Function In Young Men Research Articles

Letter to Editor on "Unresolved questions in the recovery of spontaneous erectile function in young men treated with daily tadalafil".

Letter to Editor on "Unresolved questions in the recovery of spontaneous erectile function in young men treated with daily tadalafil".

Nerve conduction, latency, and its association with hand function in young men.

The median and ulnar nerves have been suggested to play a significant role in hand function; however, there are insufficient data to determine the strength of this association. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between hand function as measured with the Grooved pegboard test (GPT) and conduction velocity and latency of the median and ulnar nerves. We collected convenience samples in the College of Medicine, KSAU-HS. We used GPT to characterize hand function and performed measured nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and latency of the ulnar and median nerves of both hands. We used the Edinburgh handedness inventory (EHI) to determine hand dominance. We recruited 28 healthy medical students aged 20-29 years (mean: 21.46 ± 1.62 years). Most were right-handed (n = 25, 89.3%), with a mean EHI score of 302 ± 210. The mean GPT time was significantly faster in the dominant (65.5 ± 6.4 s) than in the non-dominant (75.0 ± 9.6 s) hand. The NCV for the ulnar nerve of the dominant hand was significantly correlated with GPT (r = -0.52, p = 0.005) while median nerve was not correlated (0.24, p = 0.21). Regression analysis and collinearity test showed that the ulnar NCV explained 20% of the variance in GPT of the dominant hand (R2 = 0.203, p = 0.016). The ulnar nerve conduction velocity, explained 20% of the variance in GPT times of the young men. Performance on this biomarker of neurological health seems to be more influenced by other factors in healthy young individuals.

Zinc as a Possible Critical Element to Prevent Harmful Effects of COVID-19 on Testicular Function: a Narrative Review.

Research into innovative non-pharmacological therapeutic routes via the utilization of natural elements like zinc (Zn) has been motivated by the discovery of new severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2) variants and the ineffectiveness of certain vaccination treatments during COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, research on SARS-COV-2's viral cellular entry and infection mechanism has shown that it may seriously harm reproductive system cells and impair testicular function in young men and adolescents, which may lead to male infertility over time. In this context, we conducted a narrative review to give an overview of the data pertaining to Zn's critical role in testicular tissue, the therapeutic use of such micronutrients to enhance male fertility, as well as in the potential mitigation of COVID-19, with the ultimate goal of elucidating the hypothesis of the potential use of Zn supplements to prevent the possible harmful effects of SARS-COV2 infection on testis physiological function, and subsequently, on male fertility.

The state of erectile and reproductive functions in young men who have undergone COVID-19

Introduction. The negative consequences of the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus are being actively studied nowadays. It is known that the new coronavirus infection aggressively affects not only the organs of the respiratory system, but also the male reproductive system through binding to the ACE-2 receptor on the surface of cells of reproductive organs.The purpose of the study: to identify the impact of the virus on erectile and reproductive functions in young men of childbearing age 20–45 years who have undergone a new coronavirus infection.Material and methods. The study included 75 men of reproductive age 20–45 years who had undergone COVID-19. During the period of COVID-19 disease and 12 weeks after recovery, the study participants completed a questionnaire to assess erectile function "International Index of Erectile Function" (ICEF-5). The men underwent a blood test for hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the ratio of FSH to LH (FSH/ LH), testosterone total, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T4 free, prostate specific antigen total (PSA total). The analysis of the ejaculate of 29 study participants was also carried out during the illness and 12 weeks after the recovery from COVID-19.Results. When processing the ICEF-5 questionnaire data, erectile dysfunction was detected in 81% of cases, p < 0,01 during the illness, after coronavirus infection, sexual disorders persisted in 44% of cases, p < 0,01. A study of the hormonal status in 80% of men during the COVID-19 disease revealed a significant decrease in the level of total testosterone, p < 0,01, which remained reduced in 64% of men 12 weeks after recovery, p < 0,01. According to the results of 29 spermograms, 42% of the study participants during the COVID-19 disease had oligospermia, p < 0,01, in 44% of cases oligozoospermia was noted, p<0,01. After recovery, there was a decrease in the volume of ejaculate, the concentration of spermatozoa remained in 17% of cases, p < 0,01.Conclusion. A new coronavirus infection negatively affects the erectile and reproductive functions in men who have undergone COVID-19.

Effects of brief mindfulness meditation training on attention and dispositional mindfulness in young adult males

This study examined the impact of brief mindfulness meditation (BMM) training on attention function and dispositional mindfulness in young males. 126 male participants aged 18–26 from the security industry were recruited, with 66 participants (M = 22.84, SD = 2.41) undergoing 4-week mindfulness meditation training and 60 participants (M = 23.07, SD = 2.29) in the active control group. The intervention was integrated into the participants' schedules. Measures included Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaires (FFMQ), concentration and assignment attention tasks, Attention Network Test (ANT), and saliva cortisol concentration. Findings indicate that brief mindfulness meditation training led to significant improvements in participants' FFMQ scores), with marginally significant enhancements in the executive control network. However, it had no discernible effect on alertness and orientation networks. Additionally, brief mindfulness meditation training enhanced attention allocation to light stimulation and prolonged individual attention. Surprisingly, there was no observed decrease in saliva cortisol concentration among meditation training participants. However, this study did not find a decrease in saliva cortisol concentration in the brief mindfulness meditation group. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of a 4-week brief mindfulness meditation training program to enhance dispositional mindfulness and specific aspects of attention function in young men, offering practical insights into the benefits of mindfulness meditation practices for this demographic.

Состояние эректильной и репродуктивной функций у молодых мужчин, перенесших COVID-19

Introduction. The negative consequences of the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus are being actively studied nowadays. It is known that the new coronavirus infection aggressively affects not only the organs of the respiratory system, but also the male reproductive system through binding to the ACE-2 receptor on the surface of cells of reproductive organs. The purpose of the study: to identify the impact of the virus on erectile and reproductive functions in young men of childbearing age 20–45 years who have undergone a new coronavirus infection. Material and methods. The study included 75 men of reproductive age 20–45 years who had undergone COVID-19. During the period of COVID-19 disease and 12 weeks after recovery, the study participants completed a questionnaire to assess erectile function "International Index of Erectile Function" (ICEF-5). The men underwent a blood test for hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the ratio of FSH to LH (FSH/LH), testosterone total, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T4 free, prostate specific antigen total (PSA total). The analysis of the ejaculate of 29 study participants was also carried out during the illness and 12 weeks after the recovery from COVID-19. Results. When processing the ICEF-5 questionnaire data, erectile dysfunction was detected in 81% of cases, p < 0,01 during the illness, after coronavirus infection, sexual disorders persisted in 44% of cases, p < 0,01. A study of the hormonal status in 80% of men during the COVID-19 disease revealed a significant decrease in the level of total testosterone, p < 0,01, which remained reduced in 64% of men 12 weeks after recovery, p < 0,01. According to the results of 29 spermograms, 42% of the study participants during the COVID-19 disease had oligospermia, p < 0,01, in 44% of cases oligozoospermia was noted, p<0,01. After recovery, there was a decrease in the volume of ejaculate, the concentration of spermatozoa remained in 17% of cases, p < 0,01.

This Month in Pediatric Urology.

No AccessJournal of UrologyThis Month in Pediatric Urology22 Jun 2023This Month in Pediatric Urology Julian Wan Julian WanJulian Wan More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003595AboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail "This Month in Pediatric Urology." The Journal of Urology, Publish Ahead of Print, pp. REFERENCES 1. . On Social Structure and Science. University of Chicago Press; 1996. Google Scholar 2. . “I just haven't done any of that”: applicability of the International Index of Erectile Function in young men with spina bifida. J Urol.2023; 210(3):000-000. Google Scholar © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Julian Wan More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Reply by Authors.

No AccessJournal of UrologyPediatric Article22 Jun 2023Reply by Authors James T. Rague, Josephine Hirsch, Theresa Meyer, Courtney Streur, Ilina Rosoklija, Stephanie Kielb, Earl Y. Cheng, Diana K. Bowen, Elizabeth B. Yerkes, and David I. Chu James T. RagueJames T. Rague *Correspondence: Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E Chicago Ave Box 24, Chicago, IL 60611 telephone: 312-227-6340; E-mail Address: [email protected] https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8089-5865 Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author , Josephine HirschJosephine Hirsch Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author , Theresa MeyerTheresa Meyer Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author , Courtney StreurCourtney Streur Division of Urology, CS Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan More articles by this author , Ilina RosoklijaIlina Rosoklija Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author , Stephanie KielbStephanie Kielb Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author , Earl Y. ChengEarl Y. Cheng Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author , Diana K. BowenDiana K. Bowen Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author , Elizabeth B. YerkesElizabeth B. Yerkes Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author , and David I. ChuDavid I. Chu Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003556.02AboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail "Reply by Authors." The Journal of Urology, Publish Ahead of Print, pp. REFERENCES 1. “I just haven't done any of that”: applicability of the International Index of Erectile Function in young men with spina bifida. J Urol. 2023; 210(3):000-000. Google Scholar 2. . Sexual health communication between healthcare professionals and adolescents with chronic conditions in Western countries: an integrative review. Sex Disabil. 2020; 38(2):191-216. Crossref, Google Scholar 3. . Sexual and reproductive health in young people with spina bifida. Dev Med Child Neurol. 1999; 41(10):671-675. Crossref, Medline, Google Scholar 4. . “They assume that you’re not having sex”: a qualitative exploration of how paediatric healthcare providers can have positive sexuality-related conversations with youth with disabilities. Sex Disabil. 2021; 39(3):579-594. Crossref, Google Scholar © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information James T. Rague Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois *Correspondence: Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E Chicago Ave Box 24, Chicago, IL 60611 telephone: 312-227-6340; E-mail Address: [email protected] More articles by this author Josephine Hirsch Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author Theresa Meyer Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author Courtney Streur Division of Urology, CS Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan More articles by this author Ilina Rosoklija Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author Stephanie Kielb Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author Earl Y. Cheng Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author Diana K. Bowen Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author Elizabeth B. Yerkes Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author David I. Chu Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

"I Just Haven't Done Any of That": Applicability of the International Index of Erectile Function in Young Men With Spina Bifida.

We evaluate the applicability of the International Index of Erectile Function in young men with spina bifida and identify spina bifida-specific sexual experiences not captured by this measure. Semistructured interviews were conducted between February 2021 and May 2021 with men ≥18 years of age with spina bifida. The International Index of Erectile Function was completed by participants, and perspectives on its applicability were discussed. Participant experiences and perspectives around sexual health were discussed to identify aspects of the sexual experience not well captured by the International Index of Erectile Function. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from a patient survey and chart review. Conventional content analysis framework was used for transcript coding. Of 30 eligible patients approached, 20 participated. Median age was 22.5 years (range 18-29), and 80% had myelomeningocele. Most identified as heterosexual (17/20, 85%), were not in a relationship (14/20, 70%), and were not currently sexually active (13/20, 65%). Some perceived the International Index of Erectile Function as applicable, while others reported it was not, as they do not define themselves as sexually active. Aspects of the sexual experience not captured by the International Index of Erectile Function included (1) lack of control over sexual function, (2) poor lower body sensation, (3) urinary incontinence, (4) spina bifida-specific physical limitations, and (5) psychosocial barriers. Participant suggestions for improving the International Index of Erectile Function to increase its applicability were identified. While many perceived the International Index of Erectile Function as applicable, the measure inadequately captures the diverse sexual experiences of young men with spina bifida. Disease-specific instruments to evaluate sexual health are needed in this population.

Testicular torsion and subsequent testicular function in young men from the general population

Is prior testicular torsion associated with testicular function (semen quality and reproductive hormones) in young men from the general population? In young men from the general population, no differences in semen parameters were observed in those who had experienced testicular torsion compared to controls and observations of higher FSH and lower inhibin B were subtle. Testicular function may be impaired after testicular torsion, but knowledge is sparse and based on studies with small sample sizes and no control group or a less than ideal control group. A cross-sectional population-based study was carried out including 7876 young Danish men with unknown fertility potential, examined from 1996 to 2020. All men (median age 19.0 years) had a physical examination, provided a blood and semen sample, and filled in a questionnaire including information about prior testicular torsion, birth, lifestyle and current and previous diseases. Markers of testicular function, including testis volume, semen parameters and reproductive hormones, were compared between men operated for testicular torsion and controls, using multiple linear regression analyses. The average participation rate was 24% for the entire study period. In total, 57 men (0.72%) were previously operated for testicular torsion (median age at surgery 13.4 years) of which five had only one remaining testicle. Men with prior testicular torsion were more often born preterm (25% versus 9.5% among controls), and they had significantly higher FSH and lower inhibin B levels, and a lower inhibin B/FSH ratio than controls in crude and adjusted models. The association was mainly driven by the subgroup of men who had undergone unilateral orchiectomy. No differences in semen parameters were observed. A limitation is the retrospective self-reported information on testicular torsion. Also, results should be interpreted with caution owing to the high uncertainty of the observed differences. Overall, the results of our study are reassuring for men who have experienced testicular torsion, especially when treated with orchiopexy, for whom reproductive hormone alterations were subtle and without obvious clinical relevance. Our study found no differences in semen parameters, but follow-up studies are needed to assess any long-term consequences for fertility. Financial support was received from the Danish Ministry of Health; the Danish Environmental Protection Agency; the Research fund of Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital; the European Union (Contract numbers BMH4-CT96-0314, QLK4-CT-1999-01422, QLK4-CT-2002-00603, FP7/2007-2013, DEER Grant agreement no. 212844); A.P. Møller and wife Chastine Mckinney Møllers Foundation; Svend Andersens Foundation; the Research Fund of the Capital Region of Denmark; and ReproUnion (EU/Interreg). The authors have nothing to declare. N/A.

Fetal exposure to maternal stress and male reproductive function in a cohort of young adults

To study associations between maternal stress during pregnancy and reproductive function in young men. A cohort study nested in a population-based birth cohort. Not applicable. Young men (n = 1,052; response rate, 19%) participated in the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality cohort from 2017 to 2019. They were recruited from pregnancies in the Danish National Birth Cohort (1996-2001). The men completed an online questionnaire, clinical examination, and collection of blood and semen samples. Information on maternal life and emotional stresses was available from a telephone interview covering the interval from the beginning of pregnancy to approximately gestational week30. We applied negative binomial, linear, and logistic regression to examine associations between life and emotional stress scores (range, 0-18) and reproductive function. The primary outcomes were measures of semen quality, and the secondary outcomes included reproductive hormone levels and testicular volume. Overall, we observed no negative associations between maternal life or emotional stress and male reproductive function. Maternal emotional stress was associated with higher total sperm count (16% difference; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1-33), serum estradiol (11% difference; 95% CI, 2-21), and calculated free testosterone (β = 17.8; 95% CI, 1.26-34.3). The results were robust to inverse probability weighting introduced to account for selection. Although our findings may appear reassuring, further efforts to validate the measures of stress during pregnancy and improve our understanding of the full spectrum of fetal stress exposures and consequences for health later in life are needed.

Acute Effects of Postexercise Cigarette Smoking on Central Hemodynamics and Endothelial Function in Young Men

Acute Effects of Postexercise Cigarette Smoking on Central Hemodynamics and Endothelial Function in Young Men

Association between intake of soft drinks and testicular function in young men

Is intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) or artificially sweetened beverages (ASB) associated with testicular function in young men? Among young men unaware of their semen quality and reproductive hormone levels, intake of SSBs was associated with lower sperm concentration, lower total sperm count, and a lower ratio of serum inhibin-B/FSH. SSBs may adversely impact testicular function, but results are not consistent across studies. Moreover, the associations of ASB, energy-drinks or fruit juices with testicular function are unclear. Young healthy men and unselected for fertility status men enrolled in a cross-sectional study between 2008 and 2017. A total of 2935 young (median age: 19 years) men enrolled in the study. Intake of SSBs, ASBs, fruit juices, and energy-drinks was assessed with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Testicular function was assessed through conventional semen quality parameters (semen volume, sperm concentration, total count, motility and morphology), testicular volume assessed with ultrasound, and serum reproductive hormone concentrations (total testosterone, free testosterone, E2, inhibin-B, LH, FSH, sex hormone-binding globulin) were measured. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, men in the highest category of SSB intake (median: 1.1 servings (∼220 ml)/day) had a 13.2 million/ml lower median sperm concentration (95% CI: -21.0, -5.5) than non-consumers. A similar pattern was observed with total sperm count (-28 million (95% CI: -48, -9)), serum inhibin-B (-12 pg/ml (95% CI: -21, -4)), and inhibin-B/FSH ratio (-9 (95% CI: -18, 0)). The adjusted median difference in sperm concentration and inhibin-B associated with increasing SSB intake by 1 serving (∼200ml)/day at the expense of water was -3.4 million sperm/ml (95% CI: -5.8, -1.0) and -7 pg/ml (95% CI: -11, -3), respectively. Inferring causality is limited owing to the cross-sectional design. We adjusted for a number of potential confounders but cannot exclude that unmeasured lifestyle and behavior associated with soft drink intake is associated with testicular function in these young men. In the largest study to date, intake of SSBs was associated with lower sperm concentration, total sperm count, and serum inhibin-B/FSH ratio, consistent with a direct suppressive effect of SSB intake on testicular function among otherwise healthy men, potentially affecting fertility. However, the observed association between higher SSB intake and lower semen quality does not necessarily imply a decrease in fertility. Supported by research from the Danish Council for Strategic Research (2101-08-0058), Independent Research Fund Denmark (8020-00218B), European Union (212844), the Kirsten and Freddy Johansen's Foundation (95-103-72087), the Research Fund of the Capital Region of Denmark (A6176), and the NIH (P30DK046200). The authors report no conflict of interest. N/A.

P–741 Fetal exposure to maternal perceived stress and male reproductive function in a cohort of young adults

Abstract Study question Is exposure to maternal perceived stress during pregnancy associated with reproductive function in adult male offspring? Summary answer While maternal perceived stress was prevalent in the first trimesters of pregnancy, our preliminary findings indicate little association with reproductive function in young men. What is known already Though studies in animals point to a connection between prenatal exposure to maternal stress and reproductive function in offspring, the underlying biological mechanisms generating a deficit remain largely unclear. In humans, the few available studies focus on exposure to bereavement or other relatively strong objective stressful life events. Our individual perception of stress is, however, more likely the sum of a complex process involving both the actual input, previous experiences, coping strategies and support from our surroundings. Study design, size, duration Young men and their mothers were identified through records from the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC). Information on exposure, i.e. maternal perceived life and emotional stress, was available from telephone interviews conducted at approximately 30 weeks of gestation (1996 to 2001). Recruitment of the young men lasted from 2017 to 2019 with 1058 participants enrolled in the final FEPOS cohort. Participants/materials, setting, methods Each of the 1058 men in the FEPOS cohort completed an online questionnaire and clinical examinations and provided a blood and semen sample. Information on potential pre- and postnatal confounders was retrieved from the DNBC, the Danish National Patient Register and the Danish Medical Birth Register. We applied negative binomial regression models to examine associations between maternal perceived life and emotional stress scores and semen quality, testicular size and reproductive hormones among the young men. Main results and the role of chance Among the 1052 young men included in preliminary analyses, the majority was exposed to maternal perceived life and/or emotional stress (76% and 83%, respectively) during the first trimesters. Life stress was predominantly related to the actual pregnancy (48%), maternal disease (19%) or occupational conditions (33%). Emotional stress included especially being touchy (58%), sad (38%) or tense (36%), covering aspects of both stress, depression and anxiety. Overall, results indicate little association between maternal stress scores and measures of semen quality and testicular size. Our study involves a large cohort with prospectively collected exposure data and direct measures of several male reproductive outcomes. We applied inverse probability weighting to account for selection into the FEPOS cohort and included a range of a priori selected maternal confounders in our models. Limitations, reasons for caution The male fetus may be particularly sensitive to exposure during the differentiation of reproductive tissues (8–14 weeks of gestation). Our self-reported measures of exposure cover the first 30 weeks of gestation. Absence of association may, thus, be due to a lack of specific information on timing of symptoms. Wider implications of the findings: While our preliminary findings may appear reassuring, further efforts to improve our understanding of maternal stress in relation to fetal health and potential consequences later in life are needed. Trial registration number Not applicable

MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN YOUNG MEN, FEATURES OF CLINICAL COURSE AND STATE OF ERECTILE FUNCTION

Aim of the study is to determine the features of the clinical course and study the state of erectile function in young men who have suffered MI.
 112 male patients of Caucasian race of the Ukrainian population under the age of 50 (mean 43.21±2.8 years) who have had MI were examined.
 Clinical and anamnestic data indicate the similarity of young men who have suffered MI with their peers. Yes, there are no significant differences in the percentage of smokers, burdened family history. Analysis of erectile dysfunction, according to the IIEF-5 questionnaire, indicates the presence of problems in young men who have suffered MI.
 All examined patients were admitted to the hospital within 12 hours from the first symptoms of MI, which allowed to perform urgent coronary angiography with subsequent endovascular intervention - stenting. According to the cardiac ventriculography, about half of the patients (50 - 44.6%) had a three-vessel disease despite the young age.
 One third of patients received as a beta-blocker the new class of drug of the 3rd generation - nebivalol (37 patients - 33.0%), which is important for young patients, as this drug has no adverse effects on erectile function in men. 44 (39.3%) received bisoprolol, a more common long-term beta-blocker. 31 patients had contraindications to beta-blockers.
 
 Conclusions.
 
 Myocardial infarction in young men was characterized by a high frequency of anginal form of the clinical course, multivessel disease of the coronary arteries, lipid profile disorders, a high proportion of patients with erectile dysfunction.
 Erectile dysfunction in young men is an early marker of coronary heart disease. All men with ED should undergo a thorough cardiac examination to determine lipid profile and testosterone levels.
 In patients with coronary heart disease, the symptoms of ED should be actively identified, initiate targeted lifestyle changes to reduce risks, as well as taken into account when choosing drugs for medical treatment.

Markers of Prenatal Androgen Exposure Correlate With Online Sexual Compulsivity and Erectile Function in Young Men.

Pornography addiction and sexual dysfunction are increasingly prevalent in young men. Previous studies suggest that prenatal androgen exposure plays a role in addiction and sexual functionality. Here, we tested whether lower second-to-fourth finger length ratio (2D:4D) and later age at spermarche, both putative indicators of higher androgen levels in utero, correlate with online sexual compulsivity (OSC scale of ISST), erectile function (IIEF-5), and ejaculatory control (PEPA) in 4,370 young men (age IQR: 25–26 years) of the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors. Statistical analyses revealed that lower 2D:4D correlated with higher scores on the OSC scale. Moreover, higher age at spermarche correlated with higher OSC scores and decreased erectile function. Interestingly, OSC severity, but not the frequency of pornography use, correlated negatively with erectile function and ejaculatory control. This is the first study to associate two independent proxies of prenatal testosterone level with OSC. These findings provide novel insight into intrauterine predisposition of sexual behavior and related sexual function in adulthood.

Impact of whole body passive heat stress and arterial shear rate modification on radial artery function in young men.

We sought to determine how whole body heating acutely influences radial artery function, characterized using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and low-flow-mediated constriction (L-FMC), and the mechanistic role of shear rate modification on radial artery functional characteristics during heating. Eleven young healthy men underwent whole body heating (water-perfused suit) sufficient to raise the core temperature by +1°C. Trials were repeated with (heat + WC) and without (heat) the application of a wrist cuff located distal to the radial artery examined, known to prevent increases in mean and anterograde shear rates but increase retrograde shear rate. Radial artery characteristics were assessed throughout each trial, with FMD and L-FMC assessed before and upon reaching the target core temperature. Heat markedly increased radial artery mean and anterograde shear rates, along with radial artery diameter and blood flow (P < 0.05). Heat + WC abolished the heat-induced increase in mean and anterograde shear rates (P > 0.05) but markedly increased retrograde shear rate (P < 0.05). Concomitantly, increases in radial artery diameter and blood flow were decreased (heat + WC vs. heat, P < 0.05). Heat attenuated FMD (8.6 ± 1.2% vs. 2.2 ± 1.4%, P < 0.05), whereas no change in FMD was observed in heat + WC (7.8 ± 1.2% vs. 10.8 ± 1.2%, P > 0.05). In contrast, L-FMC was not different in either trial (P > 0.05). In summary, acute whole body heating markedly elevates radial artery shear rate, diameter, and blood flow and diminishes FMD. However, marked radial artery vasodilation and diminished FMD are absent when these shear rate changes are prevented. Shear rate modifications underpin the radial artery response to acute whole body heat stress, but further endothelium-dependent vasodilation (FMD) is attenuated likely as the vasodilatory range limit is approached.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We observed that acute whole body heating elevates radial artery shear rate, diameter, and blood flow. This results in a diminished flow-meditated dilatation (FMD) but does not change low-flow-mediated constriction (L-FMC). Preventing shear rate changes during whole body heating reduces radial artery vasodilation and reverses FMD reductions but has no effect on L-FMC. These findings indicate that shear rate changes underpin conduit artery responses to acute whole body heat stress, but further endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation is attenuated as the vasodilatory range limit is approached.

Relationship of extremity muscle mass to muscular strength system function and cardiopulmonary function in young men

Relationship of extremity muscle mass to muscular strength system function and cardiopulmonary function in young men

Associations of Fish Oil Supplement Use With Testicular Function in Young Men

Many young men have poor semen quality, and the causes are often unknown. Supplement intake of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid has been found to improve semen quality among men with infertility, but the association with semen quality among healthy men is unknown. To determine if intake of ω-3 fatty acid supplements is associated with testicular function as measured by semen quality and reproductive hormone levels among healthy men. This cross-sectional study included young Danish men from the general population recruited between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2017, at compulsory examinations to determine their fitness for military service. Young unselected men were approached after the examination and invited to participate in a study of reproductive function, regardless of their fitness for military service. Data analysis was conducted from September 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. Intake of supplements, including fish oil, during the past 3 months. Semen quality, measured as volume, concentration, total sperm count, percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa, and motility, and serum reproductive hormone levels, measured as follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, free testosterone, and inhibin B levels. Among 1679 young Danish men (median [interquartile range] age, 18.9 [18.7-19.4] years) recruited to participate, 98 men (5.8%) reported use of fish oil supplements during the past 3 months, of whom 53 (54.1%) reported intake on 60 or more days. After adjustment and compared with men with no supplement intake, men with fish oil supplement intake on fewer than 60 days had semen volume that was 0.38 (95% CI, -0.03 to 0.80) mL higher, and men with fish oil supplement intake on 60 or more days had semen volume that was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.15 to 1.12) mL higher (P for trend < .001). Similarly, testicular size in men with supplement intake on fewer than 60 days was 0.8 (95% CI, -0.2 to 1.9) mL larger and in men with fish oil supplement intake on 60 or more days was 1.5 (95% CI, 0.2 to 2.8) mL larger compared with men with no supplement intake (P for trend = .007). After adjustment, men with fish oil supplement intake had a 20% (95% CI, 9%-31%) lower follicle-stimulating hormone level and 16% (95% CI, 8%-24%) lower luteinizing hormone level compared with men with no supplement intake. There were no associations of intake of other supplements with measures of testicular function. These findings suggest that intake of fish oil supplements was associated with better testicular function, which is less likely to be due to confounding by indication, as no associations of intake of other supplements with testicular function were found. This cross-sectional study did not examine the actual content of ω-3 fatty acids in the supplements; therefore, these findings need confirmation in well-designed randomized clinical trials among unselected men.

Shear stress and flow-mediated dilation in the normoxic and hypoxic human.

The endothelium is a single cell layer that plays a critical role in determining the health and function of blood vessels. Endothelial function is shaped by shear stress, the frictional force exerted by the speed of blood flow, and the thickness (viscosity) of the blood. Exposure to shear stress that reverses direction back-and-forth impairs endothelial function in young men. Whether women are equally susceptible to this perturbation and the isolated impact of a low level of shear stress with and without reversal of shear had not been investigated. Hypoxia, the low levels of oxygen that are experienced at high altitude, has been shown to influence flow reversal and impair endothelial function. However, no previous study had accounted for the changes in blood thickness, and hence shear stress that occur at high altitude. This may be especially important in the context of excessive erythrocytosis, a high-altitude disease characterized by exceptionally thick blood and increased cardiovascular risk. This thesis examined (i) whether there are sex differences in the impact of exposure to low and reversing shear stress on endothelial function; (ii) whether isolated low shear stress impairs endothelial function; (iii) the impact of reversing shear stress on endothelial function in short-term exposure to low levels of oxygen and after trekking to 5050 m in the Himalayas; and (iv) the role of high levels of blood viscosity on endothelial function in high-altitude natives in Cerro de Pasco, Peru (4330 m), with excessive erythrocytosis. We identified that (i) premenopausal women have some protection against reductions in endothelial function after being exposed to reversing shear stress; (ii) isolated low shear stress impaired endothelial function; (iii) short-term exposure to low levels of oxygen and sustained high-altitude exposure reduced endothelial function, while superimposing reversing shear stress had no effect; and (iv) high levels of hemoglobin and blood viscosity contributed to lower endothelial function in Andean high-altitude natives with excessive erythrocytosis. Altogether, this dissertation advances our understanding of how the components of shear stress (the pattern, magnitude, and blood viscosity) impact endothelial function in humans under normoxic (normal levels of oxygen) and hypoxic (low levels of oxygen, such as high-altitude) conditions.