Plasma Testosterone Concentrations Research Articles

Behavioral and steroidogenic pharmacology of phenyl ring substituted etomidate analogs in rats

BackgroundCushing’s syndrome is an endocrine disorder characterized by the overproduction of adrenocortical steroids. Steroidogenesis enzyme inhibitors are the mainstays of pharmacological treatment. Unfortunately, they produce significant side effects. Among the most potent inhibitors is the general anesthetic etomidate whose GABAA receptor-mediated sedative-hypnotic actions restrict use. In this study, we defined the sedative-hypnotic and steroidogenesis inhibiting actions of etomidate and four phenyl-ring substituted etomidate analogs (dimethoxy-etomidate, isopropoxy-etomidate, naphthalene-etomidate, and naphthalene (2)-etomidate) that possess negligible GABAA receptor modulatory activities.MethodsIn the first set of experiments, male Sprague-Dawley rats were assessed for loss of righting reflexes (LoRR) after receiving intravenous boluses of either etomidate (1 mg/kg) or an etomidate analog (40 mg/kg). In the second set of experiments, rats were assessed for LoRR and their abilities to produce adrenocortical and androgenic steroids after receiving 2-h infusions (0.5 mg kg− 1 min− 1) of either etomidate or an etomidate analog.ResultsAll rats that received etomidate boluses or infusions had LoRR that persisted for minutes or hours, respectively. In contrast, no rat that received an etomidate analog had LoRR. Compared to rats in the vehicle control group, rats that received etomidate analog infusions had plasma corticosterone and aldosterone concentrations that were reduced by 80–84% and 68–94%, respectively. Rats that received etomidate infusions had plasma corticosterone and aldosterone concentrations that were also significantly reduced (by 92 and 96%, respectively). Rats that received etomidate or isopropoxy-etomidate had significant reductions (90 and 57%, respectively) in plasma testosterone concentrations whereas those that received naphthalene-etomidate had significant increases (1400%) in plasma dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations. Neither etomidate nor any etomidate analog significantly affected plasma androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone concentrations.ConclusionsOur studies demonstrate that the four phenyl-ring substituted etomidate analogs form a novel class of compounds that are devoid of sedative-hypnotic activities and suppress plasma concentrations of adrenocortical steroids but vary in their effects on plasma concentrations of androgenic steroids.

Riverine characteristics and adult demography influence female lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) spawning behavior, reproductive success, and ovarian quality

Abiotic conditions and demographic factors can influence the timing of spawning. Behavioral plasticity allows females to select spawning conditions that are conducive to offspring development; however, reproductive costs associated with delaying spawning are not well understood. In this study, factors influencing timing of female spawning, residence time (RT), and reproductive success (RS) during two seasons were determined, and plasma testosterone concentrations were used to quantify atretic rates in a wild, lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) population. For the 123 females monitored, RT ranged from 1 to 23 days and was influenced by arrival date, temperature, discharge, and male number, with the latter having the largest influence. RS varied due to arrival date, temperature, discharge, male number, male length, and operational sex ratio. Two females had testosterone levels indicative of atresia and RS estimates lower than yearly means; however, most females had normal ovaries, suggesting little reproductive costs of plasticity in spawning ground residency time. Results demonstrate the multitude of factors influencing female reproductive behavior and RS, highlighting the importance of abiotic and demographic conditions to recruitment in wild populations.

The effect of hormonal treatment with kisspeptin, GnRH and hCG on semen characteristics in buck Cyprus goats during non-breeding season as compared with breeding season

The current study aimed to determine the effect of hormonal treatment with kisspeptin, GnRH and hCG on plasma testosterone concentration and semen characteristics in buck Cyprus goats during non-breeding season as compared with breeding season. This study was executed at the Ruminant Researches Station pertaining to the Directorate of Agricultural Researches, Ministry of Agriculture, Abu-Ghraib, Baghdad (latitude 33˚20' N) for the period from November 15th, 2012 to December 〖31〗^st 2013. A total of 20 buck Cyprus goats 2 years old and averages 55 kg body weight. During non-breeding season bucks were randomly divided into five equal groups (4 bucks / group). The first group (A1) was regarded as a control group, i.m injected with normal saline, whereas, the second (A2) and third (A3) groups were i.v injected with 4 and 8 µg / kg body weight of Kisspeptin-10 respectively. The fourth (A4) and fifth (A5) groups were i.m injected with hCG (250 IU / buck) and GnRH (20 µg / buck) respectively. Plasma testosterone concentrations were significantly (P≤ 0.01 and P≤ 0.05) increased at 20, 30, 40 and 50 min post-treatment in A5, A2 and A3 groups as compared with control A1. Mass motility and individual motility were significantly (P≤ 0.01) in A5, A4, A2 and A3 as compared with control during non-breeding season. In conclusion, our results show that Kisspeptin-10, GnRH and hCG can stimulate the quiescent hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis of bucks during non-breeding season by increasing plasma testosterone concentration post treatment that leads improving some semen characteristics during non-breeding season.

Effects of 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) on the immune system of Juvenile European sea bass with a special focus on B and T cells

Synthetic progesterones and estrogens are broadly used bioactive pharmaceutical agents and have been detected in aquatic environments. In the present study, we investigated the combined reproductive effects of megestrol acetate (MTA) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) on zebrafish. Adult zebrafish were exposed to MTA (33, 100 or 333 ng/L), EE2 (10 ng/L) or a mixture of both (MTA + EE2: 33 + 10, 100 + 10 or 333 + 10 ng/L) for 21 days. Results demonstrated that egg production was significantly reduced by exposure to 10 ng/L EE2, but not MTA. However, a combined exposure to MTA and EE2 caused further reduction of fish fecundity compared to EE2 exposure alone, suggesting an additive effect on egg production when EE2 is supplemented with MTA. Plasma concentrations of 17β-estradiol and testosterone in the females and 11-ketotestosterone in the males were significantly decreased in the groups exposed to EE2 or MTA alone compared with the solvent control, and the plasma concentrations of the three hormones were further reduced in the co-exposure groups relative to the MTA exposure group, but not the EE2 exposure group. These data indicate that the inhibitory effects on plasma concentrations in the co-exposures were predominantly caused by EE2. Furthermore, exposure to MTA and EE2 (alone or in combination) led to histological alterations in the ovaries (decreased vitellogenic/mature oocytes), but not in the testes. This study has important implications for environmental risk assessment of synthetic hormones that are concurrently present in aquatic systems.

Neonatal exposure to furan alters the development of reproductive systems in adult male Sprague Dawley rats

Furan is a colorless toxic organic compound that is produced during thermal degradation of natural food constituents, and is present in various processed foods such as coffee and processed baby foods. The present study investigated the endocrine disrupting potential of furan in Sprague Dawley male pups. On postnatal day 0 (PND 0), pups were divided into five groups. The control group received subcutaneous injections of corn oil (50 μL), while the treated groups were injected with one of four concentrations of furan (1, 5, 10 and 20 mg kg−1 d−1 in 50 μL corn oil) from PND 1 to PND 10. Our results reveal significant physiological changes in groups receiving the two highest doses of furan (10 and 20 mg kg−1 d−1). Fertility was decreased in high dose groups, as evidenced by lower daily sperm production (DSP) and epididymis sperm counts, and dose-dependent histological alterations in the testes. High dose groups showed significant reductions in plasma concentrations of testosterone, LH and GH, while plasma cortisol and final body weight was increased compared to the control group. .The results suggest that neonatal exposure to high concentrations of furan cause structural and endocrine alterations in male neonatal rats, compromising fertility.

Acute decrease in plasma testosterone and appetite after either glucose or protein beverages in adolescent males.

Chronic testosterone blood concentrations associate with food intake (FI), but acute effects of testosterone on appetite and effect of protein and glucose consumption on testosterone response have had little examination. In a randomized, crossover study, twenty-three adolescent (12-18years old) males were given beverages containing either: (a) whey protein (1g/kg body weight), (b) glucose (1g/kg body weight) or (c) a calorie-free control (C). Plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), GLP-1 (active), ghrelin (acylated), glucose, insulin and subjective appetite were measured prior (0) and at 20, 35 and 65minutes after the consumption of the beverage. FI at an ad libitum pizza meal was assessed at 85minutes. Testosterone decreased acutely to 20minutes after both protein and glucose with the decrease continuing after protein but not glucose to 65minutes (P=0.0382). LH was also decreased by both protein and glucose, but glucose had no effect at 20minutes in contrast to protein (P<0.001). Plasma testosterone concentration correlated positively with LH (r=0.58762, P<0.0001) and negatively with GLP-1 (r=-0.50656, P=0.0003). No associations with appetite, ghrelin or glycaemic markers were found. Food intake was not affected by treatments. Protein or glucose ingestion results in acute decreases in both plasma testosterone and LH in adolescent males. The physiological significance of this response remains to be determined as no support for testosterone's role in acute regulation of food intake was found.

Effect of Humic and Fulvic Acids Mixture Treatment on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Damascus Goat Bucks: 1. Thermoregulation, Body Weight, Sexual Desire and Semen Quality under Heat Stress Condition

The objective of this study was to determine effect of humates, HTs (humic and fulvic acid mixture) on thermoregulation, body weight, sexual desire and semen quality of Damascus goat bucks under summer hot condition. The experimental work of this study was carried out at Sheep and Goats Breeding Research Department, Animal Production Research Institute. The experimental period lasted for 5 months, two months as primary period (April-May) and three months (Jun-August, 2017) as a semen collection period. During an experimental period of 5 mo, fifteen Damascus goat bucks weighing 31-33 kg and with 14-15 mo old were divided to three groups (n=5). Bucks of the 1st group (G1) had no treatment (control), but bucks in the second and third groups were daily administrated orally with 50 mg HTs (G2) and 100 mg HTs (G3) per kg live body weight of buck, respectively. The determined amount of humic and fulvic acids mixture in powder form was mixed with distilled water in an emulsion dose of 5 ml/buck during treatment period. Throughout the experimental period, ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH %) were recorded weekly and the physiological measurements were determined (13:00-14:00 h) and temperature-humidity index (THI) was estimated. All bucks were fed the same ration (concentrate feed mixture, berseem hay and rice straw and kept under the same housing and managerial conditions. Hair (HT), skin (ST), rectal (RT), scrotal (SCT) and ear (ET) temperature degrees, respiration (RR) and pulse (PR) rates were determined. Live body weight of bucks (LBW) was determined during the experimental period. Body measurements (length, depth and chest circumference), and ear length were determined pre-treatment (initial) and at the end of experiment (final). Scrotal circumference (SC) and testicular length (TL) and volume (TV) were measured. Reaction time was determined and semen was collected by artificial vagina. Results indicated that bucks in all groups exposed to very severe heat stress during the experimental months from Jun to August. Both RT and SCT reduced (P<0.05) in G2 and G3, while RR and PR decreased (P<0.05) in G3 only. However, the effect of HTs on HT, ST, ET, internal gradients between RT-ST, ST-HT, RT-SCT and ST-SCT was not significant. External gradient between each of HT, ET and RT, and AT was lower (P<0.05) in G2 and G3 than in G1, but gradient between ST-AT was not affected by HTs treatment. Slight differences between groups in buck weights from April up to 1st Jun, then bucks in G2 were heavier (P<0.05) than in G1 and G2 during July and August. The effect of HTs treatment on body measurements, TV and SC was not significant. Allici treatment increased (P<0.05) testicular length and plasma testosterone concentration, while decreased (P<0.05) reaction time as compared to control. Treatment with HTs improved (P<0.05) all physical semen characteristic and sperm outputs in G2 and G3 compared with G1. In conclusion, bucks in G3 receiving orally dose of 100 mg humic and fulvic acids mixture/kg LBW in hot months of summer season showed highest thermal regulation, which maintain live body weight, improve sexual desire and semen quality under heat stress condition.

An investigation into the relationship between plasma concentrations of cortisol, testosterone, blood pressure and blood glucose levels in diabetic hypersensitive cardiovascular patients

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Age related and seasonal changes of plasma concentrations of insulin-like peptide 3 and testosterone from birth to early-puberty in Thoroughbred male horses

The peripheral blood concentrations of insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) have been detected in many mammalian species, but the level of INSL3 in horse remains unknown. The objectives were to develop a time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA) to detect INSL3 concentrations from horse blood as well as to determine the age-related and seasonal changes of plasma concentrations of INSL3 and testosterone from birth to early-puberty in Thoroughbred male horse (n = 11). Monthly blood sample and measurement of body weight, height, chest and cannon bone size were done from birth until 16 mo. The TRFIA and EIA were used to measure plasma concentrations of INSL3 and testosterone, respectively. An increase in mean body weight, height, chest and cannon bone size was observed throughout the study. The monthly blood sampling revealed an increase in mean plasma INSL3 concentrations up to 2 mo, followed by a decreasing and increasing pattern until the end of experiment at 16 mo. A high testosterone level was detected at birth followed by a sharp decrease to basal level within 1 mo, maintained low level up to10 mo before a gradual rise until 16 mo. In case of seasonality, there was no difference in mean plasma INSL3 concentrations between breeding (March to September) and non-breeding (October to February) seasons, whereas a higher (P < 0.001) mean plasma testosterone concentrations in the second breeding season compared to non-breeding season was observed. In age categorized group, an increase (P < 0.01) in mean plasma INSL3 concentrations was noticed at pre-puberty (1–12 mo) and early-puberty (13–16 mo) compared to birth, but a lower (P < 0.001) mean plasma testosterone concentrations was observed at pre-puberty compared to birth and early-puberty. In conclusion, a TRFIA was developed to measure INSL3 levels in horse. An increase in plasma concentrations of INSL3 and testosterone were observed with the advancement of age, whereas for testosterone a very lower level was detected at the non-breeding season than in the second breeding season after birth in Thoroughbred male horse. The INSL3 secretions seemed independent of seasonal influence, at least before puberty.

Analysis of Male Urine as Pheromone to Increase Reproduction in Female Tiger Grouper (Epinephelus Fuscoquttatus)

The aim of this study was to identify the steroid hormone compound in the urine of male tiger grouper, and the role of steroid hormone suspected as pheromone of the male fish to induce gonad maturity of female tiger grouper. The methods employed in this study included broodstock maintenance, the collection of male urine samples, pheromone analysis of male urine, and application test of urine for gonad maturity of female tiger grouper. The analysis of pheromone content in urine was performed by using LC-MS / MS and FTIR methods. Urine was applied for several females placed in concrete tanks with a volume of 12 tons, 4 females for each tank. The parameters tested were male urine dose: 1 ml, 2 ml, and 3 ml. The results of pheromone analysis using LC-MS / MS method in urine and sperm of male tiger grouper indicated a peak of ion percussion of 255 ms and 273 ms, while the ion products showed 159 F and 255F. Based on the result of FTIR test, it could be seen that the resulted bands were infrared absorption which had certain character patterns, in which urine had six infrared spectrums; this steroid was classified in alcohol group β-sitosterol. The role of urine as a pheromone carrier administered to female was observed through the concentrations of estradiol-17β hormone and testosterone in blood plasma. The results showed that the concentration of estradiol-17β was much higher when compared with testosterone, either before or after treatment. The high concentration of estradiol was related to the stages of egg development in the female before the spawning season. From the results of this study, it could be concluded that male urine of tiger grouper was a pheromone that could increase the stimulation and gonad maturity of female broodstock.

A biochemical and histological approach to study antifertility effects of methanol leaf extract of Asplenium dalhousiae Hook. in adult male rats.

The study was designed to investigate the antifertility properties of methanol leaf extract of Asplenium dalhousiae in adult male rats. Forty adult male Sprague Dawley rats (150±10g) divided into four groups (n=10 animals/group) were administered with different doses (0, 50, 100, 150mg/kg) of plant extract for 28days. On day 29th, rats were decapitated, trunk blood and reproductive tissues were collected, and blood plasma was separated and stored until use for measuring reproductive hormones, while epididymis and testis were used for assessment of sperm parameters, oxidative stress status and morphometric analysis. Sperm motility, viability and sperm production rates were lowered in high dose treatment groups. Levels of catalase (CAT), sodium dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) decreased while stress biomarkers including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were increased among all treatment groups. Concentrations of plasma testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were decreased while levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) increased in high extract treated groups. Histological examination of testis showed disorganisation of seminiferous tubule and reduced spermatocytes number. The findings of current study revealed that methanol leaf extract of A.dalhousiae might induce antifertility effects via oxidative stress and interfering with testicular architecture leading to spermatogenic arrest.

Effects of time-of-day strength training on plasma testosterone and cortisol concentrations in male amateur athletes

Effects of time-of-day strength training on plasma testosterone and cortisol concentrations in male amateur athletes

Soybean isoflavone affects in rabbits: Effects on metabolism, antioxidant capacity, hormonal balance and reproductive performance

Though soybean isoflavones (SBI) have pharmaceutical properties, the compounds also have endocrine disrupting activities that may adversely affect fertility of mammals. The effects of SBI on metabolism, antioxidant capacity, hormonal balance and reproductive performance of male rabbits were investigated. Adult male rabbits (n = 21) fed an isoflavone-free diet were orally treated with 0 (control; CON), 5 (small; LSBI) or 20 (large; HSBI) mg of SBI/kg body weight/day for 12 weeks. Both SBI doses resulted in lesser blood plasma total protein concentrations, while there were no effects on glucose and cholesterol concentrations compared to CON. The HSBI-treated males had the greatest (P < 0.05) blood plasma total antioxidant capacity and least malondialdehyde. Treatment with both SBI doses induced a 43% increase in triiodothyronine concentrations (P < 0.05) and 82% in reaction times (P < 0.001), while decreased sperm concentrations (P = 0.01) and blood plasma testosterone concentrations (P = 0.017) 26% and 19%, respectively. The total functional sperm fraction was less (P < 0.05) in the HSBI group; however, there was no effect of the LSBI treatment as compared to values for the CON group. The kindling rates of females mated to HSBI-treated males tended to be less (P = 0.081) than those of does mated with LSBI or CON males. In conclusion, only the HSBI treatment improved antioxidant status; whereas, treatment with both LSBI and HSBI doses induced a hormonal imbalance which led to an impaired testis function indicating the sensitivity of the adult male reproductive system to SBI actions.

A New Sustained-release, 3-Month Leuprolide Acetate Formulation Achieves and Maintains Castrate Concentrations of Testosterone in Patients With Prostate Cancer

PurposeThis clinical trial investigated the effectiveness, pharmacokinetic properties, and safety profile of leuprolide acetate 22.5-mg depot, a new 3-month leuprolide depot formulation, as androgen deprivation therapy for patients with prostate cancer. MethodsA Phase III, open-label, multicenter study design for patients with prostate cancer, with patient inclusion assessed by the investigative site as patient's appropriate for androgen deprivation therapy. Patients received 2 separate intramuscular injections of leuprolide acetate 22.5-mg depot for a 3-month depot interval of therapeutic effect. Plasma testosterone concentrations were determined throughout the study. The primary efficacy analysis was the percentage of patients who achieve and maintain castrate testosterone levels (≤50 ng/mL) from days 28–168. Secondary end points included luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prostate-specific antigen, and safety assessments. A pharmacokinetic study was also conducted in a subset of 30 patients. FindingsAll 163 patients enrolled in the study received at least 1 dose of study drug; 162 of them were fully evaluable and 151 completed the study. Castrate levels of testosterone were achieved and maintained from days 28–168 in 96.8% (95% CI, 92.5%–98.7%) of patients. Five patients presented with sporadic testosterone levels >50 ng/dL. By day 28, of the 161 patients, 150 (99.4%) had achieved castrate levels, and 127 (78.9%) had achieved testosterone concentrations ≤20 ng/dL. At study end, 149 of 151 patients (98.7%) patients achieved castrate testosterone levels, with 142 of 151 (94.0%) having testosterone levels ≤20 ng/dL. At study end, mean luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations had decreased from baseline to below the lower limit of quantitation and below baseline levels, respectively, whereas mean serum prostate-specific antigen was reduced by 94.7% from baseline. Most patients (>96%) had no change in their World Health Organization/Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, whereby 84.0% of patients had a baseline score of 0. Bone pain, urinary pain, and urinary symptoms were infrequent and remained so throughout the study. After administration, leuprolide concentrations increased rapidly. The peak was followed by a decline up to day 28, maintaining sustained drug levels until the following dose on day 84. The most common related treatment-emergent adverse events, detected in >5% of patients, were hot flushes, fatigue, and injection site pain reported by 77.3%, 9.8%, and 9.2% of patients, respectively. ImplicationsLeuprolide acetate 22.5-mg depot was effective in achieving and maintaining testosterone suppression. Safety and tolerability profiles were consistent with established profiles of androgen deprivation therapy. Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT01415960.

Effect of γ-oryzanol on testicular degeneration induced by scrotal insulation in rams

The present study assessed the effects of daily supplementation with 33 mg/metabolic weight (MW) of γ-oryzanol on testicular degeneration induced by scrotal insulation in rams. Eight animals were divided into two groups: Control (subjected to scrotal insulation without treatment) and Gamma (subjected to scrotal insulation and γ-oryzanol treatment). The rams were subjected to scrotal insulation by covering the scrotum with a thermal bag for 72 h. Animals in the Gamma group received 33 mg/MW oral γ-oryzanol once-daily, beginning 7 days before insulation and continuing during insulation and for 20 days afterward, for a total treatment period of 30 days. Samples of semen and blood were collected during the experiment to perform biochemical evaluations of oxidative stress, seminal kinetics and morphology, and plasma testosterone concentrations. Ultrasound examinations of the testicular parenchyma and clinical evaluations of its consistency and the scrotal perimeter were also performed at weekly intervals. Testicular tissue was collected for biochemical analyses of oxidative stress parameters at the end of the experiment by orchiectomy. The results showed that testicular degeneration was induced by scrotal insulation, as was demonstrated by the reduced scrotal perimeter and increased in testicular flaccidity immediately after insulation. Moreover, a delayed increase in the number of hyperechoic points in the parenchyma and a delayed reduction in sperm motility were observed at 10 weeks after insulation by ultrasonography. Treatment with γ-oryzanol reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the testes, and increased the total antioxidant potential (assessed based on the ferric reducing ability (FRAP)) in week 10 and levels of lipid peroxidation (TBARS). It also increased the number of intact spermatozoa in week 3, but increased the total number of sperm defects from week 5 onwards. Although γ-oryzanol protected the semen and testes by reducing the levels of the parameters of oxidative stress evaluated herein, the other parameters studied were not improved by the treatment. In addition, supplementation with γ-oryzanol led to more morphological abnormalities in the sperm. This study presented new information on the oral administration of γ-oryzanol to rams with testicular degeneration, and described potential therapies for this pathology, which currently has no established treatment and has important impacts on reproductive health.

The role of active immunization against inhibin α-subunit on testicular development, testosterone concentration and relevant genes expressions in testis, hypothalamus and pituitary glands in Yangzhou goose ganders

The present study was designed to investigate the potential role of immunization against inhibin on testicular development, plasma testosterone concentration and expression of relevant genes in hypothalamus, pituitary, Leydig and Sertoli cells in Yangzhou ganders. For this purpose, Yangzhou ganders, n = 30 were divided into groups A and B. Group B ganders were actively immunized against inhibin α-subunit, while group A ganders were immunized with bovine serum albumin (BSA), which served as control. Immunization against inhibin elevated testes weights. In addition, immunization against inhibin elevated GnRH, StAR, CYP11A1 and AMH mRNA transcription expressions as depicted by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, hypothalamic GnRH-I mRNA expressions were up regulated, while GnIH mRNA transcription expression showed reciprocal expression on day 227. LH-β mRNA transcription expression remained unaffected. In conclusion, our findings suggest that active immunization against inhibin affect spermatogenesis and testicular development through regulations of hypothalamic, pituitary and testicular genes expressions.

The effect of l-arginine and flaxseed on plasma testosterone concentration, semen quality and some testicular histology parameters in old broiler breeder roosters

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of l-arginine and flaxseed on testosterone and lipid parameters of serum and semen quality, as well as histological and morphometric parameters of testes in old broiler breeder rooster. Thirty six 52-week-old Ross 308 broiler breeder roosters with similar weights (4900 g ± 210) were used for a 8-weeks trial period in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments that three levels of l-arginine (0.52, 0.68 and 0.83%) and flaxseed (0, 2 and 4%) with four replications in each. The ratio of left testicle weight/total testicular weight was significantly higher in A68F0 group. The maximum and minimum seminiferous tubule diameters were recorded for roosters fed no flaxseed and F2 flaxseed, respectively. The roosters fed A68 showed the highest serum testosterone. Seminal volume and sperm concentration, were not significantly affected by l-arginine × flaxseed interaction; however, sperm forward motility were significantly affected by arginine × flaxseed interaction (P < 0.05). A68F0 had significantly greatest tubular differentiation indices (TDI) in all of the treatments. Also, repopulation indices (RI) and spermiogenesis indices (SI) in A68F0 were significantly higher than other groups, but A52F0 and A52F4. However, testis index, testis density, serum lipids (cholesterol, LDL, HDL and HDL: LDL ratio), epithelium height of seminiferous tubules and number of Sertoli cells were not affected by the treatments. It is concluded that dietary supplementation of arginine (0.68%) has positive effects on blood testosterone, semen quality and spermatogenesis index of aged roosters.

Relationship between surrogate estimates and direct measurement of insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

To evaluate the relationship between surrogate estimates of insulin resistance and a direct measurement of insulin-mediated glucose uptake women with and without PCOS. Retrospective cohort study of 75 PCOS and 118 controls. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, insulin resistance as determined by the insulin suppression test, calculation of multiple surrogate estimates of insulin resistance, total and free testosterone concentrations, and correlations between the direct measure and surrogate estimates of insulin resistance were evaluated. Surrogate markers of insulin resistance were correlated to a variable, but statistically significant degree with the direct measure of insulin resistance in control population and the women with PCOS. There was no correlation between the surrogate estimates of insulin resistance and total or free plasma testosterone concentrations. The surrogate estimates of insulin resistance evaluated were significantly related to a direct measure of insulin resistance, and this was true of both the control population and women with PCOS. The magnitude of the relationship between the surrogate estimates and the direct measurement was comparable and not significantly altered by androgen levels. Fasting plasma insulin concentration seems to be at least as accurate as any other surrogate estimate, and is by far the simplest.

Maternal exposure to fluoxetine during gestation and lactation does not alter plasma concentrations of testosterone, oestrogen or corticosterone in peripubertal offspring.

Antidepressants are widely used around the world, primarily for the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety and pain syndromes. Women who use antidepressants often continue to use them during pregnancy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, including fluoxetine, are the main class of antidepressants prescribed to pregnant women. It is known that fluoxetine crosses the placental-blood barrier and is excreted in breast milk. Consequently, indirect exposure of the infant occurs. Knowing that fluoxetine alters the balance of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, several studies have shown that maternal exposure to this drug leads to various adverse effects on the nervous, reproductive and cardiovascular systems of the offspring. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to fluoxetine during gestation and lactation on parameters related to steroid hormones in prepubertal and pubertal male and female rats. The endpoints evaluated were date of puberty onset, plasma testosterone and oestrogen concentrations before and after puberty onset and corticosterone concentration before and after adrenocorticotrophin stimulus. None of the parameters was affected by fluoxetine exposure.

Effects of clozapine and haloperidol treatment on plasma concentrations of androgen hormones and androgendependent organ changes in rats.

OBJECTIVES:Metabolic and endocrine adverse effects are among the most concerning unfavorable consequences of commonly used psychotropic drugs. The present research was planned to assess and determine the effects of haloperidol and clozapine on testosterone, cortisol, and corticosterone levels and also their influence on androgen-dependent organs in adult male Wistar rats.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Animals were casually distributed into three groups (n = 10 in each group). Drugs were administered intraperitoneally for 28 days. The control group received 2 mL of physiological saline, the second group received haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg), and the third group received clozapine (0.5 mg/kg). The subsequent testosterone, cortisol, and corticosterone plasma concentration levels were analyzed with chemiluminescent immunoassay.RESULTS:Clozapine and haloperidol treatments altered testosterone hormone levels. Testosterone mean values in both the clozapine (1.00–0.58) and haloperidol (0.65–0.62) groups were found to be lower than compared to controls (P = 0.003, P < 0.001). Histomorphometric analysis results also showed reduced testes size and reduced weight of androgen-dependent organs in drug-treated rats.CONCLUSION:It can be suggested that clozapine and haloperidol are effective in reducing the testosterone plasma concentration level and androgen-dependent organ sizes; therefore, clinicians should be aware of these effects when considering the use of antipsychotic drugs.