Significant Increase In Total Testosterone Research Articles

(253) Comparative Effectiveness in Testosterone Levels and Sperm Parameters of Medical Treatments for Primary Infertility and Testicular Deficiency

Abstract Introduction The goal of treatment for infertile men with testosterone deficiency is to improve intratesticular androgen levels with the aim of increasing the last step of maturation in spermatogenesis. Medical therapy for male factor infertility remains largely empiric and relies on off-label use of medications known to increase intratesticular testosterone levels, such as selective estrogen receptor modulators (clomiphene citrate and enclomiphene citrate) and gonadotropins (human chorionic gonadotropin). There is scarce data of whether the above-mentioned treatment options offer different success rates in improving testosterone levels and sperm parameters. Objective To compare the improvement in total testosterone, intratesticular testosterone, and sperm parameters between patients receiving medical treatment with clomiphene citrate (CC), enclomiphene citrate (ECC), or clomiphene citrate + human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Methods We conducted a retrospective study from 2018 to 2022 of men with primary infertility, testicular deficiency, and secondary hypogonadism receiving ECC, CC or CC+HCG for at least 3 months. Among the different treatment groups, we assessed baseline and follow-up total testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH), semen parameter(s), and demographics. Semen quality improvement was based on assisted reproduction eligibility according to the total motile sperm count (TMSC) value: in-vitro fertilization ( 9 million). Intratesticular testosterone upgrading was based on 17-OH level, with expected values being ≥55 ng/dL. Variables were compared using paired t-test and ANOVA. Results A total of 18 men received ECC, 19 received CC and 9 received CC+HCG. Mean age was 41.1±2.28 years in the ECC group, 40.62±1.17 in the CC group, and 45±2.75 in the CC+HCG group (p=0.458). Overall, the mean follow-up was 3.64 ±2.14 months (p=0.242). The 3 treatment groups exhibited a statistically significant increase in total testosterone (table 1), but only the CC and CC+HCG groups had a statistically significant improvement in the level of 17-OH (p 9 million. Conclusions Our study showed that ECC, CC and CC+HCG are effective treatment regimens for improving total testosterone without negatively affecting spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, their effects on intratesticular testosterone and sperm parameters varied, suggesting that choosing the best treatment option for improving sperm parameters should be an individualized patient decision. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Acerus, Boston Scientific, Endo Pharmaceuticals and Coloplast.

A Proprietary Herbal Blend Containing Extracts of Punica granatum Fruit Rind and Theobroma cocoa Seeds Increases Serum Testosterone Level in Healthy Young Males: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

LN18178 is a proprietary herbal blend containing extracts of Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cocoa seeds. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of LN18178 on serum testosterone levels in healthy young adults in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. One hundred and twenty male volunteers (age 21-35 years) were randomized into three groups. Each group (n = 40) received a daily dose of either placebo or 200 or 400 mg LN18178 for fifty-six days. An increase in serum testosterone (free and total) was the primary efficacy measure of the study. The secondary measures included dihydrotestosterone (DHT), cortisol, Luteinizing hormone (LH), 17β-Estradiol (E2), hand grip strength, and the mid-upper arm circumferences (MUAC). The vital signs and clinical chemistry parameters in blood and urine were performed to determine product safety. Post-intervention, both doses of LN18178 significantly increased free testosterone (p < 0.0001 vs. baseline; p = 0.0268 and p < 0.0001, respectively vs. placebo). The high dose group showed significant increases in total testosterone (p < 0.0001 vs. baseline; p = 0.0184 vs. placebo) and luteinizing hormone (p < 0.0007 vs. baseline; p = 0.0470 vs. placebo). The changes in other hormones were not significant. At post-trial, the LN18178-400 group showed significant improvements in the hand grip strength and mid-upper arm circumference. The hemato-biochemical parameters, urinalysis, and vital signs of the participants were within the normal range. Together, these observations suggest that LN18178 is a safe and tolerable herbal blend; it increases testosterone level and increases muscle strength and MUAC in young, healthy males. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2022.2035037 .

MP36-20 INTRAMUSCULAR TESTOSTERONE CYPIONATE VS SUBCUTANEOUS TESTOSTERONE ENANTHATE: COMPARING THE OUTCOMES IN HYPOGONADAL MEN

You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction: Medical, Hormonal & Non-surgical Therapy II (MP36)1 Sep 2021MP36-20 INTRAMUSCULAR TESTOSTERONE CYPIONATE VS SUBCUTANEOUS TESTOSTERONE ENANTHATE: COMPARING THE OUTCOMES IN HYPOGONADAL MEN Edward Choi, Perry Xu, Farouk El-Khatib, Faysal Yafi, and Parviz Kavoussi Edward ChoiEdward Choi More articles by this author , Perry XuPerry Xu More articles by this author , Farouk El-KhatibFarouk El-Khatib More articles by this author , Faysal YafiFaysal Yafi More articles by this author , and Parviz KavoussiParviz Kavoussi More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002045.20AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Intramuscular testosterone cypionate (IM-TC) is the conventional treatment option for hypogonadal men with baseline serum total testosterone (TT) less than 300 ng/dL; however, significant peaks in testosterone cause adverse effects including polycythemia and rise in estradiol (E2). Subcutaneous testosterone enanthate-autoinjectors (SCTE-AI) were designed with a lower testosterone peak-to-trough ratio of 1.8. This dual-institutional study compared the TT, hematocrit (HCT), E2, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response to treatment with IM-TC versus SCTE-AI. METHODS: 263 hypogonadal men were treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) via IM-TC 100 mg weekly or SCTE-AI 100 mg weekly. TT, HCT, E2, and PSA levels were obtained at baseline and 6- to 12-weeks post-treatment. Significant differences in baseline and post-treatment levels were identified by univariate analysis. Linear regression models determined whether treatment modality was independently associated with post-TRT levels of TT, HCT, E2, and PSA. RESULTS: Patients treated with SCTE-AI were significantly younger, had higher baseline TT levels, and lower baseline E2 levels. Post-TRT, both cohorts had significant increases in trough TT compared to their respective baseline levels (IM-TC: 313.6 ng/dL to 536.4 ng/dL, p<0.001; SCTE-AI: 249.6 ng/dL to 540.4 ng/dL, p<0.001). When comparing between cohorts, the SCTE-AI cohort group had significantly lower HCT and E2, while TT and PSA levels were not significantly different between the treatment arms. After adjusting for significant differences with linear regression, SCTE-AI was associated with a 14% greater increase in trough TT levels compared to IM-TC (p=0.027). Furthermore, SCTE-AI was independently associated with 41% and 27% lower post-therapy HCT (p<0.001) and E2 (p<0.001) levels, respectively, when compared to IM-TC (Table 2b-c). Neither TRT modality was associated with significant post-therapy elevation of PSA (p=0.691). CONCLUSIONS: While IM-TC and SCTE-AI provide a significant increase in TT levels, SCTE-AI is associated with lower levels of post-therapy HCT and E2 compared to IM-TC after adjusting for significant covariates. SCTE-AI is an effective testosterone delivery system with a potentially preferable safety profile over IM-TC. Source of Funding: n/a © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e643-e644 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Edward Choi More articles by this author Perry Xu More articles by this author Farouk El-Khatib More articles by this author Faysal Yafi More articles by this author Parviz Kavoussi More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Effects of Varicocele on Serum Testosterone Levels and Changes of Testosterone Levels after Varicocelectomy among Infertile Men: A Prospective Controlled Study

Background: Varicocele repair has been advocated as an option to prevent and treat low serum testosterone, even in men with normal semen quality. The association between clinical varicocele and impaired testosterone production is less clearly understood. Although, the conceptions of the negative impact of clinical varicocele on Leydig cell functions and the beneficial effect of varicocele repair on testosterone production have been proposed for decades. Objective: To examine the hypotheses that clinical varicoceles affect baseline serum total testosterone levels and to study the effects of varicocelectomy on serum testosterone levels and semen quality in infertile men who suffer from varicocele. Patients and Methods: This study included 100 patients (50 control and 50 cases) presented to the General Surgery and Endocrine Surgery Unit Outpatient Clinic at Mansoura University Hospitals with clinical varicocele for primary infertility. The study was conducted during the period between 1st April 2020 and end of March 2021. Results: Regarding preoperative and postoperative testosterone level among the intervention group, there were highly statistically significant increases in total testosterone as well as significant improvement in gonadal functions (significant increase in number of cases with euogonadism) after the operation among the intervention group (P < 0.001). however the percent of improvement was more than among hypogonadal compared to euogonadal. Conclusion: Varicocelectomy was demonstrated to significantly improve both sperm quality (in terms of volume, count, motility and morphology) as well as serum testosterone in infertile men, especially in cases with hypogonadism.

Acute Response to Endurance Exercise Stress: Focus on Catabolic/Anabolic Interplay Between Cortisol, Testosterone, and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin in Professional Athletes

SummaryBackgroundEndocrine system plays a major role in both permissive and regulatory activities in order to adequately respond to physical stress of exercise. But level and direction of activation depend on many factors and are not easily interpreted.MethodsWe tested a group of male professional athletes (21 water polo players and 15 wrestlers), together with 20 sedentary controls matched by age. All participants took a continuous progressive exercise stress test on a treadmill until exhaustion and plateau of oxygen consumption (VO2). Blood samples for cortisol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone were drawn in four time points: baseline (B), start of the test (S), point of maximal strain (MAX) and in the 3rd minute of recovery period (R).ResultsCortisol levels significantly increased in both groups, but the response between S and MAX was more pronounced in controls (p=0.036). The athletes had significantly higher levels of cortisol in all points in test, except during R (p=0.118), when their cortisol levels gradually started to decline. Significant increase in total testosterone was in great deal a consequence of increase in SHBG level (p<0.01 for both). Consequently, calculated free testosterone significantly decreased during test (p=0.008), and the drop was more pronounced in athletes. This was in concordance with significant correlation between SHBG and cortisol level demonstrated in athletes, but not in controls.ConclusionsIt seems that high intensity endurance exercise favors catabolic response, but the level of response highly depends on a previous level of training.

Changes in Sex Hormones After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Chinese Obese Men: a 12-Month Follow-Up.

To examine changes in sex hormones after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in Chinese obese male patients and their correlation with metabolic parameters including serum uric acid (SUA) METHODS: A total of 56 obese men with body mass index (BMI) 41.9 ± 5.8kg/m2 undergoing LSG were selected. Thirty-one healthy men with normal BMI were included as controls. Levels of total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), SUA, and other metabolic indices were compared pre- and 12months post-LSG. Calculated free testosterone (cFT) was calculated from TT and SHBG using an empirical equation. At baseline, low TT and hyperuricemia (HUA) were common in obese men. Twelve months after LSG, statistically significant reduction in weight, BMI, and glucolipid metabolism indices was noted. SUA levels declined remarkably from 474.9 ± 94.6 to 338.8 ± 81.9μmol/L and the percentage of HUA decreased from 76.8 to 54.1% (all P< 0.001). Additionally, significant increases in TT, SHBG, and cFT as well as a decrease in percentage of low TT were observed after LSG (all P< 0.05), while E2, FSH, and LH did not change significantly. Moreover, changes in TT levels were more pronounced than those of other sex hormones. After age and BMI were adjusted, increased TT levels were correlated significantly with decreased SUA (β = - 1.077, P < 0.05), BMI (β = - 0.712, P < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (β = - 0.652, P < 0.05), as well as increased SHBG (β =0.759, P < 0.001). LSG promotes a significant increase in TT levels in Chinese obese men, which may be mediated by substantial weight loss, SUA reduction, and improved insulin resistance (IR).

Daily subcutaneous testosterone for management of testosterone deficiency.

Testosterone deficiency (TD) is a public health concern, a predictor of metabolic syndrome, and is associated with an increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Testosterone deficiency in men is treated by a variety of methods including injectable testosterone compounds, patches, gels, pellets, and oral preparations. The use of testosterone alone has been linked to various adverse effects including, infertility, testicular atrophy, erythropoiesis, and gynecomastia. To determine the effectiveness of therapy using the Daily Subcutaneous Testosterone (DST) method in combination with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and an aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole), a retrospective analysis was conducted of men diagnosed and treated for TD. Changes in testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), pregnenolone, and hemoglobin were determined. There was a significant increase in total testosterone, free serum testosterone, and direct free testosterone in the testosterone treated patients. There was a significant increase in total and free testosterone levels with the DST method combined with hCG and anastrozole, suggesting that DST therapy is a viable option to restore testosterone levels in men.

Testosterone replacement therapy in older male subjective memory complainers: double-blind randomized crossover placebo-controlled clinical trial of physiological assessment and safety.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been investigated in older men as a preventative treatment against Alzheimer's disease and dementia. However, previous studies have been contradictory. We assessed TRT physiological effects in 44 older men (aged 61 ± 7.7 years) with subjective memory complaints using a double blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomized into 2 groups, one group received transdermal testosterone (50 mg) daily for 24 weeks, followed by a 4 week wash-out period, then 24 weeks of placebo; the other group received the reverse treatment. Blood evaluation revealed significant increases in total testosterone, free (calculated) testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and a decrease in luteinizing hormone levels (p<0.001) following TRT. Although there were significant increases in red blood cell counts, hemoglobin and prostate specific antigen levels following TRT, they remained within normal ranges. No significant differences in plasma amyloid beta, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin, insulin levels, body fat percentage, or body mass index were detected. This is the first carefully controlled study that has investigated the influence of TRT in Indonesian men on blood biomarkers linked to dementia risk. Our study suggests TRT is safe and well-tolerated in this Indonesian cohort, yet longitudinal studies with larger cohorts are needed to assess TRT further, and to establish whether TRT reduces dementia risk.

Sexual functioning and sex hormones in men who underwent bariatric surgery

BackgroundThe relationship between obesity and impairments in male sexual functioning is well documented. Relatively few studies have investigated changes in sexual functioning and sex hormones in men who achieve significant weight loss with bariatric surgery. The objective of this study was to assess changes in sexual functioning, sex hormones, and relevant psychosocial constructs in men who underwent bariatric surgery. MethodsA prospective cohort study of 32 men from the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery-2 (LABS) investigation who underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (median body mass index [25th percentile, 75th percentile] 45.1 [42.0, 52.2]) and completed assessments between 2006 and 2012. Bariatric surgery was performed by a LABS-certified surgeon. Sexual functioning was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Functioning (IIEF). Hormones were assessed by blood assay. Quality of life (QoL), body image, depressive symptoms and marital adjustment were assessed by questionnaire. ResultsMen lost, on average, (95% confidence interval) 33.3% (36.1%, 30.5%) of initial weight at postoperative year 1, 33.6% (36.8%, 30.5%) at year 2, 31.0% (34.1%, 27.9%) at year 3, and 29.4% (32.7%, 26.2%) at year 4. Participants experienced significant increases in total testosterone (P<.001) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) (P<.001) through postoperative year 4. Although men reported improvements in sexual functioning after surgery, these changes did not significantly differ from baseline, with the exception of overall satisfaction at postoperative year 3 (P = .008). Participants reported significant improvements in physical domains of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), all domains of weight-related QOL, and body image, but not in the mental health domains of HRQoL or relationship satisfaction. ConclusionsMen who lost approximately one third of their weight after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass experienced significant increases in total testosterone and SHBG. They did not, however, report significant improvements in sexual functioning, relationship satisfaction, or mental health domains of HRQoL. This pattern of results differs from that of women who have undergone bariatric surgery, who reported almost uniform improvements in sexual functioning and psychosocial status.

Mitochondrial Impairment and Oxidative Stress in Leukocytes after Testosterone Administration to Female-To-Male Transsexuals

Testosterone undecanoate (T) treatment is common in female-to-male transsexuals (FtMs) but can induce impairment of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. The effect of T treatment on the mitochondrial function and redox state of leukocytes of FtMs subjects was evaluated. This was an observational study conducted in a university hospital. Fifty-seven FtMs were treated with T (1,000 mg) for 12 weeks, after which anthropometric and metabolic parameters and mitochondrial function were evaluated. Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were evaluated. Mitochondrial function was studied by assessing mitochondrial oxygen (O2) consumption, membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, glutathione levels (GSH), and the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH)/(GSSG) ratio in polymorphonuclear cells. T treatment led to mitochondrial impairment in FtMs as a result of a decrease in mitochondria O2 consumption, the membrane potential, GSH levels, and the (GSH)/(GSSG) ratio and an increase in ROS production. Mitochondrial O2 consumption and membrane potential negatively correlated with T levels, which was further confirmed that the T treatment had induced mitochondrial dysfunction. T also produced a significant increase in total testosterone, free androgenic index, and atherogenic index of plasma, and a decrease in sex hormone-binding globulin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Treatment of FtMs with T can induce impairment of mitochondrial function and a state of oxidative stress. This effect should be taken into account in order to modulate possible comorbidities in these patients.

Influence of Rest Interval Length on Acute Testosterone and Cortisol Responses to Volume-Load–Equated Total Body Hypertrophic and Strength Protocols

We hypothesized that total body strength (S) and hypertrophic (H) resistance training (RT) protocols using relatively short rest interval (RI) lengths between sets will elicit significant acute increases in total testosterone (TT) and cortisol (C) in healthy young men. Six men, 26 (±2.4) years, completed 4 randomized RT sessions, after a control session (R). The S and H protocols were equated for volume load (sets × repetitions × load); S: 8 sets × 3 repetitions at 85% 1RM, H: 3 sets × 10 repetitions at 70% 1RM, for all exercises. The RI used 60 seconds (S60, H60) and 90 seconds (S90, H90). Blood was drawn preexercise (PRE), immediately postexercise (POST), 15 minutes postexercise (15 MIN), and 30 minutes postexercise (30 MIN). The H60 elicited significant increases in TT from PRE (7.32 ± 1.85 ng·ml) to POST (8.87 ± 1.83 ng·ml(-1)) (p < 0.01), 15 MIN (8.58 ± 2.15 ng·ml(-1)) (p < 0.01), and 30 MIN (8.28 ± 2.16 ng·ml(-1)) (p < 0.05). The H90 also elicited significant increases in TT from PRE (8.37 ± 1.93 ng·ml(-1)) to POST (9.90 ± 1.25 ng·ml(-1)) (p < 0.01) and 15 MIN (9.46 ± 1.27 ng·ml(-1)) (p < 0.05). The S60 elicited significant increases in TT from PRE (7.73 ± 1.88 ng·ml(-1)) to 15 MIN (8.35 ± 1.64 ng·ml(-1)) (p < 0.05), and S90 showed a notable (p < 0.10) difference in TT from PRE (7.96 ± 2.29 ng·ml(-1)) to POST (8.75 ± 2.45 ng·ml(-1)). All the protocols did not significantly increase C (p > 0.05). Using relatively short RI between RT sets augments the acute TT response to hypertrophic and strength schemes. Shortening RI within high-intensity strength RT may lead to concomitant enhancements in muscle strength and size over a longer period of training.

Effects of transdermal testosterone or oral dydrogesterone on hypoactive sexual desire disorder in transsexual women: results of a pilot study

It has been reported that hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) affects one-third of transsexual women (defined as postoperative male-to-female transsexuals) receiving estrogen replacement whose bioavailable androgen levels are lower than in ovulating women and comparable with those in surgically postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transdermal testosterone treatment and of oral dydrogesterone in transsexual women with HSDD receiving estrogens. Seven transsexual women with HSDD were treated with a testosterone patch and nine transsexual women with HSDD were treated with oral dydrogesterone over 24 weeks. The primary end point was the change in the brief profile of female sexual function (B-PFSF) score. Secondary end points were changes in hormonal parameters and side effect assessments. A significant increase in total testosterone and free testosterone levels was observed in the group receiving transdermal testosterone. At 24 weeks, there was a significant improvement in the B-PFSF score showing an improvement in sexual desire among transsexual women treated with the testosterone patch, whereas no change in the B-PFSF score was observed in transsexual women treated with oral dydrogesterone. No side effects were reported. In this pilot study, sexual desire in transsexual women improved significantly after treatment with the testosterone patch, without noticeable side effects.

Role of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Plasma Ghrelin Level before and after Orchiectomy in Male Albino Rats

The aim of the present study is to investigate whether testosterone replacement therapy play a role on plasma ghrelin level before and after orchiectomy in male albino rats. Four groups of animals were studied, control group, control group received testosterone propionate (T.P) 300 µg/Kg subcutaneously (s.c) daily for 4 weeks, orchiectomized group and lastly orchiectomized group receiving T.P by the same regimen as group two. Blood samples were taken at the end of the experimental period for carrying out the hormonal investigations; also body weight was measured from all studied animals.The results of this work showed that subcutaneous administration of T.P to sham operated and orchiectomy rats produces significant decrease in FSH and LH, however it produces significant increase in total testosterone, free testosterone, ghrelin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and total body weight when these results compared to group one and three respectively. Conclusions:We can conclude that plasma ghrelin level significantly increase after testosterone supplementation in both sham operated and orchiectomy rats, also there are +ve correlation between ghrelin level and testosterone level (both total and free), IGF-1 and body weight & negative correlation between ghrelin and FSH & LH.

The influence of exercise on the functioning of the pituitary–gonadal axis in physically active older and younger men

Age is a meaningful factor modulating the functioning of the human endocrine system. In our research, the factor stimulating the pituitary–gonadal axis was a 400 m race. In this type of effort, glycolyticand lactic acid transformations are dominant and a fundamental increase in lactic acid concentration is noted.The aim of the research was to compare the response of the pituitary–gonadal axisin physically active men of various ages after a 400 m race. Nine men aged 21.7 ± 0.7 years and nine men aged 60.0 ± 3.4 years took part in the study. Blood samples were taken from the elbowvein before the race at 08.00 and immediately after the effort. The levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone and free testosterone were determined in bloodsera. The concentration of lactic acid was measured in full blood at 5 min after the race.Before the effort, statistically significant differences in the concentration of FSH and free testosteronebetween the two age groups were observed (higher FSH in older men but lower free testosterone). No differences in the level of LH, total testosterone and lactic acid were observed. Immediately after theeffort, no changes in the level of FSH were found in both groups; a statistically significant decrease in LH concentration was noted only in the group of younger men. In both groups, statistically significantincreases in total testosterone, free testosterone and lactic acid concentrations were observed after the race. In the group of younger men, compared to the older, larger increases in free testosteroneand lactic acid concentrations, as well as shorter race time, were revealed after the effort test.Analysis of the two groups after the race showed statistically significant differences in FSH, freetestosterone and lactic acid concentrations. A positive correlation (r = 0.57) was demonstrated between the after-effort increase in the concentration of free testosterone and lactic acid, and negativecorrelation (r = –0.66) between the after-effort increase in the concentration of free testosterone and the time of the 400 m race.In older men, the concentration of free testosteronemay play an important function in lowering strength capacities. It must be stressed that the 400 m race was a more significant stimulus for changes in hormone concentrations of the pituitary–gonadalaxis in younger men (greater changes in the level of the investigated parameters) than in the older. The results obtained allow us to conclude that, in older men, as compared to the younger ones, the responseof the pituitary–gonadal axis to an effort stimulus is to some extent different.

Plasma boron and the effects of boron supplementation in males.

Recently, a proliferation of athletic supplements has been marketed touting boron as an ergogenic aid capable of increasing testosterone. The effect of boron supplementation was investigated in male bodybuilders. Ten male bodybuilders (aged 20 to 26) were given a 2.5-mg boron supplement, while nine male bodybuilders (aged 21 to 27) were given a placebo for 7 weeks. Plasma total and free testosterone, plasma boron, lean body mass, and strength measurements were determined on day 1 and day 49 of the study. A microwave digestion procedure followed by inductively coupled argon plasma spectroscopy was used for boron determination. Twelve subjects had boron values at or above the detection limit with median value of 25 ng/ml (16 ng/ml lower quartile and 33 ng/ml upper quartile). Of the ten subjects receiving boron supplements, six had an increase in their plasma boron. Analysis of variance indicated no significant effect of boron supplementation on any of the other dependent variables. Both groups demonstrated significant increases in total testosterone (p < 0.01), lean body mass (p < 0.01), and one repetition maximum (RM) squat (p < 0.001) and one RM bench press (p < 0.01). The findings suggest that 7 weeks of bodybuilding can increase total testosterone, lean body mass, and strength in lesser-trained bodybuilders, but boron supplementation affects these variables not at all.

The Effect of Boron Supplementation on Lean Body Mass, Plasma Testosterone Levels, and Strength in Male Bodybuilders

The effect of boron supplementation was investigated in 19 male bodybuilders ages 20-27 years. Ten were given a 2.5-mg boron supplement while 9 were given a placebo every day for 7 weeks. Plasma total and free testosterone, plasma boron, lean body mass, and strength measurements were determined on Days 1 and 49 of the study. Plasma boron values were significantly (p < 0.05) different as the experimental group increased from (+/- SD) 20.1 +/- 7.7 ppb pretest to 32.6 +/- 27.6 ppb posttest, while the control group mean decreased from 15.1 +/- 14.4 ppb pretest to 6.3 +/- 5.5 ppb posttest. Analysis of variance indicated no significant effect of boron supplementation on any of the dependent variables. Both groups demonstrated significant increases in total testosterone, lean body mass, 1-RM squat, and 1-RM bench press. The findings suggest that 7 weeks of bodybuilding can increase total testosterone, lean body mass, and strength in lesser trained bodybuilders, and that boron supplementation had no effect on these measures.