Plasma Testosterone Levels Research Articles

Testosterone replacement has a beneficial effect on the hemostatic system by altered gene expression of coagulation factors

This study aimed to investigate the effects of testosterone replacement therapy on hemostasis and some procoagulant gene expression in mice. 42 mice were randomly divided into two groups of non-orchiectomized (non-ORX) and orchiectomized (ORX) with three subgroups (n = 7) each, were subcutaneously administered with sesame oil (control), 2 and 20 mg/kg/week testosterone enanthate. Orchiectomized mice were allowed to recover for one week before treatment. On the 7th week of treatment, blood samples were collected for coagulation parameters analysis and measurement of plasma testosterone levels. Moreover, quantitative real-time PCR analysis was performed on liver samples to assess the expression of factor IX, factor X, and prothrombin genes. The results showed that supraphysiological doses (20 mg/kg) of testosterone significantly increased plasma testosterone levels in all groups, while physiological doses (2 mg/kg) only increased testosterone levels in non-ORX animals. Although testosterone administration had no effect on prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), supraphysiological doses reduced bleeding time and clotting time. Furthermore, platelet count increased in a dose-dependent manner with testosterone enanthate treatment. The expression of coagulation factors was also decreased with supraphysiological doses of testosterone. In conclusion, testosterone had significant effects on primary hemostasis and common coagulation pathway, including increased platelet number and aggregation, decreased clotting time, and altered gene expression of coagulation factors.

Oxytocin alleviates high-fat diet-induced anxiety by decreasing glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the ventral dentate gyrus in adolescent mice

A high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity is associated with mental disorders in adolescence. However, the mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that synaptic remodeling occurs in the ventral hippocampus (vHP) of obese mice. To investigate this, we established a postnatal model of HFD-induced obesity in mice and observed increased body weight, elevated plasma luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels, premature puberty, and enhanced anxiety-like behavior in male subjects. We also examined the effect of HFD on the c-Fos protein expression in the ventral dentate gyrus (vDG) and explored the influence of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) oxytocin injections on HFD-induced anxiety. Our results indicated an increase in c-Fos-positive cells in the vDG following HFD consumption. Additionally, we recorded the spontaneous synaptic activity of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in the vDG. Notably, HFD resulted in an elevated mEPSC frequency without affecting mEPSC amplitude. Subsequently, investigations demonstrated that i.c.v oxytocin injections reversed anxiety-like behavior induced by HFD. Moreover, the application of oxytocin in a bath solution reduced the mEPSC frequency in the vDG. These findings suggest that postnatal HFD intake induces synaptic dysfunction in the vDG, associated with the hyperactivity of vDG neurons, potentially contributing to the anxiety-like behavior in juvenile obesity.

PFAS Exposure is Associated with a Lower Spermatic Quality in an Arctic Seabird.

Several studies have reported an increasing occurrence of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) in Arctic wildlife tissues, raising concerns due to their resistance to degradation. While some research has explored PFAS's physiological effects on birds, their impact on reproductive functions, particularly sperm quality, remains underexplored. This study aims to assess (1) potential association between PFAS concentrations in blood and sperm quality in black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), focusing on the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa, sperm velocity, percentage of sperm motility, and morphology; and (2) examine the association of plasma levels of testosterone, corticosterone, and luteinizing hormone with both PFAS concentrations and sperm quality parameters to assess possible endocrine disrupting pathways. Our findings reveal a positive correlation between the concentration of longer-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCA; C11-C14) in blood and the percentage of abnormal sperm in kittiwakes. Additionally, we observed that two other PFAS (i.e., PFOSlin and PFNA), distinct from those associated with sperm abnormalities, were positively correlated with the stress hormone corticosterone. These findings emphasize the potentially harmful substance-specific effects of long-chain PFCAs on seabirds and the need for further research into the impact of pollutants on sperm quality as a potential additional detrimental effect on birds.

Reproductive performance of lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus, L. 1758) females: Effects of integrated photoperiod and temperature manipulations on sexual maturation and spawning.

A successful control of sexual maturation is crucial for year-round production of lumpfish juveniles destined as cleaner fish in Atlantic salmon aquaculture. This study investigated the combined effects of photoperiod and temperature manipulations on sexual maturation and spawning in lumpfish females. Lumpfish juveniles were exposed to simulated natural and nine-month compressed annual photoperiods, with subsequent temperature elevation. Body weight (BW), condition factor (K), gonadosomatic index (GSI), ovarian development, plasma levels of 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), and spawning were assessed. Compressing the natural photoperiod caused a clear increase and decrease in GSI, T, 11-KT and E2 towards and during the spawning period. Before the temperature elevation, GSI, T, 11-KT, E2 and ovarian development were advanced in the compressed photoperiod. After the temperature elevation, GSI, T, 11-KT and E2 fluctuated more in the compressed photoperiod, while in the natural photoperiod, E2 declined, and GSI, T and 11-KT increased. Spawning was advanced by 1 month in the compressed photoperiod compared to the natural photoperiod. Temperature elevation led to higher levels, earlier peaks and declines of T, 11-KT or E2 in both photoperiods, and advanced spawning by 1.5 months in the compressed photoperiod compared to the natural photoperiod. Temperature elevation also led to increased ovulation recruitment and increased cumulative weight of spawned eggs in the natural photoperiod. Compressing the natural photoperiod and elevating temperature can thus advance sexual maturation and spawning in lumpfish females. Due to the lower amounts of spawned egg weights in the high temperature compressed photoperiod, further studies on effects of photoperiod and timing of temperature manipulations on spawning, fecundity and egg quality could optimize the photothermal manipulations on lumpfish broodstock.

Lecithin’s antioxidant properties protect against cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive toxicity and infertility in male rats

Background: Infertility is a prevalent problem that affects 15% of couples globally. Male infertility, which accounts for half of all cases, can be caused by several factors, including aging, drug use, genetic problems, and exposure to environmental toxins. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a commonly utilized immunosuppressant and anticancer medication that can induce oxidative stress and harm the reproductive system of men. The beneficial effects of antioxidants in mitigating the CP-induced reproductive toxicities are well-documented. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of lecithin (as an antioxidant) against the CP-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Methodology: Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into three groups: (i) the negative control group (that received sterile water via the intragastric route for 13 consecutive days), (ii) the positive control group (that received sterile water via the intragastric route for 5 days and, subsequently, a single, intraperitoneal dose of CP on day 6, followed by sterile water via the intragastric route for the next 7 consecutive days), and (iii) the lecithin-treated group (that received lecithin via the intragastric route for 5 days and, subsequently, a single, intraperitoneal dose of CP on day 6, followed by lecithin via the intragastric route for the next 7 consecutive days). Results: Lecithin treatment improved sperm parameters, plasmatic testosterone levels, and glutathione peroxidase, thereby preventing histopathological alterations in the rat testes. Conclusion: Lecithin demonstrated its potential protective effects against reproductive impairments and oxidative stress in the CP-treated rat group, and might prove promising for use in clinical practice as a protective agent against chemotherapy-induced male reproductive toxicity and infertility.

Current summer heat waves impair rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) spermatogenesis: Implications for future fish farming management practices in South Europe

Freshwater environments provide different ecosystem services for human well-being, and are one of the most important natural sources of healthy animal protein. Climate change and extreme temperature events, among other factors, represent a growing concern for their sustainable use. In contrast to the research effort to elucidate how global warming affects these aquatic environments, few studies pay attention to the potential effects of heat waves, a current phenomenon with direct effects on contemporaneous organisms. Here, the potential effects of a single heat wave event on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) males, mimicking a recorded environmental event, have been evaluated by means of biometric, redox and stress response, plasma testosterone, histopathology and transcriptomic analyses. Environmental monitoring showed how, during the last 4 years, mean water temperature increased (2–4 °C; from April to October), heat wave duration progressively increased (from 15 to 100 days), and mean intensities ranged 1.7–3.8 °C with a maximum of 8.0 °C. An experimentally recreated heat wave lasting only 16 days, with mean and maximum intensities of 2.7 and 6.7 °C, induced a decrease in body weight and total antioxidant status, but increased blood plasma cortisol levels and redox enzyme activity. The induced heat wave decreased testosterone plasma levels and sperm quality, arrested spermatocyte type I and II differentiation and increased spermatozoa apoptosis. These effects were correlated with a differential expression of 1156 genes (116 up- and 1040 down-regulated genes) in exposed fish when compared to Control fish, reflecting an alteration in cell apoptosis and spermatozoa maturation processes. These results not only increase concern about current heat wave events, recreating a real scenario, but also unveil for the first time the particular molecular mechanisms of subsequent spermatogenesis disruption, opening new avenues for designing urgent and necessary strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme climate change conditions on freshwater aquaculture.

The differences in testosterone and stress hormones between unipolar and bipolar depression in adolescents and adults

BackgroundWhile patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) often exhibit aberrant hormones, it is still unknown whether the hormones differ between MDD and BD across the age spectrum. We aimed to investigate the differences in testosterone and stress hormones between depressed patients with MDD and BD in adolescents and adults, and the impact of suicidal ideation on these. MethodsA total of 432 depressed patients (270 MDD and 162 BD) were recruited, including 177 adolescents and 255 adults. Plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol (CORT), testosterone (T), and prolactin (PRL) were measured in all patients. Suicidal ideation was assessed by item 3 of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. ResultsIn adolescents, plasma T levels were higher in MDD than in BD (p=0.018), MDD patients with suicidal ideation exhibited higher T levels than BD patients with suicidal ideation (p=0.036), and plasma T levels were associated with diagnosis (ORadjus=0.777, p=0.023). In adults, plasma ACTH levels were elevated in MDD versus BD (p=0.012) and were also diagnosis-related (ORadjus=0.972, p=0.019). Plasma levels of other hormones were not significantly different between MDD and BD in adolescents or adults (all p>0.05). ConclusionsThere was an age-specific difference in the T and ACTH between depressed patients with MDD and BD. Suicidal ideation was linked to T in adolescents.

Possible mechanisms for adverse effects on zebrafish sperm and testes associated with low-level chronic PFOA exposure

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is widely used during the manufacturing of fluoropolymer coatings and polytetrafluoroethylene, is now a widespread pollutant in the environment and within the human body. This study used zebrafish, an aquatic model species, to investigate how low levels of chronic PFOA exposure affect the reproductive system. The results of the experiments in which zebrafish were exposed to 414 ng/L or 4140 ng/L for 60 days showed a variety of adverse effects on testicular tissue and sperm, including dose-dependent changes in plasma estradiol and testosterone levels, various sperm malformations, decreased sperm motility and concentration, and PFOA-induced oxidative stress and testicular damage with increased rates of apoptosis. In addition, offspring of the zebrafish that had been exposed to PFOA were characterized by increased malformation and mortality. Subsequent transcriptional analyses of the male gonads revealed the significant activation of oxidative stress bioprocesses and immuno-inflammatory signaling pathways, along with the dysregulation of reproductive bioprocesses. In conclusion, low-level chronic exposure to PFOA affects both the reproductive performance of adults and the development of offspring; the mechanisms for these adverse effects involve alterations in several molecular pathways that may be involved in PFOA-induced oxidative stress and reproductive abnormalities. The presented data can be used to assess the ecotoxicity of PFOA to the male reproductive system at environmentally-relevant concentrations.

Effects of short-term oral letrozole on fresh semen parameters, endocrine balance, and prostate gland dimensions in domestic dogs

BackgroundAromatase inhibitors improve male fertility by modifying the hormonal control of spermatogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of letrozole on testosterone and estradiol concentrations and their ratios in blood serum, seminal plasma, prostatic fluid, sperm quality in fresh semen, and prostate gland dimensions. Seven adult male intact mixed-breed dogs were selected. The animals received letrozole (72 µg/kg, PO) daily for four weeks. Blood samplings and semen collections were carried out on days 0 (control), 14 (treatment), 28 (treatment), and 42 (post-treatment).ResultsOur results showed that letrozole administration resulted in a 4.3 fold significant increase in serum, seminal plasma, and prostatic fluid testosterone levels after 14 days. This remained high until the end of the study. Serum and prostatic fluid estradiol levels did not change significantly over the study period. However, the seminal plasma estradiol level showed a significant increase on day 14. The estradiol: testosterone ratio was significantly reduced on day 14 in serum, seminal plasma, and prostatic fluid samples. Letrozole significantly improved the ejaculated spermatozoa viability and concentration after 28 days of oral administration. However, the sperm plasma membrane functional integrity and kinematic parameters were not significantly affected by the treatment. Transabdominal ultrasound examination revealed a significant increase in the height, width, and volume of the prostate gland after 28 days of treatment.ConclusionsAccording to the present research, oral administration of letrozole for 28 days affects local and systemic sex hormone balance leading to an improvement of the ejaculated canine spermatozoa viability and concentration concurrent with an increase in the prostate gland dimensions.

Tangeretin alleviates malathion-instigated testicular toxicity via ameliorating biochemical, apoptotic, hormonal & steroidogenic markers

Malathion (MLT) is an organophosphate pesticide that instigates severe injuries in the testicular tissues. Tangeretin (TGN) is an important naturally present flavone that shows potential antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities. This research was planned to ascertain the palliative role of TGN against MLT-instigated testicular toxicity in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. 48 rats were distributed into 4 groups: control, MLT (100 mgkg−1), MLT+TGN (100 + 50 mgkg−1 respectively), and TGN (50 mgkg−1). The results showed that MLT exposure reduced the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH), whereas escalated the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, it decreased the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), plasma testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). MLT also reduced the expressions of steroidogenic enzymes, including StAR, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD. Additionally, MLT exposure increased the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3, while reducing the Bcl-2 expressions. MLT administration also increased the levels of inflammatory markers such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (1L-1β) as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity in testes. Nonetheless, TGN recovered all the MLT induced damages in testes. In conclusion, TGN could ameliorate MLT instigated testicular impairment because of its anti-apoptotic, androgenic and anti-oxidant properties.

Sudachitin Alleviates Paraquat Instigated Testicular Toxicity in Albino Rats via Regulating Nrf-2/Keap-1, Inflammatory, Steroidogenic, and Histological Profile.

Paraquat (PQ) is a noxious herbicide which adversely affects the vital organs including male reproductive system. Sudachitin (SCN) is a naturally occurring flavonoid that demonstrates a wide range of biological potentials. The current study was designed to investigate the alleviative potential of SCN to avert PQ-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Forty-eight male rats (Rattus norvegicus) were apportioned into four groups including control, PQ (5 mg/kg), PQ + SCN (5 mg/kg + 30 mg/kg), and SCN (30 mg/kg) only treated group. Our findings elucidated that PQ treatment reduced the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and its antioxidant genes as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), while elevating the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, PQ intoxication upregulated the expressions of Keap-1 while downregulating the expression of 3-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). Moreover, sperm anomalies were increased following the exposure to PQ. Besides, PQ exposure decreased the levels of plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) while increasing the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Additionally, PQ treatment escalated the expressions of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteases-3 (Caspase-3) and Bcl-2-associated X-protein (Bax) while downregulating the expressions of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). Furthermore, PQ exposure disrupted the normal architecture of testicular tissues. However, SCN treatment remarkably protected the testicular tissues via regulating the aforementioned disruptions owing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and androgenic potential.

Growth performance, biochemical outcomes, and testicular histological features in male Japanese quails supplemented with milk thistle seeds

BackgroundDue to its rich content of active phytochemicals, milk thistle is regarded as a promising nutritional supplement for quails, particularly in regions with limited financial resources. Thus, our study aimed to evaluate the possible beneficial impact of aqueous extract of milk thistle seeds (MTS) at two graded concentrations (10 and 20 ml/L of drinking water) on male Japanese quails during their reproductive period.ResultsThe phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of 29 active compounds, including nine flavonoids and ten phenolic compounds. The supplemented groups showed significant improvements in body weight gain. MTS1 group exhibited a notable decrease in daily feed consumption, while MTS2 group showed a significant increase in daily water consumption. There was a dose-dependent increase in cecum length. The total count of intestinal bacteria decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Incorporating aqueous extract of MTS at concentration of 10 ml /L resulted in a significant increase in total protein and packed cell volume. Similar increases in globulin and decreases in the albumin/globulin ratio and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were observed with both doses of supplementation. A significant decrease in total cholesterol and AST was observed in the high-dose group. Significantly higher plasma testosterone and triiodothyronine levels were observed only in the high-dose group, while plasma thyroxine levels were similarly increased in both supplemented groups. Intervention with MTS resulted in dose-dependent increases in cloacal gland index and cloacal foam production. Both supplemented groups showed significant increases in the diameter of seminiferous tubules and the number of Sertoli cells.ConclusionMarked growth-promoting, antibacterial, and reproductive-enhancing effects were observed when incorporating aqueous extract of MTS into the quails’ drinking water, particularly at a dosage of 20 ml/L.

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.

Azilsartan as a preventive agent against cyclophosphamide-induced testicular injury in male rats.

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a popular cancer treatment; however, despite its efficacy, it is known to cause harm to the testicles. To mitigate the reproductive damage caused by CP in male rats, we examined the protective effect of azilsartan (AZ) on CP-induced testicular damage. Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were equally divided into three groups: normal control group: received 0.5% CMC suspension for 13 days; induction group: received a single dose of 200 mg/kg of CP on day 6 by intraperitoneal (IP) injection, azilsartan group: received azilsartan (4 mg/kg) orally for 5 days followed by a single dose of 200 mg/kg of (CP) on day 6 by IP injection, then azilsartan administered again for 7 days. Animals were sacrificed on day 14, and sperm characteristics, testosterone levels, and testicular histopathology were evaluated. Induction with CP caused a significant reduction in median value compared to normal control in sperm count (12.0 vs. 22.0 × 106/mm3), sperm motility (30 vs. 90%), abnormal sperm (30.32 vs. 14.43%), dead sperm count (32.43 vs. 10.49 × 106/mm3), DNA fragmentation (21.57 vs. 5.49%); meanwhile, azilsartan prevent these effects on median sperm count (17.0 × 106/mm3), sperm motility (70.0%), abnormal sperm (23.19%), dead sperm count (26.17 × 106/mm3), DNA fragmentation (13.81%), and improved plasmatic testosterone levels compared to the CP group and prevented histopathological alterations of the testes. Azilsartan's mitigation of CP's effects suggests it can prevent male rats' reproductive damage caused by CP. One possible explanation for AZ's protective effects is that it inhibits lipid peroxidation and has antioxidant properties.

Immune-regulating effect of oxytocin and its association with the hypothalamic-pituitary axes

Oxytocin can regulate immunological activity directly or indirectly; however, immunological functions and mechanisms of oxytocin actions under chronic stress like cesarean delivery (CD) are poorly understood. Our study found that abnormal oxytocin production and secretion in CD rats caused atrophy of thymic tissues. Neurotoxin kainic acid microinjected into the dorsolateral supraoptic nucleus in male rats selectively reduced hypothalamic oxytocin levels, increased corticotrophin-releasing hormone and plasma interleukin-1β while reducing plasma oxytocin, thyroxine and testosterone levels and causing atrophy of immune tissues. Thus, plasma oxytocin is essential for immunological homeostasis, which involves oxytocin facilitation of thyroid hormone and sex steroid secretion.

Variations in Plasma Glucose, Testosterone, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha in Relationship with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Viral Seromarkers in Infertile Women: A Case–Control Observational Study

Study Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility in Nigeria which is associated with insulin resistance. Insulin resistance may be induced by elevated inflammatory cytokines, androgen excess (testosterone), and irregular menstruation or anovulation. Aim and Objective: This work was designed to determine possible variations in plasma glucose, testosterone, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) in relationship with PCOS and viral seromarkers in infertile women. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and fourteen (214) primary infertility women with PCOS aged 37 ± 4.93 years diagnosed through ultrasound were recruited as test subjects while one hundred (100) age-matched primary infertility women without PCOS were recruited as control. All subjects were negative to Giemsa thick blood film staining for the detection of Plasmodium and Ziehl–Neelsen staining for the detection of acid–fast bacilli. HIVp24 antigen and antibody, plasma testosterone, antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), and envelope antigen to hepatitis B Virus (HBeAg) were determined in the subjects by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay while blood glucose was measured spectrophotometrically. Results: The results obtained showed a higher frequency of 0.93% (2) HIVP24antigen-antibody, 6.5% (17) anti-HCV, 14.5% (31) HBeAg, and 0.5% (1) HIVP24 + HBeAg (except for HIVP24 antigen and antibody) in PCOS women than the frequency of viral seromarkers of 1% (1) HIVP24 antigen and antibody, 6% (6) anti-HCV, 8% (8) HBeAg, and 0% (0) HIVP24 + HBeAg in non-PCOS control women. There was a significant association between PCOS and expression of viral seromarkers; there was a significantly higher fasting plasma glucose and testosterone level in all PCOS women with or without viral seromarkers (P < 0.05). There was a significantly higher plasma TNFα in PCOS women that expressed viral seromarkers than in PCOS women who do not express any of the viral seromarkers (P < 0.05). There was a significantly higher plasma TNFα in PCOS and non-PCOS women although more in PCOS women that expressed viral seromarkers than in women without any viral seromarker (P < 0.05). Conclusion: PCOS may be characterized by elevated plasma fasting glucose, testosterone, and expression of viral seromarkers while viral infection could also trigger higher plasma TNFα in PCOS women than in non-PCOS women infected with viral agent.

Correlation of testosterone and ESR2 in prostate cancer

Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa), as the second most frequent cancer in males, has a significant challenge in determining differential diagnosis and prognosis of aggressive or non-aggressive prostate cancer. For functioning correctly, the prostate needs sex steroid hormones, which are also factors in the initiation and progression of carcinogenesis. Risk and Gleason score upgrading can be predicted by preoperative plasma testosterone levels in men with prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy. Not only testosterone but estrogen also has roles in prostate cancer carcinogenesis. Estrogen Receptor 2 (ESR2) gene has been found to encode ER-β, which has an anti-proliferative effect on prostate tissue. This study aims to look up any correlation between testosterone and ESR2 in prostate cancer. Methods: This is an analytic cross-sectional study. We conducted a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) examination involving 15 benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), 10 non-metastasized PCa, and 21 PCa patients for determining ESR2 expression from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) prostate cancer tissue with known testosterone level in our institution. Data were analyzed using statistical tests with a significance of p <0.05. Results: The mean testosterone level and ESR2 expression are 785 ng/dl and 236.4 ng/dl 4.6 8.2, respectively, in BPH and PCa. Statistically, there was an inverse correlation between testosterone and ESR2 levels in prostate cancer (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study found lower testosterone correlates with ESR2 modulation.

Effect of saponins in Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F. H. Chen on the steroid hormone levels in the chronic unpredictable mild stress model of depression in rats

Recent research has indicated that Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) extracted from the radix of Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F. H. Chen exert antidepressant effects. This study aimed to assess the antidepressive effects of ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS in a depression model induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Over a period of three weeks, rats were administered ginsenoside Rg1 at a dose of 30 mg/kg and PNS at dosages ranging from 100 to 200 mg/kg body weight per day. To assess how ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS influence depression-like behaviours in rats, various assessments were conducted, including coat state evaluation, forced swim test, and elevated plus maze test. The levels of cortisol and testosterone in serum samples were analysed using the liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method. LC-ESI-MS/MS method provides precise and accurate results. The lower limit of quantification values for cortisol and testosterone were determined as 100 and 2 pg/mL, respectively. Our data demonstrated that both ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS significantly reversed depression-like behaviour in rats by improving coat condition, reducing immobility time in the forced swim test, and increasing time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze test. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS exhibited a regulatory effect on cortisol and testosterone levels in plasma. These findings suggest that ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS may be potential antidepressants in clinical treatment.

Low testosterone levels relate to poorer cognitive function in women in an APOE-ε4-dependant manner

BackgroundPast research suggests that low testosterone levels relate to poorer cognitive function and higher Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk; however, these findings are inconsistent and are mostly derived from male samples, despite similar age-related testosterone decline in females. Both animal and human studies demonstrate that testosterone’s effects on brain health may be moderated by apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOE-ε4) carrier status, which may explain some previous inconsistencies. We examined how testosterone relates to cognitive function in older women versus men across healthy aging and the AD continuum and the moderating role of APOE-ε4 genotype.MethodsFive hundred and sixty one participants aged 55–90 (155 cognitively normal (CN), 294 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 112 AD dementia) from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), who had baseline cognitive and plasma testosterone data, as measured by the Rules Based Medicine Human DiscoveryMAP Panel were included. There were 213 females and 348 males (self-reported sex assigned at birth), and 52% of the overall sample were APOE-ε4 carriers. We tested the relationship of plasma testosterone levels and its interaction with APOE-ε4 status on clinical diagnostic group (CN vs. MCI vs. AD), global, and domain-specific cognitive performance using ANOVAs and linear regression models in sex-stratified samples. Cognitive domains included verbal memory, executive function, processing speed, and language.ResultsWe did not observe a significant difference in testosterone levels between clinical diagnostic groups in either sex, regrardless of APOE-ε4 status. Across clinical diagnostic group, we found a significant testosterone by APOE-ε4 interaction in females, such that lower testosterone levels related to worse global cognition, processing speed, and verbal memory in APOE-ε4 carriers only. We did not find that testosterone, nor its interaction with APOE-ε4, related to cognitive outcomes in males.ConclusionsFindings suggest that low testosterone levels in older female APOE-ε4 carriers across the aging-MCI-AD continuum may have deleterious, domain-specific effects on cognitive performance. Although future studies including additional sex hormones and longitudinal cognitive trajectories are needed, our results highlight the importance of including both sexes and considering APOE-ε4 carrier status when examining testosterone’s role in cognitive health.

Beneficial effects of Anemone palmata extracts on male rabbit fertility and reproduction

Abstract Objective: The current study is intended to offer an insight on positive benefits of the herb Anemone palmate belonging to Ranunculaceae family, as an enhancing agent of male rabbit’s fertility. Methods: Twelve male rabbits, in the growth stage, were divided randomly into four equal groups: one serving as the control and three subjected to different treatments. Anemone palmata extracts (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally to the groups. Blood samples were collected to measure the serum levels of testosterone four weeks later. The weight of the testis and epididymis, sperm count, and sperm motility were determined histologically. Results: The findings revealed a significant increase in the relative weights of the reproductive organs (testis and epididymis) and plasma testosterone levels in the groups that received the 100 and 200 mg/kg doses. Moreover a notable enhancement in the spermatozoa biology, including concentration, motility, and speed, was observed in the groups treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg doses compared to the control and the group treated with 50mg/kg. The histological study revealed some changes in the spermatogenesis and the structure of the organs, involving the presence of the spermatid phase. A significant increase in the thickness of seminiferous walls, a decrease in the interstitial space, and a reduction in the lumen and intra-tubular spaces were observed as well. Conclusions: it is well indicated that Anemone palmata could improve fertility factors, and exhibit good effects on gonad and sperm parameters in rabbits.