Plasma Levels Of Total Testosterone Research Articles

Effect of Zinc and Vitamin E on Blood Testosterone and Inflammatory Markers in Male Patients Undergoing Heart Surgery

Background: Zinc and vitamin E affect the metabolism of testosterone and inflammatory factors. We aimed to evaluate the effect of zinc and vitamin E supplementation on plasma testosterone levels and inflammatory markers in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of a previously published randomized controlled trial in a subsample of male patients undergoing CABG surgery. Patients in the zinc-vitamin E group (n = 27) received oral zinc (120 mg) and vitamin E (1200 international units) one day prior to surgery, followed by 30 mg of zinc and 200 units of vitamin E per day for three weeks after surgery. Patients in the control group (n = 25) received a placebo. Plasma levels of total testosterone, cortisol, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and white blood cell toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) gene expression were determined at three-day and three-week intervals following surgery. Changes in these markers were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: A comparison of the groups revealed no significant difference in the concentration of plasma total testosterone levels (P = 0.059) or cortisol. Three weeks following the surgical procedure, a positive correlation was observed between the change in plasma zinc concentrations and the change in plasma testosterone levels (r = 0.32; P = 0.025). The administration of zinc and vitamin E supplements resulted in a reduction in plasma IL-6 levels on postoperative day 3 (P = 0.025), while no significant effect was observed in week 3 (P = 0.091). The expression of the TLR-4 gene in WBCs was found to be lower in the zinc-vitamin E group compared to the placebo group on day 3 (P = 0.051) and week 3 (P = 0.025). Conclusions: The administration of zinc and vitamin E to patients undergoing CABG was associated with a relative improvement in postoperative inflammatory markers. Plasma zinc levels demonstrated a correlation with testosterone levels, suggesting a potential avenue for further research in these patients.

The Impact of Telmisartan on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Hypertensive Male Siblings of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Brothers of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were found to be at increased risk for cardiometabolic disorders. This risk may be exacerbated by concurrent poorly controlled hypertension. Angiotensin II receptor blockers are the most frequently used antihypertensive drugs. The aim of the present study was to compare blood pressure-lowering and pleiotropic effects of telmisartan between male siblings of PCOS probands and unrelated men. The study included 2 age-, blood pressure-, and mass index-matched groups of men with grade 1 hypertension: 24 brothers of women with PCOS (group A) and 26 brothers of healthy women (group B). All subjects were treated with telmisartan (80 mg daily). Blood pressure, glucose homeostasis markers, and plasma lipids, as well as plasma levels of total testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, androstenedione, uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), homocysteine, fibrinogen, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured before and after 12 weeks of therapy. At entry, there were between-group differences in the degree of insulin resistance, plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, calculated bioavailable testosterone, androstenedione, hsCRP, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Although telmisartan reduced blood pressure in both study groups, this effect was stronger in group B. Irrespective of the study group, the drug improved insulin sensitivity and reduced circulating levels of uric acid and homocysteine, but these effects were more pronounced in group B than group A. Only in group B, telmisartan decreased hsCRP and fibrinogen, as well as increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D. The obtained results suggest that hypertensive male relatives of PCOS probands may gain less benefit from telmisartan treatment than unrelated hypertensive men.

Plasma androgens and the presence and course of depression in a large cohort of men

BackgroundHypoandrogenic men showed a higher prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD), which could be ascribed to overlapping symptoms such as sexual dysfunction, or additionally to core emotional symptoms such as sadness and anhedonia. We examined whether androgen levels 1) differ between men with and without MDD cross-sectionally, 2) are associated with an elevated risk for onset of MDD prospectively, and 3) associate with all individual MDD symptoms, or only with hypogonadism overlapping symptoms. MethodsIn 823 men (mean age 43.5 years), baseline plasma levels of total testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT), and androstenedione were determined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEAS) and sex hormone binding globulin with radioimmunoassay, whereas free testosterone was calculated. MDD status was assessed at baseline and after two years using structured interviews and individual MDD symptoms were self-rated at baseline, and after one and two years. ResultsNone of the androgen levels were associated with current or onset (incidence or recurrence) of MDD. Free testosterone was only inversely associated with interest in sex. Also, androstenedione and DHEAS were positively associated with some individual MDD symptoms, and 5α-DHT levels showed non-linear associations (both with low and high levels) with MDD symptom severity and several individual MDD symptoms. ConclusionsThese results support the idea that circulating androgens synthesised by the testes are of limited clinical relevance to MDD in adult men, but levels of androstenedione, DHEAS and 5α-DHT may be associated with some individual MDD symptoms.

Association of Serum Testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone With Blood Pressure and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Middle-Aged and Elderly Men.

BackgroundThe age‐related decline in testosterone levels is thought to be of great importance for male aging and cardiovascular diseases. However, data are controversial on whether abnormal sex hormones are linked to the presence of cardiovascular diseases and it is also uncertain how blood pressure modifies the association between testosterone levels and major cardiovascular diseases.Methods and ResultsThis is a multicenter, population‐based, cross‐sectional study of 6296 men conducted between 2013 and 2016. Basic information and clinical symptoms were obtained by questionnaires. Blood pressure and plasma levels of total testosterone, sex hormone–binding globulin, luteinizing hormone, and free testosterone were determined in men in a multistage random, cluster sampling in 6 provinces of China. There were 5786 Chinese men (mean [SD] age 55.0 [10.1] years) included after exclusion criteria were applied; 37.2% (2150) of them were diagnosed with hypertension. Total testosterone, free testosterone, and sex hormone–binding globulin were inversely associated with the prevalence of hypertension. Age >65 years or body mass index ≥24 negatively impacted the inverse correlation between testosterone levels and hypertension, whereas smoking and family history of hypertension strengthened the correlation. In participants with grade 2 hypertension, total testosterone was positively associated with the presence of stroke, and luteinizing hormone was also positively correlated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.ConclusionsLower total testosterone could be a promising risk marker for prevalent hypertension. Both low and high levels of testosterone are associated with greater cardiovascular risk. Primary hypogonadism may be a risk marker for major cardiovascular diseases in men with severe hypertension.

Plasma androgens and the presence and course of depression in a large cohort of women

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has a higher prevalence in women with supraphysiologic androgen levels. Whether there is also an association between depression and androgen levels in the physiological range, is unknown. This study examined if women with current MDD have higher androgen levels compared to women who have never had MDD, and if androgen levels are associated with onset and remission of MDD. In 1659 women (513 current MDD, 754 remitted MDD, and 392 never MDD), baseline plasma levels of total testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, and androstenedione were determined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) with radioimmunoassays. Free testosterone was calculated. MDD status was assessed at baseline, and at 2 and 4 years follow-up. Women were aged between 18 and 65 years (mean age 41) with total testosterone levels in the physiological range (geometric mean 0.72 nmol/L [95% CI 0.27–1.93]). After adjusting for covariates and multiple testing, women with current MDD had a higher mean free testosterone than women who never had MDD (adjusted geometric mean 8.50 vs. 7.55 pmol/L, p = 0.0005), but this difference was not large enough to be considered clinically meaningful as it was consistent with statistical equivalence. Levels of other androgens and SHBG did not differ and were also statistically equivalent between the groups. None of the androgens or SHBG levels predicted onset or remission of MDD. Our findings support the idea that plasma androgens within the physiological range have no or only limited effects on depressive disorders in women.

Sexual function in women with androgen excess disorders: classic forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia and polycystic ovary syndrome

PurposeWe compared the sexual function in women with classic forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to find if the cause of androgen excess determines sexual functioning.MethodsHundred and four women (21 with CAH, 63 with PCOS and 20 healthy controls) aged 18–40 years were included into the study. All participants completed a questionnaire regarding their sociodemographic background and underwent anthropometric and basic biochemical measurements. Plasma levels of total testosterone, androstenedione, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone were measured with immunoassay. To assess the sexual functions, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was applied.ResultsApart from the higher physical activity in PCOS patients (P = 0.017), we found no significant sociodemographic differences between the studied groups. In clinical assessment, women with CAH had a lower incidence of acne (P = 0.006). Their plasma levels of 17OHP (P = 0.005) and insulin resistance index (P = 0.0248) were higher, while total testosterone (P = 0.0495) and glucose (P = 0.0061) was lower compared to the PCOS group. Significantly more women with CAH were homosexual (P = 0.003) and bisexual (P = 0.006). CAH group showed a lower total FSFI score (P = 0.0043) and lower scores in three domains: lubrication (P = 0.0131), sexual satisfaction (P = 0.0006), and dyspareunia (P < 0.0001). Higher physical activity was associated in all women with higher total FSFI score (P = 0.009) and scores in the domain of desire (P = 0.034) and sexual satisfaction (P = 0.01), while in CAH women apart from the total score (P = 0.03) and sexual satisfaction (P = 0.002) also in the domains of orgasm (P = 0.005), and pain (P = 0.03).ConclusionsCAH women present more often homosexual and bisexual orientation, while their sexual functions are impaired compared to PCOS patients.

Associations of plasma androgens with suicidality among men and women: A 9-year longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundTestosterone has been implicated in suicidality in cross-sectional studies. Stress that coincides with a suicide attempt may alter androgen levels, so prospective studies are needed to exclude reverse causation. We aimed to examine the associations of plasma androgens with concurrent and future suicidality, and if present, whether these associations were mediated by a behavioral trait like reactive aggression. MethodsBaseline plasma levels of total testosterone, 5α−dihydrotestosterone, and androstenedione were determined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate with a radioimmunoassay. Suicidality was assessed using the Suicidal Ideation Scale at baseline and after 2-, 4-, 6-, and 9-year follow-up. Men and women were analyzed separately, and potential confounders were considered. ResultsParticipants (N = 2861; 66.3% women) had a mean age of 42.0 years (range 18–65) and almost half (46.9%) fulfilled criteria for a major depressive or anxiety disorder. At baseline 13.2% of men and 11.2% of women reported current suicidal ideation. In participants who were non-suicidal at baseline, slightly more men than women reported suicidal ideation during follow-up (14.7% vs. 12.5%), whereas the reverse pattern was observed for suicide attempts (3.6% vs. 4.2%). None of the associations between androgens and current and future suicidality were significant. LimitationsAndrogens were determined once, which may have been insufficient to predict suicidality over longer periods. DiscussionThe lack of associations between plasma levels of androgens determined by ‘gold-standard’ laboratory methods with suicidality do not support previous cross-sectional and smaller studies in adult men and women with values within the physiological range.

Long-term treatment with α-lipoic acid and myo-inositol positively affects clinical and metabolic features of polycystic ovary syndrome

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effects of a long-term treatment with α-lipoic acid (ALA) combined with myo-inositol (MI) on clinical and metabolic features of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Fifty-seven women with PCOS and a history of oligoamenorrhea were treated with MI and ALA (800 mg + 2000 mg per day). Forty-four of them had complete clinical charts and were considered eligible for the study. Information about cycle length and body mass index (BMI) was checked after 6, 12, and 24 months. After 12 months ovarian volume, total testosterone plasma levels and changes in hirsutism were also evaluated. The metabolic parameters were evaluated in 16 women after 6 and 18 months of the treatment. Cycle length was significantly reduced at 6 (p < .001), 12, and 24 months of treatment (p < .01). BMI showed a reduction only at 6 months (p < .05), thereafter returning similar to the basal values. No changes of testosterone and ovarian volume were observed. HOMA-IR and fasting insulin were unchanged, but the insulin response to a 3 h OGTT was improved after 6 (p < .01) and 18 months (p < .05) of treatment. No individual suffered from any adverse event. In conclusion, the combination of ALA and MI showed to be useful as long-term therapy in PCOS women, providing a normalization of the menstrual cycle and an amelioration of insulin levels with a high tolerability.

Preoperative Plasma Levels of Total Testosterone Associated with High Grade Pathology-Detected Prostate Cancer: Preliminary Results of a Prospective Study in a Contemporary Cohort of Patients

Objectives: To investigate the associations, if any, between preoperative plasma levels of total testosterone (TT) and pathology Gleason score (pGS) in a contemporary cohort of prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Materials and Methods: Between November 2014 and June 2015, plasma levels of TT were measured in 142 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. Exclusion criteria were as follows: 5α-reductase inhibitors, LH-releasing hormone analogues, or testosterone replacement treatment. The entire cohort, assessed by continuous and categorical variables, was classified into two groups according to the pGS that included low-intermediate (pGS 6-7) and high grade (pGS > 7) cases. TT was evaluated as a continuous variable. Results: The cohort included 128 cases. High grade PCa was detected in 28 (21.8%) patients. Median plasma levels of both TT and prostate specific antigen (PSA) were significantly higher in these cases. In the clinical multivariate model, independent and positive predictors of pGS > 7 were TT (p = 0.041; OR = 1.004), PSA (p = 0.006; OR = 1.191), and bGS > 6 (p = 0.004; OR = 5.0); that is, a single unit increase in TT plasma levels increases the odds of having high grade PCa by 4%. Conclusion: In a contemporary cohort of patients, preoperative plasma levels of TT directly and independently associated with high grade PCa. High baseline plasma levels of TT might have clinical applications for managing PCa. New and well designed prospective studies dealing with this subject are required.

High Testosterone Preoperative Plasma Levels Independently Predict Biopsy Gleason Score Upgrading in Men with Prostate Cancer Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose: The study aims to investigate the potential associations between preoperative plasma levels of total testosterone (TT) and biopsy Gleason score (bGS) upgrading in prostate cancer (PCA) patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). Materials and Methods: Exclusion criteria were treatment with 5α-reductase inhibitors, LH-releasing hormone analogues or testosterone replacement. Criteria of bGS upgrading were as follows: (i) bGS 6 to pathological Gleason score (pGS) >6, (ii) bGS 7 with pattern 3 + 4 to pGS 7 with pattern 4 + 3 or to pGS >7, (iii) bGS 7 with pattern 4 + 3 to pGS >7. Patients who showed bGS >7 were excluded from the cohort. Results: The study included 209 patients. Tumor upgrading was assessed in 76 (36.4%) cases of the entire cohort, in 51 out of 130 cases (39.2%) of the bGS 6 group and 25 out of 79 patients (31.6%) in the bGS 7 cluster. Logistic regression models showed that independent clinical covariates predicting the risk of bGS upgrading included TT (OR 1.058; p = 0.027) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density (OR 23.3; p = 0.008) as well as TT (OR 1.057; p = 0.029) with PSA (OR 1.061; p = 0.023). The model suggests that 1 unit increase in TT plasma levels increases the odds of bGS upgrading by 5.8 or 5.7%. Conclusions: In summary, we have determined that high TT preoperative plasma levels independently predict bGS upgrading in men with PCA undergoing RP. Preoperative plasma levels of TT might be included as a potential marker for assessing the risk bGS upgrading.

Predictors of body composition and body energy changes in response to chronic overfeeding

ObjectiveWe have previously shown that 24 young lean men (12 pairs of identical twins) subjected to a standardized 353 MJ (84 000 kcal) overfeeding protocol over 100 days exhibited individual differences in body weight and composition gains. The mean (+SD) gains in fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were 5.4+1.9 kg and 2.7+1.5 kg for a total body energy (BE) gain of 221+75 MJ representing 63% of the energy surplus consumed. We report here on the most important baseline correlates of these overfeeding-induced changes with the aim of identifying biomarkers of the response.ResultsBaseline maximal oxygen uptake per kilogram body mass was negatively correlated with gains in weight, FM, and BE (all p<0.05). Enzyme activities indicative of skeletal muscle oxidative potential correlated with gains in FM and BE (all p<0.05). Baseline TSH levels in response to a TRH stimulation correlated positively with changes in FM-to-FFM ratio (p<0.05). Plasma concentrations of androstenediol-sulfate, dehydroepiandrosterone, and 17-hydroxy pregnenolone were negatively correlated with gains in FM and BE (0.01<p<0.05), while level of estrone was negatively and androsterone-glucoronide was positively correlated with FFM gains (p<0.05). Baseline leptin and abdominal fat cell size correlated positively with gains in weight, FM, and BE (p<0.05). When compared to the six highest BE gainers, the six lowest gainers exhibited higher thermic effect of a meal (TEM) and plasma levels of total testosterone, cortisol, estradiol, androstenedione, and androstenediol-sulfate (all p<0.05). High baseline levels of total TEM, testosterone, and androstenediol-sulfate were associated with lower FM gains whereas high baseline levels of FT4 and estrone were found in low-FFM gainers.ConclusionAlthough none of the variables exerted individually an overwhelmingly strong influence on overfeeding-induced changes, baseline FFM, maximal oxygen uptake, muscle oxidative capacity, androgens, and leptin levels were the most consistent significant biomarkers of the responsiveness to chronic overfeeding.

Demographic, physical and lifestyle factors associated with androgen status: the Florey Adelaide Male Ageing Study (FAMAS)

Plasma androgen levels are inversely associated with health in men, the age-related decline of which may result from factors other than ageing per se. This study aimed to determine the effects of demographic, physical and lifestyle factors on age-related androgen status in men. An observational survey of a regionally representative male population residing in the North West regions of Adelaide, Australia. Study sample includes 1195 men aged 35-81 years with a response rate of 45.1%. Plasma levels of total testosterone (TT), bioavailable testosterone (BT), SHBG, insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), and gonadotrophins were measured along with an extensive list of demographic, physical and lifestyle factors including body composition, muscle strength and biomarkers of chronic diseases, physical activity, nutrition and smoking behaviour. Low TT was mostly associated with high abdominal fat and triglycerides and low muscle strength rather than ageing per se. Low BT was associated with increased age followed by high whole body fat percentage. BT and TT levels were higher in unmarried men and smokers. SHBG levels increased with age, but were also inversely associated with insulin and triglycerides. The Leydig cell specific factor INSL3 was the strongest biomarker associated with both TT and BT. Factors associated with low androgen status variably include high body fat percentage, low muscle strength and biomarkers of the metabolic syndrome. Reducing exposure to factors that adversely affect androgen status may improve the general health of ageing men by mechanisms yet to be defined.

The Effect of Non-Union of Testis and Epididymis and of Cryptorchidism on the Development of Epididymis and Ductus Deferens in the Rat/Der Einfluß der Separation von Hoden und Nebenhoden und des Kryptorchismus auf die Entwicklung von Nebenhoden und Ductus

16-days old rats were operated with either uni- or bilateral ligation of ductuli efferents and separation of testis and epididymis to the level of the inferior epididymal artery (non-union operation), induction of cryptorchidism or bilateral sham operation. The epididymides were weighed and the epididymides and deferent ducts were examined with light- and electron-microscopy at days 30, 37, 44 and 58. Bilateral non-union operated epididymides and cryptepididymides had a significantly lower weight increase than controls, but the histology and diameter of epididymal tubules were unchanged. This indicates a true growth retardation and reduced length of epididymal tubules of non-union operated and cryptepididymides. For bilateral operations a positive correlation was found between the weight of epididymis and plasma levels of total testosterone as reported earlier. Unilaterally operated epididymides had a weight development significantly below contralateral controls, despite normal plasma levels of testosterone. It is concluded that the reduced-weight of unilaterally operated epididymides is the result of diminished local androgen stimulation from the ipsilateral testis. Non-union of testis and epididymis may have pathogenetic significance in maldescent of testis by a retarded growth of the ductal system.

Androgens and prostate cancer risk: A prospective study

Androgens have been implicated in prostate tumorigenesis, but prospective studies have overall reported no association between circulating levels of androgens and risk of prostate cancer. However, some recent studies have shown that a high level of testosterone increase the risk of non-aggressive tumors but is associated with a decreased risk of aggressive tumors. We prospectively measured plasma levels of total testosterone, androstanediol glucuronide (A-diol-g) and sex hormone binding globuline (SHBG) and calculated estimated levels of free testosterone, in a nested case-control study of 392 cases and 392 matched controls. None of the studied hormones were significantly associated with prostate cancer risk in the full study group or in subgroups according to tumor aggressiveness. Odds ratios in the full study group, for top versus bottom quartile, was for total testosterone 1.25 (95% CI = 0.79-2.00; P(trend) = 0.51); free testosterone, 1.31 (95% CI = 0.82-2.07; P(trend) = 0.35); A-diol-g, 0.88 (95% CI = 0.59-1.33; P(trend) = 0.77); and for SHBG, 1.01 (95% CI = 0.64-1.58; P(trend) = 0.94). We found no significant associations between androgen levels and risk of prostate cancer in this population-based, non-screened cohort.

Partial androgen deficiency in aging type 2 diabetic men and its relationship to glycemic control

Aging in the male is associated with both a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes and hypogonadism. However, little information is available about the complex of symptoms and hormonal changes related to partial androgen deficiency in aging (called andropause) in type 2 diabetic men. Here, for the first time, we used a combination of clinical and hormonal criteria to define andropause and to analyze the relationships between the androgen environment and glucose metabolism in 55 type 2 diabetic men (63.6 ± 7.9 years, mean ± SD). Low plasma levels of total testosterone (≤3.4 ng/mL) and free testosterone (≤11 pg/mL) were found in 20% and 54.5%, respectively, of the diabetic men. The fraction of diabetic men with subnormal levels of total testosterone increased with aging: 14.2% (50 to 59 years), 17.4% (60 to 69 years) and 36% (> 70 years). The corresponding figures for subnormal values of free testosterone were 38%, 69.6%, and 54.5%, respectively. In the whole group of type 2 diabetic men, no significant linear correlations between total or free testosterone with fasting plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, or fructosamine values could be established. Total testosterone was positively correlated with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA 1c) levels ( r = .322, P = .01). Although fasting plasma glucose was marginally higher in aging type 2 diabetic patients with andropause than in those without andropause (162 ± 6.9 v 139 ± 8.9, mean ± SEM, P = .05), there were no differences between both subgroups for plasma fasting insulin, C-peptide, fructosamine, or HbA 1c levels. Replacement therapy (150 mg intramuscular [IM] of enanthate of testosterone every 14 days for 6 months) was applied in 10 type 2 diabetic men with clinical features of andropause associated with subnormal concentrations of serum testosterone. The treatment induced significant increases in total plasma testosterone (baseline: 3.9 ± 0.3; at 6 months: 7.1 ± 0.9 ng/mL, mean ± SEM, P = .003) and free testosterone (baseline: 9.3 ± 0.6; at 6 months 17.6 ± 2.4 pg/mL, P = .003), but had a neutral effect on overall glycemic control. These data show a high prevalence of andropause in aging type 2 diabetic men and suggest that the endogenous androgen environment, as well as correction of the partial androgen deficiency, do not have a meaningful effect on glycemic control.

Decreased number of vasopressin immunoreactive neurons in the medial amygdala and locus coeruleus of the aged rat

The earlier described age-related decreases in vasopressin innervation of extra-hypothalamic rat brain regions were found to coincide with a decrease in vasopressin expression in the cells where these fibers originated. A significant age-related decrease in the number of vasopressin-immunoreactive cell bodies was found in the medial amygdala and locus coeruleus of senescent Brown-Norway (BN/BiRij) rats (33 months) when compared to middle-aged (19 months) and young (3 months) rats. In addition, total testosterone plasma levels were significantly reduced in middle-aged and old rats as compared to young animals and the number of vasopressin-immunoreactive cells in both the medial amygdala and locus coeruleus correlated significantly with the decreased testosterone levels in a similar way as found earlier for vasopressin terminals.

Subclinical alterations in hormone and semen profile in athletes

To investigate the effects of two forms of exercise, endurance training (running) and resistance training (weight lifting), on reproductive function in male athletes. Cross-sectional study. Reproductive Endocrinology and Exercise Laboratory. Twenty-eight healthy male volunteers, 18 to 35 years of age, including 10 endurance-trained runners, 8 resistance-trained weight-lifters, and 10 sedentary controls. Hormonal evaluation included determination of plasma levels of total testosterone (T), serum levels of free T, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and estradiol, and urinary excretion of LH. Semen analyses included an evaluation of sperm characteristics in terms of density, count, motility, and morphology, and a determination of in vitro sperm penetration of standard bovine cervical mucus. Compared with sedentary controls, endurance-trained and resistance-trained athletes presented with significantly lower levels of total and free T. There were no significant differences in the serum levels of all other circulating and urinary hormone measurements among the three groups. Sperm density, motility, and morphology were significantly altered only in the endurance-trained runners. In vitro sperm penetration of standard cervical mucus was significantly reduced in the endurance-trained runners. Both endurance and resistance training modify the male reproductive hormone profile in a similar manner; however, only endurance training, in the form of running, is associated with subclinical modifications in semen characteristics.

Mild hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in obese men

To evaluate the pituitary-gonadal axis of obese men, we compared the 24-hour mean plasma concentrations of total and free testosterone and of dihydrotestosterone, FSH, and LH in 21 healthy obese men, aged 18–50, and 24 age-matched healthy nonobese men. In the obese men, we also measured the volume of ejaculate and the number and motility of sperm, and investigated libido by psychiatric interview, and potency by history and by measurement of nocturnal penile tumescence. As a group, the obese men had less than two-thirds the normal mean plasma levels of total testosterone, free testosterone, and FSH; the difference from normal was highly significant for all three. 24 hr LH levels were normal, which is inappropriately low in view of the subnormal testosterone levels. 24 hr mean levels of dihydrotestosterone and spermatogenesis, libido, and potency were essentially normal. Taken together, the findings represent a state of mild hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which thus appears to be characteristic of obese men. This abnormality probably results from partial suppression of the pituitary by the elevated plasma estrogen levels we and others find in these men.