Serum Testosterone Concentrations Research Articles

The study of the influence of <i>Thlaspi arvense</i> L. on the characteristics of the reproductive system of male rats

Introduction. The development of new effective and safe herbal medicines capable of having a positive effect on reproductive status is an urgent task of domestic pharmacy. Medicinal plants are considered as alternative therapies aimed at increasing testosterone levels and fertility in men. The arsenal of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases in men is mainly represented by phytoadaptogens, most of which have a small resource potential in Russia, therefore, it is relevant to search for plants with a sufficient raw material base and with the potential for cultivation. Thlaspi arvense L. is a promising medicinal plant, as it is widely used in folk medicine as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, antihistamine, hemostatic, astringent, has a positive effect on the processes of spermatogenesis and is widely distributed in our country. However, information on the chemical composition and biological activity of Thlaspi arvense L. they are insufficient, which shows the relevance of its further more detailed study in order to substantiate the possibility of application in practical medicine and solutions to the issues of standardization of medicinal plant raw materials.Aim. The study of the influence of Thlaspi arvense L. on the characteristics of the reproductive system of male rats.Materials and methods. The object of the study was an infusion of herbа Thlaspi arvense L. The features of the reproductive behavior of male rats after 21-day administration of the infusion of grass yarutka field were studied using tests that allow quantifying the severity of sexual motivation and sexual activity of males. The viability of spermatozoa in the ejaculate of rats was assessed, the total number of spermatozoa (ACS, million), degenerative and immobile forms (%) was calculated. Morphophysiological parameters of spermatogenesis of rats of control and experimental groups of animals were studied using classical histological methods. The concentration of testosterone in the blood serum of experimental groups of animals was determined by the enzyme immunoassay.Results and discussion. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the fertility of rats has increased against the background of the course administration of the infusion of herbа Thlaspi arvense L., as evidenced by an increase in the testosterone content in the blood, improvement of spermogram indicators and morphophysiological characteristics of spermatogenesis in the testicles of rats. The use of the infusion of herbа Thlaspi arvense L. has a protective effect on spermatogenesis. An increase in the thickness of the spermatogenic epithelium, the diameter of the cross-section of the convoluted seminal tubules and the index of spermatogenesis compared with the control group of animals was revealed. The positive effect of Thlaspi arvense L. on indicators of sexual motivation and sexual activity of male rats is shown.Conclusion. Thlaspi arvense L. is a promising medicinal plant, as it is able to have a positive effect on libido, the number and mobility of spermatozoa, the production of sex hormones, spermatogenesis, as well as on the pituitary-gonadal axis, which is associated with the content of a complex of biologically active substances in it.

Preparation of oyster peptide and Pfaffia glomerata pressed candy and its ameliorative effect on sexual dysfunction in male mice

AbstractOyster peptide (OP) and Pfaffia glomerata extract (PGE) were used as raw materials. The optimal formulation of the pressed candy (PC) was optimized by one‐way experiment and D‐optimal mixture experiment design, and animal experiment was used to evaluate the effect of PC on male sexual dysfunction. The results showed that PC intervention significantly improved the sexual behavior of male mice with sexual dysfunction, including a significant shortening of the mount latency (ML) and intromission latency, and a significant increase in the mount frequency (MF) and intromission frequency (IF). At the same time, the concentrations of serum testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in mice were restored, and the erectile parameters and pathological changes of penile tissue were improved. Further studies found that PC intervention increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in testicular tissue. In addition, PC intervention improved testicular tissue morphology. In conclusion, the obtained PC has good taste quality, and the relevant quality indicators are qualified. It has a good ameliorative effect on male sexual dysfunction and may be a potential dietary supplement.

Glucose ingestion does not lower testosterone concentrations in men on testosterone therapy.

Oral calorie intake causes an acute and transient decline in serum testosterone concentrations. It is not known whether this decline occurs in men on testosterone therapy. In this study, we evaluated the change in testosterone concentrations following oral glucose ingestion in hypogonadal men before and after treatment with testosterone therapy. This is a secondary analysis of samples previously collected from a study of hypogonadal men with type 2 diabetes who received testosterone therapy. Study participants (n = 14) ingested 75 grams of oral glucose, and blood samples were collected over 2 h. The test was repeated after 23 weeks of intramuscular testosterone therapy. The mean age and body mass index of study volunteers were 53 ± 8 years and 38 ± 7 kg/m2, respectively. Following glucose intake, testosterone concentrations fell significantly prior to testosterone therapy (week 0, p = 0.04). The nadir of testosterone concentration was at 1 h, followed by recovery to baseline by 2 h. In contrast, there was no change in testosterone concentrations at week 23. The change in serum testosterone concentrations at 60 min was significantly more at week 0 than week 23 (-11 ± 10% vs 0 ± 16%, p = 0.05). We conclude that oral glucose intake has no impact on testosterone concentrations in men on testosterone therapy. Endocrinology societies should consider clarifying in their recommendations that fasting testosterone concentrations are required for the diagnosis of hypogonadism, but not for monitoring testosterone therapy.

Population based screening for osteoporosis in men among 40 and 80 years in the brazilian state of Roraima"

The main objective of this study was to conduct population screening for osteoporosis in men between the ages of 40 and 80 in the Boa Vista, the capital of the Brazilian state of Roraima. The population study conducted in this study was basically based on the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®) nomogram model proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Specifically, the current work focuses on (i) analyzing the serum concentrations of calcium, vitamin D and total testosterone in relation to the risk of bone event by the FRAX® nomogram and (ii) correlating cardiovascular risk by calculating Framingham score with the FRAX® nomogram. This cohort, and cross-sectional study involves both quantitative and qualitative data obtained in the field from 380 patients. The data obtained were compared to the pre-existing data collected through different bibliography. For the sampling, a cluster method was utilized. Patients with immediate need of health services were referred to the state hospital of Coronel Mota, Boa Vista. This project was approved by the Ethical Committee (number: 50207115.7.0000.5301). While commuting to work or travel around found to be the major reason of the fractures, we observed that older people and people who were involved in physical activities inside a gymnasium had considerably high at risk of fractures. FRAX and TBS femur score (Trabecular Bone Score) was higher for people with fractures. People having lumbar osteopenia and femur osteopenia had higher risk of TBS femur fractures while people having lumbar osteoporosis had higher risk of TBS (femur and hip) as well as FRAX femur factures. All the data obtained in this study were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and a p value of ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Key risk factors for fracture include increased age, physical activities in a gymnasium, lumbar and femur osteopenia and lumbar osteoporosis.

Comparative Efficacy of Goserelin vs. Leuprolide in Advanced Prostate Cancer in Patients Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Comparative Efficacy of Goserelin vs. Leuprolide in Advanced Prostate Cancer in Patients Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Menstrual Cycle Phase has no Influence on Performance-Determining Variables in Endurance-Trained Athletes: The FENDURA Project.

To investigate the effect of the MC and endogenous sex hormone concentrations on performance-determining variables in three distinct MC phases in endurance-trained females. Twenty-one eumenorrheic trained/highly trained endurance athletes completed a standardized test battery during the early follicular phase (EFP), ovulatory phase (OP), and mid-luteal phase (MLP) for either one (n = 7) or two test cycles (n = 14). MC phases were determined using calendar-based counting, urinary ovulation testing, and verified with serum hormone analysis. MCs were retrospectively classified as eumenorrheic or disturbed. Disturbed MCs were excluded from analysis. The test battery consisted of 4-6 x 5-min submaximal stages with stepwise speed increases, a 30-s all-out double-poling ski ergometer test, and a maximal incremental treadmill running test. At a group level, there was no effect of MC phase or the serum concentrations of estrogen and progesterone on peak oxygen uptake (O2peak), oxygen uptake at 4 mmol·L-1 blood lactate concentration, time-to-exhaustion, running economy, or mean 30-s power output (MPO30s). Serum testosterone concentration was positively associated with MPO30s (p = 0.016). Changes in O2peak from EFP to MLP were inconsistent between individuals and across cycles. None of the measured performance-determining variables were influenced by MC phase or serum estrogen or progesterone concentrations. While some individual patterns could be observed, there was no indication that any single MC phase is consistently associated with improved or impaired O2peak on a group level.

Ascorbic acid attenuates gasoline-induced testicular toxicity, sperm quality deterioration, and testosterone imbalance in rats.

The present study evaluated the protective effect of ascorbic acid (ASCB) against gasoline fumes (PET) induced testicular oxidative stress, sperm toxicity, and testosterone imbalance in Wistar rats. Twenty-four (24) male albino rats (75 ± 16g) were randomized into three experimental groups (N = 8). The control group: received normal saline, PET group: exposed to PET 6h daily by inhalation in an exposure chamber and PET + 200mg ASCB/kg body weight group: exposed to PET 6h daily by inhalation and administered ASCB per os. Treatment of ASCB and PET exposure was done thrice and five times weekly for a period of 10weeks respectively. ASCB co-treatment prevented PET-induced increases in the oxidative stress markers (glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, hydrogen peroxide generation, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation) and serum testosterone concentration (p < .05). Sperm quality was low and those with damaged heads and tails increased alongside histological injuries in the PET-exposed rats, which were also minimized with ASCB administration. ASCB protected against PET-induced oxidative stress, sperm, and testis damage in rats.

Thymoquinone effects on autophagy, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in cisplatin-induced testicular damage in mice.

In this study, the effect of thymoquinone (TQ) on CP-induced spermatogenesis defects in mice has been investigated. Sperm parameters, serum testosterone concentration, histology, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and expression of autophagy-related biomarkers have been assessed. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in testicular tissue were examined for the evaluation of oxidative stress levels. CPhas induced histological changes and significantlyincreased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, decreased testosterone concentration, testicular weight, and sperm quality. CP induced oxidative stress by elevating OSIin the testicular tissue(p < 0.05).Expression of theautophagy-inducer genes (ATG7, ATG5, and Beclin-1) andratio ofLC3B/LC3Aproteinswere significantly decreased, while mTOR expression was increased in the CP group.TQ pretreatment dose-dependently decreased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and mTOR gene expression while increasing the expression of ATG5 and ATG7 genes, LC3B/LC3A ratio, and Beclin-1 proteins.TQ could also dose-dependently reverse the histology, testosterone level, and sperm quality of the CP-intoxicated mice. These findings show that TQ pretreatment can enhance sperm production by inducing autophagy and reducing apoptosis and oxidative stress in the CP-intoxicated mouse testicles.

Gender peculiarities of cortisol, testosterone and vitamin D blood levels in athletes

Objective. To assess the gender characteristics of the concentration of cortisol, testosterone and vitamin D in blood serum in athletes, and to analyze the correlations between vitamin D levels and the hormonal status of athletes. Materials and methods. 52 athletes (32 men and 20 women) were examined, their age was 17-23, their sports specialization was cyclic sports (kayaking) and acyclic sports (gymnastics, martial arts), and qualification – candidates for master of sports, masters of sports. Venous blood was taken in the morning on an empty stomach before training loads. Determination of total testosterone and cortisol concentration and assessment of vitamin D level by determination of its metabolite 25(OH)D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) in blood serum was performed by immunochemiluminescent method. Results. In male athletes with vitamin D deficiency, serum testosterone concentration and anabolic index were significantly lower (p = 0.0093 and p = 0.0015, respectively) compared to the same indices in the group of athletes with normal vitamin D content. Correlation analysis in male athletes revealed a positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) content and testosterone concentration (r = 0.36; p &lt; 0.05), as well as between 25(OH)D content and anabolic index (r = 0.42; p &lt; 0.05). The group of female athletes with vitamin D deficiency showed significantly lower serum testosterone concentration compared to athletes with normal vitamin D levels (p = 0.0112). No significant relationships were found between vitamin D levels and cortisol concentrations in both male and female athlete groups. Conclusion. The study results can be the evidence of modulation effect of vitamin D on testosterone levels in male athletes, indicating the importance of controlling and correcting vitamin D content in the dynamics of the training process.

Pre-diagnostic free androgen and estradiol levels influence heart failure risk in both women and men: A prospective cohort study in the UK Biobank.

Serum sex hormones have been linked to cardiovascular disease risk. However, their roles in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF) in both men and women are unclear. We investigated the associations between free androgen, testosterone, and estradiol, and future risk of HF. This prospective cohort study evaluated UK Biobank participants free of prevalent cardiovascular disease and HF at baseline. Unitless free androgen, testosterone, and estradiol indices were generated using serum concentrations of total testosterone (nmol/L), estradiol (pmol/L), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG, nmol/L), and albumin (g/L) in blood collected at enrolment. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of incident HF in relation to quartiles (Q) of free androgen (FAI), testosterone (FTI), estradiol (FEI) indices, and potential confounders. There were 180 712 men (including 5585 HF cases with FAIand 571 HF cases with FEI), and 177 324 women (including 2858 HF cases with FAIand 314 HF cases with FEI) with complete data. Increased FAIwas associated with decreased HF risk in both men (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 0.86, 95% CI 0.79-0.94, p-trendcontinuous < 0.0001) and post-menopausal women (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 0.83, 95% CI 0.73-0.95). Similar inverse associations were observed for FTIonly in men (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 0.91, 95% CI 0.83-0.98). Higher FEIwas significantly associated with decreased HF risk among men (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 0.76, 95% CI 0.59-0.98), but was positively associated among pre-menopausal women (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 2.16, 95% CI 1.11-4.18). Sex hormones potentially influence HF pathogenesis and may offer pathways for interventions.

Influence of sex hormones on the aggressive behavior during peck order establishment and stabilization in meat and egg type chickens

In the poultry industry, broiler and layer strains are genetically selected for different purposes (e.g., high meat-yield and high egg-production). Genetic selection for productivity can have unintended consequences on the behavioral repertoire of the birds, including aggression. Alongside the increasing societal concern regarding the welfare of animal in agriculture, the number of countries that are advocating the prohibition of using battery cages for laying hens has resulted in the transition and adoption of cage-free or free-range systems. Thus, both broiler and layer chickens are housed in large flocks rather than housed individually in cages. Housing birds in groups increases the opportunity for birds to engage in social behaviors, including aggression, that are used to establish social status. Aggressive interactions are associated with the risk of injury and the potential for a subordinate animal to have unmet needs (e.g., access to feed). The aim of this study was to characterize the relationships among aggressive behavior, neurobiology, and hormones during peck order establishment and social hierarchy stabilization of 2 divergently selected strains (meat- and egg-type chicken). Meat-type strains performed more male on male (P < 0.001), male on female (P < 0.0001), and female on female (P < 0.0001) non-reciprocal aggression behavior (NRA) than egg-type strains. Greater serum testosterone and estradiol concentrations in the weeks after the peck order establishment were observed in meat-type birds compared those in egg-type birds for both males and females (all P < 0.05). Greater (P < 0.05) cellular densities of androgen receptors, but not estrogen receptors, were observed in the hypothalamus of meat-type birds compared to egg-type birds. These findings suggest that greater sex hormone concentrations in the meat-type birds may be a consequence of genetic selection for rapid growth resulting in more sex hormones-induced aggressive behavior.

Effect of Giving Jamblang (Syzygium cumini) Leaf Extract on Testosterone Serum Level and Concentration of Spermatozoa in Male Rats Intoxicated with Lead Acetate

Lead is a source of free radicals in the environment. Lead accumulation in the blood generates increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body and various health problems, including male infertility. One effort that can be made to prevent this problem is to use antioxidants from natural sources such as jamblang (Syzygium cumini) leaf extract. This study is experimental with a randomised posttest-only control group design method. The object of this study was 30 white rats (Rattus norvegicus strain Wistar) which were divided into five groups (K-, K+, P1, P2, and P3). Lead acetate was given as much as 40 mg/kgBW in groups K+, P1, P2, P3 orally for 30 days. Jamblang (Syzygium cumini) leaf extract was given 50 mg/kgBW in the P1 group, 150 mg/kgBW in the P2 group, and 300 mg/kgBW in the P3 group orally for 30 days. Testosterone levels were examined using blood serum taken through the retro-orbital vein and examined using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Spermatozoa were taken from the vas deferens and counted using the Neubauer counting chamber. The average level of testosterone serum was at K-2.47 ± 0.59 nmol/ml, K+ 2.23 ± 0.45 nmol/ml, P1 2.35 ± 0.65 nmol/ml, P2 2.56 ± 0 .73 nmol/ml, P3 1.96 ± 0.59 nmol/ml, there was no significant difference statistically (p &gt; 0.05). The average concentration of spermatozoa at K-32.06 ± 2.66 million/ml, K+ 19.45 ± 8.07 million/ml, P1 27.05 ± 1.89 million/ml, P2 28.65 ± 1.10 million/ml, P3 27.11 ± 5.64 million/ml, statistically there was a significant difference (p &lt; 0.05). There was no effect of giving jamblang (Syzygium cumini) leaf extract on testosterone serum levels and there was an effect of giving jamblang (Syzygium cumini) leaf extract on the concentration of spermatozoa of male Rattus norvegicus rats intoxicated with lead acetate. Keywords: lead acetate, jamblang leaf extract, testosterone, spermatozoa

Effect of GnRH Active Immunisation on Reproductive Performance of Male Sprague Dawley Rats.

To investigate the effect of active immunisation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on the reproductive function in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, 24 42-day-old rats were randomly assigned to treatment with GnRH6-MAP, GnRH-OVA, a surgical castration group, and a blank control group. Each rat in the treatment groups was intramuscularly injected at 6, 8, and 10 weeks of age. The serum concentrations of testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and anti-GnRH antibodies were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The results showed that active immunisation with recombinant GnRH6-MBP and GnRH-OVA significantly increased the serum levels of anti-GnRH antibodies and reduced the serum concentrations of testosterone compared to the black control. Eight weeks after immunisation, the rats' testes were surgically removed for morphological evaluation, showing atrophy of the convoluted vasculature, relative emptying of the lumen, and insignificant differentiation of spermatogonial cells, which were increased in weight and volume compared with the blank control group. These findings indicated that active immunisation with GnRH can lead to testicular atrophy and reduce gonadal hormone concentrations, suggesting that GnRH is a highly effective immunogen.

Single and multi-dose pharmacology of recombinant and urinary human chorionic gonadotrophin in men.

Human choriogonadotrophin (hCG) treatment of gonadotrophin-deficient infertile men uses hCG of urinary (uhCG) or recombinant (rhCG) origin, but these treatments have not been compared nor are there studies defining rhCG dosing in men. hCG products were studied in randomized cross-over single-dose studies of standard (Study 1, 1500 IU and 62.5 µg, respectively) or high (Study 2, 5000 IU and 250 µg) dose and a multi-dose population pharmacology study of hCG use. Eight (Study 1) and seven (Study 2) volunteers in cross-over and 52 gonadotrophin-deficient men in the multi-dose study MEASUREMENTS: In cross-over studies, serum testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) and serum hCG, LH, FSH, SHBG and T (observational study) by immunoassays. After standard and high-dose injection, serum hCG and testosterone responses had similar timing and peak concentrations except for a mildly lower early (<48 h) serum testosterone with uhCG. In the multi-dosing study, both hCGs had similar pharmacokinetics (pooled half-life 5.8 days, p < .001), while serum testosterone concentrations were stable after injection and did not differ between hCG products. Bench testing verified that 20% of pens from 4/10 individuals were used inappropriately. Although hCG pharmacokinetics are not formally bioequivalent, the similar pharmacodynamic effects on serum testosterone indicatethat at the doses tested both hCGs provide comparable clinical effects. The starting dose of rhCG for treating gonadotrophin-deficient men should be 62.5 µg (6 clicks) of the rhCG pen.

Melatonin counteracts cadmium-induced rat testicular toxicity via the mechanistic target rapamycin (mTOR) pathway.

The protective action of melatonin (MLT) against the harmful effects of cadmium (Cd) on testicular activity in rats has been documented previously; however, the involved molecular mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Herein, we investigate the involvement of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) on the ability of MLT to counteract the damage induced by Cd on the rat testicular activity. Our study confirmed that Cd has harmful effects on the testes of rats and the protective action exerted by MLT. We reported, for the first time, that the addition of rapamycin (Rapa), a specific mTOR inhibitor, to animals co-treated with Cd and MLT completely abolished the beneficial effects exerted by MLT, indicating that the mTOR pathway partially modulates its helpful effects on Cd testicular toxicity. Interestingly, Rapa-alone treatment, provoking mTOR inhibition, produced altered morphological parameters, increased autophagy of germ and somatic cells, and reduced serum testosterone concentration. In addition, mTOR inhibition also reduced protein levels of markers of steroidogenesis (3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) and blood-testis barrier integrity (occludin and connexin 43). Finally, Rapa altered sperm parameters as well as the ability of mature spermatozoa to perform a proper acrosome reaction. Although further investigation is needed to better clarify the molecular pathway involved in MLT action, we confirm that MLT alleviating Cd effects can be used as a supplement to enhance testicular function and improve male gamete quality.

135 Effects of intratesticular injectable zinc as an alternative castration method compared to banding one week post weaning in beef bulls: effects on health, inflammation, behavior, and growth during the backgrounding period

Abstract Castration is a widely practiced management strategy that results in temporary pain with adverse effects on growth performance. Therefore, humane alternatives must be investigated. Male beef calves (n = 81) were stratified by weaning weight and allocated to 1 of 8 pens. Pens were assigned randomly to treatment: 1) banded (B; n = 42) or 2) a 1 mL intratesticular Zn (100 mg Zn) injection (Z; n = 39). Two pens from each treatment were selected for blood collection (B, n = 22; Z, n = 19); the alternative pens were assigned to behavior measurements (5 calves/pen; B, n = 10; Z, n = 10). Behavior data were collected for 1 wk post-castration using accelerometers (HOBOware Lite software). Blood was collected daily on d 0 through d 7 post-castration, and every 28 d for the remainder of the backgrounding phase for complete blood cell counts, serum haptoglobin (Hp), and serum testosterone. Testicular width and BW were also measured. All blood and growth parameters were analyzed using the MIXED procedures of SAS while GLIMMIX was used for behavioral analysis. Body weights did not differ due to treatment throughout the 140-d backgrounding phase (P ≥ 0.39). Overall ADG was greater for Z calves compared with B calves (P = 0.05). Serum testosterone concentrations were greater in Z calves compared with B calves throughout the 140-d trial (P ≤ 0.02). Testicular width in Z calves peaked numerically on d 3 and declined to baseline measurements by d 113 (P = 0.67). Intratesticular Zn castrated calves spent more time lying flat on their side compared with B calves 1 d post-castration (P = 0.03) until d 3 and 4 where B calves spent more time lying on their side compared with Z calves (P ≤ 0.02). Banded calves spent more time standing the first 2 d post-castration compared with Z calves (P ≤ 0.01). On d 3, 4, 5, and 6, Z calves spent more time standing (P ≤ 0.01) while B calves spent more time laying on their sternum (P ≤ 0.03). Banded calves had decreased Hp concentrations on d 1, 2, 3, 7, and 28 compared with Z calves (P ≤ 0.01). Total white blood cell concentrations, both proportion and concentration of neutrophils, and proportion of lymphocytes were greater in Z calves compared with B calves on d 1, 2, and 3 (P ≤ 0.01). Although growth performance was not hindered by the Zn intratesticular injection castration method, it did cause behaviors indicative of pain and resulted in an acute inflammatory and immune response compared with banded calves. Therefore, castrating with an intratesticular injection of Zn may not be a sufficient alternative to conventional methods.

Ameliorative effects of L-carnitine as an antioxidant against testicular toxicity induced by AlCl3 in male albino rats.

The goal of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of L-carnitine (20 mg/kg bw, 1/20 LD 50) against aluminum chloride (AlCl3) on the quality of the male rats' testicles and sperm, as well as to determine whether or not the effects of AlCl3 could be counteracted by using L-carnitine as an antioxidant. Six groups of 36 adult male albino rats (n=6) were randomly formed. In Group I (Gp I), saline injection was given orally as a control. Group II (Gp II) was injected orally with 75 mg/kg body weight of L-carnitine. Group III (Gp III) was given a high dose of L-carnitine (150 mg/kg body weight) orally, while Group IV (G IV) was given a low dose of AlCl3 (20 mg/kg body weight). Group V (Gp V) was given an oral injection of AlCl3 (20 mg/kg) and L-carnitine (75 mg/kg body weight). Group VI (Gp VI) was given AlCl3 at a dose of 20 mg/kg and L-carnitine at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight for 60 days. The reproductive capacity of each group was assessed. Thus, in addition to histopathological analysis and the comet assay to evaluate sperm DNA deterioration, final body weight, testicular weight change, and sperm analysis were carried out. The findings revealed that AlCl3 caused a significant decrease in final body weight, relative weight of sex organs, sperm concentration, motility and viability, serum testosterone concentration, and a significant increase in sperm abnormalities. Furthermore, AlCl3 caused visible changes in the histological structure of the testis. L-carnitine treatment alleviated the harmful effects of AlCl3, as evidenced histopathologically by a noticeable improvement in testis tissues. When it comes to treating AlCl3-induced reproductive toxicity in male rat testes, L-carnitine shows promise.

Bezafibrate alleviates diabetes-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress

The metabolic disorders caused by diabetes can lead to various complications, including male spermatogenesis dysfunction. Exploring effective therapeutics that attenuate diabetes mellitus (DM)-induced male subfertility is of great importance. Pharmaceuticals targeting PPARα activation such as bezafibrate have been regarded as an important strategy for patients with diabetes. In this study, we use streptozocin (STZ) injection to establish a type 1 DM mice model and use bezafibrate to treat DM mice and evaluate the effects of bezafibrate on the spermatogenic function of the DM male mice. Bezafibrate treatment exhibited protective effects on DM-induced spermatogenesis deficiency, as reflected by increased testis weight, improved histological morphology of testis, elevated sperm parameters, increased serum testosterone concentration as well as increased mRNA levels of steroidogenesis enzymes. Meanwhile, testicular cell apoptosis, inflammation accumulation and oxidative stress status were also shown to be alleviated by bezafibrate compared with the DM group. In vivo and in vitro studies, PPARα specific inhibitor and PPARα knockout mice were further used to investigate the role of PPARα in the protective effects of bezafibrate on DM-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction. Our results indicated that the protection of bezafibrate on DM-induced spermatogenesis deficiency was abrogated by PPARα inhibition or deletion. Our study suggested that bezafibrate administration could ameliorate DM-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction and may represent a novel practical strategy for male infertility.

Classes and predictors of reversal in male patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a cross-sectional study of six international referral centres

Although some male patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) undergo spontaneous reversal following treatment, predictors of reversal remain elusive. We aimed to assemble the largest cohort of male patients with CHH reversal to date and identify distinct classes of reversal. This multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in six international CHH referral centres in Brazil, Finland, France, Italy, the UK, and the USA. Adult men with CHH (ie, absent or incomplete spontaneous puberty by age 18 years, low serum testosterone concentrations, and no identifiable cause of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal [HPG] axis dysfunction) were eligible for inclusion. CHH reversal was defined as spontaneous recovery of HPG axis function off treatment. Centres provided common data elements on patient phenotype, clinical assessment, and genetics using a structured, harmonised data collection form developed by COST Action BM1105. Latent class mixture modelling (LCMM) was applied to establish whether at least two distinct classes of reversal could be identified and differentially predicted, and results were compared with a cohort of patients without CHH reversal to identify potential predictors of reversal. The primary outcome was the presence of at least two distinct classes of reversal. A total of 87 male patients with CHH reversal and 108 without CHH reversal were included in the analyses. LCMM identified two distinct reversal classes (75 [86%] in class 1 and 12 [14%] in class 2) on the basis of mean testicular volume, micropenis, and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration. Classification probabilities were robust (0·998 for class 1 and 0·838 for class 2) and modelling uncertainty was low (entropy 0·90). Compared with class 1, patients in class 2 had significantly larger testicular volume (p<0·0001), no micropenis, and higher serum FSH concentrations (p=0·041), consistent with the Pasqualini syndrome (fertile eunuch) subtype of CHH. Patients without CHH reversal were more likely to have anosmia (p=0·016), cryptorchidism (p=0·0012), complete absence of puberty (testicular volume <4 cm³; p=0·0016), and two or more rare genetic variants (ie, oligogenicity; p=0·0001). Among patients who underwent genetic testing, no patients (of 75) with CHH reversal had a rare pathogenic ANOS1 variant compared with ten (11%) of 95 patients without CHH reversal. Individuals with CHH reversal had a significantly higher rate of rare variants in GNRHR than did those without reversal (nine [12%] of 75 vs three [3%] of 95; p=0·025). Applying LCMM to a large cohort of male patients with CHH reversal uncovered two distinct classes of reversal. Genetic investigation combined with careful clinical phenotyping could help surveillance of reversal after withdrawing treatment, representing the first tailored management approach for male patients with this rare endocrine disorder. National Institutes of Health National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy; Ministry of University, Rome, Italy; National Institutes of Health Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; and the Josiah Macy Jr Foundation. For the Italian translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Clinical significance of endocrine disorders in the development of early vascular aging in males with abdominal obesity and concomitant arterial hypertension: An observational cohort study

Background. Visceral obesity is a risk factor in the development of metabolic and endocrine disorders leading to arterial hypertension and cardiovascular complications. Their early predictors include increased vascular stiffness and early vascular aging. The current literature lacks studies into the effects of changes in testosterone, cortisol, and aldosterone levels in serum on vascular stiffness and the development of early vascular aging in patients with visceral obesity. Objective. To determine the relationship between hypercortisolemia, hyperaldosteronemia, and hypotestosteronemia and vascular stiffness and the presence of early vascular aging in male patients with visceral obesity. Methods. An observational cohort study of 78 males aged 35–45 years (mean age 38.1 ± 6.5 years) diagnosed with abdominal obesity and grade 1 arterial hypertension was conducted. The mean waist circumference ranged 105.5 ± 6.9 cm; systolic and diastolic blood pressure ranged 152.5 ± 5.0 and 92.5 ± 5.0 mm Hg, respectively. The vascular age of the studied patients (n = 78) comprised 44.1 ± 6.2 years, which was statistically higher than their passport age (р &lt; 0.001). The studied patients were divided into subgroups according to both total testosterone (&lt; 12.1 nmol/l in subgroup 1A (n = 49) and ≥ 12.1 nmol/L in subgroup 1B (n = 29)) and cortisol in the evening saliva portion (&gt; 4.5 nmol/L in subgroup 2A (n = 24) and ≤ 4.5 nmol/L in subgroup 2B (n = 24)). All the patients completed the study. To assess the hormonal status, the total testosterone sex steroid-binding globulin (SSBP) and insulin in morning serum samples were investigated. Insulin resistance was assessed based on the NOMA-IR index. The concentration of total testosterone was determined by enhanced chemiluminescence (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, J&amp;J); the SSBP and insulin levels were determined by delayed fluorescence. Aldosterone content was determined by radioimmunoassay; free cortisol and testosterone were measured by luminescent LIA. Free and bioavailable testosterone concentrations in serum were calculated using an online calculator (issam.ch/freetesto.htm). The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was determined using a VaSera VS-15000N device, which automatically calculated the vascular age. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 10.0 Windows package (StatSoft, Inc., USA). Results. The vascular age of patients with hypogonadism was statistically significantly ( р &lt; 0.001) higher than their passport age and the vascular age in males without hypogonadism. The CAVI and vascular age were also statistically significantly higher in males with functional hypercorticism (р &lt; 0.001) compared with a subgroup of patients without hypercorticism. The vascular age and CAVI increased with an increase in the salivary cortisol concentration 2200 (r = 0.5; р &lt; 0.05) and decreased with an increase in the salivary cortisol level 900 (r = –0.5; р &lt; 0.05). These parameters decreased with an increase in serum aldosterone obtained in the morning (r = –0.4; p &lt; 0.05) and increased with an increase in serum aldosterone in the evening (r = 0.4; p &lt; 0.05). In 23% (n = 18), an inversion of the daily rhythm of cortisol production was observed; in these patients, salivary cortisol levels of 2200 exceeded salivary cortisol levels of 900. The vascular age of patients with the inversion of cortisol production (49.4 ± 4.4 years) was statistically significantly ( р &lt; 0.001) different from that of patients with normal changes in salivary cortisol concentrations (41.9 ± 4.9 years). CAVI was also higher (р &lt; 0.001) in males with inverted fluctuations in salivary cortisol levels (7.51 ± 0.62) compared to those with normal diurnal rhythm (6.45 ± 0.69). The results of aldosterone evaluation revealed that 17% of the patients (n = 13) had higher aldosterone levels in the evening serum portion compared to the morning serum portion. In these patients, the vascular age (45.8 ± 5.1 years) was higher ( р &lt; 0.001) than that in males with normal physiologic changes in aldosterone levels (41.6 ± 5.7 years). A similar pattern was observed when comparing vascular stiffness indices. Thus, the CAVI in men with inverted changes in aldosterone concentration (6.9 ± 0.8) was significantly higher ( р &lt; 0.001), compared to that in men with physiological changes in blood aldosterone levels (6.4 ± 0.8). Conclusion. Endocrinologic disorders in male patients with visceral obesity and concomitant arterial hypertension (functional hypogonadism, functional hypercorticism, inverted daily rhythms of cortisol and aldosterone production) contribute to the development of early vascular aging by increasing vascular stiffness.