Male Sexual Performance Research Articles

(113) Investigating the Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver and Its Relationship with the Severity of Fatty Liver

Abstract Introduction Today, the relationship between erectile dysfunction in men and the pathogenesis process in the field of metabolic syndrome is of interest. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the diseases related to metabolic syndrome, which has a high prevalence. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and investigating the relationship between its severity and the grading of liver complications. Objective In this research, the frequency of erectile dysfunction and decreased libido and sexual satisfaction in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease have been investigated and compared with the control group. Also, the relationship between the severity of sexual dysfunction and fatty liver grading has been investigated. Methods In this study, 1200 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were randomly selected and participated in this study between 2019 and 2022. In order to investigate sexual disorders, the standard male sexual performance questionnaire was used along with the demographic questionnaire. Results The results of this study showed that the indicators of male sexual dysfunction in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver have a high prevalence (44.5%). Also, the severity of erectile dysfunction has a significant relationship with the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (pv=0.002). Conclusions A holistic view of the health category requires that in the treatment of medical disorders, the effective factors and consequences of the disorder should be considered. Paying attention to the diagnosis and treatment of sexual disorders in the treatment process will be one of the most important aspects of the patient's health; Because erectile dysfunction in men, apart from the effect on sexual relations, will have destructive consequences on their psychological indicators and quality of life. On the other hand, it is possible to improve the quality of patients' health by modifying the lifestyle and interdisciplinary cooperation. Disclosure No.

(338) Impact of Microsurgical Denervation of the Spermatic Cord Treatment of Chronic Scrotal Pain on Men's Sexual Function: A Follow-Up Study for 6 Months After Surgical

Abstract Introduction When chronic severe scrotum affects the patient's activities and life in many aspects. Hypothetical study investigating clinical, laboratory characteristics and the influence of Microsurgical Denervation of the Spermatic Cord on male sexual performance. Objective The aim of this study was to describe the impact of microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord treatment of chronic scrotal pain on men's sexual function Methods Observation study design. All patients with severe chronic scrotal pain, after excluding other causes, were indicated for surgery at the department of andrology, Binh Dan hospital from January 1, 2022 to November 1, 2022. Results There were thirty-one patients with chronic scrotal pain who underwent surgery. Mean age 24.2 ± 4.3 years, duration of pain 2.3 ±1.6 years. Location of pain: scrotum (41.3%), testis-epididymis (47.8%), spermatic cord (24.6%), inguinal (15.1%). Causes of pain: epididymitis (45.3%) accounted for most cases. NRS pain score before surgery 6.8 ± 2.3. There are 13/31 patients with severe pain scale (NRS = 7-10). Quality of life (QOL) in patients with moderate pain (NRS pain scale 1-6) 4.6 ± 4.0 and 6.75 ± 1.1 in patients with severe pain (NRS 7-10). 6%) patients reported pain affecting daily work Patient had small testicle size 43.5%, Varicose veins on ultrasound: 3.4±1.2 mm 51.6% (16/31) patients felt scrotal pain affecting sexual activity Patients with severe scrotal pain with high pain scale (NRS 7-10 points) had an effect on erectile function compared with moderate pain group (NRS 0-6 points) (P<0.05) Indicators “Scrotal pain prevents sexual activity”, “IIEF”, “Decreased libido ADAM questionnaire”, “Stimulating sexual activity pain”, “painful ejaculation” all improved after surgery. Conclusions Chronic scrotal pain mostly occurs in young patients with relatively large pain scores. Chronic scrotal pain also contributes to testicular size and endocrine function affecting quality of life. Chronic scrotal pain can greatly affect sexual performance in men. Microsurgical Denervation of the Spermatic Cord improves many aspects of a patient's sexual performance. Disclosure No.

Differences in Psychological Inflexibility Among Men With Erectile Dysfunction Younger and Older Than 40 Years: Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Psychological inflexibility is a core concept of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which is a comprehensive, transdiagnostic interpretation of mental health symptoms. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that affects male sexual performance, involving the inability to achieve and maintain a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. Psychosocial factors primarily influence ED in men younger than 40 years, whereas biological factors are more likely to be the underlying cause in older men. This web-based cross-sectional study examined differences in depression, anxiety, and psychological inflexibility among men with ED younger and older than 40 years in a Japanese population. We used a web-based survey to gather data from various community samples. ED was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire, while depression, anxiety, and psychological inflexibility were evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ), and Valuing Questionnaire-Obstacle Subscale (VQ-OB) questionnaires. The chi-square test estimated the scores of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 among men with ED, comparing those younger than 40 years and those older than 40 years. Additionally, a two-way ANOVA was conducted with ED severity and age group as independent variables, assessing psychological inflexibility. Valid responses from 643 individuals (mean age 36.19, SD 7.54 years) were obtained. Of these, 422 were younger than 40 years (mean age 31.76, SD 5.00 years), and 221 were older than 40 years (mean age 44.67, SD 2.88 years). There was a statistical difference in the prevalence of depression as judged by PHQ≥10 between men with ED younger and older than 40 years (P<.001). On the other hand, there was no difference in the prevalence of anxiety as judged by GAD≥10 (P=.12). The two-way ANOVA revealed that the interactions for CFQ (P=.04) and VQ-OB (P=.01) were significant. The simple main effect was that men with ED younger than 40 years had significantly higher CFQ (P=.01; d=0.62) and VQ-OB (P<.001; d=0.87) scores compared to those older than 40 years in moderate ED and severe ED. Additionally, it was found that men younger than 40 years with moderate to severe ED had significantly higher CFQ (P=.01; d=0.42) and VQ-OB (P=.02; d=0.38) scores compared to men younger than 40 years without ED. On the other hand, no interaction was found for AAQ-II (P=.16) scores. To the best of our knowledge, this web-based cross-sectional study is the first to examine the relationship between psychological inflexibility and ED. We conclude that men with moderate and severe ED younger than 40 years have higher psychological inflexibility and might be eligible for ACT.

Omega 3 fatty acid improves sexual and erectile function in BPF-treated rats by upregulating NO/cGMP signaling and steroidogenic enzymes activities

Bisphenol F (BPF) is an environmental pollutant that has been implicated in sexual dysfunction. Omega 3 fatty acid (O3FA), on the other hand, is an antioxidant with the ability to improve fertility indices. However, no study has explored the possible ameliorative effect of O3FA on BPF-induced sexual dysfunction. Thus, the effect of BPF and/or O3FA on male sexual performance was investigated. Male Wistar rats were randomized into 6 groups, corn oil-treated, O3FA low and high dose (100 and 300 mg/kg), BPF-treated, BPF + O3FA low and BPF + O3FA high dose. BPF significantly impaired male sexual competence, evidenced by a reduction in motivation to mate, prolonged mount, intromission and ejaculation latency, and post-ejaculatory index. Furthermore, a reduction in mount, intromission, and ejaculation frequency were observed. Also, BPF caused a decrease in gonadotropin releasing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, nitric oxide (NO) cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), dopamine, and acetylcholine esterase. Furthermore, it was accompanied by a significant increase in prolactin and estrogen and poor pregnancy outcomes. These observed BPF-led alterations were abolished by O3FA administration. This study showed that O3FA ameliorates BPF-induced sexual dysfunction by upregulating NO/cGMP signaling and steroidogenic enzymes activities.

The endocrine disruptor DE-79 alters oxytocinergic transmission and sexual behavior expression in male rats

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), used as flame retardants are persistent organic pollutants exerting important health effects. PBDEs with >5 bromide substitutions were considered less harmful and therefore extensively used commercially. DE-79 was a widely used PBDE mixture of hexa-, hepta-, octa- and nona-brominated compounds that increases vasopressin (AVP) production. AVP and oxytocin (OT) are both produced in neurons of the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) hypothalamic nuclei projecting to the neurohypophysis and to brain regions involved in copulatory behavior. OT plays an important role in male copulation. Since DE-79 alters AVP expression in the SON and PVN, it might also modify OT content and alter male sexual behavior. We analyzed if repeated DE-79 exposure of adult male rats affected OT content and OT receptor (OTR) density in the SON, PVN, medial preoptic area (mPOA), ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala, and if male copulatory behavior was affected. We show that DE-79 exposure produces a generalized decrease in brain OT immunoreactivity, increases OTR density in all brain regions analyzed but the mPOA, and reduces the ejaculatory threshold after a first ejaculation. The documented ejaculation-induced OT release might participate in this last effect. Thus, one-week DE-79 exposure alters the OT-OTR system and modifies male rat sexual performance. Based on the literature it could be speculated that these effects are related to the putative endocrine disrupting actions of DE-79, ultimately altering brain OT levels and OTR expression that might affect copulation and other important OT-mediated brain functions.

Mbari and uncle Nicodemus: Male representations in the heterosexual discourse among female undergraduates in Nigeria

This paper examines the various labels ascribed to males in the heterosexual discourse among female undergraduates in Nigeria. Insights from Community of Practice and Sexual Script Theory were used to demonstrate the use of situated linguistic choices to establish the differentials in male sexual behaviours. Data for the study were generated through participant observation and unstructured interviews with the aid of audiotape recordings and field notes. The study involves a representative sample of 22 female undergraduates who served as participants and research assistants. The findings reveal that situated language practices stimulate heterosexual discourses where female undergraduates creatively ascribe labels to the different males’ sexual scripts. The labels include those related to male sexual performance, body size and size of sex organs, financial and marital status, familial and gatekeeping roles, and other routine sexual behaviours shown by men in sexual phases such as advances, arousal and intercourse. The scripts are also combined to re-enact the peculiar sexual narratives by the female students that show emerging sexual orientations. It is believed that the categorisation of such males’ sexual behaviours in the University social contexts, would provide a basis for comparison with the sexual practices of other young adults’ social groups across the globe.

Evaluating the Aphrodisiac Potential of Mirabilis jalapa L. Root Extract: Phytochemical Profiling and In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Assessments in Normal Male Rats.

The traditional use of Mirabilis jalapa L. roots to enhance male sexual performance prompted us to assess the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo aphrodisiac activities of its hydroethanolic extract using normal male rats. Spectroscopic characterization indicated the presence of ß-D-glucopyranoside, methyl-1,9-benzyl-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine, and Bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate; these compounds have a significant inhibitory effect on the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) enzyme in silico evaluation and minerals (including zinc, cadmium, and magnesium). Other phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. These phytochemicals and minerals may contribute to the aphrodisiac activities of the extract. Additionally, the in vivo study revealed that the administration of M. jalapa root extract (300 mg/kg) significantly enhanced (p < 0.01, p < 0.03) mount, intromission, and ejaculation frequencies while significantly (p < 0.05) decreasing the mount and intromission latencies, as well as the post-ejaculatory interval time, in comparison with the standard drugs sildenafil and ginseng, resulting in enhanced erection and sexual performance in the rats. Furthermore, the extract significantly (p < 0.05) increased penile reflexes and also elevated the levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormones. Extract (300 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the PDE-5 enzyme in an in vitro study. Concludingly, the comprehensive findings of this study suggest that a standardized herbal extract derived from M. jalapa roots alleviates erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in male rats. M. jalapa root extract proved to be an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Rational Use.

The use of nutraceutical products to enhance male sexual performance has a long history, especially with regard to the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Alternative treatments for ED are becoming increasingly popular, with growing interest from consumers, as well as increased revenue for manufacturers. Dietary supplements (DSs), which are a mixture of active ingredients, are mainly sold online. In randomized controlled trials, the molecules contained in DSs have demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness, or even have no evidence to support their use. However, none of the studies carried out provided sufficient evidence to consider these products a first-line therapy. Therefore, the combination of the various active ingredients, especially in relation to the daily dose, leaves doubts about the real effectiveness. In order to evaluate the potential efficacy of DS formulations, we analyzed the products marketed in Italy using a scoring approach. A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate the effect of DS and to detect the active ingredients able to improve erectile function-called effective ingredients (EIs)-and their minimal effective daily dose (mED). A metanalysis identified some nutraceuticals, such as Panax ginseng, Tribulus terrestris and L-arginine, that are able to improve male sexual function. Based on the scoring system, 2 (8%) supplements matched with the cluster of higher expected efficacy, 3 (12%) with the lower efficacy cluster and 20 (80%) matched with the criterion of no expected efficacy. DSs marketed in Italy are usually blends of many substances that are frequently employed at a negligible dose or without any evidence.

Review of potential spermatogenic and aphrodisiac effects of the Ferula genus.

Men's sexual health plays an important role in male fertility and childbearing, as it is associated with factors such as sexual desire, healthy spermatogenesis, and erectile function. In various cultures, medicinal plants have been utilized to address male sexual issues, including infertility and erectile dysfunction. Despite recent advancements in medical science for treating male impotence, some men opt for herbal supplements as an alternative, given that numerous herbs have the potential to enhance male sexual performance. The Apiaceae family is one of the oldest plant families used for medicinal purposes. Ferula, a genus within this family, comprises approximately 170 different species worldwide. Members of this genus possess numerous therapeutic properties due to the presence of various compounds. This article aims to explore the potential impacts of Ferula plants on the male reproductive system. This review article was prepared by searching for terms including Ferula and "aphrodisiac," Ferula and "spermatogenesis," and Ferula and "male reproductive system." Relevant information was gathered through electronic databases, including ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The findings indicated that relatively comprehensive studies have been conducted in this area, revealing that certain Ferula species have been employed in folk medicine to boost fertility and libido. Recent research has corroborated these effects. It is hoped that new aphrodisiac compounds with fewer side effects can be isolated from Ferula plants in the future.

Maternal neglect alters reward-anticipatory behavior, social status stability, and reward circuit activation in adult male rats.

Adverse early life experiences affect neuronal growth and maturation of reward circuits that modify behavior under reward predicting conditions. Previous studies demonstrate that rats undergoing denial of expected reward in the form of maternal contact (DER-animal model of maternal neglect) during early post-natal life developed anhedonia, aggressive play-fight behaviors and aberrant prefrontal cortex structure and neurochemistry. Although many studies revealed social deficiency following early-life stress most reports focus on individual animal tasks. Thus, attention needs to be given on the social effects during group tasks in animals afflicted by early life adversity. To investigate the potential impact of the DER experience on the manifestation of behavioral responses induced by natural rewards, we evaluated: 1) naïve adult male sexual preference and performance, and 2) anticipatory behavior during a group 2-phase food anticipation learning task composed of a context-dependent and a cue-dependent learning period. DER rats efficiently spent time in the vicinity of and initiated sexual intercourse with receptive females suggesting an intact sexual reward motivation and consummation. Interestingly, during the context-dependent phase of food anticipation training DER rats displayed a modified exploratory activity and lower overall reward-context association. Moreover, during the cue-dependent phase DER rats displayed a mild deficit in context-reward association while increased cue-dependent locomotion. Additionally, DER rats displayed unstable food access priority following food presentation. These abnormal behaviours were accompanied by overactivation of the ventral prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, as assessed by pCREB levels. Collectively, these data show that the neonatal DER experience resulted in adulthood in altered activation of the reward circuitry, interfered with the normal formation of context-reward associations, and disrupted normal reward access hierarchy formation. These findings provide additional evidence to the deleterious effects of early life adversity on reward system, social hierarchy formation, and brain function.

The effectiveness of treatment based on acceptance and commitment on sexual performance and emotional safety in men with cardiovascular disease

Aim: The aim of the research was to determine the effectiveness of the treatment based on acceptance and commitment on sexual performance and emotional safety in people with cardiovascular disease. Method: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group and a two-month follow-up phase. The statistical population of the study was cardiovascular patients in Isfahan city in 2022, and 34 patients were selected using the purposive sampling method and randomly assigned to one experimental group and one control group (17 people in each group). The research tools were Rosen's Male Sexual Performance Questionnaire (2004) and Emotional Safety Questionnaire. Treatment based on acceptance and commitment was implemented in 9 sessions of 90 minutes once a week and the control group was waiting for treatment. The data were analyzed using the statistical method of mixed analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: The results showed that the effectiveness of treatment based on acceptance and commitment and transdiagnostic treatment was on the components of sexual function and emotional safety in cardiovascular patients (P&lt;0.001). Also, the results showed that these effects had maintained their stability in the follow-up phase (P&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Therefore, both interventions can be used to improve the components of sexual function and emotional safety of cardiovascular patients and improve their quality of life.

The complexity of female orgasm and ejaculation.

The anatomy and physiology of the female orgasm are often neglected. The female orgasm is a normal psychophysiological function to all women, and some even can achieve ejaculation as part of the normal physiological response at the height of sexual arousal. The complexity of female sexuality requires a deep understanding of genital anatomy. The clitoris is the principal organ for female pleasure. The vaginal stimulation of the anterior vaginal wall led women to orgasm due to the stimulation of the clitourethrovaginal complex and not due to stimulation of a particular organ called the G spot in the anterior distal vaginal wall. Female ejaculation follows orgasm. It consists of the orgasmic expulsion of a smaller quantity of whitish fluid produced by the female prostate. Squirting can be differentiated from female ejaculation because it is the orgasmic transurethral expulsion of a substantial amount of diluted urine during sexual activity, and it is not considered pathological. The female orgasm is influenced by many aspects such as communication, emotional intimacy, long-standing relationship, adequate body image and self-esteem, proper touching and knowledge of the female body, regular masturbation, male sexual performance, male and female fertility, chronic pain, and capacity to engage in new sexual acts. Stronger orgasms could be achieved when clitoral stimulation, anterior vaginal wall stimulation, and oral sex is involved in the same sexual act.

Effect of bisphenol F on sexual performance and quality of offspring in Male Wistar rats.

This study investigated the effect of BPF on male sexual performance and the quality of the offspring. Eighty (80) Male Wistar rats (n=10 per group) were randomised into normal saline-treated control and control recovery, BPF varied doses (low, medium, and high), and BPF varied doses recovery (low, medium, and high) groups. The study was terminated after 28 days of BPF oral administration. The animals were sacrificed after 24h from the last dose, while those in the recovery groups were allowed to recover for another 28 days before being sacrificed. BPF administration was found to impair sexual performance, as shown by a significant decrease in frequencies (mount, intromission, and ejaculation frequencies) and an increase in latencies (mount, intromission, and ejaculation latencies). This was accompanied by a significant decrease in plasma LH, FSH, testosterone, dopamine, acetylcholinesterase, nitric oxide, and penile cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) level. The level of plasma oestrogen and prolactin were significantly increased following BPF administration. BPF also reduced the sperm count, morphology, viability, and motility. Furthermore, BPF reduced fertility success and index, litter size, litter weight, and offspring survival rate. These toxic effects of BPF were dose-dependent and were not reversed by withdrawal following 28 days of recovery. This study concluded that BPF disrupts sexual competence and offspring quality by suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and mediating oestrogen-induced hyperprolactinemia. These events were associated with reduced fertility index and success, poor semen quality, and reduced offspring survival rate. The observed toxic effects of BPF were dose-dependent and not reversed by cessation of BPF exposure.

Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitory Activity of Canthin-6-One Alkaloids and the Roots of Eurycoma longifolia and Eurycoma harmandiana.

Eurycoma longifolia (EL) and Eurycoma harmandiana (EH) are natural medicinal plants belonging to the Simaroubaceae family, and are well-known for their ability to enhance male sexual performance. The present study investigated the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitory activity of intact roots of EL and EH. Additionally, canthin-6-one alkaloids, β-carboline alkaloids, and quassinoids were also screened for PDE-5 inhibitory activity. We developed in vitro root and callus cultures of EL and EH to determine their PDE-5 inhibitory activity. Our results indicated that canthin-6-one alkaloids, which include canthin-6-one-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, 9-methoxycanthin-6-one, canthin-6-one, and 9-hydroxycanthin-6-one, exhibited PDE-5 enzymatic inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 2.86±0.23, 3.30±1.03, 4.31±0.52, and 4.66±1.13 μM, respectively. The ethanolic extract of the intact roots of EL and EH, and the in vitro root culture of EH had large amounts of canthin-6-one alkaloids (1.50±0.04, 2.12±0.03, and 3.48±0.08 mg/g dry weight, respectively), and showed potent PDE-5 inhibition. Our findings indicate that in vitro root cultures of EH may be used to replace intact plants, and canthin-6-one-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside should be further investigated for development as a health supplement.

Medicinal plants sold by West, Central and East African immigrants in Johannesburg, South Africa

South Africa hosts >1.2 million immigrants, 75% from Africa. The inter- and intra-continental diaspora of immigrant groups, and the movement of biological commodities, effects a parallel biological diaspora of plants, animals, and pathogens to regions where they are non-native, and an allied diaspora of traditional practices associated with commodity use. Plants with dual purposes of food and medicine are repeatedly introduced into new countries by waves of immigration. The motivation for species selection may reflect cultural importance, geographic origin, and diseases associated with migration. With this in mind, this study aimed to investigate medicinal plants, and their uses, which are imported by immigrant traditional healthcare traders in Johannesburg, and highlight routes of alien plant introduction. Semi-structured interviews with 25 immigrant traders originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ghana, Nigeria and Somalia were conducted. Sixty-six species were recorded (60 alien to South Africa) that treated conditions in 15 broad biomedical categories. Species were primarily imported to treat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with the most frequently cited being for diabetes, back pain, influenza, stomach pain, haemorrhoids, and male sexual performance. The use of medicinal plants from ‘home’ is assumed to strengthen an immigrant’s sense of cultural identity in a new country, with some plants seemingly too important to leave behind; the diseases linked to these selections were affiliated more with ‘disease of transition’, including NCDs. Some imported species require assessments of risk to becoming invasive. These results flag the international traditional medicine trade as an introduction pathway for alien plants.

Testicular toxicity of the ethanolic extract of the stems of Massularia acuminata (G. Don) Bullock ex Hoyl in rats

The ethanolic extract of the stems of Massularia acuminata is widely used in several regions of Cote d’Ivoire for the improvement of the male sexual performance. The study was carried out with a view to investigate the effect of long term use of the plant on rat. For this purpose, four groups of 6 rats each, aged 8 weeks and weighing on average 125 ± 23.16 g. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated repeatedly with the ethanolic extract of the stem of M. acuminata at doses of 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg of body weight for 28 days respectively. Group 1, the control group, received only distilled water. In addition to the testicular histological study, body mass and relative testicular mass, sperm motility, concentration and viability were evaluated. This study showed that 40 and 80 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of stems of M. acuminata were better tolerated by the testes. However, the 160 mg/kg body weight dose caused a significant reduction in body mass (-4.68 vs +1.30%) and relative testicular mass (1.27 vs 0.45) on day 28 of the experiments. In addition, the result of the study revealed a significant decrease in motility (16.29 vs 41.71%), sperm concentration (10.33 vs 138.83 sperm/µl) and viability compared to the control group. This study showed that at high doses, the ethanolic extract of the stems of M. acuminata can disrupt spermatogenesis in rats. Key words: Massularia acuminata, toxicity, rat, testis, spermatozoa.

Rapid Screening and Quantitative Determination of Illegal Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE-5i) in Herbal Dietary Supplements.

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE-5i) are the first-line medication for oral erectile dysfunction, which are used according to the prescription of doctors. However, these substances have been found illegally in supplementary foods. The quality and safety of dietary supplements for enhancing male sexual performance have been questioned, raising the need for continual development of analytical methods. Liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry has become one of the most effective methods to identify and measure PDE-5i concentration. In this research, we focused on (i) developing and validating an effective screening and quantitation method for more than 53 PDE-5i in ingredients and supplementary products using LC-Q-Exactive after a simple sample extraction and (ii) assessing PDE-5i content in natural-based supplementary products available in Vietnam market. The extraction method used a small amount of organic solvent, which makes it more environmentally friendly (greener). The developed method has a limit of detection of 0.4 mg/kg, a limit of quantitation of 1.2 mg/kg, recoveries from 80 to 110%, and repeatability lower than 15%. Ninety-two herbal supplementary foods and ingredients used for enhancement of male sexual performance available in Vietnamese markets were collected. Fourteen PDE-5i including conventional and novel analogous were detected and measured in eighteen food supplements and two formulation ingredient samples.

Sexual and reproductive health: the science behind supplementation in aging

Introduction Throughout lifespan people are increasingly committed to take control of their own health and well-being, including fertility and sexual enhancement. Food supplements (FS) industry specifically caters for this segment market. However, FS are not medicines and thus, are not subject to the same strict regulations. Misbranded, unsafe and unlawful products are on the market [1], claiming scientifically unsubstantiated benefits, without disclosing potential side effects [2] and/or interactions [3], thus representing a public health hazard. The purpose of this work was to give an overview of the main FS intended for male and female sexual performance and reproductive health, available in Portugal. Materials and methods Consumption data in pharmacies (2015–2018) was provided by ANF and inclusion criteria was FS which sold >1000 units/year. Formulas were analysed, to address the alleged bioactive substances, in a perspective of efficacy and safety. Results Overall consumption of the FS studied has risen 48% in the years analysed and target mainly the male population (≈70% of products), although there are brands specifically designed for women. Botanicals, isolated or combined, used for sexual performance problems, such as erectile dysfunction and low sexual desire, mostly claim to: (a) improve genital blood flow [vasodilators as Pausinystalia macroceras, Ferula asafoetida L., Pinus pinaster, Gingko biloba, Epimedium grandiflorum L.], (b) increase testosterone levels [Withania somnifera, Tribulus terrestris, Maca- Lepidium meyenii], or (c) act as tonics/stimulants [Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax ginseng, Turnera diffusa, guarana]. Plant extracts are at times associated with vitamins (A,D,E,C, folic acid), minerals (Zn, Se, Fe, Mg) and amino acids (arginine aspartate, L-carnitine). For fertility/climacterium associated symptoms, DHA, EPA, lycopene and CoQ10 are also found. Discussion and conclusions Scientific evidence to support the claims of sexual enhancement is low/medium for all the plants, which however are not without harm. There is lack of studies in humans, no established daily doses and many of the side effects (e.g. severe hepatotoxicity of genus Pausinystalia; estrogen-like effect of Maca in gynaecological cancers) are not well documented. Associations of bioactives are common and increase the potential of side effects/toxicity and should be avoided. Relevant interactions with drugs [e.g. MAO inhibitors with Pausinystalia and P. ginseng; anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin) with P. maritima, P. ginseng, E. senticosus, G. biloba, F. asafoetida, E. grandiflorum; antihypertensive drugs with T. terrestris, F. asafoetida, E. grandiflorum, W. somnifera and Pausinystalia] are also possible, especially in case of polymedicated aging consumers. Moreover, since potentially harmful active pharmaceuticals, or its analogs, continue to be identified in FS, consumers should be aware of the risk in which they incur. Informed counselling by health-professionals is thus of the utmost importance and the subject should be taught to doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists and nurses.

111 Relationship of Comorbidities and COVID-19 to Male Sexual Performance in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

111 Relationship of Comorbidities and COVID-19 to Male Sexual Performance in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis of erectile dysfunction drugs and their analogues in food products

The presence of erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs in adulterated dietary supplements, mainly in pharmaceutical dosage forms, is frequently addressed in the literature. Little attention is given to food products despite their increasing adulteration trend. To address this knowledge gap targeted, suspected-target, and non-targeted strategies were utilised to analyse ED drugs and their analogues in powdered drink mix (PDM), honey, jelly, hard candy, and sugar-coated chewing gum using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The method was optimised and validated using 23 target analytes, representing different ED drugs with structural similarities. The modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction exhibited insignificant matrix effect (ME) within − 9.2–8.8% and provided complete coverage of target analytes with acceptable extraction recovery (RE) within 75.5–123.9%, except for carbodenafil in the PDM matrix. Based on the ME and RE performance, the analytical method was validated to analyse 25 food samples that claimed to enhance male sexual performance. The method exhibited good specificity and linearity with a limit of detection within 10–70 ng/mL and limit of quantification of 80 ng/mL. Similarly, the accuracy and precision were satisfactory within 77.4–122.0% and< 16.7%RSD, respectively. The LC-HRMS targeted analysis, together with suspected-target and non-targeted screenings, identified and detected ten ED drugs from 24 food samples. The modified QuEChERS extraction with LC-HRMS-based method was demonstrated to be universally applicable to various food products, covering an extensive range of known and potentially novel ED drugs, which is valuable for routine casework.