Ejaculation Frequency Research Articles

Effect of frequency of ejaculation and graded dietary levels of Roselle (Hibiscussabdariffa) calyx meal supplementation on sperm profile of mongrel rabbit bucks

Effect of frequency of ejaculation and graded dietary levels of Roselle (Hibiscussabdariffa) calyx meal supplementation on sperm profile of mongrel rabbit bucks

Effect of bisphenol F on sexual performance and quality of offspring in Male Wistar rats.

This study investigated the effect of BPF on male sexual performance and the quality of the offspring. Eighty (80) Male Wistar rats (n=10 per group) were randomised into normal saline-treated control and control recovery, BPF varied doses (low, medium, and high), and BPF varied doses recovery (low, medium, and high) groups. The study was terminated after 28 days of BPF oral administration. The animals were sacrificed after 24h from the last dose, while those in the recovery groups were allowed to recover for another 28 days before being sacrificed. BPF administration was found to impair sexual performance, as shown by a significant decrease in frequencies (mount, intromission, and ejaculation frequencies) and an increase in latencies (mount, intromission, and ejaculation latencies). This was accompanied by a significant decrease in plasma LH, FSH, testosterone, dopamine, acetylcholinesterase, nitric oxide, and penile cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) level. The level of plasma oestrogen and prolactin were significantly increased following BPF administration. BPF also reduced the sperm count, morphology, viability, and motility. Furthermore, BPF reduced fertility success and index, litter size, litter weight, and offspring survival rate. These toxic effects of BPF were dose-dependent and were not reversed by withdrawal following 28 days of recovery. This study concluded that BPF disrupts sexual competence and offspring quality by suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and mediating oestrogen-induced hyperprolactinemia. These events were associated with reduced fertility index and success, poor semen quality, and reduced offspring survival rate. The observed toxic effects of BPF were dose-dependent and not reversed by cessation of BPF exposure.

Evaluation of the Physiological and Behavioural Relationships of Yearling Bucks by Generalized Procrustes Analysis


 
 
 The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationships between some sexual behaviours and physiological traits such as serum testosterone concentration, body weight loss and presence of horns of yearling bucks using Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA). In the study, 11 yearling bucks being sexually in- experienced were used. The sexual behaviours were determined with a total of four tests, which consisted of exposing the yearling bucks individually to three unrestrained estrous ewes for 15 min. In these tests, some behavioural characteristics such as number of ejaculations, flehmen response, number of mounts and serum testosterone concentration were determined. In the GPA analysis, the first two factors explained approximately 98% of the total variation between animals (Dimension 1 = 95.57%, Dimension 2 = 2.68%). It was determined that there was a positive and high correlation between tests and the number of mounts, which had a high correlation with the first dimension. Ejaculation frequency, flehmen response and testosterone levels decreased in line with in- creases in the number of mounts. As a result, it can be suggested that GPA can be effectively evaluated quantitative and qualitative behavioural characteristics without requiring any prior assumptions and reducing variability among animals.
 
 

Protective Effects of Epigallocatechin Gallate for Male Sexual Dysfunction in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Sexual dysfunction is a common problem for men with diabetes. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is known to ameliorate erectile function in aging rats. However, there has not yet been a report to evaluate its effects on diabetic male rat sexual behavior in the literature. In this study, we investigated the effects of EGCG on male sexual behavior in diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg of streptozotocin. After streptozotocin injection for one week, animals were then orally treated with 40 mg/kg of EGCG or vehicle. Copulatory behavior and fasting blood glucose levels were recorded before treatment, as well as 7 and 14 days after treatment. Serum LH, testosterone, and PDE5a levels were measured by EIA assay after the last behavioral test. Data showed that diabetic rats who had diminished sexual functions demonstrated significantly increased latencies in mount, intromission, and ejaculation, as well as significant decreases in frequencies of intromission and ejaculation, compared to non-diabetic controls, indicating sexual function recovery. Lower blood glucose levels were also found in diabetic rats after EGCG treatment. Additionally, the lower LH and higher PDE5a levels in diabetic rats than controls were also noted. The findings declared that EGCG had a protective effect on male sexual behavior in diabetic rats.

Effects on a hypercaloric diet ingested from weaning on sexual behavior of adult male rats

Obesity is a nutritional disorder which has spread across the world mostly due to a more sedentary life style together with an increase in dietary fat and carbohydrate. The scientific literature in the field of obesity shows an extensive amount of clinical and experimental studies dealing with etiopathogeny, intervening problems, prevention and potential intervention. Among them, many studies have examined the impact of obesity in the reproductive field, mainly in the female sphere. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a hypercaloric diet ingested from weaning interferes with the sexual behavior of adult male rats. Male Wistar rats (at 100 days of age) from the hypercaloric diet group (HD group, n=9) received a hypercaloric diet, containing 4,79 kcal/g and Control animals (n=7) were fed a normocaloric laboratory chow containing 3.78 Kcal/g. For analysis of sexual behavior, one adult male was placed in the observation cage 4 hours after the beginning of the dark phase and 10 min before (for adaptation to the environment) an adult receptive female in natural estrus was introduced. The parameters of sexual behavior (latency and quantity of mounts, intromission and ejaculation), were tape-recorded and registered simultaneously by two investigators, during a 30-min session, with light provided by a 40-watt red lamp. Concerning sexual behavior, the HD animals presented (i) a 70% increase in the amount of incomplete mounts (mounts without intromission), (ii) a 3-fold increase in the latency for the first intromission, (iii) a 27% decrease in the latency for the first pos-ejaculatory intromission, and (iv) a 26% decrease in the frequency of ejaculation. The lower reproductive performance and the tendency of fertility decrease in animals fed a hypercaloric diet from weaning to adulthood, allows us to suggest a negative interference between the ingestion of a hypercaloric diet and these reproductive parameters. Although results obtained from animals should not be directly extrapolated to humans, they may add evidence concerning the deleterious effects of a hypercaloric diet on humans and the species.

KUALITAS SEMEN DOMBA LOKAL DARI FREKUENSI EJAKULASI BERBEDA (The quality of local ram semen from different ejaculation)

One of the factors that support the success of reproduction in sheep is the quality of the semen. This study aims to analyze the effect of ejaculation frequency on the quality of ram semen. This study used four local rams two years old. All rams have collected the semen using an artificial vagina five times a day with three replications. The experimental parameters were macroscopic (volume, pH, consistency, and color) and microscopic (mass movement, motility, viability, concentration, normal sperm morphology, and sperm intact plasma membrane). The data analysis used a randomized block design (RBD) with SPSS version 20. The results showed that the frequency of ejaculation in rams shows color and consistency in the 1st ejaculate, which was creamier and thicker than the 4th and 5th ejaculate. Mass movement, sperm concentration per mL, and total sperm concentration in ejaculate 1st and 2nd were higher than in 5th ejaculate. The potential of artificial insemination (AI) in the 1st and 2nd ejaculate was higher than in the 5th ejaculate. The study concluded that the frequency of ejaculation affects mass movement, sperm concentration, and the potential straw production for AI in local sheep.

O-017 mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines do not affect male fertility

Study questionDo mRNA and viral vector coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines detrimentally affect semen parameters?Summary answerThe semen parameters following COVID-19 vaccination did not reflect any causative detrimental effect from vaccination.What is known alreadyBased on a still debatable observation of detrimental effect of COVID-19 infection on male fertility, unfounded claims in the social media suggested a potential association between COVID-19 vaccine and male infertility. To date, only two reports on the possible effect of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines on semen quality are available. First, a study on semen samples from 75 fertile men analyzed only 1-2 months after vaccination concluded that semen parameters following vaccine were predominantly within the normal WHO reference ranges. Secondly, in 45 men comparison of semen before and after COVID-19 mRNA vaccine showed no significant decreases in any sperm parameter.Study design, size, durationThis prospective study performed at a tertiary public fertility center included 101 men undergoing ART from January 2018 and December 2021. For each man we compared semen parameters before and after the COVID-19 vaccination: 78% of men received mRNA vaccines (78% Pfizer, 22% Moderna), 20% viral vector vaccines (70% AstraZeneca, 30% Johnson & Johnson), and 2% a mixed formulation. Post-vaccine samples were obtained at a median of 2.3 + 1.5 months after the second dose.Participants/materials, setting, methodsSemen analysis was performed according to WHO guidelines. Medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were reported for all parameters. The impact of COVID-19 vaccine on endpoints (semen volume, concentration, motility) was evaluated by Wilcoxon rank sum test to perform paired comparison of pre- and post-vaccination semen parameters. We also evaluated the following covariates: age, BMI, smoke habit, days of sexual abstinence, and frequency of ejaculations. Analyses were carried out by MedCalc® software.Main results and the role of chancePre-vaccination samples were obtained after a median abstinence period of 4 days (IQR 3-5) and post-vaccination samples after a median of 3 days (IQR 3-4, p = 0.004). Pre-vaccination median sample volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, and total motile sperm count (TMSC) were 3.0 ml (IQR 2.2-4.0), 25.0 million/ml (IQR 11.4-38.0), 50% (IQR 40-60) and 34.8 million (IQR 11.6-68.8), respectively. After the second vaccine dose, the median sample volume significantly decreased to 2.6 ml (IQR 1.9-3.5, p = 0.036), whereas the median sperm concentration, the progressive motility, and TMSC significantly increased to 43.0 million/ml (IQR 17.0-86.5, p < 0.0001), 56% (IQR 40-65, p = 0.022) and 54.6 million (IQR 18.9-105.6, p < 0.0001), respectively. Thirty-four patients were oligospermic before the vaccine (mean concentration 7.8 + 4.3 million/ml), and also in this subset of patients we observed a significant increase of the median sperm concentration, progressive motility, and TMSC (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.001, respectively) in post-vaccine semen samples respect to the pre-vaccine ones. Finally, we analyzed separately patients who received a mRNA vaccine and those who received a viral vector vaccine, and we confirmed the aforementioned results again in these two groups.Limitations, reasons for cautionSmall sample size, short follow-up, no healthy control group, no evaluation of male reproductive potential i.e., by comparing outcomes of ART cycles before and after vaccination. Nevertheless, this work was preceded by only two other reports published on this issue, and it includes more than twice as many patients enlisted.Wider implications of the findingsIn agreement with literature, COVID-19 vaccination does not reduce sperm quality and for the first time we demonstrated that this applies to both mRNA and viral-vector vaccines. The known individual variation in semen and the reduced abstinence time before the post-vaccine sample collection may explain the increases in sperm parameters.Trial registration numbernot applicable

P-091 Semen parameters and male reproductive potential are not negatively affected after recovery from COVID-19 disease

Study questionDoes COVID-19 disease negatively impact on male fertility after adequate time of recovery?Summary answerCOVID-19 disease did not impact on semen parameters and male reproductive potential in infertile patients, when semen was collected at least three months after recoveryWhat is known alreadyThe male reproductive system may be a potential target for SARS-CoV-2 since the presence of ACE and TMPRS2 receptors. After a first report of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen of COVID-19 patients, several papers reported that SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in the semen. However, some evidences indicated that COVID-19 disease could impair semen parameters. During the infection, or in a short period after, a reduction in sperm concentration (up to cases of azoospermia) and motility and an increase in DNA fragmentation were observed. There are no conclusive data exploring if these damages persist.Study design, size, durationIn this longitudinal prospective study, performed at a tertiary level public fertility center from February 2020 to December 2021 we enrolled 20 men who had COVID-19 disease (1 severe, 15 mild/moderate, and 4 asymptomatic). We compared sperm parameters in semen samples collected before COVID-19 and at least three months after recovery (median=6 months, IQR 4-9). We also evaluated the reproductive potential of 18 men who performed ART cycles after the recovery.Participants/materials, setting, methodsFor each man we compared semen parameters before the COVID-19 disease and at least three months after recovery. Semen samples were analyzed following WHO guidelines. Medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were reported. The impact of COVID-19 on endpoints (semen volume, concentration, motility) was evaluated by Wilcoxon rank sum test. A subset of 18 patients performed ART cycles after COVID-19 recovery. Outcomes of these cycles were compared with reference performance indicators set at our center.Main results and the role of chanceComparing median semen volume and progressive motility before (2.9 ml, IQR 2.0-3.5; 38.5%, IQR 30.0-52.5) and after COVID-19 (2.5 ml, IQR 2.0-3.6; 40%, IQR 30.0-47.5) we did not find any statistical difference (p = 0.766 and p = 0.782, respectively). We observed an improvement of median sperm concentration after disease recovery (before COVID-19: 26.0 million/ml, IQR 16-37, after: 68.0 million/ml, IQR 29.5-93.5, p = 0. 003), which may be due to intra-individual variability and to patients’ management at our center (i.e., oral antioxidant treatments, other therapies, higher ejaculatory frequency). On the whole, semen parameters did not worsen although the median age of patients obviously increased (36.5 years, IQR 33.8-38 versus 37.5 years, IQR 35.9-39.6). Eighteen couples performed 29 ART cycles after recovery from COVID-19 disease of the male partners (12 IUI, 8 FIVET, 9 ICSI of which one from frozen oocytes). Fertilization, cleavage and top-quality rates were within the normal reference ranges of our center. A total of 6 clinical pregnancies were achieved (5 singletons and 1 twin). One gestation ended in a successful healthy newborn, whereas the remining 5 pregnancies are ongoing. A total of 10 blastocysts were vitrificated in 4 cycles, thus further embryo transfers will be performed.Limitations, reasons for cautionThe main limitations of the study are: small sample size, limited generalizability because no data were collected in fertile patients.Wider implications of the findingsOur data are reassuring about the effect of COVID-19 disease on male fertility, if semen samples are collected at least three months after recovery from infection.Trial registration numbernot applicable

Ameliorative Sexual Behavior and Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitory Effects of Spondias mangifera Fruit Extract in Rodents: In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Study.

The ethanolic extracts of Spondias mangifera fruit (SMFE) were evaluated for aphrodisiac activity. The in-vitro phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibition was assessed based on in-silico molecular docking and simulation studies. In addition, the in-vivo sexual behavior was analyzed in the form of mount (MF, ML), intromission (IF, IL), and ejaculation (EF, EL) frequencies and latencies to validate the in-vitro results. Some biochemical parameters, including PDE-5, nitric oxide, and testosterone, were also observed. The above extract constituted β-amyrin, β-sitosterol, and oleanolic acid and showed tremendous binding with phosphodiesterase-5 and sildenafil. Both the sildenafil and ethanolic extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg/d bodyweight) significantly (p < 0.1, p < 0.05) increased MF, IF, and EF, respectively. In contrast, ML and IL significantly (p < 0.1) decreased, and EL significantly (p < 0.1) increased compared with a normal group of animals. The ethanolic extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg/d bodyweight) and sildenafil further significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.1) diminished PDE-5 activity significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.1) and enhanced nitric oxide and testosterone levels, as compared with normal rodents. Therefore, the S. mangifera ethanolic extract might be a valuable alternate aphrodisiac for erectile dysfunction.

Levosulpiride for premature ejaculation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction PE is diagnosed in the men that have from the first intercourse persistently occurring ejaculation in ≤1 minute of intercourse (lifelong PE) or significantly reduced ejaculation time (≤3 minutes) later in life (acquired PE), failed to delay ejaculation almost all the time of sexual intercourse, and have developed negative personal and mental conditions (e.g., bother, frustration, distress) and eventually sexual avoidance. Upon stimulation, the glans penis relays sensory information to ejaculatory centers (medial preoptic area, paraventricular nucleus, and periaqueductal grey) in the brain, which integrate the peripheral events of the seminal emission, ejaculation, and orgasm. The nucleus paragigantocellularis then modulates the efferent output of dopamine (DA) that inhibits the release of serotonin and ultimately cause ejaculation through D2 receptors. D2 receptor agonists decrease latency time and ejaculatory threshold and increase the frequency of ejaculation in rats. Furthermore, the damage to dopaminergic neurons increased the latency time of ejaculation. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors could be an effective treatment of PE, but they impose adverse side effects. Another approach to PE treatment is the inhibition of DA and/or D2 receptors. Levosulpiride (N-[[(2S)-1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-yl]methyl] 2-methoxy-5-sulfamoylbenzamide) is an antagonist of D2 receptors on the dopaminergic neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system. It has shown therapeutic effects primarily in psychiatric (depression, vertigo and schizophrenia) and motor disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract (gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia and emesis), but also PE. Some previous studies have reported improvements in intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) in men with PE when they were treated with levosulpiride. However, a few studies have reported no significant improvement after levosulpiride treatment. Objectives This review aims to report the efficacy of levosulpiride in the treatment of PE and improvement of IELT. Methods The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were searched for this review. Randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing levosulpiride with a placebo or other medicine were selected. Results A total of 97 articles were retrieved from the database search, of which only 4 RCTs containing 203 men met the selection criteria. All 4 RCTs were included in the systematic review while only 2 were included in the meta-analysis. A high selection and detection bias was found in both of these studies. The meta-analysis also showed the odds of improving IELT in PE patients using levosulpiride to be significantly higher (p &amp;lt; 0.05) compared to those who used a placebo (OR: 100.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) [13.12-774.90], I2 = 0%). The odds of improving IELT for &amp;gt; 5 min (500% improvement) were also significantly higher (p &amp;lt; 0.05) compared to the placebo groups (OR: 38.88, 95% CI [5.12-295.29], I2 = 0%). Furthermore, the odds of improving IELT for &amp;gt; 1 min but &amp;lt; 5 min were also significantly higher (p &amp;lt; 0.05) than the placebo groups (OR: 32.84, 95% CI [4.15-259.75], I2 = 0%). Conclusion Levosulpiride improved IELT, but even so, limited studies are available on this topic. Additional research is thus required to support the present review's findings. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

Seed extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens enhances sexual performance and improves male reproductive damages in ethanol-induced rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (T-MP) has been traditionally used in treating depressive disorders, dysuria and enhancing male sexual desire. Although T-MP seed is demonstrated to have antioxidant capacity, its aphrodisiac and protective tissue damage properties have never been documented. Recently, ethanol (Eth) is known to cause sexual behavior dysfunction and damage reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of T-MP seed extract on sexual behavior dysfunction and reproductive damages in male rats admisted with Eth. Materials and methodsT-MP possessing antioxidant activity was determined for L-DOPA content using NMR analysis. Thirty-six male rats were divided into four groups (9 animals/group). Control rats received DW and the ethanol (Eth) group was given with Eth (3 g/kgBW; 40%v/v). In preventive groups (T-MP150 + Eth and MP300 + Eth groups), animals were treated with T-MP extract at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kgBW before Eth administration for consecutive 56 days. Sexual behaviors including mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), mounting latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), post-ejaculatory interval (PEI), and ejaculation frequency (EF) were evaluated. Epididymal sperm quality and daily sperm production (DSP) were examined. Testicular histology was observed using Masson's trichrome staining. The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and expressions of androgen receptor (AR), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR), and tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins in testis were also determined. ResultsT-MP extract contained L-DOPA and improved sexual behaviors including increased MF and IF and decreased ML and IL in Eth treated rats. Significantly, sperm quality, DSP, and testicular histopathology observed in Eth group were improved after T-MP treatment. T-MP also decreased the testicular MDA levels. Additionally, T-MP could correct testicular functional proteins of AR and StAR except HSP70 expression in Eth group. Expressions of TyrPho proteins in testicular and sperm lysates were improved in co-administered groups. ConclusionsT-MP seed extract possessing L-DOPA could enhance the sexual behaviors and protect reproductive damages via improvement of testicular functional proteins.

Long-term exposure to cimetidine induced gonado-toxicity in male rats: Modulating role of Ocimum gratissimum

BackgroundAvailable evidence suggests that cimetidine is a reproductive toxicant that induces sexual and testicular dysfunction. Ocimum gratissimum (OG) is globally consumed for medicinal and nutritional purposes. To determine the modulating role of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum on cimetidine-induced gonado-toxicity, sexually mature male rats were randomized into four groups of six (n=6) rats each. Group A: control given 2ml distilled water. Group B received 500mg/kg body weight (bwt) of OG extract, Group C received 50mg/kg bwt cimetidine, and group D received 50mg/kg bwt of cimetidine+500mg/kg bwt OG extract once daily for 8 weeks via gastric gavage. Parameters tested include sperm parameters, testosterone (TT), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin, testicular alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), protein, cholesterol, glycogen, sexual behavioural parameters, and testicular histology. ResultsThere were depletions in the seminiferous epithelium, decreased sperm quality, TT, LH, and FSH, testicular enzymes, protein, cholesterol, glycogen, and sexual behaviour increase in animals treated with cimetidine only compared to control. OG restored and improved sexual behaviour and libido as evident from increased frequencies of mount, intromission, ejaculation, and ejaculatory latency. Mount latencies, intromission, post-ejaculation, and prolactin were significantly decreased. The significantly decreased testicular activities of ALP, ACP, LDH and protein, cholesterol, glycogen concentrations, TT, LH and FSH were increased by OG administration. ConclusionOcimum gratissimum attenuated the deleterious effects of cimetidine on the testis, protected the seminiferous epithelium, restored, and boosted sexual competence, and promoted spermatogenesis.

Effect of ejaculation frequency on ram semen characteristics, seminal plasma composition and chilled sperm quality

The aim of this study was to see how chilled sperm quality is affected by ejaculation frequency and its correlation to seminal plasma composition in INRA 180 rams. Five rams were collected at high (HFE) and low frequencies (LFE). For the high frequency, the rams were collected three times on the same day every three days for 18 days. In the low frequency collection, three consecutive ejaculates were collected once a week for four weeks. Ejaculates were collected at 20-minute intervals in either HFE or LFE. Semen characteristics, concentration of total protein, lipid, cholesterol and fructose in seminal plasma were assessed. Semen samples were extended in skim milk-based extender at 15 °C, then evaluated at different storage times (0, 8, and 24 h). Fresh sperm quality parameters, seminal plasma composition, and stored sperm quality were shown to be higher in LFE than in HFE and in the first and second ejaculates than in the third one. After 24 h of storage, sperm quality was correlated to seminal plasma components. In conclusion, the frequency of ejaculation has an effect on the fresh and stored semen quality as well as on seminal plasma composition in INRA 180 rams.

Bhagwat Award Abstracts for Journal

Background:Association between opioid use and sexual functioning is well-known. However, data evaluating the influence of treatment on different aspects of sexuality are lacking.Aim:To compare sexual behaviour, functioning, relationship, satisfaction, and sexual quality of life (sQoL) among treatment naïve patients(GROUP-I) with Opioid(heroin) dependence syndrome (ODS-H) with those maintained on buprenorphine(GROUP-II).Methods:Married adult males diagnosed with ODS-H, currently sexually active, and living with their partner were recruited. They were assessed for their sexual practices and high-risk sexual behaviour(HRSB) through a semi-structured questionnaire and sexual functioning, relationships, satisfaction, and sQoL though structured questionnaires.Results: A total of 112 individuals (GROUP-I:63; ODS-H:49) were recruited from the out-patient settings. Mean age and employment in GROUP-II was higher (p<0.05) than GROUP- I (37vs32 years; 94%vs70%, respectively). Other sociodemographic variables and age of onset of heroin use were comparable. Current practice of HRSB (e.g., engaging in casual partner sex, sex with commercial sex workers, and sex under intoxication) was higher in GROUP-I while almost no differences were seen in lifetime HRSB. Frequency of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in the two groups were: 78%vs39% (p<0.001), and 30%vs6% (p=0.001), respectively. GROUP-II had significantly higher scores in all the scales (p<0.05) as compared to GROUP-I, indicating better sexual satisfaction, quality of life, and sexual relationship.Conclusion: Heroin use is associated with HRSB, poorer sexual functioning, overall satisfaction, and sQoL. Maintenance on Buprenorphine helps with improvement in all these parameters. Comprehensive management for substance use should target sexual problems as well.

Phytochemical Screening by LC-ESI-MS/MS and Effect of the Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Leaves and Stems of Jatropha macrantha Müll Arg. on Ketamine-Induced Erectile Dysfunction in Rats.

Jatropha macrantha Müll Arg. L is also known as “huanarpo macho” and used in the Peruvian traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac and erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical constituents in leaves and stems ethyl acetate fraction (LEAF and SEAF) of J. macrantha and to compare the antioxidant activity and the ameliorative effect on ketamine-induced erectile dysfunction in rats. The phytochemical constituents were determined by LC-ESI-MS/MS, the total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids (TPC and TF) by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride, respectively. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Experimental groups were divided as follows: I: negative control; II: positive control (ketamine at 50 mg/ kg/d); III: sildenafil 5 mg/kg; IV, V, VI: LEAF at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, and VII, VIII, IX: SEAF at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence mainly of coumarins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes. TPC of LEAF and SEAF were 359 ± 5.21 mg GAE/g and 306 ± 1.93 mg GAE/g, respectively; TF in LEAF and SEAF were 23.7 ± 0.80 mg EQ/g, and 101 ± 1.42 mg EQ/g, respectively. The DPPH, ABTS, FRAP in SEAF were 647 ± 3.27; 668 ± 2.30; and 575 ± 2.86 μmol TE/g, respectively, whilst LEAF showed 796 ± 3.15; 679 ± 0.85; and 806 ± 3.42 μmol TE/g, respectively. Regarding sexual behavior, LEAF showed a better effect in mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency, mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculatory latency, and post ejaculatory latency than SEAF. As conclusion, LEAF of J. macrantha at 50 mg/kg showed a better effect on sexual behavior in male rats with erectile dysfunction than SEAF but not higher than sildenafil.

Fleurya Aestuans Leaves and Tetrahydroxyflavone Mitigate Lead Induced Testicular Toxicity in Wistar Rats

The effects of Fleurya aestuans leaves and tetrahydroxyflavone on the reproductive functions of lead acetate induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rats was investigated in this study. The study animals were divided into control group (A) and toxicity-induced groups (B, C, D, E, F, and G). To determine all particulate parameters under inquiry, the study used established procedures. Histological and tissue biochemical studies were performed on the testes and caudal epididymis. The most active compound in the extract was found to be tetrahydroxyflavone, and treatment of the extract resulted in a significant (P&lt;0.05) improvements in male mating behaviors, conceptive hormones, sperm parameters, and testicular biochemical parameters. The frequency of mount, intromission and ejaculation rose significantly (P&lt;0.05), but the latencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculation, decreased. Similarly, the treatment of the extract with tetrahydroxyflavone reversed the harmful effects of lead acetic acid on various organ systems in the research animals, such as the epididymis and testes. As a result, the study recommends that Fleurya aestuans leaves be used to treat reproductive problems. The dose in human being experiment may be beneficial to patients with reproductive problems.

The upregulation of tryptophan hydroxylase-2 expression is important for premature ejaculation treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Although there was some evidence to suggest that the serotonergic system in the brain played an important role in premature ejaculation (PE), tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) is considered to be the key enzyme for the synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and few studies have reported that brain TPH2 is involved in the regulation of ejaculation. This study aimed to investigate whether changes in brain TPH2 levels were associated with PE and to explore the effects of acute administration of dapoxetine on TPH2 expression in the brain of rats with rapid ejaculation. Based on the ejaculation frequency, the male rats were split into three groups: "rapid," "normal," and "sluggish" ejaculators. The level of 5-HT in the brain was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TPH2 expression was detected by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the concentration of 5-HT and the expression of TPH2 in rapid rats were the lowest, while those in sluggish rats were the highest. Correlation analysis also indicated the level of TPH2 was positively correlated with ejaculation latency (r=0.8633, p<0.0001) and negatively correlated with ejaculation frequency (r=-0.874, p<0.001). In addition, dapoxetine acute administration to rapid rats resulted in upregulation of TPH2 expression in the brain. There was an important link between the level of TPH2 and the change of ejaculation behaviors. Decreased expression of TPH2 in relevant brain regions will lead to rapid ejaculation. Moreover, the effect of dapoxetine on prolonging ejaculation may be due to the upregulation of TPH2 expression. We found the correlation between the level of TPH2 in the brain and PE. The findings in this study will open up a novel way for future research in PE therapy.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria (Apocynaceae) Leaves with on Sexual Activity of Male Rats

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the pharmacological effects of Rauvolfia vomitoria leaves on the sexual activity of animal model (male rat)&#x0D; Methods: Acute toxicity was performed according to OECD Guideline 423, by a dose limit of 2000 mg /kg body weight. The observations (during 14 days) focused on the number of deaths, convulsions, sleep and coma. Study of sexual activity has been realized by using 20 male rats, distributed in 4 lots of 5 animals. Group 1 treated with distilled water, group 2 treated with 5 mg/kg B.W. of sildenafil citrate and the other two batches received respectively the doses 500 and 1000 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria. Females in estrus state (in heat) were introduced for a period of 30 minutes. During this period, parameters of sexual behavior were recorded. At the end of the 8-day treatment, organs such as penis testicles, seminal vesicles, prostate, epididymis and elevator muscle were removed. These organs were studied in order to determine pharmacological effects of aqueous extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria.&#x0D; Results: The aqueous extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria showed no evidence of single dose toxicity (2000 mg/kg) when studying acute toxicity. Ride latency time, coitus latency time and ejaculation latency time was significantly decreased (P&lt;0.001) with regard to negative control (distilled water). Ride frequency, coitus fraquency and ejaculation frequency was significantly increased (P&lt;0.001) with regard to negative control (distilled water). No significant difference (P˃0.05) has been recorded on organ androgeno-dependant.&#x0D; Conclusion: Aqueous extract of R. vomitoria has sexual stimulating activity or an aphrodisiac potential which could justify its traditional use. The aphrodisiac potential is higher at the dose of 1000 mg/kg b.w .

Male fattening is related to increased seminal quality of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi): Implications for sperm competition.

Saimiri are neotropical primates with seasonal reproduction, males develop a seasonal fattening condition that has been suggested as a pre-copulatory sexual selection strategy. Furthermore, females mate with multiple males in the same season. This could also favor the evolution of a postcopulatory sexual strategy by sperm competition. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that there is a relationship between the fatted condition and advantageous seminal characteristics in Saimiri collinsi and evaluated its implications for sperm competition. Adult males (N = 10), aged 5-15 years, housed in mixed or only-male groups, were analyzed from June, 2015 to July, 2016. Measurements of weight, axilla, and arm skinfold, and testicular volume were taken monthly, and semen was collected by electroejaculation. A fattening index was developed to quantify and identify fatted males, biometrics, and seminal parameters were compared between the non-fatted and fatted conditions. The fatted males present a larger testicular volume. This is related to the increase in spermatogenic activity necessary to sustain a high ejaculation frequency during the mating season. An increase in seminal volume and in frequency of semen coagulation were detected in fatted males, advantages related to sperm protection in the female reproductive tract. Age and social context were not significant sources of variation for both morphological and seminal traits. A decrease in response from the fatted males in obtaining semen and an increase in the frequency of azoospermic ejaculates were observed. These unexpected results may be due to intense reproductive activities in a short period. The fattening phenomenon has many implications in the sexual selection of squirrel monkeys, and they are still not entirely unveiled. Our results corroborate the idea that, in S. collinsi, the fatted male condition is related to sexual selection, and we found evidence suggesting it may be also expressed by a post-copulatory component, sperm competition.

Effects of treadmill exercise on sexual behavior and reproductive parameters in chronically stressed-male rats.

Exposure to chronic stress stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and then simultaneously inhibits hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) axis activity. The inhibition formed by the HPA axis is the main mechanism of action of stress on reproductive function. HPG axis activity is known to be changed by various factors, including exercise. Exercise has been found to have a number of positive effects on sexual behavior, reproductive hormones, and sperm parameters in studies with animal models for many years. The main aim of this study is to investigate the effects of chronic treadmill exercise on chronically stressed-male rats' sexual behavior, reproductive hormones, and sperm parameters. A total of 40 sexually adult male rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups as control, stress, exercise, and stress+exercise. Animals in the exercise group were subjected to the chronic treadmill exercise (moderate intensity) for 33 days with a periodic increase in speed and duration. Animals in the stress group were exposed to restraint stress for 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h during the first, second and third 15 days respectively. Sexual behavior parameters, hormone measurements, and sperm parameters were evaluated. The main effects of chronic exercise on sexual behavior were centered on a significant increase in the ejaculation frequency (EF) in the stress+exercise group. Also, sperm concentration and motility in the stress group significantly decreased, and then sperm motility was improved by exercise in the stress+exercise group. In sum, our results show that chronic treadmill exercise may improve the adverse effects of chronic stress on sexual behavior and sperm parameters in male rats in terms of some parameters.