Differences In Testosterone Levels Research Articles

Neural correlates of self- and other-referential processing in young adolescents and the effects of testosterone and peer similarity

During adolescence, self-concept develops profoundly, accompanied by major changes in hormone levels. Self-evaluations become more complex, and peers and their opinions increasingly salient. Neuroimaging studies have investigated self- and other-related processing in adolescents, however, the influence of similarity of peers on these processes is still unclear, as well as functional connectivity underlying such processes. We investigated the effect of peer similarity on neural activity and connectivity underlying self- and other-referential processing, by distinguishing between a similar and dissimilar peer when making other-evaluations. Moreover, we explored the association between testosterone and brain activity during self-evaluations. Sixty-six young adolescents underwent functional MRI while performing a trait judgement task in which they indicated whether an adjective described themselves, a similar or a dissimilar classmate. The ventral medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) showed increased engagement in self-referential processing, and the posterior cingulate cortex and right temporal parietal junction during other-evaluations. However, activity did not differ between the similar and dissimilar other conditions. Functional connectivity of the ventral MPFC included the striatum when evaluating the similar peer and frontoparietal regions when evaluating the dissimilar peer. Furthermore, inter-individual differences in testosterone levels were positively associated with dorsal MPFC activity in males. This study provides insight into the influence of peer similarity on activity and connectivity underlying other-referential processing in young adolescents, and suggests that testosterone affects neural correlates of self-referential processing.

Cortisol, testosterone, and pain levels among patients undergoing McKenzie therapy and suboccipital relaxation

Sedentary lifestyle and the development of consumer electronics, often associated with a faulty posture, are widespread factors contributing to cervical spine dysfunction (CSD). The purpose of our study is to compare two methods of physical therapy of CSD: suboccipital relaxation and the McKenzie method. Their effect on perceived pain level and life quality was assessed using VAS and NDI scores. Serum levels of biochemical stress indicators like testosterone and cortisol were also evaluated. Eighty-six adult patients were divided into two groups: Group A and Group B. Group A included 42 patients treated using the McKenzie method. Group B consisted of 44 patients who underwent suboccipital relaxation. The therapy in both groups included three treatment sessions over a six-week period. Testosterone and cortisol levels were assessed using the ELISA technique. Pain evaluation was performed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The disability level was evaluated with the Neck Disability Index (NDI). In both groups, a similar improvement in VAS and NDI scores was observed. A distinct cortisol level decrease in patients subjected to the suboccipital relaxation was noticed, while the McKenzie method did not affect cortisolaemia significantly. We did not notice any difference in testosterone levels between the two groups. Both treatment methods contributed towards clinical improvement in our patients, represented by the drop in VAS and NDI scores. We also observed a biochemical improvement: decreased cortisol level in the group treated with suboccipital relaxation. Due to the important role of testosterone and cortisol in the pathogenesis of chronic pain, our study should be the pilot experience on their use as markers in CSD.

Normal Testosterone but Higher Luteinizing Hormone Plasma Levels in Men With Hypersexual Disorder.

IntroductionHypersexual disorder as suggested to be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 integrates aspects of sexual desire deregulation, impulsivity, and compulsivity. However, it is unknown how it affects gonadal activity and the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in hypersexual men compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, we investigated associations between epigenetic markers and hormone levels.MethodsBasal morning plasma levels of testosterone, LH, and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) were assessed in 67 hypersexual men (mean age: 39.2 years) compared with 39 age-matched healthy controls (mean age: 37.5 years). The Sexual Compulsivity Scale and the Hypersexual Disorder: Current Assessment Scale were used for assessing hypersexual behavior, the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Scale-self rating was used for depression severity, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was used for assessing history of childhood adversity. The genome-wide methylation pattern of more than 850 K CpG sites was measured in whole blood using the Illumina Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip. CpG sites located within 2,000 bp of the transcriptional start site of hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) and HPG axis–coupled genes were included.Main Outcome MeasuresTestosterone and LH plasma levels in association with clinical rating and a secondary outcome was the epigenetic profile of HPA and HPG axis–coupled CpG sites with testosterone and LH levels.ResultsLH plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with hypersexual disorder than in healthy volunteers. No significant differences in plasma testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, and SHBG levels were found between the groups. There were no significant associations between DNA methylation of HPA and HPG axis–coupled genes and plasma testosterone or LH levels after multiple testing corrections.ConclusionsSubtle dysregulation of the HPG axis, with increased LH plasma levels but no difference in testosterone levels may be present in hypersexual men.Chatzittofis A, Boström AE, Öberg KG, et al. Normal Testosterone but Higher Luteinizing Hormone Plasma Levels in Men With Hypersexual Disorder. Sex Med 2020;8:243–250.

DIFFERENCES OF TESTOSTERONE LEVELS TO THE DURATION OF INHALED NICOTINE EXPOSURE IN SPRAGUE-DAWLEY MALE WHITE RATS

Objective: To analyze the differences in testosterone level in young Sprague-Dawley white rats after exposure of inhaled nicotine and the recovery effect that occurs when nicotine exposure is stopped. Material & Methods: This is an experimental study, which variable measurements were taken after the experimental animals were treated. The experimental grouping process was carried out randomly, with repetitions of 12 experimental animals in each group and the control group as a comparison (negative control). This study using male Sprague-Dawley white rats as samples. Nicotine administration was carried out by inhalation using pure nicotine (C10H14N2), which was diluted using distilled water. Treatment group 1 (P1) was given nicotine exposure for 30 days, treatment group 2 (P2) for 15 days, and treatment group 3 (P3) for 15 days and then stopped for 15 days compared to the control group. Testosterone levels are measured using the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method in the morning. Results: The lowest testosterone levels were found in the P1 and significantly different from the P2 (p=0.029) and P3 (p=0.001). The results of the analysis show that a decrease in testosterone levels in mice is related to the duration of nicotine exposure. Conclusion: Testosterone levels in the control group were significantly higher compared to the treatment group that exposed by nicotine inhalation with a dose of 4 mg/kgBW/day for 15 days, and also there is a significant recovery effect on testosterone levels after the treatment was halted for 15 days.

144 Serum testosterone profile in Marwari stallions and its relationship with testicular parameters, semen characteristics, reaction time, stallion age, bodyweight, and height

The present study investigated the serum testosterone profile of Marwari stallions before and after exposure to a mare and the relationship of serum testosterone profile with scrotal circumference, semen characteristics, reaction time, stallion age, bodyweight, and height. Marwari stallions (n=9) of three age groups (2-4 years, n=3; 4-6 years, n=3; and 6+ years, n=3) were used in the study. Scrotal circumference, height, and bodyweight of each of the stallions were measured. Semen was collected from each stallion twice per week in the early-morning hours using an artificial vagina and a mare in oestrus. Six ejaculates were collected from each stallion for evaluation of various seminal parameters (semen volume, sperm concentration, and progressive sperm motility). Reaction time for each stallion was also recorded. At every alternate semen collection (first, third, and fifth collections), blood samples were taken 15min before exposure to the mare and just before the semen collection for serum testosterone hormone assay using a horse testosterone enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The data obtained were analysed statistically using SPSS ver. 20.0 (IBM Corp.). The results showed that mean testosterone concentration was significantly different (P ≤ 0.01) among the stallions and was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.01) in the stallions below 4 years of age. No significant difference in testosterone level was observed before and after exposure to a mare. A positive correlation was detected between testosterone and both scrotal circumference (P ≤ 0.05) and sperm concentration (P ≤ 0.05), whereas a negative correlation was observed with reaction time (P ≤ 0.01). It was concluded that exposure to a mare does not change the testosterone level in stallion blood and that there is a relationship of serum testosterone concentration with scrotal circumference, sperm concentration, reaction time, and age but not with height and bodyweight.

The effects of supraphysiological levels of testosterone on neural networks upstream of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons.

Objective(s):Several pathological conditions are associated with hyper-production of testosterone; however, its impacts are not well understood. Hence, we evaluated the effects of supraphysiological levels of testosterone on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) system in the hypothalamus of male rats. Also, we assessed the expression of two excitatory (kisspeptin and neurokinin-B) and two inhibitory (dynorphin and RFamide-related-peptide) neuropeptides upstream of GnRH neurons as possible routes to relay androgen information. Materials and Methods:Gonadectomized (GDX) male rats received single injection of 100, 250 or 500 mg/kg testosterone undecanoate and three weeks later, posterior (PH) and anterior (AH) hypothalamus was dissected for evaluation of target genes using quantitative RT-PCR.Results:We found that GnRH mRNA in the PH was high in GDX rats and 500 mg/kg testosterone reduced GnRH level expression. Finding revealed extremely high level of Kiss1 mRNA in the PH of GDX rats. However, in GDX rats treated with different levels of testosterone, Kiss1 expression was not significantly different than control. We also found that testosterone replacement increased the Kiss1 mRNA level in the AH. Moreover, neurokinin-B mRNA level in PH of GDX rats was similar to control. However, excess testosterone levels were effective in significantly inducing the down-regulation of neurokinin-B expression. The basal level of dynorphin mRNA was increased following testosterone treatments in the AH, where we found no significant difference in the level of RFamide-related-peptide mRNA between the experimental groups. Conclusion:Excess levels of testosterone could act differently from its physiological concentration to regulate hypothalamic androgen sensitive neurons to control GnRH cell.

Effect of atorvastatin on testosterone levels

Background Statins are one of the most prescribed classes of drugs worldwide. Atorvastatin, the most prescribed statin, is currently used to treat conditions such as hypercholesterolaemia and dyslipidaemia. By reducing the level of cholesterol, which is the precursor of the steroidogenesis pathway, atorvastatin may cause a reduction in levels of testosterone and other androgens. Testosterone and other androgens play important roles in biological functions. A potential reduction in androgen levels, caused by atorvastatin might cause negative effects in most settings. In contrast, in the setting of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), reducing excessive levels of androgens with atorvastatin could be beneficial. Objectives Primary objective To quantify the magnitude of the effect of atorvastatin on total testosterone in both males and females, compared to placebo or no treatment. Secondary objectives To quantify the magnitude of the effects of atorvastatin on free testosterone, sex hormone binding globin (SHBG), androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) concentrations, free androgen index (FAI), and withdrawal due to adverse effects (WDAEs) in both males and females, compared to placebo or no treatment. Search methods The Cochrane Hypertension Information Specialist searched the following databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to 9 November 2020: the Cochrane Hypertension Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE; Embase; ;two international trials registries, and the websites of the US Food and Drug Administration, the European Patent Office and the Pfizer pharmaceutical corporation. These searches had no language restrictions. We also contacted authors of relevant articles regarding further published and unpublished work. Selection criteria RCTs of daily atorvastatin for at least three weeks, compared with placebo or no treatment, and assessing change in testosterone levels in males or females. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently screened the citations, extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. We used the mean difference (MD) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) to report the effect size of continuous outcomes,and the risk ratio (RR) to report effect sizes of the sole dichotomous outcome (WDAEs). We used a fixed-effect meta-analytic model to combine effect estimates across studies, and risk ratio to report effect size of the dichotomous outcomes. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. Main results We included six RCTs involving 265 participants who completed the study and their data was reported. Participants in two of the studies were male with normal lipid profile or mild dyslipidaemia (N = 140); the mean age of participants was 68 years. Participants in four of the studies were female with PCOS (N = 125); the mean age of participants was 32 years. We found no significant difference in testosterone levels in males between atorvastatin and placebo, MD -0.20 nmol/L (95% CI -0.77 to 0.37). In females, atorvastatin may reduce total testosterone by -0.27 nmol/L (95% CI -0.50 to -0.04), FAI by -2.59 nmol/L (95% CI -3.62 to -1.57), androstenedione by -1.37 nmol/L (95% CI -2.26 to -0.49), and DHEAS by -0.63 μmol/l (95% CI -1.12 to -0.15). Furthermore, compared to placebo, atorvastatin increased SHBG concentrations in females by 3.11 nmol/L (95% CI 0.23 to 5.99). We identified no studies in healthy females (i.e. females with normal testosterone levels) or children (under age 18). Importantly, no study reported on free testosterone levels. Authors' conclusions We found no significant difference between atorvastatin and placebo on the levels of total testosterone in males. In females with PCOS, atorvastatin lowered the total testosterone, FAI, androstenedione, and DHEAS. The certainty of evidence ranged from low to very low for both comparisons. More RCTs studying the effect of atorvastatin on testosterone are needed.

Medical Treatments for Hypogonadism do not Significantly Increase the Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis Over General Population Risk

ObjectiveTo evaluate the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in men treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or Clomiphene Citrate (CC) and assess other etiologies for DVT as contributing factors. MethodsRetrospective chart review of 1180 consecutive hypogonadal men who were treated with either TRT or CC. Sixty-four percent had mixed, 16% had primary, and 20% had secondary hypogonadism. ResultsOf the 1180 men with hypogonadism, 694 were treated with TRT, while 486 were treated with CC. Overall, 10 of 1180 (0.8%) men were diagnosed with a DVT during the treatment, 9 of whom were on TRT and 1 on CC. Of the 10 men diagnosed with DVT while on treatment, 7 (70%) had potential identifiable etiologies for DVT other than treatment for hypogonadism. None of the men were found to be polycythemic at the time of DVT diagnosis. There was a higher incidence of DVT in men treated with TRT than CC, however; the overall percentages of DVT in both treatment groups were relatively low. There was no difference in the percentages of men found to have other identifiable etiologies for DVT besides being on treatment between the TRT and CC groups. There was not a difference in testosterone levels between the TRT and CC groups. ConclusionThe overall rates of DVT for TRT and CC treated patients are relatively low, and the majority of patients with DVT had other identifiable etiologies for DVT. Polycythemia was not found to be a risk factor in the patients diagnosed with DVTs.

A comparison of testosterone and cortisol levels between gay fathers and non-fathers: A preliminary investigation

Humans are unique among great apes and most other mammals, in that our wide range of offspring investment behaviors includes significant paternal care and provisioning of children. Moreover, hormones play an important role in modulating male paternal investment. Despite a growing body of research on the hormonal associations with paternal care in humans, fathers who self-identify as gay have not received the same level of research attention. We explore associations between hormones that are central to reproductive effort in American gay couples (n = 48 pairs, mean age 36 ± 11 SD years) with and without children. Building on previous investigations of paternal investment, we focus on testosterone and cortisol given their primary roles in the behavioral and metabolic aspects of male reproductive effort. We provide preliminary evidence that gay fathers have lower cortisol levels compared to gay non-fathers. Cortisol and testosterone also positively co-varied in all couples, independent of potential covariates. We did not find evidence for differences in testosterone levels between gay fathers and non-fathers, although sample sizes were limited. Based on this preliminary evidence, we suggest that psychosocial stress among gay fathers may differ compared to gay couples without children, or that the stress response in gay fathers is mitigated in some way compared to non-fathers. These data underscore the importance of human paternal care diversity and the value of inclusivity in human evolutionary behavior research.

Effect of Seasonal Change on Testicular Protein Expression in White Roman Geese

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to investigate the change in protein expression in the testes of ganders at various breeding stages. A total of nine 3-year-old male White Roman ganders were used. The blood and testis samples were collected at the nonbreeding, sexual reactivation, and breeding stages for sex hormone analysis and proteomic analysis, respectively. The testicular weight and serum testosterone observed for ganders at the breeding stage were higher than those for ganders at nonbreeding and sexual reactivation stages (P < 0.05). There were 124 protein spots differentially expressed in the testes of ganders at various reproductive stages. A total of 107 protein spots of 74 proteins was identified through mass spectrometry. Most of the differentially expressed proteins were responsible for the molecular functions of protein binding (24%) and catalytic activity (16%). A functional pathway analysis suggested that proteins involved in steroidogenesis, metabolism, and spermatogenesis pathways changed in the White Roman geese at various reproductive stages. In conclusion, ganders at various reproductive stages exhibited different levels of testosterone and protein expression in the testes. The varied levels of the proteins might be essential and unique key factors in seasonal reproduction in ganders.

Testosterone Levels Achieved by Medically Treated Transgender Women in a United States Endocrinology Clinic Cohort

Most transgender women depend on medical treatment alone to lower testosterone levels in order to align physical appearance with gender identity. The medical regimen in the United States typically includes spironolactone and estrogens. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the testosterone suppression achieved among transgender women treated with spironolactone and estrogens. Testosterone and estradiol levels were extracted from the electronic medical records of 98 anonymized transgender women treated with oral spironolactone and oral estrogen therapy at the Endocrinology Clinic at Boston Medical Center. Patients starting therapy required about 9 months to reach a steady-state testosterone, with significant heterogeneity of levels achieved among patients. Patients with normal body mass index (BMI) had higher testosterone levels, whereas patients with obese BMI had lower testosterone levels throughout treatment. Stratification of patients by age or spironolactone dosage revealed no significant difference in testosterone levels achieved. At steady state, patients in the highest suppressing quartile were able to achieve testosterone levels of 27 ng/dL, with a standard deviation of 21 ng/dL. Measured serum estradiol levels did not change over time and did not correlate with dosage of estradiol administered. Among a cohort of transgender women treated with spironolactone and estrogen, the highest suppressing quartile could reliably achieve testosterone levels in the female range at virtually all times. The second highest suppressing quartile could not achieve female levels but remained below the male range virtually all of the time. One quartile was unable to achieve any significant suppression. BMC = Boston Medical Center BMI = body mass index CPY = cyproterone acetate LC-MS/MS = liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry Q = quartile.

Ivermectin acute administration impaired the spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis of adult rats

Ivermectin (IVM) is an antiparasitic agent widely used in agricultural, domestic animals and in human clinical practice. In the present study, the temporal effects of therapeutic doses of IVM in the morphometric and histological assessment of testis were studied to verify if IVM acute administration impaired the spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis of adult rats, if these effects are reversible. The testosterone levels and the plasmatic IVM levels were assessed. The results show: 1) IVM acute exposure, mainly in the higher dose, reduced the testicular volume, the tubular diameter and the germinal epithelium height; 2) no interferences on Leydig cells frequency; 3) histological studies show that tubular sections containing several histological changes indicative of spermatogenesis interruption, such as disorganization of germinal epithelium, vacuolar degeneration of the germ cells and sloughing of cells into the tubular lumen; 4) no differences in testosterone levels; 5) The IVM plasmatic levels were significantly reduced at 72h after the 0.2mg/kg. It was concluded that acute IVM impaired the spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis of rats. Probably these effects were not consequence of IVM at the Leydig cells because no effects were observed at this level. Finally, our results suggest that some testicular effects are reversible and correlated with the plasmatic levels of IVM.

Is there a difference in testosterone levels and its regulators in men carrying BRCA mutations?

BackgroundMale BRCA mutation carriers are at risk for an early onset aggressive prostate cancer. No data exist on the association of testosterone levels among these patients. We aimed to analyze testosterone and associated hormonal levels among male BRCA carriers and non-carriers.Patients and methodsOverall 87 male carriers and 43 non-carriers aged 40-70 were prospectively enrolled. Clinical data were collected and all patients were tested for total testosterone (TT), prostate specific antigen (PSA), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), free androgen index (FAI), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and prolactin. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to predict TT levels.ResultsThe median age, mean BMI, comorbidities, PSA, FSH, LH and SHBG levels in both groups were similar. However, mean TT and FAI were higher in the carriers (16.7 nmol/l vs 13.5 nmol/l, p=0.03 and 39.5 vs 34.8, p=0.05, respectively), while prolactin was significantly lower. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that while BMI was inversely correlated to TT levels in both groups, LH was a predictor only in non-carriers.ConclusionsCarriers have higher TT and FAI levels and lower prolactin levels; but LH does not predict their TT levels. Further research in a larger cohort of BRCA carriers with and without prostate cancer should be performed.

Sex Hormones, Gonadotropins, and Sex Hormone-binding Globulin in Infants Fed Breast Milk, Cow Milk Formula, or Soy Formula

Measurement of endogenous hormones in early life is important to investigate the effects of hormonally active environmental compounds. To assess the possible hormonal effects of different feeding regimens in different sample matrices of infants, 166 infants were enrolled from two U.S hospitals between 2006 and 2009. The children were classified into exclusive soy formula, cow milk formula or breast milk regimens. Urine, saliva and blood samples were collected over the first 12 months of life. Estradiol, estrone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured in the three matrices. Lower estradiol and LH levels were found in urine and saliva samples of soy formula-fed boys compared to cow formula-fed boys. Higher LH level was found in urine samples of soy formula-fed girls compared to cow formula-fed girls. However, we found neither a neonatal testosterone rise in the boys nor a gender-specific difference in testosterone levels, which suggests that urinary testosterone levels may not accurately reflect blood levels during mini-puberty. Nevertheless, our study shows that blood, urine and saliva samples are readily collectible and suitable for multi-hormone analyses in children and allow examination of hypotheses concerning endocrine effects from dietary compounds.

Testosterone role during seasons changes in the dogs testes

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of seasons on serum testosterone level, testis histology examination and testosterone receptors by using cytoimmunochemistry techniques. Samples of blood and both testes were collected from 24 local dogs aged between 2-3 years and weighted 18-22 kg. This study carried out at 2015, divided into four seasons. No differences in testosterone level were observed between seasons. However, histological examinations were characterized by significant (P&lt;0.01) changes during seasons in tubular diameters, germinal thickness and tubular area. Cytoimmunochemistry investigation showed differences between seasons also, there was a distributions of testosterone hormone receptors in the Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and in germinal epithelium during spring and autumn, at the same time the winter season showed distribution of testosterone hormone receptors in Leydig and Sertoli cells only. The summer season characterize by diffuse of receptors in Leydig cells only. In conclusion there was a significant effect of season on testis of dog in Iraq, the summer season was the lowest in reproductive activity while the spring and autumn season was the highest of reproductive activity of dog in Iraq.

Commentary: CSF and Plasma Testosterone in Attempted Suicide.

Commentary: CSF and Plasma Testosterone in Attempted Suicide.

Deficient melanocortin-4 receptor causes abnormal reproductive neuroendocrine profile in female mice.

Deletion of the melanocortin-4-receptor (Mc4r) gene in mice causes hyperphagia, followed by hyperinsulinemia, obesity and progressive infertility. Evidence shows that the number of developed corpora lutea is reduced in obese MC4R-knockout (MC4R KO) female mice, but the mechanism is unclear. The effect of hyperphagia and obesity by MC4R KO on pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and ovulation remains unknown. In MC4R KO mice and wild-type littermates (WT LM) during the diestrus period throughout different ages, we examined and monitored their metabolic status, pulsatile LH profiles, follicular morphology and the number of corpora lutea. MC4R KO mice were hyperphagic, obese, hyperglycemic, hyperinsulinemic and demonstrated insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. Irregular estrous cycles and significant changes in the LH secretion profiles were observed in sexually matured 16- to 28-week MC4R KO mice, without any difference in testosterone levels. In addition, MC4R KO mice at 16 weeks of age had significantly fewer corpora lutea than same age WT LM mice. The ovary examinations of MC4R KO mice at 28 weeks of age showed predominantly antral and preovulatory follicles with no corpora lutea. These findings were consistent with the decrease in total, pulsatile, mass and basal LH releases in MC4R KO mice. The characteristics of hormone profiles in obese MC4R KO mice indicate that MC4R plays an important role in regulating LH release, ovulation and reproductive ability probably via hyperphagia-induced obesity. Further study of correlation between metabolic and reproductive regulatory hormones is warranted to dissect the pathological mechanism underlying obesity-induced infertility.Free Chinese abstract: A Chinese translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/153/3/267/suppl/DC1.

Thyroid and reproductive hormones disruption as well as kallikrein-3 level in dimethyl nitrosamine-induced toxicity: Effects of ascorbate treatment in male wistar rats

Information on dimethyl nitrosamine (DMN)-induced toxicity on endocrine functions is still scanty. This study therefore investigated the outcomes of DMN-induced toxicity on endocrine (thyroid and reproductive) functions, as well as kallikrein-3 level, and effects of ascorbate treatments in male wistar rats. Thirty animals divided into six groups of five rats each were used. Group I animals were the normal control, group II animals served as vehicle control and were administered a single intraperitoneal dose of normal saline, groups III and IV were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of 30 mg/kg DMN for 48 h, but group IV animals were post-treated orally with 5.71 mg/kg body weight (400 mg/70 kg) ascorbate for seven days, group V animals were pre-treated with same dose of ascorbate orally for seven days before intraperitoneal injection of DMN, while group VI animals were orally administered ascorbate only for seven days. Compared with control, DMN administration resulted in significant decrease (p < 0.05) in serum total cholesterol, testosterone (TST), luteinizing hormone (LH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and kallikrein III (KLK-3) levels, as well as non-significant increase in serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Pre-treatment with ascorbate significantly increase LH and KLK-3 levels, while post-treatment significantly increase fT3 level. Also, pre-treatment with ascorbate significantly reduced TSH level, while there was no significant difference in TST level following ascorbate treatments. From our findings and to some extent, ascorbate demonstrates ameliorative effects against DMN-induced hormonal disruption in male wistar rats, and this may be attributed to its antioxidant property.

Evaluation of hormonal balance indicators in men with arterial hypertension in various types of left ventricular remodeling

Aim. To evaluate features of the hormonal balance in men with hypertension with different types of left ventricular geometry.Methods. The study included 63 men (mean age 49.74±4.91 years) with II degree hypertension (the disease duration 6.03±3.64 years). In all patients the level of testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone in blood serum were determined and echocardiography was performed, which was done on the expert class machine PHILIPS iE33 (Netherlands).Results.. According to echocardiographic examination data concentric hypertrophy prevailed in the left ventricular hypertrophy structure - 33 (52.38%) patients, eccentric hypertrophy occured in 18 (28.57%), concentric remodeling - in 12 (19.04%) patients. When analyzing the hormonal profile of patients a significant difference in testosterone levels in patients with various types of the left ventricular remodeling was revealed. In the concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, testosterone levels were lowest, and in some patients were beyond the lower limit of the normal range. Estradiol level exceeded the reference range values in men with concentric type of hypertrophy. The estradiol content in the group of men with concentric left ventricular remodeling was significantly higher than in patients with eccentric hypertrophy (pConclusion. In patients with hypertension, concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (as compared with eccentric hypertrophy and concentric remodeling) occurs more often, it is accompanied by a decrease in total testosterone level in blood serum; timely correction of early androgen deficiency will allow to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Physiology and pillow talk

This study investigates the association between individual differences in testosterone and communication after sexual activity. Two hundred and fifty-three young adult participants (78% women, M age = 21 years, 73% White) provided saliva samples (later assayed for testosterone) and subsequently, over a 2-week period, completed an online diary after each time they engaged in sexual activity. Individual differences in testosterone levels were inversely associated with perceived benefits of, and positively associated with perceived risks of, disclosing thoughts and feelings to one’s partner after sexual activity. When testosterone levels were higher, post sex disclosures were less intentional and less positive, and these associations were mediated by risk–benefit assessments. An interaction between testosterone and orgasm revealed that higher testosterone levels were associated with more negative post sex disclosures for those who did not orgasm, but not for those who experienced orgasm. This finding suggests that high testosterone/no orgasm individuals may be the least likely to experience the beneficial effects of post sex communication. Similar results were found both when biological sex was controlled for and when analyses were conducted separately for women and men. Implications for a biosocial model of post sex behavior and communication are discussed.