Higher Serum Testosterone Levels Research Articles

Association between Fish Intake and Serum Testosterone Levels in Older Males: The Hitachi Health Study II

BackgroundFish are rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D, which can promote testosterone synthesis and secretion. However, some contaminants present in fish may disrupt testosterone production. ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the association between fish intake (total, fatty, and lean fish) and serum testosterone levels in older males. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 1545 Japanese males aged 60–69 y who participated in the baseline survey of the Hitachi Health Study II. Fish intake was estimated using a validated brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Total testosterone levels were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to analyze the association between fish intake and serum testosterone levels. ResultsHigher total fish intake was associated with higher levels of serum testosterone, with an adjusted mean [95% confidence interval (CI) of 5.63 (5.43, 5.83) and 5.99 (5.78, 6.20)] ng/mL for the 1st and 4th quartiles of total fish intake, respectively (P for trend = 0.06). When analyzing fatty and lean fish separately, higher intake of lean fish, but not fatty fish, was associated with higher levels of serum testosterone: adjusted mean (95% CI): 5.63 (5.43, 5.82) and 6.00 (5.79, 6.20) ng/mL for the 1st and 4th quartiles of lean fish intake, respectively (P for trend = 0.01). ConclusionsAmong older males, higher intake of total fish, particularly lean fish, was associated with higher serum testosterone levels. Curr Dev Nutr 20xx;x:xx.

The association between serum testosterone level and congestive heart failure in US male adults: data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2016.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum testosterone levels and the risk of congestive heart failure (CHF) in adult males. Previous research has suggested a potential link between serum testosterone and cardiovascular health, but the findings have been inconclusive. This study was cross-sectional, and the data were obtained from the 2011-2016 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which included a sample of 6,841 male participants. Serum testosterone levels were measured using a standardized assay, and CHF status was assessed through self-reporting. Covariates such as age, ethnicity, lifestyle factors, and health conditions were considered in the analysis. Among the participants, 242 individuals had a documented history of CHF. We observed a linear correlation between serum testosterone levels and CHF occurrence, with higher serum testosterone levels associated with a decreased risk of CHF (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.19-0.47, P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables, multivariate analysis revealed that high serum testosterone levels remained significantly associated with a lower risk of CHF (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27-0.80, P = 0.01). Subgroup analysis indicated a significant association between high serum testosterone levels and reduced CHF risk in individuals over 50 years old. Our findings suggest that the serum testosterone level was positively associated with CHF in adult males. This study highlights the potential role of serum testosterone in cardiovascular health, particularly in older individuals. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore the clinical implications of these findings.

FRI403 The Unintended Consequences Of Applying Topical Testosterone Directly To The Scrotum

Abstract Disclosure: J.G. Melendez-Rivera: None. S.J. Steven: None. Background: Topical testosterone is commonly used to treat hypogonadism in men. A concern associated with its use is the unintentional transfer to partners and children by direct contact with the application site. While prior studies and case reports have demonstrated the effects of direct skin contact with traditional application sites including the axillary regions and the abdomen, scarce data is available regarding the effects of transfer from application to the scrotum. Clinical Case: A 44-year-old woman presented with gradually worsening hirsutism and deepening voice over the past two years along with sudden cessation of menses. Initial laboratory studies revealed elevated testosterone of 1,776 ng/dL [10-55 ng/dL], elevated free testosterone of 14.4 pg/mL [0-4.2 pg/mL], normal androstenedione of 80 ng/dL [41-262 ng/dL) and normal DHEA-S of 57.7 ug/dL [57.3-279.2 ug/dL]. Transvaginal ultrasound revealed no ovarian masses or hyperplasia and CT abdomen and pelvis with and without contrast revealed no adrenal masses or hyperplasia. Ovarian and adrenal vein sampling were unremarkable. Anabolic steroid panel demonstrated a significantly elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio of 83.5 [&amp;lt;4] confirming an exogenous source of testosterone. Although the woman initially reported that her husband was applying topical testosterone, she reported that he was “obsessive” about being sure to wash the area of application prior to intimacy. Further questioning revealed that her husband was actually applying high concentration topical testosterone directly to his scrotum with sexual intercourse occurring up to five times daily. Conclusion: This case illustrates the dangers of applying topical testosterone directly to the scrotum. Prior studies have demonstrated that it may result in higher levels of serum testosterone in a shorter period of time which makes it seem like an attractive option for men desiring rapid resolution of their hypogonadal symptoms. Despite these perceived benefits, it can be detrimental to the health of their female partners who may experience extraordinarily elevated testosterone levels as a result of direct intravaginal absorption of topical testosterone. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Prognostic significance of serum testosterone level in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with cabazitaxel.

Serum testosterone level is a potential prognostic marker for castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, its role as a prognostic marker in cabazitaxel chemotherapy remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical significance of serum testosterone levels before cabazitaxel chemotherapy. This single-institution, retrospective study included 47 patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who received cabazitaxel therapy. Serum testosterone levels were measured before the initiation of cabazitaxel therapy. Progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) were not significantly different between patients with high and low serum testosterone levels. Analysis of patients aged <70 years revealed that those with high serum testosterone levels (total testosterone level > 0.055 ng/mL) had significantly longer OS than those with low serum testosterone levels (total testosterone level < 0.055 ng/mL, p = 0.012). Multivariate analysis revealed that low serum testosterone levels (hazard ratio [HR] = 11.874, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.076-67.953, p = 0.005) and high prostate-specific antigen levels (HR = 18.051, 95% CI 2.462-132.347, p = 0.004) in the pretreatment phase were independent prognostic factors for OS in patients receiving cabazitaxel therapy. Serum testosterone level may be a prognostic marker for cabazitaxel therapy in patients with mCRPC who are younger than 70 years, and high serum testosterone levels may lead to longer survival.

Endocrine Abnormalities in Children With Traumatic Brain Injury at a Tertiary Care Center.

Objective Accidental traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to severe complications such as endocrine abnormalities and long-term morbidities and can negatively impact patient lives. These conditions are also associated with a high cost of treatment over a lifetime, a significant concern in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs). In Pakistan, the prevalence of children with endocrine abnormalities secondary to TBI remains largely unexplored. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study to estimate the burden of endocrine abnormalities due to TBI among children in our population. Methods Twenty patients previously admitted with head injury between September and October 2019 were retrospectively reviewed with tests for baseline serum sodium, plasma osmolality, cortisol, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), free thyroxine (fT4), growth hormone (GH), insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, estradiol, and testosterone. Data were collated from the electronic Health and Information Management System (HIMS) and analyzed using SPSS v25. Chi-square and t-tests were used to identify associations between variable groups. Outcomes of interest included correlations between hormonal levels and demographic factors, interventions and hormonal levels, and complication rates and hormonal levels. Results Our study reports three (15% of the total cohort) patients with pituitary hormone deficits (two with low IGF-1 and one with low TSH). High serum IGF-1 and ACTH levels were also observed in three (15%) children. High IGF-1 was associated with female gender (p=0.007), mechanical ventilation (p=0.038), and falls (p=0.028). IGF-1 (p=0.035) and GH (p=0.049) levels were associated with improvement in Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS-E) score. Testosterone was positively correlated with a high percentile for height (p=0.005) and GOS-E scores on follow-up (p=0.030). High testosterone levels (592.12 ± 102.28 ng/dl) were associated with good functional outcomes in post-pubescent patients (p<0.05). Serum fT4 was linked with a high GOS-E score at discharge in prepubescent patients (p=0.034). Neurosurgical decompression was the only risk factor for hormone deficiency, comprising 67% of the group with hormone deficiencies (p=0.028). The learning difficulties were observed exclusively in children with hormonal deficiencies (7 patients, p=0.000). Conclusion Hormonal dysfunction due to TBI in children can lead to poor outcomes. High serum IGF-1, testosterone, and free T4 levels were associated with improved functional outcomes in children with TBI. Limited follow-up and resources in LMICs are significant barriers to addressing the morbidity associated with these conditions and need to be addressed at a health policy level.

Testicular function is associated with cardiometabolic health markers: A cross-sectional study of 2289 young men.

Testicular function, including compensated Leydig cell function, has been indicated to be an early marker of morbidity. To study the association of testicular function and markers of metabolic and cardiovascular health in a population of young men. A cross-sectional study of 2289 men (median age 19 years, 5-95 percentile 18.4-22.2) from the general population examined between 2012 and 2019. Participants answered a questionnaire, had a blood sample drawn for assessment of reproductive hormone levels and health markers (lipids, glycosylated hemoglobin), delivered a semen sample, underwent physical examination including blood pressure measurements, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan for assessment of body composition. Associations were assessed in both crude and adjusted linear regression analyses. The men were within the normal reference intervals of their age for reproductive and health biomarkers. Compared to the lowest quartile, having luteinizing hormone levels in the highest quartile was associated with higher mean arterial pressure (1.6 [95% confidence interval: 0.8; 2.5] mmHg), cholesterol (0.1 [95% confidence interval: 0.02; 0.18] mmol/L), and total body fat percentage (1.1 [95% confidence interval: 0.4; 1.8] %-points). Higher serum testosterone levels were associated with more advantageous cardiometabolic health markers and higher total sperm count with a healthier body composition and lower glycosylated hemoglobin. In this study of young men, unselected regarding reproductive hormones and semen quality, higher luteinizing hormone was associated with cardiovascular risk factors. Higher testosterone and total sperm count were associated with more favorable cardiometabolic indices. Thus, serum reproductive hormones and semen quality may be early appearing biomarkers of cardiovascular health even among young healthy men, which could potentially be useful for preventive initiatives to reduce the excess mortality and morbidity risk among infertile men. However, our study was cross-sectional and cannot determine causation. Future longitudinal studies of reproductive health in young men are warranted.

Higher Serum Testosterone Level Was Associated with a Lower Risk of Prediabetes in US Adults: Findings from Nationally Representative Data.

Low testosterone may be a novel risk factor for prediabetes. We assessed the associations between prediabetes and total serum testosterone (TT), and whether the associations were modified by population characteristics. The data from 5330 adults aged ≥ 20 years, who participated in the 2011−2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States, were used. Prediabetes was based on fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, or OGTT. Sociodemographic, obesity, co-morbidities, and lifestyle factors were included in logistic regression models. A dose-response relationship was found between prediabetes and the testosterone quartiles. The odds ratio (OR and 95% CI) for prediabetes across the quartiles of TT were: 1.00, 0.68 (0.50−0.92), 0.51 (0.36−0.72), and 0.48 (0.34−0.70) in men; and 1.00, 1.06 (0.81−1.40), 0.81 (0.61−1.06), and 0.68 (0.49−0.93) in women. The results changed marginally if the models were adjusted for additional variables such as BMI. The subgroup analyses showed differences in the association, which was stronger in some groups (for men: age < 50, white and black, overweight/obese, adequate physical activity, never-smoking; and for women: age ≥ 50, black). A higher testosterone level was associated with a lower risk of prediabetes among US adults. The strength of the association varied by population characteristics, weight status, gender, and lifestyle factors.

[Moral Competence in Medical Students - Comparison Between First Semester and Practical Year Students].

In addition to teaching theoretical and clinical-practical skills, the development of individual moral competence should be another core concern in medical school. However, research suggests that moral competence in students of human medicine stagnates or even declines during the course of medical school. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study investigated the moral competence of medical students at the beginning of their studies and during their practical year, as well as the effects of testosterone as a neurohormone on moral judgment. By means of a cross-sectional study, the moral judgment ability of 24 first-year and 16 practical year students of Hannover Medical School was recorded and evaluated with the Moral Competence Test (MCT) according to Lind. The testosterone serum level of the study participants was statistically related to the MCT results. No significant differences between first-year (mean±standard deviation (SD): 13.16±8.21) and practical year students (mean±SD: 11.24±8.07) with regard to moral competence as per the MCT were identified (p=0.36). Higher serum testosterone levels did not show a statistically significant correlation with moral competence (r=-0.09, p=0.58). Our results do not show a clear trend whether moral competence is lower in medical students in advanced semesters compared to the beginning of medical school and whether moral competence is influenced by the neurohormone testosterone. Nevertheless, it seems reasonable to implement moral competence training for medical students early, continuously, and as individually designed as possible during medical school (and to evaluate it in further studies) in order to preventively counteract stagnation or regression of moral judgment.

BCL2-associated athanogene 6 exon24 contributes to testosterone synthesis and male fertility in mammals.

ObjectivesBCL2‐associated athanogene 6 (BAG6) plays critical roles in spermatogenesis by maintaining testicular cell survival. Our previous data showed porcine BAG6 exon24‐skipped transcript is highly expressed in immature testes compared with mature testes. The objective of this study is to reveal the functional significance of BAG6 exon24 in mammalian spermatogenesis.Materials and MethodsCRISPR/Cas9 system was used to generate Bag6 exon24 knockout mice. Testes and cauda epididymal sperm were collected from mice. TMT proteomics analysis was used to discover the protein differences induced by Bag6 exon24 deletion. Testosterone enanthate was injected into mice to generate a high‐testosterone mice model. H&E staining, qRT‐PCR, western blotting, vector/siRNA transfection, immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, transmission electron microscopy, TUNEL and ELISA were performed to investigate the phenotypes and molecular basis.Results Bag6 exon24 knockout mice show sub‐fertility along with partially impaired blood‐testis barrier, increased apoptotic testicular cell rate and abnormal sperm morphology. Endoplasmic reticulum stress occurs in Bag6 exon24‐deficient testes and sterol regulatory element‐binding transcription factor 2 is activated; as a result, cytochrome P450 family 51 subfamily A member 1 expression is up‐regulated, which causes a high serum testosterone level. Additionally, serine/arginine‐rich splicing factor 1 down‐regulates BAG6 exon24‐skipped transcripts in porcine Sertoli cells by binding to 35–51 nt on BAG6 exon24 via its N‐terminal RNA‐recognition domain.ConclusionsOur findings reveal the critical roles of BAG6 exon24 in testosterone biosynthesis and male fertility, which provides new insights into the regulation of spermatogenesis and pathogenesis of subfertility in mammals.

Assessment of serum testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone levels in female patients with acne vulgaris

Introduction: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit with differential pathogenesis. To elucidate the roles of hormones in acne pathogenesis, we conducted a study to evaluate the serum testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone levels in women with acne vulgaris. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study, and 175 women with acne vulgaris were examined; their serum estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone were analyzed by chemiluminescence technique and compared with the healthy control group. Results: Increased serum hormone levels in women with acne vulgaris accounted for 29.7%, and hyperandrogenism accounted for 16.0% of cases. We found significant differences in testosterone levels (mean value, 55.67±25.56 versus 38.37±10.16 ng/dL, p&lt;0.05) respectively, in the acne group and the control group. However, the estradiol level of the acne group (323.15±93.31 pmol/L) was lower than the control group (370.94±58.88 pmol/L), with p-value under 0.05. No statistically significant differences were found for progesterone (0.60±0.38 versus 0.50±0.15 ng/mL, p&gt;0.05) levels. Moreover, we did not find the relationship between serum hormone levels and the severity of acne vulgaris. Conclusion: This study showed that female acne vulgaris patients may have high serum testosterone levels and low serum estradiol levels compared with those of female controls. However, hormone alterations had no correlation with acne severity.

Assessment of serum testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone levels in female patients with acne vulgaris

Introduction: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit with differential pathogenesis. To elucidate the roles of hormones in acne pathogenesis, we conducted a study to evaluate the serum testosterone, estradiol, progesterone levels in women with acne vulgaris. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study, and 175 women with acne vulgaris were examined; their serum estradiol, progesterone, testosterone were analyzed by chemiluminescence technique and compared with the healthy control group. Results: Increased serum hormone levels in women with acne vulgaris were accounted for 29.7%, and hyperandrogenism was accounted for 16.0% of cases. We found significant differences in testosterone levels (mean value, 55.67±25.56 versus 38.37±10.16 ng/dL, p&lt;0.05) respectively in the acne group and the control group. However, the estradiol level of the acne group (323.15±93.31 pmol/L) was lower than the control group (370.94±58.88 pmol/L) with p&lt;0.05). No statistically significant differences were found for progesterone (0.60±0.38 versus 0.50±0.15 ng/mL, p&gt;0.05) levels. Moreover, we did not find the relationship between serum hormone levels and the severity of acne vulgaris. Conclusion: This study showed that the female acne vulgaris patients may have high serum testosterone levels and low serum estradiol levels compared with those of female controls. However, hormone alterations had no correlation with the acne grades.

Assessment of serum testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone levels in female patients with acne vulgaris

Introduction: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit with differential pathogenesis. To elucidate the roles of hormones in acne pathogenesis, we conducted a study to evaluate the serum testosterone, estradiol, progesterone levels in women with acne vulgaris. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study, and 175 women with acne vulgaris were examined; their serum estradiol, progesterone, testosterone were analyzed by chemiluminescence technique and compared with the healthy control group. Results: Increased serum hormone levels in women with acne vulgaris were accounted for 29.7%, and hyperandrogenism was accounted for 16.0% of cases. We found significant differences in testosterone levels (mean value, 55.67±25.56 versus 38.37±10.16 ng/dL, p&lt;0.05) respectively in the acne group and the control group. However, the estradiol level of the acne group (323.15±93.31 pmol/L) was lower than the control group (370.94±58.88 pmol/L) with p&lt;0.05). No statistically significant differences were found for progesterone (0.60±0.38 versus 0.50±0.15 ng/mL, p&gt;0.05) levels. Moreover, we did not find the relationship between serum hormone levels and the severity of acne vulgaris. Conclusion: This study showed that the female acne vulgaris patients may have high serum testosterone levels and low serum estradiol levels compared with those of female controls. However, hormone alterations had no correlation with the acne grades.

Assessment of serum hormone levels in female patients with acne vulgaris

Introduction: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit with differential pathogenesis. To elucidate the roles of hormones in acne pathogenesis, we conducted a study to evaluate the serum testosterone, estradiol, progesterone levels in women with acne vulgaris. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study, and 175 women with acne vulgaris were examined; their serum estradiol, progesterone, testosterone were analyzed by chemiluminescence technique and compared with the healthy control group. Results: Increased serum hormone levels in women with acne vulgaris were accounted for 29.7%, and hyperandrogenism was accounted for 16.0% of cases. We found significant differences in testosterone levels (mean value, 55.67±25.56 versus 38.37±10.16 ng/dL, p&lt;0.05) respectively in the acne group and the control group. However, the estradiol level of the acne group (323.15±93.31 pmol/L) was lower than the control group (370.94±58.88 pmol/L) with p&lt;0.05). No statistically significant differences were found for progesterone (0.60±0.38 versus 0.50±0.15 ng/mL, p&gt;0.05) levels. Moreover, we did not find the relationship between serum hormone levels and the severity of acne vulgaris. Conclusion: This study showed that the female acne vulgaris patients may have high serum testosterone levels and low serum estradiol levels compared with those of female controls. However, hormone alterations had no correlation with the acne grades.

Comorbid laboratory abnormalities in female pattern hair loss patients

Background: Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the main cause of alopecia in women and has a debilitating impact on the quality of life. However, certain comorbid conditions causing hair loss are often masked by FPHL and may remain undetected. Hence, it is imperative to identify them to administer appropriate treatment. The necessity of laboratory tests to evaluate these comorbidities in patients with FPHL has not been established. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the frequency of comorbid abnormalities detected by laboratory tests in patients with FPHL. Methods: Routine laboratory test results of patients with FPHL, who visit our hair clinic for the first time, were retrospectively collected and analyzed. These tests assessed the serum testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxin, zinc and ferritin levels, hemoglobin, as well as antinuclear antibody (ANA), and rapid plasma reagin test results. The correlation between age and hair loss severity and the frequency of comorbidities was evaluated using subgroup analysis. Results: Among the 356 patients with FPHL, coexisting zinc deficiency, iron depletion, and thyroid abnormalities were common and present in 41.7%, 39.7%, and 11.3% of them, respectively. The rate of concomitantly increased ANA titers was relatively low (4.4%), while that of syphilis and high serum testosterone levels was extremely low (0.3% and 0%, respectively). Younger patients (<50 years) with FPHL had a higher rate of coexisting iron deficiency than patients in the older age group. Conclusion: Testing for concomitant iron depletion, zinc deficiency, and thyroid disease is recommended in female patients with FPHL.

The Potential Role of Circulating MicroRNAs in Male Rat Infertility Treated with Kaempferia parviflora.

Background Therapeutic strategies based on herbal plants and diets containing sufficient amounts of antioxidants and essential vitamins are very important factors in treating reproduction and male infertility worldwide. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of Kaempferia parviflora (KP) on the role of some microRNAs in treated and nontreated infertile rats. In addition, the correlation of expressed microRNAs with sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm viability was identified. The probable use of these microRNAs as a diagnostic marker for predicting the clinical response of infertility to the treatment with KP was also achieved. Methods In the present study, the potential effects of Kaempferia parviflora (KP) at different doses (140, 280, and 420 mg/kg) for six weeks on male rats with subinfertility were explored. In addition, the effect of KP on the expression of circulating microRNAs and its correlation with the parameters of sexual infertility was identified by performing both in vitro and in vivo assays. In vitro antioxidant activity, sperm functional analysis, serum testosterone, and expression of circulating microRNAs were conducted using colorimetric, ELISA, and real-time RT-PCR analysis, respectively. Results Kaempferia parviflora (KP) at nontoxic doses of 140–420 mg/kg/day for six weeks significantly improved serum testosterone and epididymal sperm parameters (sperm count, motility, and sperm viability), increased testicular weight, and provided a reduction in the percentage of abnormal spermatozoon in infertile male rats. The expression of miR-328 and miR-19b significantly decreased, and miR-34 significantly increased in infertile rats treated with KP compared to infertile nontreated rats. After six weeks of KP therapy, the change in the expression levels of miRNAs was correlated positively with higher levels of serum testosterone and the measures of epididymal sperm parameters. The respective area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) was applied to predict the potential use of miR-328, miR-19b, and miR-34 in the diagnosis of male infertility in treated and nontreated infertile male rats. The data showed that AUC cutoff values of 0.91 for miR-328, 0.89 for miR-19b, and 0.86 for miR34 were the best estimated values for the clinical diagnosis of male rats with infertility. In rats treated with KP for six weeks, AUC cutoff values of 0.76 for miR-328, 0.79 for miR-19b, and 0.81 for miR-34 were the best cutoff values reported for the clinical response of infertility to KP therapy after six weeks. Conclusions In this study, the improvement of male infertility might proceed via antioxidant and antiapoptotic pathways, which significantly improve spermatogenesis and aphrodisiac properties of males. In addition, the expression of miRNAs, miR-328, miR-34, and miR-19b, in KP-treated and nontreated infertile rats significantly correlated with increased serum testosterone levels and epididymal sperm parameters as well. MicroRNAs, miR-328, miR-34, and miR-19b, might be related to oxidative and apoptotic pathways that proceeded in spermatogenesis. Thus, the use of miRNAs could have a role as diagnostic, therapeutic, and predictive markers for assessing the clinical response of Kaempferia parviflora treatment for six weeks. This may have potential applications in the therapeutic strategies based on herbal plants for male infertility. However, in subsequent studies, the genetic regulatory mechanisms of the expressed miRNAs should be fully characterized.

Impact of Serum Prolactin and Testosterone Levels on Male Infertility in Sulaimanyah City

The appropriateness of the interactions between Prolactin, gonadotrophins and testicular hormones ensures that normal spermatogenesis takes place in the male. So this study is an attempt to classify male infertility depending on WHO criteria of seminal changes and to evaluate serum Prolactin, Testosterone FSH and LH levels in the participants, also determine the association between serum Prolactin, Testosterone levels and subtypes of male infertility. This study involved three hundred infertile males having infertility more than one year (cases group) and three hundred age-matched fertile males with definite paternity in past two years (control group) were included to the study from Jan 2018 -Dec 2020 at Shahid Ali Qader consultant clinic in the Sulaimanyah city. Serum levels of hormones were measured by electrochemiluminescense immunoassay technique. Approximately half of patient's age ranged between 30- 39 years. Sixty eight percentage of cases complained from primary infertility. About 71.3% of patients had infertility duration between 1 - 5 years. This percentage decreased with increasing the infertility years. Most common infertile group was Asthenospermia (34.3%). A higher significant levels of serum Prolactin, FSH and LH found in cases than controls (p<0.001). However, the serum Testosterone levels was significantly lower in cases than controls (p<0.05). Moreover, serum Prolactin levels were found significantly elevated in all infertile subgroups (except Normospermic subgroup) compared to control group, while serum Testosterone levels were significantly decreased in all infertile subgroups (except Normospermic subgroup) compared to control group (p<0.05). So we conclude that; Poor spermatogenesis is associated with high serum Prolactin, FSH,LH levels and low serum Testosterone levels in patients with male infertility. Moreover, elevated serum Prolactin levels and decreased serum Testosterone levels were significantly associated with A, AT, OAT, Azoo and OA infertile males. Keywords: Male infertility, primary and secondary infertility, Prolactin, Testosterone, spermatogenesis.

CORRELATION OF TESTOSTERONE AND CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE IN YOUNG AGED MALES

Introduction: Higher serum testosterone levels were thought to be harmful to the cardiovascular system. While few research have concluded low testosterone levels as risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We conducted a cross-sectional research study to see if there was a link between blood testosterone levels and the severity of coronary artery disease on angiography (CAD). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the largest cause of death worldwide, with coronary artery disease (CAD) being the main cause of death. Furthermore, CVD causes considerable morbidity and disability-adjusted life years lost (DALYS). Aim: Correlation of testosterone and coronary artery disease in young aged males.  Material and Method: The study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine. It included 50 healthy male subjects and 50 CAD subjects of age 18 -45 years who visited the OPD of Dept. of Medicine. Result: In the study group as showed in Table 1, both groups were compared for Total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, VLDL and Testosterone levels. Low testosterone levels were statistically related with severity of CAD (P 0.05). Conclusion: Low testosterone levels, according to our findings, are an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease and endothelial dysfunction. To determine the role of testosterone as a modifiable risk factor, a randomised controlled trial of testosterone replacement in hypogonadal males and study of its impact on endothelial function, risk factors for cardiovascular disease, CAD development, and outcomes, is required. The current study is the first of its kind in Indian community, and it supports previous research on other populations. Pathogenetic and long-term clinical investigations are needed to elucidate the specific mechanism behind our findings and their therapeutic significance. Keywords: CAD, CVD, Testosterone, SHBG, HDL, LDL

383-P: Comparative Study of Serum Testosterone Levels in Male T2DM and Nondiabetic Subjects as a Risk Marker for Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease

Background: Historically, higher levels of serum testosterone were presumed deleterious to the cardiovascular system. cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors prevalence were increased due to low testosterone levels. Material and Methods: This was a prospective observational study, conducted among men with type 2 diabetes with documented CAD (n = 60) and controls healthy men (n = 50). Pearson correlation between sex hormones and CAD risk factors was done. The association between sex hormones and CAD risk factors among patients was analyzed by multiple logistic regression. The statistical significance was set at the 0.05 level. Result: Mean age of diabetics was 44.5 ±7.9 years and non diabetics was 42.54 ± 5.63 years. 56% of Diabetics and 20 % non diabetics had lower levels of total testosterone. 68% of Diabetics and 26 % non diabetics had lower levels of free testosterone. Mean SHBG levels in Diabetics and non - diabetics was 8.6 ± 1.8 and 16 ± 3.2. Prevalence of Hypogonadism was 22% in Diabetics and 10% in Non diabetics. Among the cases, a significant positive correlation was found between total testosterone/FTI and waist circumference, W/H ratio, triglyceride levels, hs-CRP, and CIMT (P &amp;lt; 0.01). In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between total testosterone and FTI with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (P &amp;lt; 0.01). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that total testosterone levels (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and SHBG (P &amp;lt; 0.01) are independently associated with the occurrence of atherosclerotic CAD in T2DM men. Conclusion: We conclude that increased serum testosterone levels and low SHBG in T2DM men are associated with the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors. Disclosure A. K. Das: None. A. Bhagat: None. N. Sinha: None.

The mediation role of SOCS3 methylation in the effect of serum testosterone on type 2 diabetes.

Previous studies reported that testosterone and DNA methylation of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) were associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Testosterone affects SOCS3 gene expression. Therefore, we aimed to investigate how the SOCS3 methylation mediates the relationship between testosterone and T2D among Chinese rural adults. A case-control study comprised 365 T2D patients and 651 controls was conducted. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and MethylTarget were used to determine the levels of serum testosterone and DNA methylation of SOCS3 gene, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of testosterone or SOCS3 methylation for T2D was calculated using logistic regression models, and β value of testosterone for SOCS3 methylation was evaluated by linear regression models. Furthermore, through mediation analysis the mediating effect of SOCS3 methylation on the association of testosterone with T2D was estimated. After adjusting for multiple variables, the protective effect of testosterone on T2D was found in men (OR=0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.80), and the methylation of Chr17:76356190 or Chr17:76356199 was negatively related to T2D in both men and women. Moreover, testosterone was positively associated with Chr17:76356190 methylation in men and Chr17:76356199 methylation in women (both P < .05). The mediation analysis showed that the Chr17:76356190 methylation partly mediated effect of testosterone on T2D in men was approximately 8.2%. High levels of serum testosterone in men and Chr17:76356190 and Chr17:76356199 (SOCS3) methylation were related to a lower prevalent T2D. In addition, Chr17:76356190 methylation partially mediated the effect of testosterone on T2D in Chinese rural men.

Physiologic prostate-specific membrane antigen-targeted 18F-DCFPyL uptake in the epididymis head newly appreciated on digital PET/CT.

The published physiological distribution of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET ligands includes normal uptake in the lacrimal glands, salivary glands, bowel, liver, spleen, kidneys and parasympathetic ganglia but does not include the epididymis. Retrospective review of 134 PSMA-targeted 2-(3-(1-carboxy-5-[(6-[18F]fluoropyridine-3-carbonyl)-amino]-pentyl)-ureido)-pentanedioic acid (18F-DCFPyL) PET/CT scans performed on a latest generation digital scanner for radiotracer uptake in the epididymal head region was correlated with multiple clinical and laboratory factors. Physiologic PSMA radiotracer uptake in the epididymal head region was present in 57% of all subjects, including 29% in those with a total serum testosterone ≤ 5 nmol/L and 65% of patients with serum testosterone > 5 nmol/L, odds ratio of 0.21 (P < 0.01). Epididymal head uptake is physiologic and very common on digital PSMA PET/CT and is more frequent in patients with higher serum testosterone levels. The enhanced small structure detection of digital PET/CT is the most likely explanation for the novel visualization of this normal variant.