Measurement Of Serum Testosterone Research Articles

Selenized glucose improves rat semen quality by improving the gut microbiota and serum metabolome.

Selenium (Se), a well-known antioxidant, is important for male fertility and sperm quality. The gut microbiota is involved in vital activities and cross-talk between reproduction and the gut axis. It is still unclear whether the gut microbiota mediates the impact of selenium on semen quality, and what the underlying mechanisms may be. A selenized glucose (SeGlu) derivative is a novel organic Se compound. After 7 days of acclimation, the Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats (230 g, 6 weeks) were divided into three drinking groups: deionized water group (CK), SeGlu 0.15 group (0.15 mg Se per L), and SeGlu 0.4 group (0.4 mg Se per L). All animals were euthanized 30 days post-treatment. Serum and intratesticular testosterone and semen parameters were measured. Metagenomic and non-targeted metabolomic approaches were used to study the effects of SeGlu on the gut microbiota and serum metabolites of rats. In both the SeGlu 0.15 Group and the SeGlu 0.4 Group, we found a significant increase in seminiferous epithelium thickness. While the SeGlu 0.4 Group had a tendency to increase with insignificant difference, the SeGlu 0.15 Group significantly improved the sperm viability, survival rate, and seminal plasma fructose. SeGlu had no effect on intratesticular testosterone levels, or abnormal sperm counts. Measured serum testosterone levels using ELISA and LC-MS, which showed a decreasing trend. ELISA did not reveal significant differences, but LC-MS indicated a significant decrease in SeGlu 0.4 group. Meanwhile, the SeGlu 0.15 Group reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Rikenella, Barnesiella, Tenacibaculum, and Aeromonas while increasing the abundance of beneficial microbiota such as Intestinimonas, Christensenella, Coprococcus, and Butyrivibrio. Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) identified the SeGlu 0.15 group's feature genera as Roseburia, Clostridium, Ruminococcus, and Eubacterium. Serum metabolites showed that the SeGlu 0.15 Group increased 5 beta-androstane-3,17-dione while decreasing estrone and 2-methoxyestradiol (2-MeOE2). In conclusion, the SeGlu 0.15 Group can significantly alter the levels of several sex hormones in serum, improve the quality of rats' sperm, and reduce harmful bacterial colonization. SeGlu 0.15 may be used as an effective dietary supplement.

Worsening effect of testosterone deficiency on males with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

BackgroundHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)is challenging. Patients usually have normal LV size and ejection fraction. This clinical syndrome develops from a complex interaction of several risk factors that cause organ dysfunction and clinical symptoms. There’s evidence that testosterone deficiency is associated with a worse cardiometabolic profile and increased inflammatory markers. We thought that these changes might have an impact on heart failure pathogenesis. We aimed to study the relationship between testosterone level and symptoms in HFpEF.MethodsWe studied 120 male patients with HFpEF. According to New York Heart Association (NYHA), patients were classified into I, II and III classes; class IV patients were excluded. All patients were subjected to clinical and echocardiographic examinations. In addition, we measured serum testosterone, cardio-metabolic profile, intracellular adhesive molecule-1(ICAM-1), P-selectin and nitric oxide (NO) levels.ResultsPatients with testosterone deficiency had worse NYHA class and higher BNP P = (0.001). Additionally, they had a significantly worse metabolic profile; higher total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR P = (0.005, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001), respectively.Also, they had higher inflammatory markers and worse endothelial functional parameters; (ICAM-1, NO and P- selectin) P = (0.001).Age, BNP and testosterone deficiency can be used as independent predictors of NYHA class III symptoms with a Testosterone cutoff value of 2.7 ng/ml.ConclusionTestosterone deficiency could be used as an independent predictor of symptom severity in HFpEF, and it aggravates systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in these patients.

ODP419 Measurement of Free Testosterone in Serum using Equilibrium Dialysis Coupled with ID-UHPLC-MS/MS: in Comparison to Calculated FT

Abstract Assessment of free testosterone (FT) has been recommended in recent clinical practice guidelines as a biomarker for diagnosis and management of testosterone related disorders such as male testosterone deficiency due to hypogonadism and female androgen excess due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). FT is currently measured using direct commercial immunoassays, assays using equilibrium dialysis (ED) or other separation techniques, or estimated by calculating free testosterone (cFT) using different formulas. The most widely used formula was developed by Vermeulen et al and uses total testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations. The ED approach is recognized as the gold standard; however, it is technically challenging for routine clinical use. CDC's Clinical Standardization Program (CDC CSP) has developed a high throughput method using ED coupled with isotope dilution ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The study to evaluate the agreement of this ED-based method to the cFT using different algorithms is being conducted. Serum samples are dialyzed in a custom-designed multi-well plate against a protein-free HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) at 37 °C until equilibrium. After isolating endogenous FT from protein-bound testosterone by ED, isotope-labeled internal standard (13C3-testosterone) was added to the resulting dialysate for quantification. Certified pure primary reference material (National Measurement Institute-M914) was used to prepare calibrators, enabling traceable quantitation and ensuring measurement trueness. FT was further isolated from the dialysate matrix using supported liquid extraction and a chromatographic separation from interfering compounds and quantitation by tandem MS. The assay allowed detection of 2.9 pg/mL FT, with the bias within ± 5% and precision less than 10% CV. A total of 45 samples with a wide range of TT (21-912 ng/dL) and SHBG (11-129 nmol/L) were analyzed. The obtained FT values were compared to the cFT values obtained with the Vermeulen algorithm. The mean difference of 34.1% (95% CI 29.1% to 39.9%) between the measured and calculated FT were observed, with majority of the calculated values overestimating FT concentrations. The described high throughput method for FT allows for sufficiently accurate and precise measurement and can provide more reliable FT measurements compared to cFT (that can lead to overestimation of FT) for routine applications including large epidemiologic studies. Presentation: No date and time listed

Relationship Between Serum Testosterone and Severity of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Among Malaysian Men

Background Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are commonly experienced among ageing males. The increasing prevalence of late-onset hypogonadism suggests a possible relationship between serum testosterone and severity of LUTS. This study examines the association between serum testosterone and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms among Malaysian men, as reflected by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Method A total of 163 men with LUTS were enrolled in a cross-sectional study in Hospital Canselor Tuanku Mukhriz, Malaysia. Full examination, IPSS, and serum total testosterone (TT) levels were evaluated. Categorical and continuous correlations were analyzed using chi-square test and age-adjusted Pearson’s partial correlation, respectively. Result Mean age was 66.25 (SD = 7.05), with mean serum TT of 16.74 nmol/L (SD = 6.32). Twenty eight percent (n = 46) had low testosterone levels. Severity of LUTS (mild, moderate, severe) was not found to be dependent on TT status (normal, low, severely low), (χ2 [4, N = 163] = 4.24, P = 0.37). Weak negative correlations between total IPSS and IPSS storage sub-score with serum TT levels were exhibited respectively (r = −0.17, P < 0.05; r = −0.17, P < 0.05). Conclusion Among elderly Malaysian men, severity of LUTS and TT status were not found to be associated, despite a weak negative correlation between IPSS and serum testosterone levels. Nonetheless, with a high prevalence of hypogonadal ageing men, further research regarding serum testosterone measurement among this population may be valuable as part of a multimodal approach to treatment.

1420P The pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamic effect of ODM-208, an inhibitor of cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1)

ODM-208 is a first-in-class, oral, non-steroidal small molecule that selectively and completely inhibits the mitochondrial cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (CYP11A1) enzyme, the first and rate limiting step in steroidogenesis, leading to deficiency of endogenous steroid hormones. The pharmacokinetics (PK) of ODM-208 and the pharmacodynamics (PD) of ODM-208 by measuring serum testosterone levels were studied in the Cypides phase 1 trial in males with progressive mCRPC, who had received at least one prior line of both 2nd generation AR pathway inhibitor (ARPI) and taxane chemotherapy.

Clinical Usefulness of Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Low Serum Testosterone Measurement.

Mass spectrometry methods exhibit higher accuracy and lower variability than immunoassays at low testosterone concentrations. We developed and validated an ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) assay for quantifying serum total testosterone. We used an ExionLC UPLC (Sciex, Framingham, MA, USA) system and a Sciex Triple Quad 6500+ (Sciex) MS/MS system in electrospray ionization and positive ion modes with multiple reaction monitoring transitions to evaluate precision, accuracy, linearity, lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ), carryover, ion suppression, stability, and reference intervals. For method comparison, we measured serum testosterone concentrations using this method in 40 subjects whose testosterone concentrations ranged from 0.14 to 55.48 nmol/L as determined using the Architect i2000 immunoassay (Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Park, IL, USA) and in an additional 160 sera with testosterone concentrations <1.67 nmol/L. The intra- and inter-run precision CVs were <2.81%, and the accuracy bias values were <3.85%, which were all acceptable. The verified linear interval was 0.03-180.84 nmol/L; the LLOQ was 0.03 nmol/L. No significant carryover and ion suppression were observed. The testosterone in serum was stable at 4°C, at -20°C, and after three freeze-thaw cycles. The reference intervals were successfully verified. The correlation was good at testosterone concentrations of 0.14-55.48 nmol/L; however, the Architect assay showed positive percent bias at concentrations <1.67 nmol/L. The UPLC-MS/MS assay shows acceptable performance, with a lower LLOQ than the immunoassay. This method will enable the quantitation of low testosterone concentrations.

Increased risk of testosterone deficiency is associated with the systemic immune-inflammation index: a population-based cohort study.

PurposeThis study aimed to explore the relationship between serum testosterone levels and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII).MethodsComplete SII and serum testosterone data of men over 20 years of age were retrieved from the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to conduct a prevalence survey. To calculate SII, the platelet count was multiplied by the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte count ratio. Isotope dilution liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry were employed to measure serum testosterone concentration. Testosterone deficiency (TD) was defined as a serum testosterone level ≤ 300ng/dl. Weighted proportions and multivariable regression analyses were used to analyze the association between SII and TD.ResultsOverall, the data of 7389 participants were analyzed, The SII ranged from 1.53 - 6297.60. Of the participants, 28.42% had a low serum testosterone level (≤ 300 ng/dl). In the fully adjusted multivariable logistic model, the second quartile (OR: 1.27, p = 0.0737), the third quartile (OR: 1.43, p = 0.0090), and the fourth quartile (OR:1.48, p = 0.0042) of SII significantly increased the TD incidence rate, with the lowest quartile of the SII as a reference. For subgroup analysis, statistically significant associations were observed in participants aged 20-40, obese, non-hypertensive, and non-diabetic. The interaction test revealed no significant effect on this connection.ConclusionsThere was a positive relationship between a high SII and an increased prevalence of TD in a nationwide sample of adult men in the United States. Further prospective studies on a larger scale are warranted to confirm the causality between SII and TD.

T185 Clinical usefulness of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for low serum testosterone measurement

T185 Clinical usefulness of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for low serum testosterone measurement

Association of peripubertal blood lead levels with reproductive hormones and semen parameters in a longitudinal cohort of Russian men.

Are peripubertal blood lead levels (BLLs) associated with semen parameters and serum reproductive hormones among young Russian men? We observed a suggestion of lower ejaculate volume with higher peripubertal BLL but no associations of BLLs with reproductive hormones measured throughout adolescence or with other sperm parameters measured at adulthood. Lead is a known reproductive toxicant and endocrine disruptor. Previous literature has shown associations between high lead exposure and poorer semen quality both in occupationally and environmentally exposed men. However, to our knowledge, no longitudinal studies have explored the association of childhood lead exposure with semen parameters and reproductive hormones in young men. The Russian Children's Study is a prospective cohort study that enrolled 516 boys at age 8-9 years in 2003-2005 and followed them annually for 10 years. BLLs were measured at entry and lifestyle and health questionnaires were completed. Reproductive hormones were measured in blood samples collected every 2 years. Among the 516 boys enrolled, 481 had BLLs measured at entry. Of these, 453 had at least one measurement of serum testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH) (median = 5 samples per boy) and 223 had semen samples collected ∼10 years after enrolment. Semen assessment included ejaculated volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility and total sperm count, and parameters were categorized using published andrology standards for low semen quality based on sperm count and motility. Linear mixed models were used to examine the associations of log-transformed BLLs (and BLL categories) with reproductive hormones and semen parameters, adjusting for potential confounders. Among the 223 young men with peripubertal BLLs and at least one semen sample (total samples = 438), the median (interquartile range) BLL was 3 (2, 5) µg/dl and 27% had BLL ≥5 µg/dl. Overall, 49% of the semen samples fell below reference levels for sperm count and/or motility. Men with peripubertal BLL ≥5 µg/dl had significantly lower ejaculated volume than those with BLL <5 µg/dl (mean = 2.42 vs 2.89 ml, P = 0.02), but this difference was attenuated in adjusted models (mean = 2.60 vs 2.83 ml, P = 0.25). No associations were observed between BLL measured at age 8-9 years and reproductive hormone levels or sperm parameters, including sperm concentration, total count, progressive motility and total progressive motile sperm count, or with the probability of having low semen quality based on sperm count/motility. Only a subset of the original cohort participated in the semen quality portion of the study, although inverse probability weighting was used to account for possible selection bias. BLLs were only measured at a single time in peripuberty, and other exposure time periods, including later or longer-term childhood exposure, may be more predictive of semen quality. The young men were also exposed to other chemical contaminants before and during pubertal development. While semen volume often receives less attention than other sperm parameters, it is an important component of male fertility. Additional prospective studies covering different exposure windows and including other seminal plasma biomarkers are warranted to explore our finding of potentially lower ejaculated volume with higher BLLs and to confirm the lack of associations for other semen parameters among youth exposed to environmental BLLs. Funding was provided through grants R01ES0014370 and P30ES000002 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, grant R82943701 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and grant 18-15-00202 from the Russian Science Foundation (O.S and Y.D.). All authors report no competing interests. N/A.

Comparative characteristics of endocrine profile in males with infertility as well as in adolescents with varicocele

Introduction. Male infertility poses a pressing issue due to escalating prevalence of males with reproductive system diseases, the most common among which is varicocele being diagnosed in childhood and adolescence. Measuring level of hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and estradiol is the key element while assessing the reproductive male potential.Aim: to compare the parameters of hormonal status in adolescents with varicocele as well as males with diagnosed infertility and identify predictors of hypogonadism in pubertal period.Materials and Methods. Males with diagnosed infertility as well fertile males underwent a single measurement of serum FSH, LH, testosterone and estradiol levels. Adolescents with/without varicocele were measured the serum hormones noted above in dynamics annually between studies for the period within the 14 to 17 years of age. The data obtained were compared in infertile and fertile males, adolescents with/without varicocele, as well as assessed hormone status between different age groups in both cohorts and adolescents aged 17 years.Results. Our study allowed to identify significant differences in hormone level in male patients with infertility and varicocele lacking reproductive pathology. Infertile males had significantly higher levels of LH and estradiol (for both: p &lt; 0.001). The LH level in infertile vs. fertile males was 5.01 ± 2.69 IU/L vs. 3.40 ± 1.17 IU/L, respectively, whereas estradiol level was 136.51 ± 92.79 pmol/l and 82.49 ± 48.33 pmol/l, respectively that might indicate at lowered testosterone level. Fifteenand sixteen-year-old-adolescents with varicocele had significantly lower LH level: 15 years old – 3.72 ± 1.92 IU/L vs. 2.71 ± 1.65 IU/L (p &lt; 0.0123) in subjects without vs. with varicocele; 16 years old – 3.42 ± 1.16 IU/L vs. 2.81 ± 1.66 IU/L (p &lt; 0.0381) in subjects without vs. with varicocele. It may account for decreased testosterone level. Active puberty in adolescents is accompanied by dynamically increased testosterone levels. Starting from the age of 15 years, adolescents with varicocele had significantly increased testosterone level in each subsequent age group. Thus, at 14 and 15 years of age, testosterone level in adolescents with varicocele was 10.61 ± 4.70 nmol/l and 13.60 ± 5.64 nmol/l (p &lt; 0.0001), respectively, whereas at 16 and 17 years of age it continued to rise reaching 16.65 ± 6.44 nmol/l (p &lt; 0.001) and 19.22 ± 7.36 nmol/l (p &lt; 0.0160), respectively. In contrast, age-matched adolescents without varicocele had significantly elevated testosterone level solely at age of 15 vs. 14 years. Whereas at 14 years of age testosterone level in comparison group was 15.73 ± 7.2 nmol/l, at 15 years of age it was significantly increased up to 21.45 ± 9.51 nmol/l (p &lt; 0.0113). In the subsequent age categories of this group, no significant difference in testosterone level was found. While comparing such parameter between the main and control adolescent groups, testosterone level was significantly higher in adolescents lacking varicocele at the age of 14, 15 and 16 years compared with age-matched subjects with varicocele. At 14 years of age, testosterone level in adolescents without/with varicocele was 15.73 ± 7.2 nmol/l vs. 10.61 ± 4.7 nmol/l (p &lt; 0.0007), respectively, at 15 years of age – 21.45 ± 9.57 nmol/l vs. 13.60 ± 5.64 nmol/l (p &lt; 0.0001), respectively, at 16 years of age – 20.02 ± 5.84 nmol/l vs. 16.65 ± 6.44 nmol/l (p &lt; 0.0268), respectively. The FSH level in infertile males and adolescents with varicocele was 5.16 ± 2.67 IU/L and 4.1 ±2.63 IU/L (p &lt; 0.0081), whereas LH level was 5.01 ± 2.69 IU/L and 2.76 ± 1.65 IU/L (p &lt; 0.04), respectively. In adolescents with varicocele and infertile males, estradiol level was 177.45 ± 70.63 pmol/l and 136.51 ± 92.79 pmol/l (p &lt; 0.001), respectively. While comparing hormone levels in fertile males and adolescents lacking varicocele, a significantly higher estradiol level was found in adolescents 181,87 ± 27.14 pmol/l vs. 82.49 ± 48.33 pmol/l (p &lt; 0.001).Conclusion. A study of the hormonal status in infertile vs. fertile males revealed decreased testosterone production accompanied with higher levels of LH and estradiol. Due to profound changes in LH and testosterone levels detected in adolescents with varicocele as well as in infertile males, it is plausible that such hormones may serve as predictors of hypogonadism in the pubertal period. Adolescents with varicocele taking into consideration progressive course of the disease and verified lower testosterone level require further monitoring of hormone level to prevent endocrine infertility.

Impact of Male Hypogonadism on Bone Mineral Density in Childhood Hemato-Oncologic Disease

Introduction: Patients with childhood hemato-oncologic diseases have many medical problems, not only due to disease itself, but also adverse effects of specific treatment that patients had. Osteoporosis, one of the most common side effects of the treatment, decreases quality of life when the disease progresses. Our study investigated the impact of male hypogonadism on secondary osteoporosis in childhood hemato-oncologic patients, using association between male sex hormone and bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Methods: This study collected BMD score (T-score) of 52 male subjects who were diagnosed with hemato-oncologic diseases in the past (average age of 22.3 years at DXA examination). All subjects measured serum testosterone and we divided them into two subgroups according to gonadal status. The first group, called hypogondal group, was a group of subjects with serum testosterone level less than 3.5 ng/ml. The other group was classified into eugonadal group, with serum testosterone level equal or more than 3.5 ng/ml. Mean BMD score of spine and hip were presented and compared between the two groups. Furthermore, relativity with other risk factors for osteoporosis was calculated using multiple regression analysis. Results: Overall, spine BMD in the hypogondal group did not significantly differ from the eugonadal group. However, hip BMD was significantly lower in the hypogonadal group (mean difference; 0.8, p = 0.023). Furthermore, testosterone level itself showed linear correlation with BMD score in hip (p = 0.013). When other risk factors for osteoporosis were taken into account, hemato-oncologic patients treated with total body irradiation also had significantly lower hip BMD (p = 0.007) compared with non-irradiation group. Hypogonadism still remained a significant factor for decreased bone mineral density in hip (p = 0.022). Conclusions: Hemato-oncologic patients with hypogonadism or previously treated with total body irradiation are at increased risk of decreased bone mineral density in both hips. Hypogonadism alone remains independent risk factor for osteoporosis in hip. Attention of these male patient should be paid to prevent the incidence of secondary osteoporosis.

Vaccination against GnRH as a prelude to surgical castration of horses.

Surgical castration is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in horses and is associated with various post-surgical complications ranging in severity. We investigated the effects of administering an anti-GnRH vaccine to colts for reduction of testis size on the incidence of complications associated with their subsequent surgical castration. Randomised open controlled trial. Nineteen colts were randomly assigned to one of the three groups. Treatment Groups V1-57 and V2-100 received two treatments of Improvac® (Zoetis, South Africa) before their castration in the field on either Day 57 or Day 100 following first treatment, respectively. Controls similarly received placebo treatments followed by castration on Day 57. Serial measurements of testicular dimensions and serum samples for measuring serum testosterone concentrations (STCs) and anti-GnRH antibody titres (ABTs) were obtained pre- and post-vaccination and on the day of castration. Clinical data recorded for 10days determined post-surgical complications. All vaccinated colts showed a baseline STC concentration at castration with a strong ABT response. Mean testicular volume of Groups V1-57 and V2-100 reduced by 49.7% and 30.8%, respectively, on Day 57 and this further reduced in Group V2-100 by 63.9% at castration on Day 100. Testis size was significantly correlated with post-surgical preputial (P=0.001) and scrotal (P=0.025) swelling. A study population of young light horse breed colts and a relatively small sample size limited this pilot study. Administering two doses of Improvac® in colts 28days apart prior to castration effectively reduced their testicular volumes with associated significant post-surgical improvement in both the incidence and degree of local swelling. These results may inform mitigation of potential post-surgical complications associated with castration in the field.

Relationship between serum testosterone concentration and microvascular endothelial function in Japanese men

Background: Both endothelial dysfunction and low circulating androgen levels predict cardiovascular disease in men. Endothelial function evaluation is commonly performed by measuring flow-mediated vasodilatation of the brachial artery. However, studies have suggested that compared with evaluation of large arteries, microvascular function evaluation of peripheral arteries is a better predictor of increased cardiovascular disease risks. Although circulating levels of androgens, such as testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), positively correlate with cardiovascular function, the association between circulating androgen levels and microvascular function is unknown. In this study, we investigated whether serum androgen levels correlate with microvascular endothelial function in men. Methods: The study included 105 Japanese men (age 59 ± 1 years) in whom we measured serum testosterone and DHEA-S levels. The reactive hyperemia index (RHI) determined by the Endo-PAT system (finger plethysmography) was used to evaluate microvascular endothelial function. Results: Serum testosterone levels were significantly correlated with the RHI (r = 0.32, P &lt; 0.01). The association between serum testosterone levels and the RHI remained significant even after adjustment for confounders, including age and body mass index (β = 0.31, P &lt; 0.01). Notably, serum DHEA-S levels were not associated with the RHI (r = 0.01, n.s.). Conclusion: This study showed that serum testosterone levels were positively correlated with microvascular endothelial function in men. These results suggest that endogenous testosterone level is one of the determinants of microvascular endothelial function and may become a biomarker reflecting lifestyle modifications-induced improvement in cardiovascular function in men.

Prevalence of late-onset hypogonadism among middle-aged and elderly males in China

This study aimed to propose an operational definition of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) that incorporates both clinical symptoms and serum testosterone measurements to evaluate the prevalence of LOH in aging males in China. A population-based sample of 6296 men aged 40 years–79 years old was enrolled from six representative provinces in China. Serum total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured and free testosterone (cFT) was calculated. The Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale was used to evaluate the LOH symptoms. Finally, 5078 men were included in this analysis. The TT levels did not decrease with age (P = 0.59), and had no relationship with AMS symptoms (P = 0.87 for AMS total score, P = 0.74 for ≥ 3 sexual symptoms). The cFT levels decreased significantly with age (P < 0.01) and showed a negative association with the presence of ≥ 3 sexual symptoms (P = 0.03). The overall estimated prevalence of LOH was 7.8% (395/5078) if a cFT level <210 pmol l−1 combined with the presence of ≥ 3 sexual symptoms was used as the criterion of LOH. Among them, 26.1% (103/395) and 73.9% (292/395) had primary and secondary hypogonadism, respectively. After adjustment for confounding factors, primary and secondary hypogonadism was positively related to age and comorbidities. Body mass index was an independent risk factor for secondary hypogonadism. The results suggest that the AMS total score is not an appropriate indicator for decreased testosterone, and that the cFT level is more reliable than TT for LOH diagnosis. Secondary hypogonadism is the most common form of LOH.

Exploring the Association between Cannabis Use and Testosterone Levels in Men Receiving Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Cannabis and opioids are substances that affect reproductive health. Opioids suppress testosterone and studies have shown that cannabis may increase testosterone. However, there is minimal research describing the endocrine effects of concurrent cannabis and opioid use. We hypothesize that cannabis use improves opioid-induced testosterone suppression. To test this hypothesis, we used cross-sectional data from a prospective cohort study including 122 men enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). We measured serum testosterone with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at study enrolment. Urine drug screens were collected for 15 months and identified 52.5% of participants (n = 64) as cannabis users. The association between cannabis use and testosterone level was examined using regression models with serum testosterone as the dependent variable. In our multivariable regression, methadone dose was associated with lower serum testosterone (β = −0.003, 95% CI-0.005, −0.001, p = 0.003). However, neither cannabis use as a dichotomous variable nor the percentage of cannabis-positive urine drug screens were significantly associated with serum testosterone (β = 0.143, 95% CI −0.110, 0.396, p = 0.266, and β = 0.002, 95% CI &gt; −0.001, 0.005, p = 0.116, respectively). Therefore, it does not appear that cannabis has an association with testosterone levels in men on MMT.

Study on the protective effect of hydroalcoholic Olive Leaf extract (oleuropein) on the testis and sperm parameters in adult male NMRI mice exposed to Mancozeb

This study aimed to assess the protective effects of the Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) against Mancozeb (MZB)-induced reproductive damage in male NMRI mice.In this experimental study, NMRI mice were randomly divided into 7 groups (n = 8) including 1: control, 2: MZB, 3: MZB + OLE (200 mg/kg), 4: MZB + OLE (400 mg/kg), 5: MZB + atropine (0.25 mg/kg), 6: OLE (200 mg/kg) and 7: OLE (400 mg/kg). Mice were sacrificed after 5 weeks, and blood samples were drawn to measure serum testosterone level. Sperm samples were collected and analyzed according to standard criteria. The left testis was removed to assess testicular parameters using H&E staining. The Protamine level and DNA fragmentation were determined by chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and SCD assays, respectively.Sperm viability decreased in MZB- induced groups. Also, the sperm's protamine deficiency (higher than 30%) and DNA fragmentation increased within MZB induced. There were significantly higher structural deformities of sperm's head, neck, and tail in MZB-treated groups as well (p < 0.05).Within treated groups with OLE, these sperm factors could repair defects versus MZB group. Furthermore, there were significant differences comparing sperm motility (type A, B, and D); protamine level, DNA fragmentation (SCD1, SCD3, and SCD4), and testosterone levels compared to the groups (p < 0.05). Sperm motility, seminiferous tubules diameter, the height of the germinal epithelium, and testosterone level within OLE 200 mg/kg was higher than other groups, while these factors in OLE 400 mg/kg was less than OLE 200 mg/kg.Results showed that oral administration of OLE could be useful in ameliorating MZB induced toxicity in the reproductive system of male mice within 200 mg/kg dosage; while OLE 400 mg/kg probably could exacerbate the harmful effects.

CORRELATION BETWEEN SERUM FERRITIN, TRANSFERRIN SATURATION AND PITUITARY MRI T2 RELAXATION TIMES AND FSH, LH AND TESTOSTERONE LEVELS IN MALE TRANSFUSION-DEPENDENT THALASSEMIA PATIENTS

Objective: The purpose of this study is to see the correlation between iron overload with the hypogonadal state by analyzing the correlation between ferritin serum, transferrin saturation and pituitary MRI T2 relaxation time with FSH, LH and testosterone levels.&#x0D; Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 32 male subjects with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. The subjects were collected with a consecutive sampling technique in the thalassemia outpatient clinic in National Hospital in Indonesia. Measurements of serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, FSH, LH and testosterone were taken using ELISA technique. Pituitary MRI T2 relaxation time was done using MRI Avanto 1.5 Tesla.&#x0D; Results: In this study, secondary sexual characteristics were not fully achieved in 62.5% of patients. Low testosterone levels were found in 25% of patients. There was a negative correlation between transferrin saturation and pituitary MRI T2 relaxation time in the normal testosterone level group.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study showed a high rate of patients who had not achieve puberty, but a low rate of patients with low testosterone, which means there is a weak negative correlation between transferrin saturation and pituitary MRI T2 relaxation times.

Bioavailable testosterone is associated with symptoms of depression in adult men.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the relationship between serum testosterone levels and depressive symptoms in an adult male population.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 1166 male participants from Zunyi, Guizhou, China. Each participant completed a questionnaire, a brief clinical exam, and had a fasting blood sample taken. We measured serum testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and luteinizing hormone levels. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the effect of demographic factors on the relationship between the depressive symptom score and serum sex hormone levels.ResultsMean testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and luteinizing hormone levels were significantly higher in the depressive symptom group than in the non-depressed group. The mean calculated free serum testosterone level and free testosterone index (FTI) were significantly lower in the depressive symptom group than in the non-depressed group. Additionally, the mean FTI was significantly negatively correlated with the Beck Depression Inventory scale score in the multiple linear regression model (95% confidence interval: −3.274 to −0.406).ConclusionsDecreased bioactive testosterone levels might be a contributing factor of depression in adult men. The FTI could be the most sensitive biomarker reflecting the level of bioavailable testosterone in patients with depression.

Anti-inflammatory effect of selenium on lead-induced testicular inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in chickens

Lead (Pb) is a deleterious environmental pollutant that is toxic to testes. Selenium (Se) possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin-domain containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is involved in inflammatory response. However, the function of NLRP3 inflammasome in antagonistic effect of Se on inflammation caused by Pb remains unknown. The purpose of this research is to identify anti-inflammatory role of Se on testicular toxicity induced by Pb with an emphasis on oxidative stress, inflammation and NLRP3 signaling pathway in chicken. In present study, sixty seven-day-old Hyline male chickens were assigned into four groups. The feeding program consisted of a commercial diet (0.49 mg/kg Se), a Se-supplemented diet (1 mg/kg Se), a Pb-supplemented diet (0.49 mg/kg Se and 350 mg/kg Pb) and a Se-supplemented and Pb-supplemented diet (1 mg/kg Se and 350 mg/kg Pb), respectively. On the 12th week, blood was collected to measure serum testosterone level and testicular tissues were removed to determine Se and Pb concentrations, testicular function, histological structure, oxidative stress indicators and inflammation-related factors (Nuclear factor-kappaB, tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain, caspase-1, interluekin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-18 and interferon-γ). The experimental results showed that after Pb administration, testicular injury was confirmed via histological assessment; testicular dysfunction were further indicated by decreased testosterone level and mRNA expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Moreover, NLRP3 signaling pathway activated by Pb-caused oxidative stress was up-regulated accompanied by promotion in reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase and malondialdehyde and reduction in antioxidants including glutathione peroxidase and glutathione s-transferase. Se administration ameliorated testicular tissue injury, testicular function, oxidative stress and inflammation. In conclusion, Se exhibited antagonistic role in Pb-induced testicular injury via enhancing antioxidant system and inhibiting inflammation in chickens.

Histological Study on the Possible Ameliorating Effect of Platelet Rich Plasma on Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Testicular Torsion Model in Adult Albino Rat

Introduction: Testicular torsion is a serious urologic problem that can cause dysfunction of the testis and fertility loss due to ischemia. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) with its high convergence of growth factor can possess a beneficial role in regenerative therapy particularly ischemia/reperfusion (1/R) injury.Aim of the work: To evaluate the possible ameliorating effect of PRP in the I/R injury in testicular torsion rat model.Materials and Methods: Thirty two adult male albino rats were used. 24 were assigned into three groups, with eight in each: Group I (Control group). Group II (Ischemia/reperfusion group) (I/R group): subjected to left testicular torsion for two hours followed by detorsion .Group III (PRP-treated I/R group) subjected to left testicular torsion for two hours followed by detorsion and PRP was injected into the testis parenchyma upon detorsion. The PRP was prepared from the remaining eight rats. Testicular sections were taken and stained with H&E, toluidine blue and immunohistochemical staining against PCNA & Bcl-2 and other samples were processed for transmission electron microscopic study. Western blot assay for caspase -3 and transforming growth factors- β(TGF-β) protein expressions. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) measurement were performed. Blood samples are collected for testosterone hormone and Inhibin-B levels assays. Morphometric and statistical analysis were done.Results: Light microscopic examination revealed testicular structural changes in I/R group, marked damage of the testis, defective spermatogenesis with wide areas of cell loss. Injection of PRP in group III resulted in improvement of testicular tissue changes .This was proved ultrastructurally and by the morphometric results, which showed significant changes in serum testosterone, Inhibin-B levels, MDA, GSH, and SOD measurement of group II when compared to the control group and was documented by Western blot assay for caspase -3 and TGF-β.Conclusion: Platelet rich plasma could be promising to have an effective role in treatment for rescuing the testis from ischemia/reperfusion injury. PRP could use as a therapeutic plan for regeneration after I/R to avoided orchidectomy.