Mean Testosterone Concentrations Research Articles

Distribution of Serum Testosterone Concentrations in IBD Males and Associations With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity.

An inverse relationship exists between inflammation and testosterone concentrations in non-inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) immune conditions but has not been objectively explored in the IBD male population. We aimed to characterize the distribution of testosterone concentrations in a cohort of males with IBD and identify any relationship between testosterone levels and disease activity. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study of male IBD patients. Demographics, disease characteristics, sex-hormone concentration, gonadotropins, C-reactive protein, fecal calprotectin, and patient-reported outcomes on quality of life and erectile function were collected. Relationships between disease activity, biomarkers, patient-reported outcome scores, and testosterone levels were analyzed using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. A total of 85 male IBD patients were included with a mean age 44±14.1 years, of which 49.4% had Crohn's disease. Mean testosterone concentration was 15.4±5.2 nmol/L and 17.6% had a serum testosterone <10.4 nmol/L. Active disease was associated with lower testosterone concentrations in univariate analysis (β ± SE = -0.25 ± -1.99, P = .02) but not in multivariate analysis (β -0.18±1.75, P = .06). Testosterone concentrations were independently associated with sex hormone-binding globulin levels (β ± SE = 0.45±0.04, P < .0001) and a younger age (β ± SE = -0.32±0.04, P <.0001). Erectile function scores (5-item International Index of Erectile Function) were lower in IBD patients with a longer duration of disease (β ± SE = -0.24±0.006, P = .04). Lower testosterone concentrations in men with IBD may reflect confounding from other factors and are not independently associated with disease activity. Greater awareness and screening for sexual dysfunction should occur in males with IBD, particularly in those with a longer disease duration.

Testosterone concentrations and associated predictors in men with cystic fibrosis: A retrospective, single-center study

BackgroundMen with cystic fibrosis (CF) have sexual health concerns such as delayed puberty, infertility, and hypogonadism. The causes and prevalence of hypogonadism have not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of a low testosterone concentration in men with CF. MethodsThis retrospective study was approved by the Emory University Institutional Review Board (IRB). Data were extracted from the electronic medical records of adult men with CF receiving care at the Emory Cystic Fibrosis Center. A total of 129 men with CF were followed at our center from 2016 to 2023. Of these individuals, 76 men with CF (58.9%) had at least one serum total testosterone measurement. Seven individuals were excluded from this study since they were currently receiving testosterone therapy, leaving a final sample size of 69 individuals for the analysis. Demographic data, serum testosterone concentrations, and other factors associated with low testosterone concentrations were collected. Low testosterone was defined as a value below 300 ng/dL. Regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with low testosterone levels. ResultsThe mean (± SD) age of the 69 eligible participants was 33.34 ± 10.98 years. The mean testosterone concentration was 421 ± 158.5 ng/dL with 27.54 percent of men with a testosterone value below 300 ng/dL. The mean hemoglobin level was 14.23 ± 2.18 g/dL. Testosterone levels were positively related to hemoglobin levels. Time of day of measurement and age were not associated with testosterone levels. ConclusionRoughly a quarter of men with CF demonstrated low testosterone in our sample. Low hemoglobin was associated with low testosterone levels in men with CF. Neither time of day nor age influenced testosterone concentrations in this sample.

27 Neurokinin B, Kisspeptin, and Gnrh Hormone Analogs Fail to Stimulate Secretion of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in KISS1 Knockout Boars

Abstract We generated kisspeptin knockout (KISS1-/- ) pigs exhibiting hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and pubertal failure. Humans and rodents with inactivating KISS1 mutations exhibit increased gonadotropin secretion in response to GnRH and kisspeptin analogs, but it is unknown if KISS1-/- pigs respond similarly. Our goal was to define endocrine responses of KISS1-/- boars to hormone agonists that target different levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Boars (302.6 ± 0.9 d of age) were fitted with indwelling jugular catheters to collect serial blood samples. Serum concentrations of LH and testosterone were quantified with radioimmunoassay. Data were analyzed as repeated measures with genotype (KISS1+/+ ; KISS1+/- ; KISS1-/- ) and time as fixed effects. Blood samples were collected beginning 60 to 120 min before a bolus injection (i.v.) of the agonist and continued for 5 to 48 h after treatment, depending on experiment, with at least 1 wk between studies. Boars received an agonist of either: 1) neurokinin B (senktide; 10 mg/kg BW; Exp. 1); 2) kisspeptin (C6; 15 nMol/kg BW; Exp. 2); 3) GnRH (cystorelin, 150 ng/kg BW; Exp. 3); or 4) LH (hCG; 20 IU/kg BW; Exp. 4). There was a genotype x time interaction for all experiments (P &amp;lt; 0.09). In the 60 min following senktide treatment (Exp. 1), mean LH increased 2.5-fold in KISS1+/+ and KISS1+/- boars, but was unchanged in KISS1-/- boars (P &amp;lt; 0.04). In Exp. 2, C6 increased LH concentrations in KISS1+/+ and KISS1+/- boars within 10 min (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and LH did not return to baseline until 28 h after treatment. However, secretion of LH in KISS1-/- boars was unaffected by C6. Next, cystorelin treatment (Exp. 3) increased circulating LH (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in KISS1+/+ and KISS1+/- males (2.1 ± 0.2 ng/mL), but not in KISS1-/- boars (0.5 ± 0.2 ng/mL). In Exp. 4, hCG increased mean testosterone concentrations for 48 h in KISS1+/+ (32.9 ± 6.7 ng/mL) and KISS1+/- (26.7 ± 4.7 ng/mL) boars, but testosterone in KISS1-/- animals remained at near undetectable levels after hCG administration. Therefore, we have shown for the first time that both neurokinin B and kisspeptin agonists (senktide and C6, respectively) stimulate robust secretion of LH in pigs. In addition, these agonists stimulate similar secretory patterns of LH in KISS1+/+ and KISS1+/- boars, confirming that a single functional copy of KISS1 is sufficient to confer normal reproductive endocrine function in pigs. Failure of a GnRH agonist to stimulate LH secretion in KISS1-/- boars likely reflects insufficient pituitary stores of LH, resulting from a lack of GnRH priming, and underlies the inability of either senktide or C6 to stimulate LH secretion in these animals. Lack of hCG-stimulated testosterone secretion in KISS1-/- boars may indicate a gonadotropin-independent deficit in testicular Leydig cells.

Effect of Spirulina platensis Supplementation on Reproductive Parameters of Sahrawi and Jabbali Goat Bucks.

Spirulina platensis (SP) is a protein-rich dietary supplement that improves animal reproductive traits. This study investigated the effect of SP supplementation on puberty onset, semen characteristics, scrotal circumference (SC), libido, and hormone concentrations in Sahrawi and Jabbali bucks. The study was conducted in 36 bucks, divided into three groups (n = 6/group), for 70 days. The rations included the following: (1) Control feed (Con) with 14% crude protein and 11.97% MJ/kg DM energy; (2) Con with 2 g SP/head/day SP treatment (T1) and (3) Con with 4 g SP/head/day treatment (T2). The mean (±SEM) SC of both SP groups in the Sahrawi breed was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) compared to the Con. The mean of the semen volume significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) in the SP group than in the Con group in both breeds. SP groups vs. Con groups had increased sperm concentration in Sahrawi bucks than Jabbali bucks. Mean serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (Tes) concentrations in Jabbali bucks were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the SP groups compared to Sahrawi bucks. SP improved the SC, semen quality, libido, sperm concentration, and LH and Tes concentrations in both breeds. The results of the current study suggest that adding SP to the diet may have the ability to improve the semen quality of the local Omani bucks.

SAT413 Feminising Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy Prolongs QTc Interval

Abstract Disclosure: L. Angus: Speaker; Self; Kirin Brewery. T. Lin: None. S. Leemaqz: None. M. Grossmann: None. J.D. Zajac: None. A.S. Cheung: None. Background: In trans people using feminising hormone therapy there is an increased risk of cardiovascular events including conduction disorders. It is known that the QTc interval is longer in cisgender women of reproductive age than cisgender men, attributed to factors including serum sex steroid concentrations. Androgen deprivation therapy in men with prostate cancer is associated with prolongation of the QTc interval, but the effects of feminising hormone therapy in trans women are unclear. Methods: We measured the automated QTc interval from a 12-lead electrocardiogram at baseline and 6 months in trans women newly commencing feminising hormone therapy. Sex steroid concentrations were measured by LCMS. Participants were part of a randomised controlled double-blind trial of spironolactone 100mg daily versus cyproterone acetate 12.5mg daily in transgender women commencing estradiol for feminisation (ANZCTR 12620000339954) and this was a prespecified secondary outcome. Statistical analysis was performed using a linear mixed effects model looking at the effects of treatment over time. Results: Sixty-three participants were randomised and 55 participants completed the trial and were included in analysis (spironolactone group n=27, cyproterone acetate group n=28). Baseline group characteristics were comparable. Overall, the QTc interval increased by 18ms (95% CI 14 - 23 ms; p&amp;lt;0.001) at 6 months compared to baseline, but there was no between group difference (p=0.23). One participant had a QTc interval above 450ms. The mean serum total testosterone concentrations were similar between groups at baseline (spironolactone group 16.9 (13.5 - 20.3) nmol/L vs cyproterone acetate group 18.0 (15.0 - 21.0) nmol/L, p=0.60) but higher in the spironolactone group 4.3 (2.0 - 6.5) nmol/L than the cyproterone acetate group 1.5 (0.0 - 2.9) nmol/L, p&amp;lt;0.05 at 6 months. The mean serum estradiol and serum potassium concentrations were similar between groups at baseline and 6 months. Conclusions: Feminising hormone therapy with estradiol and either spironolactone or cyproterone acetate in trans women is associated with prolongation of the QTc interval over a six-month period. Further research is required to investigate the incidence of cardiac arrhythmia in this population. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Effects of Varicocele Surgical Repair on Serum Hormone and Inhibin B Levels for Patients With Varicocele: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Varicocele surgical repair can improve the function of the testis for patients with varicocele. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of varicocele surgical repair on serum hormones and inhibin B levels in patients with varicocele. A literature search was performed in August 2022, and no language or geographic region restrictions were applied. The search included the following databases: PubMed, Embase, and Medline. A literature review was performed to identify all published clinical trials assessing serum hormone and inhibin B levels before and after varicocele surgical repair. The reference lists of retrieved studies were also investigated. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Eight articles were selected from 162 articles, including 452 patients. The combined analysis showed that after surgical treatment, mean serum testosterone, inhibin B, and sperm concentration levels increased compared with preoperative levels (p < .05). After surgical treatment, mean serum follicle-stimulating hormon (FSH), and Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels decreased compared with preoperative levels (p < .05). This meta-analysis demonstrates that varicocele surgical repair can improve testicular function, increase serum testosterone, and inhibin B levels and decrease serum FSH and LH levels in patients with varicocele. This might be related to the improvement of infertility. A large-scale multicenter randomized controlled study is needed for further confirmation.

Substitution of soyabean meal by faba bean improves body weight, sperm production and testosterone concentration in mature Queue Fine de l'Ouest rams.

The current study aimed at investigating the effects of partial or total substitution of soybean meal with faba bean on reproductive parameters of Queue Fine de l'Ouest rams. Eighteen adult rams (49.8 ± 3.7 kg and 2.4 ± 1.5 years old) were divided into three homogenous groups. Rams received oat hay ad libitum and 3 types of concentrate (33 g/BW0.75) where soybean meal was the main protein source (SBM diet, n = 6), partially (50%, SBMFB diet, n = 6) or totally (100% FB diet, n = 6) substituted in nitrogen basis by local faba bean. The volume of ejaculate, sperm concentration and sperm mortality rate were measured weekly by collecting semen using an artificial vagina. Serial blood samples were collected 30 days and 120 days after the beginning of the experiment in order to assess plasma testosterone concentrations. The results showed that hay intake was affected (P < 0.05) by the nature of the nitrogen source incorporated (1032.3 ± 12.2; 1026.8 ± 56.6 and 972.8 ± 39.05 g DM/d for SBM, FB and SBMFB respectively. The average live weight of the rams increased from 49.8 ± 0.4 (week 1) to 57.3 ± 0.9 kg (week 17) without effect of the diet. A positive effect of faba bean incorporation in the concentrate was observed on ejaculate volume, concentration and spermatozoa production. All these parameters were significantly higher in SBMFB and FB groups than in SBM group (P < 0.05). The protein source did not affect the percentage of dead spermatozoa and the total abnormalities which were similar for the three diets (38.7; 35.8 and 38.1% for SBM; SBMFB and FB, respectively). The mean testosterone concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in rams fed with faba bean (1.7 ± 0.7 to 1.9 ± 0.7 ng/ml for the SBMFB and the FB groups respectively) than in rams fed SBM diet (1.06 ± 0.5 ng/ml). It was concluded that the substitution of soybean meal by faba bean improved the reproductive performance and did not affect sperm quality in Queue Fine de l'Ouest rams.

A Phase I Clinical Trial Evaluating the Safety and Dosing of Relugolix with Novel Hormonal Therapy for the Treatment of Advanced Prostate Cancer.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), a cornerstone of prostate cancer treatment, is commonly co-prescribed as combination therapy. To better understand the safety and tolerability profile of relugolix, an oral non-peptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist, in combination with abiraterone acetate (abiraterone) and apalutamide, a phase I study was undertaken. This is an ongoing, 52-week, open-label, parallel cohort study of relugolix in combination with abiraterone in men with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) [Part 1] and apalutamide in men with mCSPC or non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) [Part 2]. Eligible patients treated with leuprolide acetate or degarelix with abiraterone or apalutamide prior to baseline, at which time they were transitioned to relugolix. Assessments included reporting of adverse events, clinical laboratory tests, vital sign measurements, electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters, and testosterone serum concentrations. In this interim report, patients completing ≥12 weeks were included. Overall, 15 men were enrolled in Part 1 and 10 in Part 2. Adverse events were mostly mild-to-moderate in intensity and were consistent with the known safety profiles of the individual medications. No transition (from prior ADT treatment)- or time-related trends in clinical laboratory tests, vital sign measurements, or ECG parameters were observed. Mean testosterone concentrations remained below castration levels. Combination therapy of relugolix and abiraterone or apalutamide was associated with a favorable safety and tolerability profile consistent with the known profiles of the individual medications. Castration levels of testosterone were maintained after transitioning to relugolix from other ADTs. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04666129.

Polymorphism of the GnRH1 gene and Its effect on some Physiological parameters of Local chickens

The GnRH1 gene is among the genes that mainly affect reproduction and productive traits in local chickens. The GnRH hormone regulates reproductive activity in poultry by regulating the production of other reproductive hormones, such as LH and FSH, which significantly affect birds' productivity. This study was conducted to detect Genetic polymorphism of the GnRH1 gene in local chickens using PCR-SSCP sequencing. Samples were collected at ages 2, 4, 6, and 8 months of birds (n=50). The results found homogeneity in all encoded regions except for one. Polymorphism was detected in the Exon-4 1SNP site 147 C&gt;G. The results indicated significant differences (P≤ 0.05) for the interaction of sex with the genotype of the LH, as the statistical results show that birds with the genotype CC for both, gender outperformed the birds carrying the genotype CG at the age of 2 and 4 months. The results showed significant differences (P≤ 0.05) in the mean genotype within each month in the mean testosterone concentration in males and estrogen in females. Age progression revealed that the homologous genotype CC-carrying birds had an arithmetic advantage over the CG-carrying birds in terms of the average sex hormone concentration. This gene may serve as a marker that is helpful in the marker-assisted selection of local chicken. This study is one of the first to study polymorphisms GnRH1 in local chickens.

Efficacy and Safety of 4.7 mg Deslorelin Acetate Implants as a Neutering Option in Male Cats: A Large-Scale Multicentre Randomised Controlled Study.

This multicenter-controlled, double-masked randomized European study was conduc-ted to confirm both the efficacy and safety of a deslorelin implant in controlling fertility and sexual behavior in a large population of tom cats over a 12-month period. Among the 225 screened individuals, a total of 205 privately owned indoor intact male cats, aged 3 months of age or older, were randomly allocated to a deslorelin implant (n = 154) or to a negative control group (n = 51). After the screening visit performed between day (D)-14 and D-7, six additional visits were sche-duled on D0, D45, D93, D186, D279 and D372. Effects on testosterone, sexual behaviors, penile spines, testicular volume and intact male cat urine odor were assessed at every visit under masked conditions as regards to the treatment group. In addition, phone calls from the investigators to the owners were scheduled on D7 and then on a monthly basis whenever no visit was scheduled. Success was defined as an individual serum testosterone concentration below or equal to 0.10 ng/mL and was 77.9% at D45, 83.1% at D93, 84.4% at D186 and D279, and 61.7% at D372 in the deslorelin group, and 3.9% at D45, 5.9% at D93, 3.9% at D186, 7.8% at D279 and 3.9% at D372 in the negative control group. Testing for superiority was made stepwise from D45 to D372 upwards; the difference in success rates was significant from D45 to D372 (p < 0.001 for each time point). The mean testosterone concentration dropped from baseline in the deslorelin group, remaining below the set threshold of 0.1 ng/mL until D372. From D7 onwards, the mean sum score for sexual behaviors (including vocalization, urine marking, aggression and intact male cat urine odor) was significantly lower at each observation time point in the deslorelin group compared to the control group, where no decrease in scores was observed. The mean percent change to baseline of the testicular volume and the percentage of cats with a decreased visibility and adult appearance of penile spines were significantly lower in the deslorelin group as soon as D45. No relevant safety concerns were reported during the course of the study. The deslorelin implant Suprelorin® 4.7 mg (Virbac, Carros, France) is a safe and effective neutering option, inducing infertility over a 12-month period when administered to intact male cats aged between 3 months of age and 11 years of age. The implants also successfully reduced sexual behaviors (i.e., vocalization, urine marking, aggression), intact male cat urine odor, testicular volume and penile spine score for 1 year (372 ± 5 days).

Testosterone status following short-term, severe energy deficit is associated with fat-free mass loss in U.S. Marines.

The objective of this study was to determine metabolic and physiological differences between males with low testosterone (LT) versus those with normal testosterone (NT) following a period of severe energy deficit. In this secondary analysis, 68 male US Marines (mean ± SD, 24.6 ± 2.4 y) were dichotomized by testosterone concentration (< or ≥ 10.5 nmol/L as determined from a single blood sample collected between 0600–0630 after an 8–10 h overnight fast by automated immunoassay) following 7 days of near complete starvation (~300 kcal consumed/d, ~85% energy deficit) during Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training. Dietary intake was assessed before (PRE) SERE. Body composition (dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography) and whole‐body protein turnover (15N alanine) were assessed before (PRE) and after (POST) SERE. Mean testosterone concentrations decreased PRE (17.5 ± 4.7 nmol/L) to POST (9.8 ± 4.0 nmol/L, p < 0.0001). When volunteers were dichotomized by POST testosterone concentrations [NT (n = 24) 14.1 ± 3.4 vs. LT (n = 44): 7.5 ± 1.8 nmol/L, p < 0.0001], PRE BMI, total fat mass, trunk fat mass, and testosterone were greater and the diet quality score and total carbohydrate intake were lower in NT compared to LT (p ≤ 0.05). LT lost more fat‐free mass and less fat mass, particularly in the trunk region, compared to NT following SERE (p‐interaction≤0.044). Whole‐body protein synthesis, net balance, and flux decreased and whole‐body protein breakdown increased from PRE to POST in both groups (p‐time ≤0.025). Following short‐term, severe energy deficit, Marines who exhibited low testosterone had greater fat‐free mass loss than those who maintained normal testosterone concentrations. Altering body composition and dietary strategies prior to physical training that elicits severe energy deficit may provide an opportunity to attenuate post‐training decrements in testosterone and its associated effects (e.g., loss of lean mass, performance declines, fatigue).

Hormone Concentrations in Transgender Women Who Self-Prescribe Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy: A Retrospective Study

Self-prescribed gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is common practice among transgender women, especially in resource-limited countries, yet the effectiveness of each GAHT regimen to achieve female range sex hormone concentrations is not known. To describe the use and sex hormone concentrations of various GAHT regimens among transgender women who self prescribe in Thailand. This was a retrospective study in a community-based setting. Five hundred and 27 records of transgender women taking GAHT who were receiving care at a community health center between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020 were included for the analysis. Blood total testosterone and estradiol concentration after at least a 6-month period of GAHT. Multiple GAHT regimens were identified including oral estradiol valerate (EV), transdermal 17β-estradiol gel, injectable EV with hydroxyprogesterone caproate, injectable estradiol benzoate with progesterone, oral EV with cyproterone acetate (CPA), and oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). The most common GAHT regimen used by 49.1% of the participants was OCPs that contained 0.035 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg of CPA. Only 25.2% of this group had female range testosterone concentrations (<50 ng/dL). Oral EV and CPA were used by 23.1% of the participants. Most of them used 12.5 mg of CPA and 47.7% of this group had female range testosterone concentrations. There was no statistical significance between mean testosterone concentrations in CPA 12.5 and 25 mg groups, (P = .086). The inadequate sex hormone levels found in these commonly self-prescribed GAHT regimens provide information regarding the efficacy and safety of GAHT regimens for health care providers working with transgender women in a community-based setting. This study reflected a real-world situation and provided hormonal profiles among transgender women taking self-prescribed GAHT. However, issues in recall, medical literacy, and adherence to the medication may limit the results. Combined hormonal contraceptive pill was a commonly used GAHT regimen in Thai transgender women who self prescribe GAHT. However, this regimen was not effective to decrease testosterone concentrations to the recommended range of less than 50 ng/dL. Overall, self-prescription of GAHT does not appear to be effective in reaching target sex hormone concentrations. Including health care providers in the prescription and monitoring of GAHT may be a more effective approach in the delivery of GAHT.

Ethnic differences in serum testosterone concentration among Malay, Chinese and Indian men: A cross-sectional study.

To investigate non-urological patients with multiple comorbidities for factors contributing towards differences in testosterone concentration in multiethnic Malaysian men. An observational study. Sexually active men, ≥40 years, with no known urological problems, were recruited at the phlebotomy clinic at our centre. A brief history along with latest fasting lipid profile and plasma glucose levels were obtained. An Aging Male Symptoms questionnaire was administered; waist circumference (WC) and serum testosterone concentration were measured. Analysis of testosterone concentration between Malay, Indian and Chinese men was performed. Statistical tests such as analysis of variance, χ2 test, univariate and multivariable regression were performed. Any p < .05 was noted as statistically significant. Among the 604 participants analysed, mean testosterone concentration was significantly lower in Malays (15.1 ± 5.9 nmol/L) compared to the Chinese (17.0 ± 5.9 nmol/L) and Indian (16.1 ± 6.5 nmol/L) participants. The mean WC was also found to be higher among the Malays (96.1 ± 10.9 cm) compared to Chinese (92.6 ± 9.6 cm) and Indians (95.6 ± 9.9 cm). Testosterone concentration tended to be lower with higher age, but this was not statistically significant (p > .05). In the multivariable analysis only Malay ethnicity, WC ≥ 90 cm and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were associated with lower testosterone concentration. In this study, Malaysian men of Malay origin had lower testosterone concentration compared with Indian and Chinese men. WC and low HDL were also associated with lower testosterone concentrations.

Evaluation of Serum Testosterone, Cholesterol and Plasma Glucose Concentrations in Hirsute Women in Bayelsa State

Hirsutism is an endocrine disorder where women develop excess growth of terminal hairs in a male pattern. This study evaluated the concentrations of cholesterol, glucose and testosterone in bearded women in the Amassoma metropolis of Bayelsa state. In a view to determining whether hirsutism has an effect/relationship with the biochemical parameters estimated, a total of 50 bearded and 50 non-bearded women were recruited for this study. Based on a cross-sectional study, group A and B were appropriately matched for age and BMI. The concentrations of the biochemical parameters were measured using WHO-approved method. Bearded females had significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) cholesterol concentration (4.41 ± 1.09 mmol/L) when compared with the non-bearded (control) women. Furthermore, the mean concentrations of testosterone and glucose were higher in the bearded female group when compared with the non-bearded. The study established that women with hirsutism have associated hypertestosteronemia, hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia.

Longitudinal changes in serum testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin in men aged 40-69 years from the UK Biobank.

Testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations are reported to decline during male ageing, but whether these changes reflect physiological ageing or age-related comorbidities remains uncertain. We examined longitudinal changes in serum testosterone and SHBG concentrations in middle-aged to older men, concordance between baseline and follow-up valuesand relationships with concomitant changes in lifestyle and medical factors. Population-based longitudinal cohort study. Community-dwelling men aged 40-69 years. Immunoassay serum total testosterone (n = 7812) and SHBG (n = 6491) at baseline (2006-2010) and follow-up (2012-2013). Free testosterone (cFT) was calculated. Bland-Altman analyses and concordance correlation of repeated measurements were conducted. Associations of changes in hormone concentrations with lifestyle and medical factors were explored using Spearman's rank correlation. Over 4.3 years follow-up, there was a negligible mean change (±SE) in serum total testosterone concentration (+0.06 ± 0.03 nmol/L), whereas mean SHBG concentration increased (+3.69 ± 0.12 nmol/L) and cFT decreased (-10.7 ± 0.7 pmol/L). Concordance estimates were 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66-0.69) for total testosterone, 0.83 (CI = 0.82-0.84) for SHBG and 0.56 (CI = 0.54-0.58) for cFT. Changes in serum total testosterone correlated with changes in SHBG (Spearman's rank ρ = 0.33, CI = 0.30-0.35), and inversely with changes in body mass index (BMI) (ρ = -0.18, CI = -0.20 to -0.16)and waist circumference (ρ = -0.13, CI = -0.15 to -0.11) and in SHBG with changes in BMI (ρ = -0.34, CI = -0.36 to -0.32) and waist circumference (ρ = -0.21, CI = -0.24 to -0.19). In relatively healthy middle-aged to older men, mean serum total testosterone concentration is stable with ageing, while mean SHBG concentration increases. Both total testosterone and SHBG concentrations were highly concordant over time.

Systematic review and meta-analyses on associations of endogenous testosterone concentration with health outcomes in community-dwelling men

ObjectivesThe overall study aim is to clarify the relation of endogenous sex hormones with major health outcomes in men. This paper reports a systematic review focusing on published estimates for...

Sex Hormones in Hemolymph of Red King Crabs from the Barents Sea.

Simple SummaryWell-known sex hormones, testosterone and 17β-estradiol, play a crucial role in the reproduction of vertebrates. Biochemical assays have detected these substances in a few crustaceans, and it has been hypothesized that these hormones are involved in the regulation of crustacean reproduction. Red king crab is a large commercially important species harvested both in their native areas (North Pacific) and in the area of its introduction (Barents Sea). The presence of 17β-estradiol and testosterone and fluctuations of their concentrations in relation to different factors have not yet been investigated. For this reason, we provided a pilot study to reveal the levels of sex hormones in hemolymph of red king crabs captured in the coastal Barents Sea. These hormones were detected in the crabs and we compared our data with previously published data involving a wide range of crustaceans. We found seasonal variations in the level of testosterone with the maximum in the spawning period. Our data expand the current knowledge about the red king crab physiology and may be used for the development of its aquaculture.The presence of vertebrate-related steroid sex hormones has been reported in both freshwater and marine crustaceans. However, despite the commercial importance of king crabs, many aspects of their endocrinology are still unknown. For this reason, we examined hemolymph samples of the red king crab Paralithodes camtschaticus from the Barents Sea population for the presence of testosterone and 17β-estradiol using radioimmunoassay. The mean testosterone concentration was 0.46 ± 0.04 (range 0.08–1.39) ng mL–1, whereas the mean 17β-estradiol concentration was 1248.9 ± 91.4 (range 217.7–4100.1) pg mL–1. In general, the levels of 17β-estradiol and testosterone in red king crabs were higher than reported for the hemolymph of amphipods, crabs, and shrimps from warm and temperate waters, probably because the king crabs analyzed were larger and heavier than the other crustaceans. The concentrations of sex steroids did not differ significantly between males and females and between immature and mature red king crabs. Seasonal variations in the level of testosterone with the maximum value in the spawning period (May) indicate a potential role of the sex hormones in the maturation and reproduction processes of red king crab. Taking into account the slow growth rate in P. camtschaticus, our data could be useful not only for further physiological studies but also for the development of reliable techniques for red king crab aquaculture.

Serum correlation, demographic differentiation, and seasonality of blubber testosterone in common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in Sarasota Bay, FL

Blubber and serum testosterone levels were compared among 55 individual common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in Sarasota Bay, FL during 2011–2019. A significant positive relationship between the matrices was found in male testosterone concentrations in 29 paired samples (r2 = 0.932). Mature males (n = 17) had 300 times greater mean testosterone concentration in serum than immature males (n = 17). A comparison of blubber samples, including 12 females, 24 immature males, and 19 mature males, revealed significant differences in mean blubber testosterone values among all three demographics. Immature males had greater than 6 times the average blubber testosterone concentration of females and mature males had almost 100 times that of immature males. Estimated testis volume was highly correlated with blubber testosterone concentration and mature males had 60 times greater average testis volume than immature males. We observed seasonal variation in blubber testosterone in mature males, consistent with known reproductive patterns. These data suggest males can be distinguished from females and designated as mature or immature via blubber testosterone concentrations, an observation that validates dart biopsy sampling as a means of obtaining demographic data.

Low basal serum testosterone level is detrimental to the embryo implantation in the patients with severe endometriosis.

Androgens have been reported to be associated with female fertility. The mean serum testosterone concentration in the patients with endometriosis was reported to be significantly lower than that without endometriosis. Our study was designed to investigate the influence of basal serum testosterone levels on the clinical outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the patients with III-IV stage endometriosis. This retrospective cohort study included 407 patients with III-IV stage endometriosis diagnosed by laparoscopic surgery. We studied the association of the basal serum testosterone level and the reproductive outcome of IVF. The basal serum testosterone concentration was significantly higher in the pregnant group of patients with III-IV stage endometriosis. The further analyses demonstrated that the implantation rate of the basal serum testosterone concentration < 0.305 ng/mL group was significantly lower than the testosterone ≥ 0.305 ng/mL group (24.1% vs. 32.7%, p=0.007). The clinical pregnancy and live birth rate of the basal serum testosterone < 0.305 ng/mL group were also lower than that of the testosterone ≥ 0.305 ng/mL group. Both initial and total dose of gonadotropins in the testosterone <0.305 ng/mL group are significantly higher than that of the testosterone ≥0.305 ng/mL group. Our study demonstrated, for the first time, that the basal serum testosterone <0.305 ng/mL had an adverse impact on pregnancy outcomes of IVF-embryo transfer in the patients with III-IV stage endometriosis. Besides, the basal serum testosterone is also helpful in making individual stimulation protocol for the patients with advanced endometriosis before entering IVF cycles.

Longitudinal changes over three years in sex steroid hormone levels in women aged 70years and over.

Sex steroid levels in women vary with increasing age from the age of 70years (70+). Whether this reflects change within individuals with age or a survival advantage is not known. This study aimed to determine the stability of circulating sex steroids and SHBG over time in individual women aged 70+. A prospective cohort study. 400 women, aged 70+ not using any sex steroid, anti-androgen/oestrogen or glucocorticoid therapy. Sex steroid concentrations, measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) by immunoassay, in paired blood samples drawn 3years apart and analysed together. 400 women, median (IQR) age 78.0 (8.6)years, were included in the analysis. Mean testosterone concentrations were statistically significantly higher in follow-up samples compared with baseline. The change was modest (mean change 31pmol/L, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.4-59.8; p=.034), and an increase was not observed in all women. There was a statistically significant decline in mean body mass index (mean change -0.4kg/m2 , 95% CI 0.6 to -0.3; p<.001) and a significant increase in the mean serum SHBG concentration (mean change 4.0 nmol/L, 95% CI 2.7-5.4; p<.001). The change observed in testosterone was not explained by the observed change in SHBG. There was no significant change in the mean oestrone or dehydroepiandrosterone concentration. Testosterone concentrations in women aged 70+ were more likely to increase than decrease. Whether increasing testosterone concentrations in older women confer a survival advantage needs investigation.