Increased Testosterone Levels Research Articles

Enhancement of Lower Limb Muscle Strength and Reduction of Inflammation in the Elderly: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial Comparing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei PS23 Probiotic with Heat-Treated Supplementation

Background: As individuals age, there is a gradual loss of muscle mass and strength, which not only impairs physical functionality but also heightens the risk of falls and diminishes independence among older adults. Probiotics have emerged as a focus of recent research due to their potential role in enhancing muscle health via the gut–muscle axis. This study evaluates the effects of live and heat-treated Lacticaseibacillus paracasei PS23 (PS23) supplementation on muscle strength and mass in the elderly. Methods: This study recruited 119 participants, aged 65–85 years, and randomly assigned them to receive a placebo (0 × 1010 CFU/day), L-PS23 (live PS23, 2 × 1010 CFU/day), or HT-PS23 (heat-treated PS23, 2 × 1010 cells/day) for a duration of 12 weeks. Assessments of blood pressure, body composition, muscle strength, functional physical fitness, and biochemical parameters were conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Results: Among the 100 subjects who completed the trial, supplementation with both L-PS23 and HT-PS23 significantly enhanced lower limb muscle strength and endurance compared to the placebo (p < 0.05), although no significant differences were observed in muscle mass or upper limb muscle strength across the groups. Additionally, while most muscle anabolism-related markers showed no significant changes, both supplements effectively decreased inflammatory markers related to aging—C-reactive protein (CRP: L-PS23, p = 0.016; HT-PS23, p = 0.013) and interleukin-6 (IL-6: L-PS23, p = 0.003; HT-PS23, p < 0.001)—and increased interleukin-10 levels (L-PS23, p = 0.014; HT-PS23, p = 0.005). Notably, only the HT-PS23 group demonstrated a significant increase in testosterone levels (p = 0.029). Conclusions: 12 weeks of supplementation with L-PS23 and HT-PS23 improved lower limb muscle strength and endurance but did not significantly enhance muscle mass in older adults. Both supplements also proved effective in reducing inflammatory markers and elevating testosterone levels. HT-PS23, administered as a heat-treated probiotic, provided more pronounced benefits to the elderly compared with its probiotic counterpart, L-PS23.

Aerobic VS Anaerobic Exercise on Body Composition and Hormonal Adaptations in Athletes and Non-Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background:This study examined the differential effects of aerobic and anaerobicexercise on body composition and hormonal adaptations in athletes and non-athletes, providing evidence-based recommendations for optimizing fitness andhealth outcomes, such as training duration, frequency, and the combination ofaerobic and anaerobic exercises.Aim: These specific recommendations aim to enhanceboth physical performance and overall health, tailored to the needs of differentpopulations.Methods: A randomized controlled trialinvolving 120 males(60 athletes,60 non-athletes, aged 18–25 years) was conducted. Participants engaged in 12 weeks ofeither aerobic or anaerobic exercise. The aerobic group performed moderate-intensitycontinuoustraining(MICT)for50minutespersession,3timesperweek,whiletheanaerobicgroupperformed30minutesofresistancetrainingfollowedby20minutesofhigh-intensityintervaltraining(HIIT)3timesperweek.Dual-energyX-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured body composition, while blood samplesassessed testosterone, cortisol, and growth hormone levels. Mixed ANOVA analyzedthe effects of exercise type, athletic status, and time.Results: Anaerobic exercise led to significant increases in lean body mass andstrength, while aerobic exercise induced greater fat loss. Athletes exhibited morepronounced increases in testosterone and growth hormone levels, compared tonon-athletes.Conclusions:Tailoredexerciseprograms,consideringfitnesslevelsandgoals,canoptimize body composition and hormonal health. These findings have practicalimplications for designing effective training regimens for diverse populations.

Dietary supplementation with Epimedium contributes to the improvement of hormone levels, gut microbiota, and serum metabolite composition in the Chinese forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii)

The Chinese forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) is a small ruminant animal with special economic value. It is listed as a National Level I key protected species in China. However, these animals are prone to stress responses in captive environments. Epimedium, a traditional Chinese herb with aphrodisiac and anti-stress properties, may have potential benefits for the health of the captive Chinese forest musk deer, though its efficacy requires further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Epimedium on the hormone levels, gut microbiota composition, and serum metabolism of the Chinese forest musk deer. The fourteen adult male Chinese forest musk deer with similar initial body weights (7.0 ± 0.3 kg) and an average age of 4.5 years were randomly divided into two groups, each containing seven animals. The control group was fed a standard diet without Epimedium, while the Epimedium group received the standard diet supplemented with 15 g Epimedium /kg DM. The results indicated that the inclusion of Epimedium in the diet increased dry matter intake (DMI) and improved the ratio of feed to gain (F/G), with an increase in fecal testosterone levels (p < 0.05). 16S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed that Epimedium enhanced the richness and diversity of the gut microbiota in the Chinese forest musk deer, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Firmicutes, while reducing the relative abundance of the potentially pathogenic Proteobacteria (p < 0.05). A widely targeted metabolomics analysis identified 25 differential metabolites between the two groups. Significant alterations were observed in key metabolic pathways related to lipid metabolism, hormone regulation, and antioxidation, such as ovarian steroidogenesis, tyrosine metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Furthermore, correlation analysis between gut microbiota and serum differential metabolites showed that the relative abundances of Clostridia_vadinBB60_group and UCG-010 were positively correlated with anserine and 7-ketocholesterol, respectively (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Epimedium positively influenced feed intake and hormone levels in the Chinese forest musk deer by modulating gut microbiota composition and serum metabolism.

Phytochemical Profiling by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS, In Vitro Antioxidant, In Vivo Antidiabetic, and Pro-Sexual Effects of Salvia balansae Noë Ex Coss. Flower Extract in Diabetic Male Rats.

Our study assessed the phytochemical composition and the effects of Salvia balansae flower aqueous extract (FAE) on sexual dysfunction in diabetic rats. Total phenolic and flavonoid content, quantification of phytochemicals by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-electrospray ionization (ESI)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method, and in vitro antioxidant capacity of FAE extract were elucidated. For the in vivo study, diabetes was induced by one intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (40mg/kg), and treated diabetic rats were given FAE at 200mg/kg. Rats were subjected to a sexual incentive motivation test (SIM) and a mating behavior test, and then serum testosterone levels and sperm quality were analyzed. Our study indicates that FAE contained a large amount of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, and 13 constituents were quantified; cynaroside (3.8mg analyte/g extract) was the main compound, followed by rosmarinic acid (3.145mg analyte/g extract), thus confirming its high antioxidant capacity. FAE treatment significantly reduced blood glucose levels, improved sexual motivation and copulatory behavior, increased testosterone levels, and enhanced sperm quality in diabetic-treated rats compared to diabetic untreated rats. The present work demonstrates the therapeutic potential of S. balansae flowers in enhancing reproductive function in diabetic rats, potentially through its antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and aphrodisiac properties.

Variation in faecal testosterone levels in male gray whales on a foraging ground relative to maturity and timing.

Understanding wildlife reproductive seasonality is crucial for effective management and long-term monitoring of species. This study investigates the seasonal variability of testosterone in male Pacific Coast Feeding Group (PCFG) gray whales, using an eight-year dataset (2016-2023) of individual sightings, drone-based photogrammetry and endocrine analysis of faecal samples. We analyzed the relationship between faecal testosterone levels and total body length (TL), body condition (body area index, BAI), sexual maturity and day of the year using generalized additive mixed models. Our findings reveal a significant increase in faecal testosterone levels in mature males (MM) towards the end of the foraging season. This increase was not observed in JM, highlighting age-dependent development of sexual characteristics. No significant relationship was found between testosterone levels and TL. Additionally, BAI was not significantly associated with testosterone levels. Our results suggest that the increasing testosterone levels in MM gray whales may indicate preparation for mating before the southbound migration. These findings provide valuable insights into the reproductive biology of PCFG gray whales and underscore the importance of non-invasive faecal sampling for studying reproductive seasonality in large whales. Our approach not only provides further insights into the seasonality of male reproduction for the PCFG gray whales but also offers tools to enhance the understanding of male reproduction in baleen whales broadly with non-invasive approaches.

Cortisol and testosterone coupling: Enhanced hormone reactivity to intercollegiate athletic competition in women athletes.

In a variety of settings, cortisol and testosterone are positively "coupled." That is, within-person fluctuations of these hormones occur in parallel, with increases and decreases in one hormone corresponding to increases and decreases in the other. A dataset comprised of salivary cortisol and testosterone levels from varsity women athletes from six different Emory University sports teams (volleyball 2002, 2005, and 2008; softball 2004; tennis 2009; soccer 2013) was used to explore the relationship between coupling and hormone reactivity to athletic competition. In the majority of athletes, athletic competition was associated with increases in levels of salivary cortisol and testosterone occurring principally during the period between the start of warm-up and the end of competition. Athletes varied with respect to the degree that cortisol and testosterone were coupled. Athletes for whom these two hormones were strongly coupled showed substantially higher competition-related increases in cortisol and testosterone levels than athletes for whom these hormones were less strongly coupled. This heretofore undocumented relationship between hormone coupling and hormone reactivity in a sport setting is consonant with the idea that increases in cortisol and testosterone are parts of a coordinated and complementary response to the physical and/or psychological stress of athletic competition. Given that cortisol and testosterone, each in their own way(s) positively affect athletic performance, a singular benefit of cortisol/testosterone coupling may be an enhanced reactivity to competition, with a corresponding increase in the positive effects of each of these hormones on performance.

Role of Seed Therapy on Estrous and Non-Estrous Cycle in Healthy Female Rats.

Seed cycling therapy (SCT) involves the consumption of specific seeds during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle to help balance reproductive hormones. This study aimed to investigate the effects of SCT on healthy female Wistar albino rats to prevent hormonal imbalances. For SCT, a seed mixture (SM1) consisting of flax, pumpkin, and soybeans (estrogenic seeds) was administered at doses of 5.4, 4, 8, and 12 g per 100 g of diet during the non-estrous phase. Another seed mixture (SM2) comprising sunflower, sesame, and chickpeas (also estrogenic) was given at doses of 3.12, 8, and 8 g per 100 g during the estrous phase. A total of 36 female Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups, each containing nine rats: Basal diet, seed cycling 1, seed cycling 2, and seed cycling 3 (SC3). All diets were isocaloric and iso-nitrogenous. The results showed that body weight, feed intake, and water consumption were significantly decreased in the SC3 group (p < 0.05), with increased nutrient digestibility. The tested diets led to significant positive changes in levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, high-density lipoproteins (HDL-c), low-density lipoproteins (LDL-c), LDL-c/HDL-c ratio, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase across both phases of the cycle. There was also a notable increase in estrogen, testosterone, prolactin, and insulin levels (p < 0.05). Ovarian histology results showed normal morphology in the SC3 group, suggesting that this dosage was the most effective. The findings indicate that further studies are warranted to explore the genetic mechanisms underlying phytoestrogen action during reproductive stages.

Co-administration of rifampicin and Boswellia serrata mitigates testicular toxicity caused by Aflatoxin B1.

The current study was aimed to investigate the effect of rifampicin (Rif), a stimulator of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), on limiting the passage of AFB1 (Aflatoxin B1) into testicular tissue. The second objective was to examine the potential protective effects of Boswellia serrata extract (BSE), which exhibits a strong antioxidant capacity, alone or incombination with Rif against testicular damage induced by AFB1. A total of 49 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven experimental groups as follows: control (placebo), Rif (10mg/kg), BSE (500mg/kg), AFB1 (0.75mg/kg), AFB1+Rif, AFB1+BSE, and AFB1+Rif+BSE. The rats were administered AFB1, Rif, and BSE for seven days. The result of this study indicated that Rif decreased the amount of AFB1 permeating the testicular tissue by stimulating the expression of P-gp and BCRP. The administration of the combination of BSE and Rif resulted in a reduction of oxidative stress, apoptosis, improvement in sperm function parameters, and an increase in serum testosterone levels. These effects contributed to the improvement of impaired testicular structure. The result of this study revealed that the Rif can potentially serve as an efficacious therapeutic agent and the administration of BSE exhibited a reduction in testicular damage induced by AFB1. However, the combination of BSE and Rif provided more effective protection than using alone.

Cleome arabica L mitigates bisphenol A-induced ovarian dysfunction and inflammation in Wistar rats: biochemical, histopathological, pharmacokinetic, and in silico studies.

The present study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Cleome arabica (CA) fruit extract against bisphenol A (BPA)-induced ovarian injury in female Wistar rats. The antioxidant activity was estimated by the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide radical (NBT) content. For the in vivo analyses, 24 animals were divided into the following 4 groups: the control group; the BPA group (50 mg/kg BW BPA for 30 days); the BPA +CA group (50 mg/kg BW BPA and 50 mg/kg BW CA); and the CA group (50 mg/kg BW CA). The in vitro results demonstrated that CA exhibited strong antioxidant activity and scavenged O2•- radicals. . Pharmacokinetic properties were also explored, reflecting the physiological dynamics of the five active molecules (quercetin, catechin, kaempferol, rosmarinic acid, and naringenin).The in vivo findings revealed a significant increase in body weight associated with a significant increase in plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α), and testosterone levels (p < 0.01). In addition, ovarian histological disruption was observed. However, co-administration of CA extract significantly improved ovarian histological integrity and attenuated inflammatory and androgenic disturbances. Moreover, in silico investigations showed that CA compounds interacted more strongly with the active sites of IL-1β, IL-6, or TNF-α. The best binding energy was observed between catechin (five H-bonds) and IL-1β and IL-6, at -6.0 and -6.1 kcal/mol, respectively, and between rosmarinic acid (four H-bonds) and TNF-α, at -6.4 kcal/mol. The present study supports the use of Cleome arabica in the treatment of infertility for female polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients.

Piperazine ferulate impact on diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction: unveiling genetic insights, MAPK/ERK/JNK pathways, and TGF-β signaling.

Diabetic testicular dysfunction (DTD) poses a significant threat to male reproductive health. This study delves into the potential of piperazine ferulate (PF), a natural phenolic compound, in alleviating DTD and sheds light on its underlying mechanisms in rats. Animals were divided into the control, PF, diabetic, and diabetic plus PF groups. Diabetes was induced in rats with a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 50mg/kg. PF was administered at 50mg/kg/day via i.p. injection for four weeks. Significant changes in sexual behavior were observed in diabetic rats, which additionally revealed lower serum levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH. The abnormalities in sperm count, viability, motility, and morphology occurred along with the demonstrated suppression of genes and protein expression related to spermatogenesis. Atrophy of the seminiferous tubules and extensive degeneration and necrosis of the germ and Leydig cells were highlighted by histopathological examination. The testicular function of diabetic rats was significantly improved after PF administration, evidenced by normalized testicular histology, increased testosterone levels, and enhanced sperm quality. In addition to reducing inflammatory cytokines, COX2, and NF-κB expression, pf administration elevated the antioxidant levels and Nrf2/HO-1 expression. Furthermore, key signaling pathways involved in testicular degeneration are regulated by PF. It promoted cell survival and tissue repair by activating the protective TGF-β signaling pathway and attenuating the MAPK/ERK/JNK signaling cascade, which in turn reduced inflammation and apoptosis. PF suppressed the expression of INSL3, SPHK1, CD62E, ANGPTL2, and miR-148a-5p, while increasing the expression of testicular genes like HSD17B1, DAZL, and S1P, addressing DTD. This study highlights the potential of PF to restore testicular function and fertility in diabetic males by modulating genetic and signaling pathways.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1008 Promotes Reproductive Function and Cognitive Activity in Aged Male Mice with High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity by Altering Metabolic Parameters and Alleviating Testicular Oxidative Damage, Inflammation and Apoptosis.

The effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1008 (LP1008) on age-related cognitive impairment and skeletal muscle atrophy have been reported previously. However, its role in obesity- and age-related hypogonadism has yet to be explored. This study investigates the therapeutic efficacy of low- and high-dose LP1008 in a high-fat-diet-fed male mouse model. Mice at 37 weeks of age were fed a standard diet (n = 8) or a 45% high-fat diet for 28 weeks, and the high-fat-diet-fed mice were divided into vehicle, low-dose and high-dose LP1008 groups (n = 8 per group) on the basis of the treatment administered for an additional 8 weeks. We found that LP1008 suppressed the increases in total cholesterol levels and liver function parameters and alleviated histological changes in the brain, ileum, gastrocnemius muscle and testes. In terms of reproductive function, LP1008 attenuated the decreases in sperm quality, sperm maturity, testosterone levels and levels of enzymes involved in testosterone biosynthesis. Furthermore, LP1008 altered impairments in spatial learning and memory and induced slight alterations in the gut microbiota. Moreover, LP1008 exerted antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects in aged, obese male mice. LP1008 reversed diet-induced obesity, age-related reproductive dysfunction and pathological damage by increasing testosterone levels and altering the gut microbiome through the regulation of mediators involved in oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation.

Secretome of human amniotic membrane stem cells promote recovery and testicular functions through modulating SIRT1/NRF2/TNF-α pathway in mice testicular torsion: An experimental study

Background: Testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury, a significant result of testicular torsion, can lead to the risk of male infertility. Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of human amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) secretome on testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) in mice. Materials and Methods: All the experiments were performed in the Anatomy Department of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, during the period of March 2023 to December 2023. 40 male NMRI mice (5–7 wk, 25–30 gr) were randomized into: 1) the sham group: mice received sham operations with no other interventions, 2) T/D group, 3) negative control group; torsion detorsion + intratesticular injection of Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium/Nutrient Mixture F-12, and 4) the T/D group + hAMSCs secreted factors. Serum testosterone levels, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and sperm quality parameters were used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of hAMSCs secreted factors on the testicular structure and function. Tissue oxidative stress was measured by determining malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase-1. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and tumor protein P53 mRNA expressions were assessed in testis via real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The results showed that hAMSCs secreted factors alleviated testicular T/D injury by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis via modulating the sirtuin-1/ nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 / tumor necrosis factor-alpha signaling pathway. Conclusion: hAMSCs secreted factors increased antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties which consequently increased testosterone levels, spermatogenesis, and sperm quality parameters.

Carnosic acid prevents heat stress-induced oxidative damage by regulating heat-shock proteins and apoptotic proteins in mouse testis.

Heat stress impacts male reproduction in animal husbandry. Carnosic acid (CA), a potent antioxidant, mitigates oxidative stress and apoptosis. αB-crystallin, a small heat shock protein, regulates apoptosis and oxidative stress. This study examines the protective effects of CA on the testis in wild-type and αB-crystallin knockout mice under heat stress. CA pretreatment increased testosterone levels and preserved testicular structure in wild-type mice, but no changes in knockout mice. CA reduced Hsp27, Hsp70, and cleaved caspase-3 levels, while knockout mice showed increased cleaved caspase-3. These results suggest that CA protects the testis by modulating heat shock and apoptosis-related proteins.

Screening for the octacosanol/triacontanol ratio in rice bran policosanol and its potential effect on testosterone secretion

AbstractThe rice bran waxes have a very interesting alcoholic moiety, a mixture of long-chain aliphatic fatty alcohols, collectively known as policosanol. This study aimed to investigate rice bran policosanol extract's effect on testosterone secretion in vitro and in vivo and explore the primary composition ratio. The proliferation of cells and the levels of testosterone in cultured rat Leydig cells were examined, while male sexual behaviour and serum testosterone levels were detected in hydrocortisone-induced mice. It was found that testosterone secretion in primary Leydig cells could be significantly stimulated by a policosanol extract featuring an octacosanol/triacontanol ratio of 3–5/1, with a ratio of 5/1 being the most optimal. A policosanol extract containing 68.72% octacosanol and 13.65% triacontanol was capable of reversing hydrocortisone-induced Kidney-Yang Deficiency syndrome by enhancing sexual behaviour and the weight of reproductive organs, as well as increasing testosterone levels. Consequently, the rice bran policosanol extract with an octacosanol/triacontanol ratio of 3–5/1 could stimulate the secretion of testosterone.

Impact of Weight Loss on Testosterone Levels: A Review of BMI and Testosterone.

The purpose of this review is to explore the relationship between weight loss (WL), specifically reductions in body mass index (BMI), and increases in testosterone levels. Obesity and excess body fat are linked to reduced testosterone levels, which can lead to metabolic dysfunctions, reduced libido, and diminished muscle mass. To attain this purpose, this review will summarize current evidence on how weight reduction interventions, including dietary changes, exercise, and bariatric surgery, affect testosterone production in overweight and obese individuals. WL, particularly through fat reduction, has a positive influence on testosterone levels. Both moderate and significant reductions in BMI are associated with notable increases in serum testosterone levels. Dietary interventions, particularly low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets, have been linked to increased testosterone production in men with obesity. Exercise, particularly resistance training, has also been shown to improve hormonal profiles by lowering fat mass and boosting testosterone levels. Additionally, bariatric surgery has been identified as one of the most effective methods for increasing testosterone in morbidly obese individuals, with improvements sustained over time. The findings have indicated that there is strong evidence that WL, particularly through reductions in BMI, leads to increased testosterone levels. This relationship is mediated by improvements in insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and lower levels of aromatase activity (the enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen in fat tissue). Effective interventions, including diet, exercise, and bariatric surgery, have the potential to restore hormonal balance, improving overall health outcomes for men with obesity or higher BMI. Further research is needed to optimize interventions and explore long-term benefits.

EFFECTS OF THE AQUEOUS BARK EXTRACT FROM STRYCHNOS CAMPTONEURA AGAINST 40% ETHANOL-INDUCED MALE INFERTILITY IN MALE GUINEA PIGS(CAVIAPORCELLUS)

The overall objective of this study was to assess the effects of the aqueous extract derived from the bark of Strychnos camptoneura on reproductive functions in male guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) following ethanol 40% intoxication. To assess these effects, 20 guinea pigs were randomly sorted into 4 lots, each containing 5 animals and given distilled water at a dose of 1ml/kg for lot1 ethanol at a dose of 1ml/kg for lot 2 (positive controls) and ethanol at a dose of 1ml/kg for lot 3: ethanol at 1ml/kg and aqueous extract fromStrychnos camptoneura trunk bark at 100mg/kg and for lot 4: ethanol at 1ml/kg and aqueous extract from Strychnos camptoneura bark, given at a dosage of250mg/kg. The results demonstratedthat oral administration of aqueous extract fromStrychnos camptoneura trunk bark (100mg/kg and 250mg/kg) in male guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) after ethanol intoxication 40% moderately stimulates food consumption compared with positive controls given ethanol exclusively. Results demonstrated that oral administration of aqueous extract fromStrychnos camptoneura trunk bark (100 and 250 mg/kg) in ethanol-treated male guinea pigs causes a non-significant (P ˃ 0.05) increase in the weight of vas deferens, seminal vesicles and penis, compared with negative controls given distilled water and positive controls treated exclusively with ethanol.In addition, gavage of the animals at the doses studied produced a significant (P&lt;0.01) dose-dependent increase in testicular and epididymal weights, in contrast to the positive controls, which showed a significant (P&lt;0.01) decrease in these two sexual organs. Treatment with the extract did not result in significant changes (P˃0.05)in the weight of the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, or penis. Oral administration of the aqueous extract of Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark (100 and 250mg/kg) to ethanol-exposed male guinea pigs resulted in highly and highly significant (p&lt;0.01 p&lt;0.001) dose-dependent increases in sperm concentration per epididymal tail compared with lots treated with distilled water and ethanol alone. In addition, there was a highly significant (p&lt; 0.001) dose-relatedincrease in the rate of motile and vital spermatozoa, compared with negative and positive controls given distilled water and ethanol alone.In contrast, a highly significant (p&lt; 0.01 p&lt; 0.001) decrease in sperm count, motility rate and vitality was observed in male guinea pigs treated with ethanol alone. These results show that gavage of the animals with the extract, at the doses studied after exposure to ethanol, results in a non-significant (p˃ 0.05) increase in serum testosterone levels, compared with positive controls. In addition, positive ethanol-only controls were found to experience a significant (p&lt;0.01) decrease in testosterone levels when compared to negative controls receiving distilled water. These results provide evidence that the extract may offer protective benefitsgainst alcohol-induced male infertility, confirming its androgenic and spermatogenic potential.

The Effects of Single Testosterone Administration and Stress Induction on Steroid Hormone Levels in Hair

Hair steroid analysis is increasingly recognized for its ability to capture cumulative hormone secretion, thought to reflect an individual’s response to long-term environmental conditions. Despite its growing use, the influence of single, isolated events on hair steroid concentrations remains underexplored. Our study therefore examined the effects of a single-dose transdermal testosterone administration (150mg) and acute laboratory stress induction on hair testosterone and cortisol levels in a randomized, between-subject, placebo-controlled, and double-blind design. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed a significant increase in hair testosterone levels seven weeks post-testosterone administration, underscoring the efficacy of hair analysis in detecting single-use hormone intake. Moreover, we observed a significant elevation in hair cortisol levels seven weeks post-exposure to the laboratory somatic stressor (Cold pressor test), highlighting the efficacy of hair analysis in capturing experimentally induced hormonal responses. The exploration of contextual factors revealed that individuals in committed relationships exhibited lower levels of both hair cortisol and testosterone compared to those who were single or in uncommitted relationships.Our study provides new insights into the sensitivity of hair analysis for detecting hormonal changes following single-dose hormone administration and experimentally induced short-term stress events. The exploratory findings emphasize the importance of individual contextual factors in influencing hair hormone concentrations and lay the groundwork for further investigation into the dynamics of cumulative hair hormone measurements.

Reconstructing the Stem Leydig Cell Niche via the Testicular Extracellular Matrix for the Treatment of Testicular Leydig Cell Dysfunction.

Therapies involving the use of stem Leydig cells (SLCs), as testicular mesenchymal stromal cells, have shown great promise in the treatment of Leydig cell (LC) dysfunction in aging males. However, the outcomes of these therapies are not satisfactory. In this study, it is demonstrated that the aging microenvironment of the testicular interstitium impairs the function of SLCs, leading to poor regeneration of LCs and, consequently, inefficient functional restoration. The study develops a decellularized testicular extracellular matrix (dTECM) hydrogel from young pigs and evaluates its safety and feasibility as a supportive niche for the expansion and differentiation of SLCs. dTECM hydrogel facilitates the steroidogenic differentiation of SLCs into LCs, the primary producers of testosterone. The combination of SLCs with a dTECM hydrogel leads to a significant and sustained increase in testosterone levels, which promotes the restoration of spermatogenesis and fertility in an LC-deficient and aged mouse model. Mechanistically, collagen 1 within the dTECM is identified as a key factor contributing to these effects. Notably, symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency syndrome are significantly alleviated in aged mice. These findings may aid the design of therapeutic interventions for patients with testosterone deficiency in the clinic.

Analysis of the Beneficial Effects of Probiotics on the Gut-Prostate Axis Using Prostatic Co-Culture Model.

The link between the gut environment and the prostate has recently been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Therefore, this study examined the advantages of a novel oral probiotic supplement to improve intestinal health and treat BPH. A 3D intestinal barrier model that simulated oral intake was used to analyse the combined regulative abilities of Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium psychaerophilum. Then, a co-culture prostatic model was used to investigate the biological consequences of the combination under conditions mimicking BPH. The results show the connection between the gut microbiome and prostate disease since the probiotics successfully modulate the primary mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of BPH. Indeed, after the intestinal passage, the mediators released from B. longum and B. psychaerophilum induced a substantial decrease in reactive oxidative species of about 6 times and inflammation (about 5 times regarding interleukine-6 and 10) and a sharp increase in testosterone and serotonin levels (about 95%). Further, proliferation and BPH principal mediators (such as androgen and dihydrotestosterone) were highly affected and nearly restored to physiological levels. Thus, BPH can be directly affected by probiotic supplementation; specifically, B. longum and B. psychaerophilum, in combination, seem able to promote the mitigation of this disease.

Optimizing Testosterone Levels and Fertility Outcomes: A Case Series on the Impact of Lepidium peruvianum (Maca-OGTM) in Andropause and Sperm Dysfunction.

Low testosterone levels in men contribute to altered sexual health, including low libido, erectile dysfunction, impaired sleep, and changes in mood and energy. Nearly half of all infertility cases are implicated by male factors, such as low testosterone levels and altered semen and sperm health. The purpose of this case series is to share the experience of two men taking a concentrated, highly bioavailable gelatinized form of specific phenotypes (sometimes referred to as colors) of Lepidium peruvianum (Maca-OG™) to improve reproductive health. One man experienced an increase in total testosterone levels and fertility parameters, including sperm concentration, sperm motility, and total sperm count. The second experienced an increase in total testosterone levels, energy, mood, and sleep. This case series highlights a natural alternative for male health to support the body's production of testosterone, especially when hormone therapy is not medically indicated or desired by the patient, or there are concerns about hormone therapy reducing the body's production of testosterone.