Male Hormone Levels Research Articles

Downregulating testosterone levels enhance immunotherapy efficiency

ABSTRACT Low response rates to certain tumor types remain a major challenge for immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In this study, we first conducted an integrated biomarker evaluation of bladder cancer patients from confirmatory cohorts (IMvigor210) and found that no significant differences exist between sexes before acceptance of anti-PD-L1 treatment, whereas male patients showed a better response. Thus, we then focused on sex-related changes post anti-PD-L1 treatment and found no obvious impact on the gut microbiota in male mice but a significant decrease in the sex hormone levels. Further, castration dramatically enhanced the antitumor efficacy against murine colon adenocarcinoma in male mice. Moreover, a narrow-spectrum antibiotic, colistin was innovatively used for deregulation of testosterone levels to enhance the immunotherapy efficiency in male mice. These findings indicate that the impact on the sex hormone levels in males may contribute to the sexual dimorphism in response and provide a promising way to enhance immunotherapy efficiency.

Effect of phthalates exposure during perinatal period on hormonal profile in Mexican males during their first months of life.

Phthalates affect development of male reproductive system acting as an antiandrogenic agents. We sought to explore if perinatal exposure to phthalates could alter male hormone levels in humans during the first months of life. A cohort of 83 pregnant women and their male infants were studied. Five phthalate metabolites were measured in the mother's urine during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy and during the first, third, and sixth months of life in the infants. Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone and inhibin B were analyzed. Association between phthalate exposure and hormone variation was assessed using regression models for longitudinal data. Mono-butyl phthalate reduced FSH concentration (ß = -0.0012 international units [IU]/L, p < 0.01), mono-ethylhexyl phthalate reduced inhibin B (ß = -0.0094 pg/mL, p = 0.02), monoethyl phthalate reduced testosterone (ß = -0.0071 ng/L, p = 0.07), mono-ocytl phthalate reduced LH (ß = -0.0041 IU/L, p = 0.13). No effects were observed for exposure to mono-methyl phthalate. Our results are consistent with the findings in animal and human studies. Special precaution should be taken when measuring phthalate exposure in susceptible populations such as pregnant women and infants.

SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia Affects Male Reproductive Hormone Levels: A Prospective, Cohort Study

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) binds to angiotensin-converting enyzme 2 (ACE2) and enters the host cell. ACE2 protein is expressed highly in the testis. AimThe aim of this study was to compare male reproductive hormones such as total testosterone (TT), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulant hormone (FSH), and prolactin between patients with COVID-19, age-matched cases with non–COVID-19 respiratory tract infection, and age-matched controls. MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study and included 262 men aged between 20 and 65 years. The study comprised 3 groups including patients with COVID-19 (n = 89), cases with non–COVID-19 respiratory tract infection (n = 30), and age-matched controls (n = 143). All cases were evaluated using TT, LH, FSH, and prolactin. Correlations between TT and clinical parameters of patient groups were investigated using Pearson's correlation test. OutcomesThe primary outcome of the study was detection of the difference of TT, FSH, LH, and prolactin levels between the groups. Secondary outcome was to correlate TT and hospitalization time and oxygen saturation on hospital admission (SpO2) of patients. ResultsThe mean age of study groups was 49.9 ± 12.5 years, 52.7 ± 9.6 years, and 50 ± 7.8 years, respectively (P = .06). Serum TT levels was median 185.52 ng/dL in patients with COVID-19, median 288.67 ng/dL in patients with non–COVID-19 respiratory tract infection and median 332 ng/dL in control cases, (P < .0001). The proportion of patients with testosterone deficiency in group 1, group 2, and group 3 was 74.2%, 53.3%, and 37.8%, respectively (P < .0001). Serum LH levels (P = 0.0003) and serum prolactin levels (P = .0007) were higher in patients with COVID-19 and patients with non–COVID-19 respiratory tract infection than control cases. Correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlation between serum TT levels and hospitalization time of patients with COVID-19 (r = –0.45, P < .0001). In addition, a significant positive correlation was observed between SpO2 and serum TT levels in patients with COVID-19 ( r = 0.32, P = .0028). Clinical ImplicationsPhysicians may consider to evaluate male patients with COVID-19 for concomitant androgen deficiency. Strengths & LimitationsStrengths include the evidence about the alteration of male reproductive hormones under COVID-19. Limitations include the analysis limited to one general hospital, only a single measurement of TT was available, free and bioavailable testosterone levels were not evaluated. ConclusionThis study demonstrates COVID-19 is associated with decreased level of TT and increased level of LH and prolactin. More serious COVID-19 causes more reduction in TT levels and prolongs hospitalization period.Kadihasanoglu M, Aktas S, Yardimci E, et al. SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia Affects Male Reproductive Hormone Levels: A Prospective, Cohort Study. J Sex Med 2021;18:256–264.

Effects of subchronic exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of the herbicide atrazine in the Neotropical fish Astyanax altiparanae

Atrazine (ATZ) is among the most widely used herbicides in the world, and yet it has a potential to contaminate aquatic environments due to pesticide leaching from agricultural areas. In the Neotropical region, studies about the effects of this herbicide in native aquatic wildlife is scarce.Our study aimed at investigating the effects of a 30-day exposure to a commercial atrazine formulation on oxidative stress parameters, histopathology in testis and liver, and hormone levels in males and female of yellow-tailed tetra fish (Astyanax altiparanae). Adults were exposed to low but environmentally relevant concentrations of atrazine as follows: 0 (CTL-control), 0.5 (ATZ0.5), 1 (ATZ1), 2 (ATZ2) and 10 (ATZ10) μg/L. Our results showed decreased GST activity in gills in all groups of exposed animals and increased CAT activity in gills from the ATZ10 group. In the liver, there was an increase in lipid peroxidation in fish from ATZ1 and ATZ2 groups. Histological analysis of the liver showed increased percentage of sinusoid capillaries in ATZ2 fish, increased vascular congestion in ATZ1 and increased leukocyte infiltration in the ATZ10 group. Hepatocyte diameter analysis revealed a decrease in cell size in all groups exposed to ATZ, and a decrease in hepatocyte nucleus diameter in ATZ1, ATZ2 and ATZ10 groups. Endocrine parameters did not show significant changes following ATZ exposure, although an increase of triiodothyronine/thyroxine (T3/T4) ratio was observed in ATZ2 fish. Our results provide evidence that even low, environmentally relevant concentrations of ATZ produced oxidative damage and histological alterations in adult yellow-tailed tetra.

Transcriptome analysis of fetal rat testis following intrauterine exposure to the azole fungicides triticonazole and flusilazole reveals subtle changes despite adverse endocrine effects

Azoles are used in agriculture and medicine to combat fungal infections. We have previously examined the endocrine disrupting properties of the agricultural azole fungicides triticonazole and flusilazole. Triticonazole displayed strong androgen receptor (AR) antagonism in vitro, whereas in utero exposure resulted in anti-androgenic effects in vivo evidenced by shorter anogenital distance (AGD) in fetal male rats. Flusilazole displayed strong AR antagonism, but less potent than triticonazole, and disrupted steroidogenesis in vitro, whereas in utero exposure disrupted fetal male plasma hormone levels. To elaborate on how these azole fungicides can disrupt male reproductive development by different mechanisms, and to investigate whether feminization effects such as short AGD in males can also be detected at the transcript level in fetal testes, we profiled fetal testis transcriptomes after in utero exposure to triticonazole and flusilazole by 3′Digital Gene Expression (3′DGE). The analysis revealed few transcriptional changes after exposure to either compound at gestation day 17 and 21. This suggests that the observed influence of flusilazole on hormone production may be by directly targeting steroidogenic enzyme activity in the testis at the protein level, whereas observations of shorter AGD by triticonazole may primarily be due to disturbed androgen signaling in androgen-sensitive tissues. Expression of Calb2 and Gsta2 was altered by flusilazole but not triticonazole and may pinpoint novel pathways of disrupted testicular steroid synthesis. Our findings have wider implication for how we integrate omics data in chemical testing frameworks, including selection of non-animal test methods and building of Adverse Outcome Pathways for regulatory purposes.

Multiple organochlorine pesticide exposures and measures of sex steroid hormones in adult males: Cross-sectional findings from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Organochlorine pesticides are detectable in serum from most adults. Animal studies provide evidence of pesticide effects on sex hormones, suggesting that exposures may impact human reproductive function. Mounting evidence of sex differences in chronic diseases suggest that perturbations in endogenous sex hormones may influence disease risk. However, the association between organochlorine pesticide exposure and sex hormone levels in males across the lifespan is not well understood. We evaluated cross-sectional associations of lipid-adjusted serum concentrations of β-hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzene, heptachlor epoxide, oxychlordane, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), trans-nonachlor, and mirex in relation to sex steroid hormone levels [testosterone (ng/dL), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG; nmol/L), estradiol (pg/mL), and androstanediol glucuronide (ng/dL)] in a sample of 748 males aged 20 years and older from the 1999-2004 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Survey-weighted linear regression models were performed to estimate geometric means (GM) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for quartiles of lipid-adjusted pesticide concentrations, adjusting for age, race, body mass index, serum lipids, smoking, education, and survey cycle. Hexachlorobenzene concentration was positively associated with total estradiol (GM Q4=43.2pg/mL (95% CI 36.5-51.1) vs. Q1 GM=25.6pg/mL (24.1-27.3), p-trend <0.0001) and free estradiol (GM Q4=0.77pg/mL (95% CI 0.64-0.93) vs. Q1 GM=0.47pg/mL (0.44-0.51), p-trend=0.002). Serum DDT concentration was positively associated with total estradiol (GM Q4=31.6pg/mL (95% CI 25.9-38.5) vs. Q1 GM=27.3pg/mL (25.9-28.7), p-trend=0.05) and free estradiol (GM Q4=0.60pg/mL (95% CI 0.48-0.76) vs. Q1 GM=0.50pg/mL (0.47-0.53), p-trend 0.02). There was a suggestive inverse association of DDT and SHBG (GM Q4=29.2nmol/L (95% CI 23.8-35.9) vs. Q1 GM=33.9nmol/L (32.3-35.5), p-trend 0.07). A positive association of β-hexachlorocyclohexane with total estradiol (GM Q4=30.3pg/mL (95% CI 26.5-34.6) vs. Q1 GM=26.7pg/mL (24.5-29.0), p-trend=0.09) was also suggestive but did not reach statistical significance. No distinct associations were observed for other hormone levels or other organochlorine pesticides. Our findings suggest that select organochlorine pesticides may alter male estradiol levels. The positive associations with estradiol may implicate sex hormones as a possible mechanism for disease risk among those with organochlorine pesticide exposure.

Polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents: Q-TOF LC/MS analysis of human plasma metabolome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone levels. Metabolomics provide information on early biochemical changes in patients. Our aim was to find potential biomarkers on metabolome level to notice PCOS in adolescents and propose treatment opportunities based on our findings on metabolome level. In this study, Q-TOF LC/MS based analysis of the plasma samples of 15 healthy adolescents as control group (Group C) were compared with the plasma samples of 15 adolescents having PCOS (Group T). Raw chromatograms were processed on XCMS using Isotopologue Parameter Optimization (IPO) to optimize XCMS parameters. Finally, 2288 peaks were found but 84 of them had fold changes >1.5 based on normalized peak areas and they were statistically different (p < 0.05) between the groups. These peaks were subjected to MetaboAnalyst 4.0 – MS Peaks to Pathways utility for putative identification. The final list based on putative identification were evaluated through a clinical perspective and the statistically proved variation on the metabolite profiles of Group T and Group C presented that PCOS directly affected the lipid metabolism in the body or occurred as a result of a deformation in the lipid metabolism. Lower amount of Gamma-Tocopherol and higher amount of Coenzyme Q9, which is a product of incomplete Coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis, in the plasma samples of adolescent PCOS patients encouraged us to suggest larger randomized placebo controlled studies for Gamma-Tocopherol and Coenzyme Q10 supplements on the disease situation since our findings on metabolome level were in an accordance with the previous clinical findings.

Genetic Clustering for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Detection in Women of Reproductive Age

Now a days, hormonal disorder causing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is been observed in most of the women of reproductive age. PCOS causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. Women with PCOS may have irregularity in menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of follicles (cysts) and fail to regularly release eggs. Symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, excess androgen, polycystic ovaries, abnormal Body Mass Index, disturbed levels of hormones (Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle-stimulating Hormone, Dehydroepiandros- terone), poor insulin resistance. There is a need to design and develop an optimized system to analyze the sonogram in correlation with the physical symptoms for detection of PCOS at early stage which may result in proper treatment and reduced health loss. This article presents work-in-progress of our proposed research on Intelligent System to detect PCOS. The performance analysis of various Machine learning algorithms like Artificial Neural Network, K- nearest Neighbor and Linear Regression to detect PCOS is presented. Whereas, optimized Genetic Clustering for optimization of classification results is proposed. Basic Genetic Algorithm (GA) and other hybrid GA’s will be used for comparing the optimal results. The classification results are optimized with 89% accuracy

Sodium arsenite toxicity on hematology indices and reproductive parameters in Teddy goat bucks and their amelioration with vitamin C.

Arsenic is a major environmental toxicant of concern, affecting both female and male reproductive systems. The present study was conducted to investigate the toxic effects of arsenic on semen quality and reproductive hormones of Teddy bucks, an important domestic species in regions of Pakistan. In addition to arsenic, vitamin C was fed to a subset of animals to determine if there were ameliorative effects on reproductive parameters. Sixteen adult Teddy bucks were randomly divided into four experimental groups: A (control), B (arsenic 5mg/kg BW/day orally), and C (arsenic 5mg/kg BW/day plus vitamin C of an oral dose of 200mg/kg BW/day). The animals in experimental group D were given only vitamin C (oral dose of 200mg/kg BW/day). Animals were fed treated food once a day for 12weeks. Semen quality parameters (volume, motility, count, sperm morphology, live dead ratio, sperm membrane integrity, and sperm DNA integrity) of bucks from each experimental group were evaluated on a weekly basis. Hematology and the level of arsenic in the blood were assessed every 2weeks. Serum was collected fortnightly to measure reproductive and stress hormones (testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormones, and cortisol). At the end of the study, all the animals were slaughtered, and the testes of all the animals were collected and evaluated for histopathology. Semen parameters in arsenic-treated bucks were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) compared with controls. Moreover, the levels of male hormones (testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone) were significantly decreased in arsenic-treated animals, while cortisol was significantly increased with arsenic exposure. The histopathological lesions in the testes were present in the form of the loss of germinal epithelium and atrophy of Leydig cells. Supplementation of vitamin C however ameliorated the adverse effects of arsenic on semen quality and hormones. The histopathological lesions were also ameliorated due to vitamin C treatment. This study demonstrates that arsenic can adversely affect reproductive endpoints in Teddy goat bucks and supports the hypothesis that vitamin C is an effective treatment in arsenic-induced toxicosis. This study has high significance for Pakistan, as water contaminated with arsenic is a top health concern and is a recurring issue for both domestic animals and humans.

Gender-based variation in short-term memory in age-matched healthy male and female subjects

Background: Memory is the ability to process, retain, and subsequently recall information of the past learned experiences. Memory is divided into sensory memory and short-term and long-term memory depending on its processing status. Sensory memory by verbal mode undergoes encoding to form short-term memory (STM). Estrogen is thought to have a facilitating effect on verbal memory in which women typically excel. Aim and Objective: This study has been planned with the aim to study the effect of gender on STM in age-matched males and females. Materials and Methods: An observational study was carried out on 80 male and 80 female subjects after seeking their consent and sorting out inclusion and exclusion criteria, using California Verbal Learning Test II. For comparing age- and gender-wise memory status, following groups were formed of 20 subjects each: Group A: 21–30 years; Group B: 31–40 years; Group C: 41–50 years; and Group D: 51–60 years. Further groups were divided into two groups: Group I – Male subjects and Group II – Female subjects. Results: Statistical analysis (paired “t-test”) showed significantly better performance in age-matched Group II for immediate free recall for all 5 trials, short-delay recall, long-delay recall, and recognition memory which decreased gradually with progression of age. Conclusion: Recall of memory decreases, perhaps due to decreased hormone levels in both males and females as age advances, but seen comparatively more in males. Furthermore, there is a scope of improvement in learning, if trials are increased for any activity.

Contingent role of phoenixin and nesfatin-1 on secretions of the male reproductive hormones.

Phoenixin (PNX) and nesfatin-1 are localised in the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. Moreover, the most of the PNX-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus also co-express nesfatin-1. These outcomes may suggest that there is an interaction between PNX and nesfatin-1, at least in terms of neuroendocrine-mediated regulations. Hence, the study was planned to find out the effects of centrally delivered PNX and nesfatin-1 on male sex hormones or to show the interactive association of intracerebroventricularly (ICV) injected PNX+nesfatin-1 combination on the release of male hormones. PNX and nesfatin-1, single or together, were delivered ICV to different male Wistar Albino rat groups. Both PNX and nesfatin-1 induced a significant enhancement in plasma FSH, LH and testosterone without inducing any alteration in plasma GnRH in the rats. The central combinatorial treatment of both the neuropeptides produced a more potent rise in male plasma hormone levels than treating with single neuropeptide. In summary, our preliminary data show that centrally delivered PNX and nesfatin-1 can affect plasma male hormone levels. Moreover, that the combinatorial treatment with both the neuropeptides in male rats leading to a more potent effect on the plasma male hormone levels might suggest that both these neuropeptides act synergistically in terms of regulation of male HPGA.

Reproductive Hormones among Electroplaters Exposed to Chromium and Nickel at a Factory for Metallic Industries in Egypt

Introduction: Exposure to chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) is prevalent at workplace. Although they are toxic,human studies on their effect on the reproductive system are few and contradictory. Aim of work: To evaluatethe association of male reproductive hormone levels with the concentrations of blood chromium and nickelamong electroplaters in a factory for metallic industries in Egypt. Materials and methods: A cross sectionalcomparative study was conducted on 48 electroplating workers and 48 non-occupationally exposed subjectsused as controls. Personal interview with specially designed questionnaire were fulfilled. Blood nickel andchromium concentrations were determined and the reproductive hormones levels [follicle stimulating hormone(FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and inhibin] were assayed for all participants. Results: Thestudy showed a statistically significant high levels of the mean values of blood Cr and Ni among electroplatingworkers compared to the control group (1.2±0.93 and 1.3±1.02 μg/L vs 0.4±0.1 and 0.39±0.2 μg/L respectively;p<0.001). Also, a statistically significant high levels of FSH and LH were detected among exposed workers(5.19±2.08 mIU/L and 6.85± 2.67 IU/L respectively) compared to controls (1.95±0.7 mIU/L and 3.97± 0.85IU/L respectively) with low levels of testosterone and inhibin. Significant positive correlations (p<0.05)were found between FSH level and heavy metals (Cr and Ni) levels (r=0.28 and r=0.63; p=0.05 and p<0.002respectively). Conversely, significantly negative correlations were detected as regards testosterone level (r=-.323 for chromium and r=-.571 for nickel; p<0.05 for each). Blood nickel was found to be a significant predictorfor FSH and testosterone level, and smoking index was predictor for all measured reproductive hormonesamong exposed electroplaters. Conclusion: Exposure to high levels of Cr and Ni might affect reproductivehormones levels among male electroplating workers. Regular wearing of good quality’s personal protectiveequipment, especially masks and gloves, to decrease exposure to electroplating fumes, is highly recommended.

Piceatannol inhibits oxidative stress through modification of Nrf2-signaling pathway in testes and attenuates spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in rats exposed to cadmium during adulthood.

BackgroundCadmium (Cd) is considered a heavy metal and potential pollutant to the environment.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective potential of piceatannol (PT; 10 mg/kg body weight/day) against cadmium (Cd; 5 mg/kg body weight/day)-induced testicular dysfunction in Wistar rats.Materials and methodsRats were randomly divided into four groups: control, PT, Cd, and Cd + PT.ResultsTreatment with Cd resulted in a significant decrease in body, testicular, and epididymal weights, sperm quantity and quality, steroidogenic marker–enzyme activities, mRNA- and protein-expression levels of SF1, StAR, and P450 side chain–cleaving enzyme, and serum male sex hormonal levels when compared to controls. Testicular malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased, with a significant reduction in enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in Cd-treated rats compared to control rats. Testicular histomorphometric results supported the biochemical and molecular alterations observed in the study. In addition, significant downregulation in mRNA- and protein-expression levels of cytosolic Nrf2, HO1, γGCS, GPx, and NQO1, as well as significant upregulation in mRNA- and protein-expression levels of Nrf2 and Keap1 in testicular tissue, were noticed in rats administered Cd. PT treatment inCd-treated rats caused marked alleviation in body and organ weights, sperm analysis, steroidogenesis, serum hormonal levels, histomorphometric changes, and oxidative and antioxidative status in testes when compared to Cd alone–treated rats. Further, treatment of rats with PTl showed a marked improvement in mRNA- and protein-expression levels of Nrf2 and its regulated genes and proteins.ConclusionThe present study provides compelling evidence that PT treatment results in significant protection against Cd-induced testicular dysfunctions, such as spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, and oxidative stress in rats, possibly through modification of the Nrf2–Keap1 signalling pathway.

AN UPDATED OVERVIEW OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, was first described in 1935. PCOS, which may also be referred to as polycystic ovary disease is the most common hormonal disorder found in premenopausal women. PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and is the most common cause of infertility due to ovulation. A PCOS is an endocrine disorder which affects the adolescent girls. A PCOS is a condition in which a woman has an imbalance of female sex hormones. This may lead to changes in the menstrual cycle, cyst in the ovary, failure to conceive, and other health problems. It is a common health problem among teenagers and young women. It affects 5–10% of women in their reproductive years. These problems cause infertility. Two principal components to diagnose this syndrome are menstrual dysfunction and clinical or laboratory hyperandrogenism in which these items are used in clinical diagnosis. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects between 5% and 10% of women of reproductive age and remains the most enigmatic reproductive disorders. The most common symptoms of PCOS are obesity, acne, amenorrhea, irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, insulin resistance (IR), and high cholesterol. Due to the varied nature of PCOS and the large range of possible signs and symptoms, health personnel need a thorough knowledge of the disorder and its management. It is a major disorder characterized by elevated levels of male hormones (androgens), acne, and hirsutism. It can even cause IR, anovulation, and infertility on prolonging incidence of cysts. One of the treatments for PCOS is the use of synthetic medicine, which can help to treat PCOS but with side effects. However, many women who suffer from PCOS opt to use alternative medicine in conjunction with traditional medicine to improve their condition. There are some herbs that are very helpful in treating PCOS. Since PCOS is a curable disorder, it can be cured by the use of natural remedies or allopathic medication. There is a growing interest in herbal remedies or allopathic medication to cure the PCOS. There is a need to change the lifestyle management, diet to control the PCOS level. The natural remedies include treatment with phytoestrogenic and non-estrogenic herbs such as Licorice, Ginseng, Black cohosh, Dong, soy, evening primrose, honey, fenugreek, Schisandra root, and many other which are effective and safe. Many plants have been highly esteemed sources and have advantages which reduce PCOS and also having a hypoglycemic effect. In this review, an attempt has been made to study the use of natural remedy for the treatment of PCOS.

Effect of alcohol consumption on testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone levels in males residing in Nnewi Metropolis, Anambra state, Nigeria

Effect of alcohol consumption on testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone levels in males residing in Nnewi Metropolis, Anambra state, Nigeria - IJFCM- Print ISSN No: - 2394-6768 Online ISSN No:- 2394-6776 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/2394-6776.2019.0005, Indian Journal of Forensic and Community

Cross-sectional analysis of sleep hours and quality with sex hormones in men

BackgroundReduced total hours of sleep and low quality of sleep have been suggested to be associated with low levels of male hormones. Few studies have examined the association between excessive sleep and male reproductive hormones.ObjectiveTo investigate the association of total hours of sleep and quality of sleep with serum levels of total, bioavailable and free testosterone (tT, bT and fT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and dehydroepiandrosteron-sulfate (DHEAS).MethodsSerum levels of tT, SHBG and DHEAS were measured with immunoassays in a cross-sectional population-based study of 2095 males. bT and fT were calculated in accordance with Vermeulens method. Information on total hours of sleep and sleep quality was obtained by questionnaire. Linear regression was used to calculate hormones according to total hours of sleep and the results were expressed as β-estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The adjustment in the multivariable models was constructed taking age, BMI, smoking, alcohol intake and physical activity into account.ResultsExcessive sleep (>9 h) compared to 7–9 h of sleep was significantly associated with lower tT, bT and fT, but not with SHBG or DHEAS, after multivariable adjustment. These significant associations were also found in our analyses with hormones as continuous variables but no associations were found in our general additive model analyses.ConclusionsIn this cross-sectional study in men, excessive sleep associated with lower levels of male reproductive hormones. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the causal direction of the observed association between excessive sleep and lower male reproductive hormones levels.

Ecological risk assessment of alpha-cypermethrin-treated food ingestion and reproductive toxicity in reptiles

Pesticides are proposed as one of the many causes for the global decline in reptile population. To understand the potential impact of alpha-cypermethrin (ACP) in reptiles, in the current study, we used a tri-trophic food web (plants - herbivores - natural enemies of predators) to examine the reproductive toxicity and biomarker changes. Based on the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of ACP in several agricultural products, we designed three concentrations 0, 2 (MRL), and 20 mg/kg wet weight as three treatment groups for this research. Male and female lizards were fed ACP contaminated or uncontaminated diets for eight weeks during the breeding phase. The number of deaths was different among the three groups, and a dose-dependent trend was found. Decreases in food consumption of 26.6% and 28.1% were observed in the low- and high-dose group, respectively. Dietary exposure significantly induced a dose-dependent decrease in body mass index in lizards. Significant variations in glutathione-S-transferaseb activities, catalase activities, and malondialdehyde levels in gonads, suggest that lizards were under oxidative stress. In addition, ACP exposure altered sexual hormone levels in males, reduced reproductive output of females, and induced histopathological changes in testes. These negative effects highlight that ACP dietary exposure is a potential threat to lizards’ reproduction.

Illness of the Gendered Body, Freud’s The Uncanny, and “Being-in-the-World”

The study of illness narratives, or pathography, is an emerging discursive scholarship within the field of medical humanities. Centering the connection between narrativity and identity, illness narratives stand as a meaningful response to perceived medical subjugation. This paper turns to a particular case study of hyperandrogenism, a medical condition characterized by “excessive” levels of male hormones (androgens) such as testosterone. When identified in the female body, the increased androgens are associated with “masculinizing” symptoms including excess body and facial hair, male-pattern baldness, infertility, elevated sex drive, increased muscle mass, and absence of menstrual bleeding. For the purposes of imaging new ways to situate the phenomenological experience of hyperandrogenism and illness of the gendered body, a linkage can be made between such an illness and Sigmund Freud’s conception of the uncanny. In line with Martin Heidegger’s conception of phenomenology, I will turn to the lived experience of women with hyperandrogenism through their digital illness narratives (writings of their experience of illness in online blogs), and outline how the experience of hyperandrogenism distorts temporal reality by making “alien” both the past and future. I will show how the gendered body, and therefore self-identity and selfhood, become abnormal in the sense of Freud’s uncanny. Finally, I will discuss how the experience of hyperandrogenism and illness of the gendered body work to trouble the notion of the “everyday.”

Study of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on Eating Disorder of Women

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disease affecting women at reproductive age. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormones imbalance that causes infertility, obesity, and excessive facial hair on women, can also lead to severe mental health issues including anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collection of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs. (PCOS) affects up to almost 27 percent of women during childbearing years. Italian physician Antonio Wallis Neri first described its symptoms in 1721.

Frequency of Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome in Reproductive Age Women

Objective: To determine the frequency of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOs) amongst the reproductive age women by ultrasound. Method: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Dow Institute of Radiology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha campus, Karachi. The study period spanned from May - October, 2017. All women of reproductive age group (18 - 39 years) having complaints of infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels resulting in excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), severe acne or male-pattern baldness were included. A detailed history of past gynecological events along with demographic characteristics was also obtained. Results: Of total 1500 women, mean age was 28.01 ±5.71 years. PCOs was found positive in 216 (14.4%) women. Multivariable analysis revealed that age (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.97-4.19), nulliparity (AOR 5.03, 95% CI 2.84-8.91), primiparity (AOR 3.14, 95% CI 1.50-6.57), history of hormonal intake (AOR 1.18, 95% CI 0.72-1.92), and hirsutism (AOR 4.55, 95% CI 2.45-8.46) were significantly more likely while weight gain (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.25-0.63) was significantly less likely to have PCOs. Conclusion: The findings of our study have showed higher frequency of PCOs. Furthermore, increased age, nulliparity, primiparity, history of hormonal intake, and hirsutism were found to be significant associated factors.