Plasma Testosterone Concentrations Research Articles

Reproductive timing and putative mating behavior of the oceanic whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus in the eastern Bahamas

Oceanic whitetip sharks Carcharhinus longimanus aggregate at Columbus Point, Cat Island, The Bahamas, in at least April and May. We show that signs of putative mating activity (i.e. bite wounds) on mature females, which dominate the aggregation, are exceedingly rare at that time, but may be more common in July. Male plasma testosterone concentrations also suggest that spermatogenesis occurs in April and May and copulation is underway or has just ended by July. We support these preliminary data with direct observations of putative precopulatory behavior made at Columbus Point in July 2019. Using 25 min of video footage from the event, we identify common shark mating behaviors such as echelon or parallel swimming, following, shielding, nosing, and biting. We also describe the ‘circle-back’, a newly observed behavior where the male orients to the trail of the female, possibly to investigate olfactory cues. Based on these 3 parallel lines of evidence, we hypothesize that mating could occur in the eastern Bahamas as early as May, but is probably concentrated in midsummer (i.e. July), and that Columbus Point, Cat Island, may be a mating habitat for the oceanic whitetip shark.

Characterizing the Annual Reproductive Cycles of Captive Male Veiled Chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and Panther Chameleons (Furcifer pardalis)

Chameleons represent one of the most endangered groups of lizards, with most being characterized as threatened or near-threatened. Anthropogenic impacts on their native habitat are responsible for their declines. To protect these animals, we must develop functional assisted reproductive programs. However, a full understanding of their basic reproductive biology is required to develop such a program. This study represents the first attempt at characterizing the reproductive cycles of male chameleons. Sixteen veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and 16 panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) being housed in captivity under static conditions were used for this study. Chameleons were anesthetized twice monthly for semen collection via electroejaculation, blood sampling to measure plasma testosterone concentrations, and ultrasonographic testicular measurements. Plasma testosterone concentrations were found to be significantly different between species (P = 0.02) and the interaction of species and month (P = 0.04). In veiled chameleons, plasma testosterone concentrations were significantly elevated during October through December, while for panther chameleons, plasma testosterone concentrations were elevated in July through September, and December. Electroejaculation success was found to be seasonal in both species. In veiled chameleons, semen collection was highest in April, May, and June, while in panther chameleons semen collection success was highest in March, April, May, and June. Median spermatozoa concentrations for veiled and panther chameleons were 6.66 and 7.52 x 107 million sperm/mL, respectively. Motility was lower than expected for both veiled chameleon (median 23%) and panther chameleons (median 25%). Spermatozoa clumping was a common finding. The majority of the spermatozoa (mean 51%) were...

Metformin improves ovarian function and increases egg production in broiler breeder hens.

The pathophysiology of the ovarian dysfunction encountered in broiler breeder hens remains poorly understood but is similar to a condition in women known as polycystic ovary syndrome. This study reveals that metformin may provide a cheap and effective method of improving ovarian function in broiler breeder hens. Broiler breeder hens, the parent stock of commercial broiler chickens, have poor reproductive efficiency associated with aberrant and excessive recruitment of ovarian follicles which results in sub-optimal egg production, fertility, and hatchability. The reproductive dysfunction observed in these hens resembles polycystic ovary syndrome in women, a condition wherein metformin is prescribed as a treatment. The main objectives of this study were to determine the effect of metformin on body weight, abdominal fat pad weight, ovarian function, and plasma steroid hormone concentrations. Broiler breeder hens were treated with 0, 25, 50, or 75 mg/kg body weight of metformin mixed in the diet for 40 weeks (n = 45 hens/treatment; 2565 weeks of age). At 65 weeks of age, hens that received the highest dose of metformin had significantly lower body and abdominal fat pad weights (P < 0.05) than the control. Metformin treatment, at all levels, normalized the preovulatory and prehierarchical ovarian follicular hierarchy. Metformin (50 or 75 mg/kg body weight) significantly increased the total number of eggs laid per hen during the entire production period and these hens had significantly greater fertility and hatchability at 65 weeks of age compared to the control (P < 0.05). Metformin treatment at all levels altered the plasma profile of reproductive hormones, with significantly lower plasma testosterone concentrations and a decreased testosterone to androstenedione ratio in hens that received metformin (P < 0.05). Future studies should focus on the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of metformin in improving the reproductive efficiency of broiler breeder hens.

Intramuscular administration of l-arginine boosts testicular hemodynamics, plasma concentrations of testosterone and nitric oxide in heat-stressed rams

The current study aimed to assess, for the first time, the effects of intramuscular injection of l-arginine (L-arg) on testicular hemodynamics, echogenicity, and plasma concentrations of testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, and nitric oxide (NO) in Ossimi rams. Twelve sexually matured heat-stressed rams were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the L-arg group (n = 6) received 5 mg/kg L-arg dissolved in 2 ml normal saline 0.9%, or the control group (n = 6) received merely 2 ml of normal saline 0.9%. Blood sampling, B-mode ultrasound assessment of the testicular parenchyma, and pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound of the testicular artery for both right and left testis were performed immediately before 0 min and 1, 4, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h after L-arg or saline administration. In the L-arg group, resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) means were significantly lower compared to the control group at 4–168 h post-treatment. Plasma testosterone concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) at 4 h and onward in the L-arg treated compared to the control rams, the same for NO levels however its increase (P < 0.05) was observed as soon as 1 h post-treatment. In L-arg treated rams, NO concentrations were positively correlated to plasma testosterone concentrations (r = 0.7, p < .01), but negatively correlated to both RI and PI (r = −0.8 and −0.6, respectively, p < .01). In conclusion, l-arginine administration enhanced testicular blood flow and increased plasma testosterone and nitric oxide concentrations in heat-stressed rams.

Reproductive cycle of the female Anisotremus scapularis (Tschudi, 1846) on the marine coast of Callao, basic knowledge to go towards its aquaculture

Anisotremus scapularis is an important commercial species in Perú, being a prioritized species for the development of its aquaculture. The aim of the study was to establish the A. scapularis female reproductive cycle and reproductive strategy on the marine coast of Callao, through a seasonal sampling of wild specimens. The specimen collection was carried out between January 2019 to December 2020. Eighty-one female specimens were collected, and biometric indices were calculated such as condition factor (K) or gonadosomatic index (GSI), among others. The phases of the reproductive cycle were established by ovary histology in association with a steroid profile analysis performed by GC-EI-MS/MS. The reproductive strategy of A. scapularis was classified as asynchronous spawning with indeterminate fecundity. The average size at first maturity calculated as L100 was 25.3 cm. The GSI distribution was significantly higher in the specimens collected in summer than in the specimens collected in other seasons. The plasma concentration of 17β-estradiol, androstenedione-4, and testosterone per reproductive cycle phase was statistically significant. The distribution of 17β-estradiol plasma concentration in the specimens classified as spawning capable was higher than the specimens classified in other reproductive phases. The spawning capable phase was significantly and positively associated with the summer and autumn seasons. Thus, was possible to propose that the spawning season begins in late spring and until the middle of autumn in the Callao coast area. The recorded superficial temperature and daylight hours per day performed in the specimen’s collection area, allowed us to propose a thermo-photoperiod program for the management of broodstock. This should include the first cycle with temperatures between 12.5 - 13.5°C with an 11/13 light/darkness photoperiod, then the temperature should be increased to 16 - 17°C, with a 13/11 light/darkness photoperiod as a second cycle. Although the results of this study are limited to a specific area of the Callao coast, establishing the reproductive cycle and the spawning dynamics of A. scapularis females associated with environmental parameters, provides basic knowledge to improve the aquaculture of this species.

Treatment with topiramate in rats during childhood causes testicular structural impairment at adulthood.

Topiramate (TOP) is a psychotropic drug prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy in children older than 2 years of age and for migraine prophylaxis in adolescents. There is evidence that TOP promotes negative effects on the reproductive system of male rats. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate and late treatment effects of TOP during childhood and adolescence on the male rat reproductive system. Two experimental groups received 41 mg/kg of TOP daily, by gavage, from postnatal day (PND) 16 to 28 (TOPc group) or from PND 28 to 50 (TOPa group). Control groups (CTRc group or CTRa group) received water daily. Half of the anim-als were evaluated 24 h after the end of treatment (PND 29 and PND 51, respectively) and the remainder were evaluated in adulthood (PND120). The following parameters were determined: anogenital distance, sperm evaluation, testis' histomorphometry and plasma testosterone concentration. At PND 120, the volume (CTRc:62.58 ± 2.13; TOPc: 54.54 ± 2.10*%, p = 0.018) and total length (CTRc: 25.48 ± 1.61; TOPc: 18.94 ± 2.41*, p = 0.035) of seminiferous tubules were decreased and the volume of interstitial tissue (CTRc:37.41 ± 2.13; TOPc: 45.45 ± 2.09*%, p = 0.018) and number of Leydig cells/testis (CTRc: 277.00 ± 36.70; TOPc: 400.20 ± 13.23*, p = 0.013) were increased in the TOPc group. The other parameters remained similar between the groups. Therefore, the present study contributes to our understanding that childhood treatment with TOP has an impact on the rat reproductive system in adulthood, suggesting that this period is more sensitive to TOP exposure than adolescence.

Androgen receptors immunoreactivity in the rat brain of males with same-sex preference

Androgen receptors (AR) are crucial in the control of male sexual behavior and sex preference. AR are particularly concentrated in areas related with the neuroendocrine control of sex preference including the medial amygdala (MeA), the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH), the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), the medial preoptic area (MPOA), the nucleus accumbens (Acb), the suprachiasmatic (SCh) and supraoptic (SO) nuclei, but also seem to be important for the control of reproductive processes in the hippocampus (CA1-CA4 and dentate gyrus, DG). In the present study we analyzed the density of AR in these brain areas of adult male rats with sexual preference (established in a three-compartment box). Same-sex preference was produced in male rats by the prenatal administration of the aromatase inhibitor, letrozole (0.56 μg/kg/ml s.c. G10-22) that usually produces 1–2 animals per litter with same sex preference, while the others retain a female sex preference. We also included a group of proestrus females that had a clear preference for a sexually active male. AR were analyzed by immunocytochemistry using PG21 as primary antibody. We also measured total plasma testosterone concentrations by radioimmunoassay. In males with same sex preference there was a specific AR overexpression in CA3 and CA4 that suggests a feminized pattern because females in proestrus trend to show a higher density of AR in these hippocampal areas. Sex differences in AR density were found in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACg) and frontoparietal cortex (FrPa). Serum levels of testosterone did not differ between groups. Data are discussed based on the role of AR in the hippocampus.

Relationships between Plasma Concentrations of Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone and Geriatric Depression Scale Scores in Men and Women Aged 60-65 Years-A Multivariate Approach with the Use of Quade's Test.

The potential role of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the pathogenesis of depression in older subjects is poorly recognized and understood. The current study examines the symptoms of depression in males and females at the age of 60–65 using a short version (15 questions) of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) questionnaire. Blood plasma levels of androgens were estimated by LC/MS/MS. Total GDS score calculated for males were not found to be significantly associated with plasma levels of testosterone or dihydrotestosterone. Older men with higher plasma testosteronemia were more likely to report being in good spirits most of the time, but more willing to stay at home than undertake outside activities. The men with higher plasma levels of dihydrotestosterone also perceived themselves as being in good spirits most of the time. Older men with higher testosterone were more likely to report having more problems with their memory than others. No significant associations were found between plasma levels of androgens and GDS scores in older women; however, some tendencies suggest that testosterone and dihydrotestosterone may act as antidepressants in older women.

The function of the pituitary-testicular axis in dogs prior to and following surgical or chemical castration with the GnRH-agonist deslorelin.

Chemical castration, that is the reduction of circulating testosterone concentrations to castrate levels by administration of a GnRH-agonist implant, is a popular alternative to surgical castration in male dogs. Detailed information concerning the pituitary-testicular axis following administration of a GnRH-agonist implant is still scarce. Therefore, GnRH-stimulation tests were performed in male dogs, prior to and after surgical and chemical castration. This approach also allowed us to determine plasma concentrations of testosterone and oestradiol in intact male dogs for future reference and to directly compare the effects of surgical and chemical castration on the pituitary-testicular axis. In intact male dogs (n=42) of different breeds GnRH administration induced increased plasma LH, FSH, oestradiol and testosterone concentrations. After surgical castration basal and GnRH-induced plasma FSH and LH concentrations increased pronouncedly. Additionally, basal and GnRH-induced plasma oestradiol and testosterone concentrations decreased after surgical castration. After chemical castration, with a slow-release implant containing the GnRH-agonist deslorelin, plasma LH and FSH concentrations were lower than prior to castration and lower compared with the same interval after surgical castration. Consequently, plasma oestradiol and testosterone concentrations were lowered to values similar to those after surgical castration. GnRH administration to the chemically castrated male dogs induced a significant increase in the plasma concentrations of LH, but not of FSH. In conclusion, after administration of the deslorelin implant, the plasma concentrations of oestradiol and testosterone did not differ significantly from the surgically castrated animals. After GnRH-stimulation, none of the dogs went to pre-treatment testosterone levels. However, at the moment of assessment at 4,4 months (mean 133 days ± SEM 4 days), the pituitary gonadotrophs were responsive to GnRH in implanted dogs. The increase of LH, but not of FSH, following GnRH administration indicates a differential regulation of the release of these gonadotrophins, which needs to be considered when GnRH-stimulation tests are performed in implanted dogs.

Effect of Dietary Supplemental Zinc on Laying Performance, Egg Quality, and Plasma Hormone Levels of Breeding Pigeons.

This study aimed to evaluate the dietary zinc requirement of parental pigeons for better laying and reproductive performance, egg quality, sex hormones, and mineral content in eggs. A total of 160 pairs of healthy American Silver King pigeons were randomly assigned to five treatments of eight replicate cages each with four pairs of birds per cage, and fed a basal diet without zinc supplementation or the basal diet supplemented with 30, 60, 90, and 120mg of zinc/kg (ZnSO4·7H2O). The experiment lasted for 45days, including two laying cycles. Results indicated the egg production rate (P = 0.081), egg shape index (P = 0.038), egg eggshell percentage (P = 0.070), and zinc and calcium contents (P < 0.01) tended to be affected or significantly affected by zinc addition. They increased quadratically with dietary zinc levels (P < 0.05). Besides, shell thickness (P = 0.069), plasma testosterone (P = 0.008), LH, and carbonic anhydrase contents (P < 0.05) tended to be affected or significantly affected by zinc addition. They increased linearly as dietary zinc level increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the control, 60mg/kg zinc addition increased egg production rate, egg shape index, zinc and calcium contents in eggshell, and plasma testosterone concentration in pigeons (P < 0.05), and tended to increase the eggshell percentage (P = 0.07). Besides, supplemental 120mg/kg zinc had higher shell thickness and LH content than control (P < 0.05), but had no difference with 60mg/kg zinc addition. In conclusion, the supplementation of zinc at the level of 60mg/kg to basal diet improved laying performance by increasing eggshell quality and sex hormone levels of breeding pigeons.

Exposure of rams in sexual rest to sexually activated males in spring increases plasma LH and testosterone concentrations

Eight stimulating rams, and twelve stimulated rams, were used to determine whether a similar endocrine response to the introduction of sexually active males in spring in a flock of ewes is observed in a flock of rams. The stimulating rams (n = 4) were induced into a sexually active state by exposure to 2 months of long days (16 h light/d) (15 December-15 February). At the end of the long-day period, rams were returned to the natural photoperiod. Control-stimulating rams (n = 4) were kept under the natural photoperiod. On April 20, stimulated rams were divided into 2 groups, and joined with activated (ACT; n = 6) or control stimulating rams (C; n = 6). On the day of ram introduction, stimulated rams were blood sampled for 8 h at 20-min intervals, from 4 h before to 4 h after ram introduction, and next day from 24 to 28 h after ram introduction, and analyzed for plasma LH concentrations, and 10, 20 and 30 days after ram introduction to measure plasma testosterone levels. Mean (±SEM) plasma LH concentrations (ng/ml) of stimulated rams were similar during the 4 h before stimulating-ram introduction (ACT: 0.59 ± 0.03; C: 0.53 ± 0.04; P > 0.05). The introduction of the photoperiod-treated stimulating rams increased LH concentrations of stimulated rams during the 4 h after their introduction (1.14 ± 0.37) compared with the C group (0.51 ± 0.03; P < 0.05), especially during the first hour (ACT: 0.93 ± 0.16; C: 0.49 ± 0.03; P < 0.05), and during the blood sampling period 24–28 h after ram introduction (0.75 ± 0.07 vs. 0.58 ± 0.04; P < 0.05). Before the introduction of stimulating rams, the LH pulse frequencies and amplitudes did not differ between groups; however, LH pulsatility was higher at 4 h (0.58 ± 0.11 pulses/h; P < 0.05), and had trend to be higher 24 h (0.50 ± 0.06) (P = 0.10) after the introduction of the photoperiod-treated stimulating rams compared with the control-stimulating rams (0.29 ± 0.08 and 0.29 ± 0.10, respectively). As for LH pulses, there was an effect of group (P < 0.05) on LH amplitude, which presented a trend to be higher in ACT rams 4 h after ram introduction (1.68 ± 0.30; P < 0.10) and higher 24 h (1.07 ± 0.08; P < 0.05) after ram introduction, compared with LH amplitudes of C rams (0.71 ± 0.06 and 0.82 ± 0.07, respectively). Plasma testosterone concentrations of rams exposed to photoperiod-treated activated rams were higher than those of rams exposed to control-stimulating rams, at 4 h, 20 and 30 days after ram introduction (P < 0.05). In conclusion, sexually active rams in spring are able to stimulate LH and testosterone secretion of other rams in sexual rest, a phenomenon we called “ram-to-ram effect".

Biochemical aspect of crime: a case study of testosterone levels among rapists in Enugu State

Testosterone concentration is a contributing factor to rape tendency. Our research aimed to determine the plasma testosterone concentrations in male rapists. Subjects (100) recruited from Enugu state prison grouped viz: Violent-rapist (VR), nonviolent-rapist (NVR), violent child-molester (VCM), nonviolent child-molester (NCM), and none rapist (NR). The blood sample was collected in the morning (8-9) for four months by veno-puncture and used in the determination. The testosterone levels determination was by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The results indicated the mean age of 33 (VR), 34 (NVR), 46 (VCM), 47 (NCM), and 32 (NR). The age at first intercourse was highest in NCM (18) and lowest in VR (13). Heterosexuals were highest in VR (14) and lowest in NCM (6). Homosexuals were highest in NCM (4) and non in VM, NVR, and NR (0). In bisexuals, NVR and NCM were the highest (4), the NR (1) was the lowest. The concentrations of testosterone (in ng/100ml) were 8.65 (VR), 9.23 (NVR), 9.63 (VCM), 7.73 (NCM) and 7.95 (NR). The testosterone concentration of the VR, NVR, and VCM is higher than NR. The NCM was lower than the NR. This result suggests that VR, NVR, and VCM are associated with higher testosterone concentrations in males. The modest associations indicate that there might be other influencing factors. The relationship between testosterone levels in rapists and child molestation is, at best, tentative. In some people, hormonal factors might influence the likelihood of rape and child molestation.

Exogenous testosterone administration decreases rates of ovarian follicle growth in domestic chickens

Avian egg yolks provide critical nutrients and energy reserves for a growing embryo. Once a follicle is selected into the ovulatory hierarchy, rings of yolk precursors are deposited daily until the yolk is large enough to ovulate. The composition of hen egg yolk and the mechanisms responsible for deposition in the ovarian follicle are well-studied. However, the factors that affect the rate of yolk deposition, and the number of days it takes for follicles to grow to the optimal size for ovulation, are less well-known. Social interactions appear to impact the rate of yolk deposition in many avian species and testosterone is a key hormone involved in regulating those interactions. Therefore, we hypothesized that testosterone would influence the rate of follicle growth. We tested the influences of exogenous testosterone treatment by rubbing either testosterone propionate cream (1.25 %) or a control cream to hen combs daily for 7 days to increase plasma testosterone concentrations. We then collected eggs and measured egg and yolk weight, yolk diameters, and stained and counted the number of concentric rings in each yolk. Testosterone-treated hens laid fewer eggs and grew their yolks more slowly than control hens. Testosterone also caused an increase in yolk weight but not yolk diameter. These results indicate that testosterone may play a role in the rate of yolk deposition in birds.

Effect of Intensive Physical Loads on Plasma Testosterone and Cortisol Concentration in Elite Athletes

The study purpose was to investigate changes in the content of testosterone and cortisol in the blood of qualified athletes after testing them to determine their maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). &#x0D; Materials and methods. Thirty-seven international level athletes: 15 biathletes, 12 rowers, 6 boxers, 4 modern pentathletes participated in this study. The test to evaluate VO2max used exercise of increasing intensity on a rowing ergometer for rowers and on a treadmill for biathletes, boxers, modern pentathletes. Total testosterone and cortisol concentrations were determined in blood serum by an immunoenzyme analyzer before and after the test for determination of VO2max. &#x0D; Results. The concentration of total testosterone has been found to decrease significantly on average by 24,4% and the concentration of cortisol has increased by 34% due to physical activity. The highest level of maximum oxygen consumption was found in athletes with high levels of basal testosterone and cortisol in the blood. There is a high correlation between the basal content of total testosterone and the maximum consumption of oxygen in athletes (r = 0,58). &#x0D; Conclusions. The high content of basal testosterone and cortisol is an important factor for the athlete’s special working efficiency: higher level of basal cortisol has been accompanied by smaller increases in cortisol per load and high basal level of testosterone makes is possible to keep its concentration sufficient. The concentration of total testosterone and cortisol can be used as a marker of the effect of a training load.

Local adrenomedullin gene delivery inhibits Leydig cell dysfunction by rescuing steroidogenic enzymes in vivo.

Adrenomedullin (ADM) has beneficial effects on Leydig cells under pathological conditions, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced orchitis. Our previous studies demonstrated that ADM exerts a restorative effect on steroidogenesis in LPS-treated primary rat Leydig cells by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. In this study, we aim to investigate whether ADM inhibits Leydig cell dysfunction by rescuing steroidogenic enzymes in vivo. Rats were administered with LPS and injected with Ad-ADM, an adeno-associated virus vector that expressed ADM. Then, rat testes were collected for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) immunofluorescence staining. Steroidogenic enzymes or steroidogenic regulatory factors or protein, including steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), liver receptor homologue-1 (LRH1), Nur77, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 3β-HSD, cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17, 20 lyase (CYP17) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), were detected via gene expression profiling and western blot analysis. Plasma testosterone concentrations were measured. Results showed that ADM may inhibit Leydig cell dysfunction by rescuing steroidogenic enzymes and steroidogenic regulatory factors in vivo. The reduction in the number of Leydig cells after LPS exposure was reversed by ADM. ADM rescued the gene or protein levels of SF-1, LRH1, Nur77, StAR, P450scc, 3β-HSD, CYP17 and 17β-HSD and plasma testosterone concentrations. To summarize ADM could rescue some important steroidogenic enzymes, steroidogenic regulatory factors and testosterone production in Leydig cells in vivo.

Improvement of several stress response and sleep quality hormones in men and women after sleeping in a bed that protects against electromagnetic fields

BackgroundThe electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by the technologies affect the homeostatic systems (nervous, endocrine, and immune systems) and consequently the health. In a previous work, we observed that men and women, after 2 months of using a bed with a registered HOGO system, that prevents and drain EMFs, improved their immunity, redox and inflammatory states and rejuvenated their rate of aging or biological age. Since, EMFs can act as a chronic stressor stimulus, and affect the sleep quality. The objective of this work was to study in men and women (23–73 years old) the effect of sleeping for 2 months on that bed in the blood concentrations of several hormones related to stress response and sleep quality as well as to corroborate the rejuvenation of their biological age.MethodsIn 18 men and women, plasma concentration of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine), serotonin, oxytocin and melatonin were analyzed before and after 2 months of using the HOGO beds. A group of 10 people was used as placebo control. In another cohort of 25 men (20 experimental and 5 placebo), the effects of rest on the HOGO system on the concentration of cortisol and testosterone in plasma were studied. In all these volunteers, the biological age was analyzed using the Immunity Clock model.ResultsThere is a significant increase in plasma concentration of DHEA, norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, and melatonin as well as in testosterone, after resting for 2 months in that bed with the EMFs avoiding system. In addition, decreases in Cortisol/DHEA and Testosterone/cortisol ratio and plasma dopamine concentration were observed. No differences were found in placebo groups. In all participants that slept on HOGO beds, the biological age was reduced.ConclusionsSleeping in a bed that isolates from EMFs and drain them can be a possible strategy to improve the secretion of hormones related to a better response to stress and sleep quality, which means a better endocrine system, and consequently better homeostasis and maintenance of health. This fact was confirmed with the slowdown in the rate of aging checked with a rejuvenation of the biological age.

Impact of germ cell ablation on the activation of the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis in precocious Atlantic salmon (Salmosalar L.) males.

The germ cells are essential for sexual reproduction by giving rise to the gametes, but the importance of germ cells for gonadal somatic functions varies among vertebrates. The RNA-binding dead end (Dnd) protein is necessary for the specification and migration of primordial germ cells to the future reproductive organs. Here, we ablated the gametes in Atlantic salmon males and females by microinjecting dnd antisense gapmer oligonucleotides at the zygotic stage. Precocious maturation was induced in above 50% of both germ cell-depleted and intact fertile males, but not in females, by exposure to an off-season photoperiod regime. Sterile and fertile males showed similar body growth, but maturing fish tended to be heavier than their immature counterparts. Pituitary fshβ messenger RNA levels strongly increased in maturing sterile and fertile males concomitant with the upregulated expression of Sertoli and Leydig cell markers. Plasma concentrations of 11-ketotestosterone and testosterone in maturing sterile males were significantly higher than the basal levels in immature fish, but lower than those in maturing fertile males. The study demonstrates that germ cells are not a prerequisite for the activation of the brain-pituitary-gonad axis and sex steroidogenesis in Atlantic salmon males, but may be important for the maintenance of gonadal somatic functions.

Impact of Targeting β3 Receptor on Male Sex Hormonal Balance

BACKGROUND:&#x0D; Sympathetic stimulation has a significant impact on the physiology and pathology of the male reproductive system. β3 receptor is suspected to play a role in the regulation of fertility status in men.&#x0D; AIM:&#x0D; The study aims to investigate the role of the β3 receptor in regulating the fertility parameters (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and histology of testis) in male rats.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS:&#x0D; Male albino rats have been given either placebo (controls) or β3 agonist (Mirabegron). Testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone are measured before and after treatment for all cases and controls. Histology of testis is investigated for all the rats as well.&#x0D; RESULTS:&#x0D; β3 receptor activation caused a significant increase in testosterone plasma concentration and a significant reduction in estrogen plasma concentration. β3 agonist did not affect the progesterone plasma concentration. Histological sections showed that β3 activation resulted in degeneration of the spermatocytes and accumulation of edema between the seminiferous tubules in the testis.&#x0D; CONCLUSION:&#x0D; β3 receptor has a potentially important role in the fertility status of male rats via regulating sex hormonal profile and altering the histology of the testis.

Abnormal Plasma Levels of Steroids and Their Ratios in Patients With Prurigo Nodularis: A Pilot Study.

Background: It has been suggested that cortisol levels are abnormal in chronic urticaria and atopic dermatitis, but other steroids, such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone, are still unknown, and whether these hormones affect the maintenance of skin homeostasis or the pathogenesis of skin diseases is not fully understood. Limited data are available on steroid levels in prurigo nodularis (PN)-related research, and no study has examined the association between pruritus severity and steroid levels in PN patients. Aims: This pilot study aimed to investigate the differences in the levels of five steroids combined with their ratios in plasma between PN patients and controls and to examine the associations between the biomarkers and pruritus severity. Methods: Plasma concentrations of five steroids, including cortisol, cortisone, testosterone, progesterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), in 36 patients with PN were compared with concentrations in thirty-six and matched healthy controls. The concentrations of steroids were quantitated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The PN symptoms, including pruritus severity, pain, and life quality, were assessed with the use of the visual analog scale, prurigo score index, numerical rating scale, and verbal rating scale and dermatology life quality index scores. Results: In comparison with controls, PN patients had lower levels of plasma cortisol and cortisone, which negatively correlated with PN symptoms. PN patients had higher levels of cortisone and testosterone to cortisol, which positively correlated with pruritus severity. Additionally, there were no significant differences in plasma concentrations of DHEA and testosterone between the two groups. We found no correlation between plasma concentrations of DHEA and testosterone and pruritus severity. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that there may be abnormalities in peripheral blood levels of cortisol, and cortisone and the ratios of cortisone and testosterone to cortisol in patients with PN, and they are related to pruritus severity. The plasma concentrations of testosterone and DHEA may be not abnormal in PN patients and may not be associated with pruritus severity.

Sexually active male goats stimulate the endocrine and sexual activities of other males in seasonal sexual rest through the “buck-to-buck effect”

Male goats rendered sexually active by exposure to a photoperiodic treatment are more efficient than untreated goats in stimulating LH secretion and ovulation in seasonally anestrous goats. This phenomenon is called the "male effect." Here, we determined whether sexually active bucks are able to stimulate the endocrine and sexual activities of other bucks in seasonal sexual rest through the phenomenon that we called the "buck-to-buck effect." We used bucks rendered sexually active (SA) during sexual rest by exposure to 2.5 mo of artificial long days (16 h of light per d) and untreated, sexually inactive (SI) bucks. In Experiment 1, we determined the short-term (21 d) LH and testosterone responses of sexually inactive bucks joined with a SA or SI buck. In Experiment 2, we determined the long-term (60 d) testosterone and sexual behavior responses of sexually inactive bucks joined with 2 SA or SI bucks. In Experiment 3, we determined the efficacy of bucks initially exposed to the buck-to-buck effect, the SABB bucks, to thereafter induce a “classical” male effect in seasonally anestrous goats. In Experiments 1 and 2, there was an interaction between time and groups in LH and testosterone plasma concentrations (P < 0.01). In Experiment 1, plasma LH concentrations were greater in bucks joined with a SA buck than in those joined with an SI buck (P < 0.05). In Experiments 1 and 2, testosterone concentrations were greater in bucks joined with SA bucks than in those joined with SI bucks (P < 0.05). In addition, in Experiment 2, the sexually inactive bucks joined with SA bucks displayed more nudging than those joined with SI bucks (P < 0.001). In Experiment 3, kidding rates did not differ between females joined with SA (34 of 40: 85%) or SABB bucks (32 of 40: 80%; P > 0.05). We concluded that the endocrine and sexual activities of bucks during sexual rest can be stimulated by SA bucks. In addition, SABB bucks are able to stimulate the reproductive activity of seasonally anestrous goats.