to RG. ConclusionAlthough the null hypothesis analysis did not find differences, the magnitude-based inference analysis suggested that moderate intensity cycling have likely beneficial effects on knee extensor muscle recovery after eccentric exercise protocol.

Oxidative origin of sperm DNA fragmentation in the adult varicocele.

ABSTRACTPurpose:Sperm DNA fragmentation is a major cellular mechanism underlying varicocele-related male infertility. However, the type of DNA fragmentation - whether oxidative or of another nature - remains unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate single- and double-stranded sperm DNA fragmentation, and oxidative-induced sperm DNA damage in men with varicocele.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed, including 94 normozoospermic adults, of which 39 men without varicocele (controls) and 55 men with varicocele grades II or III, uni- or bilaterally. All men collected semen by masturbation. After semen analysis, the remaining volume was used for evaluation of three types of sperm DNA damage: (i) total DNA fragmentation, using an alkaline comet assay, (ii) double-stranded DNA fragmentation, using a neutral comet assay, and (iii) oxidative DNA damage, using an alkaline comet assay associated with the DNA glycosylase formamidopyrimidine enzyme. In each assay, percentage of sperm with any degree of DNA fragmentation, and with high DNA fragmentation were compared between the groups using an unpaired Student's t test or a Mann-Whitney test.Results:The varicocele group presented a higher rate of sperm with fragmented DNA (both any and high DNA fragmentation), considering single-stranded DNA fragmentation, double-stranded DNA fragmentation, or a combination of both, as well as oxidative- induced DNA fragmentation.Conclusions:Patients with varicocele have an increase in sperm DNA fragmentation levels, particularly in oxidative stress-induced sperm DNA damage.

The Physiological Mechanisms of the Sex-Based Difference in Outcomes of COVID19 Infection.

The scale of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has thrust a spotlight on the sex-based differences in response to viral diseases; morbidity and mortality are greater in men than women. We outline the mechanisms by which being female offers a degree of protection from COVID19, that persists even when confounders such as comorbidities are considered. The physiological and immunological mechanisms are fascinating and range from incomplete X chromosome inactivation of immune genes, a crucial role for angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and regulation of both immune activity and ACE2 by sex steroids. From this flows understanding of why lung and other organs are more susceptible to COVID19 damage in men, and how their distinct immunological landscapes need to be acknowledged to guide prognosis and treatment. Pregnancy, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy bring changed hormonal environments and the need for better stratification in COVID19 studies. We end by noting clinical trials based on increasing estrogens or progesterone or anti-testosterone drugs; excellent examples of translational physiology.

The Effects of Cannabidiol Oil on Noninvasive Measures of Muscle Damage in Men.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of CBD oil on perceived muscle soreness, inflammation, and strength performance after eccentric exercise (ECC) of the elbow flexors. Thirteen untrained men (mean ± SD age, 21.85 ± 2.73 yr) performed 6 sets of 10 maximal ECC isokinetic muscle actions of the elbow flexors as part of a double-blind crossover design. Noninvasive (perceived soreness, arm circumference, hanging joint angle (JA), and peak torque (PT)) measures were taken before and after ECC, and 24, 48, and 72 h after ECC. All subjects completed both the supplement (CBD: 150 mg POST, 24 h, 48 h) and placebo (PLC: POST, 24 h, 48 h) condition separated by 2 wk. Four separate two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (condition [CBD vs PLC] × time [PRE vs POST vs 24 h vs 48 h vs 72 h]) were used to analyze perceived soreness, arm circumference, JA, and PT. One-way repeated-measures ANOVA were used to decompose significant interactions and main effects. There was no condition-time interaction or main effect of condition (P > 0.05) for perceived soreness, arm circumference, JA, or PT. There were main effects for time for perceived soreness (P = 0.000, ηp2 = 0.71) and JA (P = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.35). The current dose of 150 mg CBD oil at POST, 24 h, and 48 h had no effect on noninvasive markers of muscle damage in the upper extremity. At the current dose and schedule, CBD oil may not be beneficial for untrained men as a recovery aid after exercise-induced muscle damage.