Hormone Levels In Men Research Articles

THE IMPACT OF SEX ON METABOLIC AND FUNCTIONAL ABNORMALITIES, INDUCED BY HIGH-FRUCTOSE-DIET IN RATS

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors, which manifestation may be different for men and women. Changes in sex hormone levels in men and women during lifespan contribute to increased cardiometabolic risk. Data of clinical researches suggest that transition from normal glucose tolerance to dysglycemia lead to more adverse differences in cardiometabolic risk factors in women than in men, suggesting an important impact of sex on the development of metabolic abnormalities. A significant increase in risk may be due to the sex differences in manifestation of some components of metabolic syndrome, but accurate reasons of these discrepancies need future investigations. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in impairment of glucose, lipid metabolism and cardiovascular systems function between male and female rats with different levels of estrogen sufficiency. Materials and Methods. MetS was modelled in male and female rats with different levels of estrogens by chronic (for 8 weeks) intake of fructose (high-fructose diet - HFD) with drinking water at a concentration 200 g/L. Estrogens deficiency was reproduced by bilateral ovariectomy. Experimental rats were divided into five groups: control males (n=6), control females (n=6), males with HFD (n=6), sham-operated females with intact ovaries and HFD (n=6), ovariectomized (OVX) females with HFD (n=6). Glucose homeostasis was assessed by basal glycemia, glycemia during the intra-abdominal glucose tolerance test and fructosamine level. Insulin sensitivity was determined using intra-abdominal insulin tolerance test. Body weight gain, visceral fats, level of total cholesterol, triglycerides, levels of estradiol and testosterone in blood serum were determined. At the end of the study, electrocardiograms were recorded in three standard leads from the limbs. Data are presented as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). Results. It was established that HFD have not been induced metabolic abnormalities in female rats with intact ovaries. HFD, independently of sex, led to the development of insulin resistance and significant increase in fructosamine level in blood serum of rats. Ovariectomized females with HFD had greater intensity of body weight gain, significantly higher levels of relative mass of fats, more pronounced alterations of lipid metabolism with increased total cholesterol and significantly higher levels of triglycerides, than HFD-treated male rats. However, impairment of glucose tolerance, induced by HFD, was more pronounced in male than in OVX female rats. We found the decline testosterone levels and slight increase in estradiol levels in male rats with HFD. OVX females with HFD had a moderate significant increase in testosterone levels and dramatically decrease in estradiol concentration as result of bilateral ovariectomy. HFD, independently from sex, induced the development of sinus tachycardia in experimental animals. Metabolic abnormalities, induced by HFD, in OVX female rats led to more pronounced disturbances of heart depolarization and repolarization processes and development of diastolic dysfunction compare to HFD-treated males. Conclusions. We revealed that sex and estrogens levels have a great impact on the impairment of glucose and lipid metabolism and cardiovascular systems function, induced by high-fructose diet in rats. The obtained data justifies the necessity to take into account sex and estrogens sufficiency in the development of gender-specific prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome.

Effects of 24-hour oral estradiol-valerate administration on hormone levels in men and pre-menopausal women

In order to translate the findings from the vast animal literature on the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) on brain and behavior to humans, a placebo-controlled pharmacological enhancement of E2 levels for at least 24 h is necessary. However, an exogenous increase in E2 for such a prolonged period might affect the endogenous secretion of other (neuroactive) hormones. Such effects would be of relevance for the interpretation of the effects of this pharmacological regimen on cognition and its neural correlates as well as be of basic scientific interest. We therefore administered a double dose of 12 mg of estradiol-valerate (E2V) to men and of 8 mg to naturally cycling women in their low-hormone phase, and assessed the concentration of two steroids critical to hormone regulation: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). We also assessed any changes in concentration of the neuroactive hormones progesterone (P4), testosterone (TST), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and immune-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This regimen resulted in similar E2 levels in both sexes (saliva and serum). FSH and LH levels in both sexes were down-regulated to the same degree. P4 concentration decreased in both sexes only in serum but not saliva. TST and DHT levels dropped only in men whereas sex-hormone binding globulin was not affected. Finally, the concentration of IGF-1 decreased in both sexes. Based on previous studies on the effects of these neuroactive hormones, only the degree of downregulation of TST and DHT levels in men might have an impact on brain and behavior, which should be considered when interpreting the effects of the presented E2V regimes.

MP33-10 INCREASED GENITOURINARY CANCER INCIDENCE AND LOWER TESTOSTERONE LEVELS ARE FOUND IN MEN PERFORMING NON-STANDARD SHIFT WORK

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP33-10 INCREASED GENITOURINARY CANCER INCIDENCE AND LOWER TESTOSTERONE LEVELS ARE FOUND IN MEN PERFORMING NON-STANDARD SHIFT WORK Jordan Kassab and Larry Lipshultz Jordan KassabJordan Kassab More articles by this author and Larry LipshultzLarry Lipshultz More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003266.10AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have documented hypogonadal serum hormone levels in men regularly involved in non-standard shift work (NSSW) schedules. This work schedule is defined as working outside of the normal 7am-6pm hours. Additionally, past literature have shown a marked correlation between sleep deprivation and cancer risk, prompting us to investigate the relationship between NSSW schedules and cancer. The objective of this study is to explore the impact of NSSW schedules on the incidence of cancer as well as its impact on urologic markers. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted, having identified over 3000 patients from the electronic medical records of a university hospital. The accrued patient cohort included both those who were involved in NSSW schedules and those who were not. The database was then linked to the Texas Cancer Registry to identify which of these patients have had a documented cancer diagnosis since 1995. The data from the registry included the age of cancer diagnosis, primary site, histology type, and metastatic status. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. RESULTS: The statistical analysis revealed that the average age of cancer diagnosis is more than six years younger in NSSW versus those with regular work schedules. Similarly, non-standard shift workers experienced higher levels of prostate-specific antigens (4.942 ng/mL vs. 1.204 ng/mL). As expected from previous studies, non-standard shift workers faced significantly lower levels of endogenous testosterone (358.6 ng/dL vs 618.6 ng/dL). Furthermore, the NSSW population’s incidence of cancer is roughly double the age-adjusted cancer incidence rate of men in Texas. Of the NSSW who had a cancer diagnosis (n=45), the most common cancer primary sites were the male genital organs (n=16), the urinary tract (n=5), and the hematopoietic and reticuloendothelial systems (n=5). CONCLUSIONS: Our study has demonstrated that NSSW are at higher risk of developing cancer than the general male population. NSSW who already represent a clinically vulnerable population, may be somewhat immunocompromised as evidenced by their increased cancer incidence. The increased incidence of urogenital cancers within the NSSW group emphasizes the greater need of urologic focus for these men in clinical practice. Source of Funding: None. © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e453 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Jordan Kassab More articles by this author Larry Lipshultz More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Investigation of oxidative stress parameters and hormone levels in men with suspected infertility

Investigation of oxidative stress parameters and hormone levels in men with suspected infertility

Effects of mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 on semen parameters and sex-related hormone levels in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has yet to be proven to alter male reproductive function, particularly in the majority of mild/asymptomatic patients. The purpose of this study was to explore whether mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 affects semen quality and sex-related hormone levels. To find suitable comparative studies, a systematic review and meta-analysis was done up to January 22, 2022, by using multiple databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to identify and choose the studies. Meta-analysis was used to examine the semen parameters and sex-related hormones of mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 patients before and after infection. The effects of semen collection time, fever, and intensity of verification on semen following infection were also investigated. A total of 13 studies (n = 770) were included in the analysis, including three case-control studies, six pre-post studies, and four single-arm studies. A meta-analysis of five pre-post studies showed that after infection with COVID-19, sperm concentration (I2 = 0; P = 0.003), total sperm count (I2 = 46.3%; P = 0.043), progressive motility (I2 = 50.0%; P < 0.001), total sperm motility (I2 = 76.1%; P = 0.047), and normal sperm morphology (I2 = 0; P = 0.001) decreased. Simultaneously, a systematic review of 13 studies found a significant relationship between semen collection time after infection, inflammation severity, and semen parameter values, with fever having only bearing on semen concentration. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in sex-related hormone levels before and after infection in mild/asymptomatic patients. Mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 infection had a significant effect on semen quality in the short term. It is recommended to avoid initiating a pregnancy during this period of time.

Association between ambient air pollution and blood sex hormones levels in men

Concerns are growing over time on the adverse health effects of air pollution. However, the association between ambient air pollution and blood sex hormones in men is poorly understood. We included 72,917 men aged 20–55 years from February 2014 to December 2019 in Beijing, China in this study. Blood testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and prolactin levels of each participant were measured. We collected exposure data of daily ambient levels of particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10) and ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide, and ozone. Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the potential association between ambient air pollution exposure and blood sex hormone levels. The results showed that both immediate and short-term cumulative PM2.5, PM10, and SO2 exposure was related to altered serum sex hormone levels in men, especially testosterone. An increase of 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5 and PM10 in the current day was related to a 1.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9%–2.3%) and 1.1% (95% CI: 0.5%–1.6%) decrease in testosterone, respectively, and a decreasing tendency of accumulated effects persisted within lag 0–30 days. The present study demonstrated that it is important to control ambient air pollution exposure to reduce effects on the reproductive health of men.

Estradiol reduces ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA levels in A549 human lung epithelial cells.

Epidemiologic studies suggest slightly higher risk of severe Covid‐19 symptoms and fatalities following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in men compared with women from similar age groups. This bias was suggested to reflect differences in the male and female immune system regulation, driven by different sex hormone levels in men and women, in particular, higher plasma estradiol in women. SARS‐CoV‐2 infects respiratory tract epithelial cells by binding to their cell membrane ACE2, followed by priming for cell entry by the host cell membrane serine protease TMPRSS2. The cell protease FURIN facilitates cell exit of mature SARS‐CoV‐2 virions. Our study examined the effects of in vitro treatment of A549 human lung epithelial cells with 17‐β‐estradiol on mRNA expression of genes coding for these proteins. Treatment of A549 human lung epithelial cells with 17‐β‐estradiol reduced the cellular mRNA levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA, while not affecting FURIN expression. Our findings suggest that 17‐β‐estradiol may reduce SARS‐CoV‐2 infection of lung epithelial cells, which may in part explain the reduced incidence of severe Covid‐19 and fatalities among women compared with men of similar age. Studies into the molecular pathways by which 17‐β‐estradiol reduces ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA expression in lung epithelial cells are needed for assessing its potential protective value against severe Covid‐19.

PD29-12 AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION OF MEN WITH AZOOSPERMIA SUGGEST NONOBSTRUCTIVE AZOOSPERMIA IS A PROGRESSIVE DISEASE

You have accessJournal of UrologyInfertility: Epidemiology & Evaluation II (PD29)1 Sep 2021PD29-12 AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION OF MEN WITH AZOOSPERMIA SUGGEST NONOBSTRUCTIVE AZOOSPERMIA IS A PROGRESSIVE DISEASE Shoichiro Iwatsuki, Yukihiro Umemoto, Tomoki Takeda, Satoshi Nozaki, Yasue Kubota, Hiroki Kubota, Hiroyuki Kamiya, and Takahiro Yasui Shoichiro IwatsukiShoichiro Iwatsuki More articles by this author , Yukihiro UmemotoYukihiro Umemoto More articles by this author , Tomoki TakedaTomoki Takeda More articles by this author , Satoshi NozakiSatoshi Nozaki More articles by this author , Yasue KubotaYasue Kubota More articles by this author , Hiroki KubotaHiroki Kubota More articles by this author , Hiroyuki KamiyaHiroyuki Kamiya More articles by this author , and Takahiro YasuiTakahiro Yasui More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002030.12AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Late marriage is a serious social issue in Japan. We reported an increasing trend in the age of men with azoospermia in accordance with late marriage (AUA annual meeting 2020). There is a concern that aging in men with azoospermia has a harmful effect on the reproductive system. However, age-related changes in the reproductive function of such men have not been assessed. Here, we evaluated the relationship between age and testicular volume or reproductive hormone levels in Japanese men with azoospermia. METHODS: This study included 109 men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and 335 with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) who underwent surgical sperm extraction at our institution. Patients with chromosomal aberrancy were excluded. A correlation between patient age and testicular volume, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or total testosterone (TT) were assessed. Furthermore, the correlation between age and serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in 36 and 123 men with OA and NOA, respectively, was also assessed. For statistical analysis, Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient was used. RESULTS: Serum FSH in men with OA gradually increased with age; however, that in men with NOA was significantly elevated and had no correlation with age. In men with NOA, testicular volume and serum AMH levels significantly decreased with age, but not in men with OA (p<0.05). Serum LH and TT had no significant correlation with age in both groups (Figure). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report to assess age-related changes in testicular volume and reproductive hormone levels in men with azoospermia. Atrophy of the testis and decreased AMH level indicate degeneration of the seminiferous tubules and Sertoli cell function, respectively. Based on our results, it is suggested that NOA is a progressive disease. Early planning of testicular sperm extraction is necessary for men with NOA. Source of Funding: none © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e531-e531 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Shoichiro Iwatsuki More articles by this author Yukihiro Umemoto More articles by this author Tomoki Takeda More articles by this author Satoshi Nozaki More articles by this author Yasue Kubota More articles by this author Hiroki Kubota More articles by this author Hiroyuki Kamiya More articles by this author Takahiro Yasui More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

The Association between Dietary Inflammatory Index and Sex Hormones among Men in the United States.

This study investigated the association between Dietary Inflammatory Index and sex hormones in a large, nationally representative adult male sample. We utilized data from the 2013-2014 and 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Males aged ≥20 years who provided a 24-hour dietary intake history and underwent serum sex hormone testing were included in analysis. Weighted proportions and multivariable analysis controlling for age, race, energy, smoking status, education level, body mass index and time of venipuncture were used to evaluate the associations between Dietary Inflammatory Index and sex hormones. For 4,151 participants, Dietary Inflammatory Index ranged from -5.05 to 5.48. Mean±SD total testosterone was 419.30±176.27 ng/dl. Mean±SD total testosterone was lower among men in the highest tertile compared with men in the lowest tertile group (410.42±171.97 vs 422.71±175.69, p <0.001). A per unit increase in Dietary Inflammatory Index was related to 4.0% (95% CI 0.5-7.6) higher odds of testosterone deficiency. In the fully adjusted multivariable model, males in Dietary Inflammatory Index tertile 3 (the most pro-inflammatory) had 29.6% (3.1-63.0) higher odds of testosterone deficiency than those in tertile 1 (p trend=0.025). Interaction tests revealed no significant effect of body mass index on the association of Dietary Inflammatory Index with testosterone deficiency and all sex hormone parameters. Men adhering to a more pro-inflammatory diet appear to have a higher risk of testosterone deficiency, indicating the important role of diet in male reproductive health.

Effects of Bisphenol A Released From Composite Fillings on Reproductive Hormone Levels in Men

ObjectivesComposite resins are the most preferred filling material because of their excellent aesthetic qualities. However, a filling material should also be biocompatible as well as aesthetic. The aim of this study was to determine the serum and saliva bisphenol-A (BPA) levels and to examine the effects of serum BPA on reproductive hormone levels after healthy men were treated with composite fillings. MethodsEighteen healthy males each received 2 composite restorations. Saliva and blood samples of subjects were collected before resin application and 1 day and 1, 3, and 5 weeks after the resin was applied. BPA amounts in samples were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Serum gonadotropins, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, free androgen index, and oestrogen levels were measured with radioimmunological assay kits. Statistical analysis of data was made using Friedman, Wilcoxon signed ranks and Mann-Whitney U tests (α = 0.05). ResultsThe amount of BPA released from composite resins over time was not significantly elevated in either saliva or serum (P > 0.5). In addition, serum BPA levels were significantly higher than saliva BPA levels for both composites (P < .05), but saliva and serum BPA levels were not statistically different when comparing the 2 composites (P > .05). ConclusionsBPA from composite resins used in this study did not significantly alter serum hormone levels.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy, semen characteristics and reproductive hormone levels in men consulting for couple infertility.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between maternal tobacco consumption during pregnancy and sperm parameters and sexual hormonal levels of their sons in adulthood. We conducted a cross-sectional study in four medical institutions in Argentina, between June 1999 and June 2015, among male partners of couples consulting for infertility. At inclusion, a structured interview was conducted to obtain information on the basic demographic, medical, surgical and reproductive history, personal tobacco consumption and that of their parents during pregnancy. Two semen analyses at an interval of 2-4weeks and a blood hormone evaluation (FSH, LH, prolactin, total testosterone and oestradiol) were then ordered. Analyses using multivariate models adjusted for potential confounders were performed for 537 men. Maternal tobacco consumption during pregnancy was associated with a significantly higher risk of reduced sperm count and elevated total testosterone levels. We did not find any significant association between maternal smoking and other sperm parameters nor other hormone levels. Our study adds evidence concerning the association between maternal tobacco consumption during pregnancy and reduced sperm counts of their sons in adulthood. The results showing an association between elevated total testosterone levels and maternal tobacco consumption need to be replicated.

The effects of exposure to lead, cadmium and mercury on follicle-stimulating hormone levels in men and postmenopausal women: data from the Second Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2012-2014).

BackgroundFollicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a gonadotropin secreted by the pituitary gland, is a representative secondary sex hormone and an important indicator of reproductive function. The effects of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury on humans have been studied, but reports on their effects on sex hormone levels are lacking. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between heavy metal exposure and FSH levels in Korean men and postmenopausal women.MethodsA total of 4,689 adults (2,763 men and 1,926 postmenopausal women aged 50 years or over) who participated in the Second Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2012–2014) were included. We compared differences in serum FSH levels by demographic characteristics using the t-test and analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the blood levels of lead and mercury and the urine cadmium level, and serum FSH levels.ResultsOn multiple linear regression analysis, lead exposure was positively associated with serum FSH concentrations in postmenopausal women (β = 2.929, p = 0.019). However, we found no significant association between serum FSH concentration and blood lead and mercury levels, or urine cadmium level, in men.ConclusionsThis study suggests that lead exposure can affect the FSH level in postmenopausal women. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of low-dose long-term exposure to heavy metals on sex hormones.

Assessment of Hormone Levels in Men with Fertility Problems Attending a Tertiary Infertility Center in North Karnataka

Assessment of Hormone Levels in Men with Fertility Problems Attending a Tertiary Infertility Center in North Karnataka

Association between Serum Sex Hormone Levels in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Association between Serum Sex Hormone Levels in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Association of dioxin exposure and reproductive hormone levels in men living near the Bien Hoa airbase, Vietnam

Dioxins are endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and their effects on reproductive functions are well-documented. The aim of the present study was to measure the levels of reproductive hormones in 42 men residing near a dioxin-contaminated area in Vietnam. We measured levels of 17 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and four non-ortho polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in blood. Levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, progesterone, prolactin, estradiol, and total testosterone were measured in serum. Blood dioxin levels were elevated; the levels of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin was 7.3pg/g fat. Seven of the men had testosterone levels below 250ng/dL, and nine men had prolactin levels above 9.7ng/mL. Four PCDD congeners, two PCDF congeners, one PCB congener, and the sum TEQ of PCDDs, PCDDs/Fs, and PCDDs/Fs/PCBs were positively and significantly correlated with prolactin levels. Two PCDD congeners, six PCDF congeners, two PCB congeners, and the TEQs of PCDFs and PCBs were negatively and significantly correlated with testosterone levels. There were no significant correlations between dioxin congeners and follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, or progesterone levels.

Antidiuretic Hormone Levels in Men with Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Antidiuretic Hormone Levels in Men with Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Increased estrogen level can be associated with depression in males

BackgroundSeveral studies have shown a positive association between depression and obesity; however the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. It is not known if this association is driven by altered sex hormone levels in men due to increased BMI. Patients and methodsData were obtained from the LIFE-Adult-Study, a population-based cohort study. A total of 3925 men (2244<60years and 1681>60years) were included into analyses. Associations between BMI, sex hormones and depressive symptomatology according to CES-D score were evaluated. ResultsObese men had compared to normal weight controls lower total testosterone (12.6±4.7 vs 19.4±5.5 nmol/L, p<0.001 in <60years, and 13.8±6.9 vs 18.3±5.9 nmol/L, p<0.001 in >60years group) and free testosterone (249.0±73.9 vs 337.2±82.0pmol/L, p<0.001, and 217.8±71.2 vs 263.4±72.2pmol/L, p<0.001), and increased estradiol in older group only (97.3±43.0 vs 82.3±34.2pmol/L, p<0.001 in obese). Men <60years old with depressive symptomatology had higher estradiol levels compared to those without depressive symptomatology (96.3±40.7 vs 84.4±36.6pmol/L, p<0.001), however no association with BMI was observed. ConclusionsSelected sex hormone parameters were significantly different in overweight and obese compared to normal weight males and certain differences could be seen between younger and older males. Depressive symptomatology was associated with increased estradiol levels in younger men, regardless of BMI.

Associations of Aerobic and Strength Exercise with Clinical Laboratory Test Values

PURPOSE: Physical exercise is known to affect levels of blood-based biomarkers. However, exercise status is generally not considered in the interpretation of common laboratory results. This study examines the associations of habitual aerobic and strength exercise participation with laboratory test results. METHODS: The effects of self-reported days per week of aerobic and strength exercise participation on laboratory test results for 26 biomarkers in adults aged 18 to 34 years (n = 80,111) were evaluated using percentile distribution analyses and multivariate regression. RESULTS: Days per week of self-reported exercise participation was associated with significant shifts in results for most biomarkers evaluated. In both men and women, more days per week of either aerobic or strength exercise were significantly associated with lower levels of glucose, hemoglobin A1c, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, estimated glomerular filtration rate, globulin, and C-reactive protein, and significantly higher levels of HDL cholesterol, creatinine, iron, and percent saturation (all p <.05). Exercise frequency had no significant effect on thyroid stimulating hormone levels in men or women. Type of exercise or gender influenced the observed relationships with exercise frequency for total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase uric acid, bilirubin, and iron binding capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Physical exercise participation is associated with levels of many common biomarkers. Both forms of exercise shifted the distribution of results into the direction suggestive of better health, yet the majority of results still tended to fall within reference intervals. Reported relationships may help clinicians and patients to better understand and interpret laboratory results in athletic populations and possibly re-evaluate interpretation of reference intervals for physically active populations.

The changes of plasma albumin, total bilirubin and serum inflammatory factors, gonadal hormone levels in men with bipolar disorder and the clinical significance

Objective To observe plasma albumin, total bilirubin and serum inflammatory factors, gonadal hormone levels in men with bipolar disorder, and to provide evidence for the diagnosis of the disease. Methods 48 men with bipolar disorder were selected as disease group, and 42 cases of male physical examination were selected as control group.Plasma albumin, total bilirubin and serum inflammatory factors, gonadal hormone levels of the two groups were detected. Results The levels of serum albumin and total bilirubin of the disease group were (43.4±3.9)g/L and (9.4±1.9)μmol/L, which were lower than those of the control group[(49.6±3.0)g/L and (11.8±2.1)μmol/L], the differences were statistically significant (t=8.361, 5.692, all P 0.05). The serum level of E2 of the disease group was (23.2±16.1)pg/mL, which was lower than (35.9±18.0)pg/mL of the control group, the serum T level of the disease group was (10.8±4.9)ng/mL, which was higher than (4.2±1.6)ng/mL of the control group, the differences were statistically significant(t=3.533, 8.344, all P<0.05). Conclusion Plasma albumin, total bilirubin and serum IL-1β, IL-4 levels can be used as references for clinical diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and serum E2 and T levels can be used as risk factors for bipolar disorder. Key words: Bipolar disorder; Plasma albumin; Total bilirubin; Serum inflammatory factor; Gonadal hormone

Empiric medical therapy with hormonal agents for idiopathic male infertility.

Introduction:Infertility affects approximately 15% of all couples, and male factor contribute to up to 50% of cases. Unfortunately, the cause of male infertility is unknown in about 30% of these cases. Infertility of unknown origin is classified as idiopathic male infertility when abnormal semen parameters are present. Despite not having a definable cause, these men may respond to treatment. This review focuses on the use of empiric hormonal therapies for idiopathic male infertility.Methods:A detailed PubMed/MEDLINE search was conducted to identify all publications pertaining to empiric use of hormonal therapies in the treatment of idiopathic male infertility using the keywords “idiopathic,” “male infertility,” “empiric treatment,” “clomiphene,” “SERM,” “gonadotropin,” “aromatase inhibitor,” and “androgen.” These manuscripts were reviewed to identify treatment modalities and results.Results:Gonadotropins, androgens, aromatase inhibitors, and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have all been used with varying results. The studies on these treatments are of variable quality. The most well-studied agents are the SERMs which show a modest increase in semen parameters and pregnancy rates. Aromatase inhibitors are most effective in non-idiopathic patients. Gonadotropin treatment is limited by their inconvenience and relative ineffectiveness in this population. Testosterone suppresses spermatogenesis and should not be used to treat infertility.Conclusion:Gonadotropins, SERMs, and aromatase inhibitors may improve semen parameters and hormone levels in men with idiopathic infertility with the best results from SERMs. Testosterone should never be used to treat infertility. Large multicenter randomized controlled studies are needed to better determine the success of empiric use of hormonal therapy on pregnancy rates.