Testosterone Levels In Males Research Articles

Role of testosterone in COVID-19 patients – A double-edged sword?

COVID-19 affects males twice as frequently as females with significantly increased severity and mortality. Current data suggest a direct correlation between the lower level of serum testosterone, inflammatory cytokines, disease severity, and poor clinical outcomes among male patients with COVID-19. The gradual decline in total and free testosterone levels has a direct correlation with serious pulmonary complications requiring advanced care (ICU, ventilators, ECMO, etc.). SARS-CoV-2 utilizes Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme II (ACE2) for entry in the host cell, and Transmembrane Protease, Serine 2 (TMPRSS2) to prime spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Testosterone induces ACE-2 expression, a critical pulmonary protective enzyme. Low testosterone levels in males have a direct correlation with the high probability of ICU admission and the worse disease outcome (ARDS, duration of ICU stay, mortality). On the contrary, however, high testosterone levels can lead to thrombosis which is also one of the fatal manifestations in COVID-19 patients. A critical evaluation of the serum testosterone and its relevance to COVID-19 is warranted to re-evaluate strategies to effectively triage, prioritize, and manage high-risk patients for ICU admission, survival outcomes, targeted solutions, and operational algorithms.

Quality of Life in Patients with Acromegaly before and after Transsphenoidal Surgical Resection

Objective We aimed to determine the perioperative changes in the quality of life (QoL) in patients with acromegaly and to reveal the relationship between biochemical indicators and quality of life change after tumor resection. Methods Patients with acromegaly were enrolled from a tertiary pituitary center. SF-36 scale and AcroQoL scale were used to determine the QoL before and after surgery. We analyzed changes in QoL using a generalized linear model for repeated measurements. We compared the changes in QoL among three groups (remission, active, and discordant group) based on postoperative growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1. Results 151 patients (75 males and 76 females) diagnosed with acromegaly were included. The average age was 43.9 ± 12.3 years. The median total SF-36 scale was 65.3% (IQR: 63.2%–69.2%). Overall AcroQoL score at baseline was 59.1% (IQR: 51.8%–71.8%). Nadir GH levels (coefficient −0.08, p=0.047), T3 levels (coefficient 2.8, p=0.001), and testosterone levels (coefficient −0.20, p=0.033) in males were independent predictive factors of the total SF-36 score. During the follow-up, the median overall SF-36 score increased to 66.1% at 3 months and 75.3% at 6 months (p < 0.001) after surgery. The median overall AcroQoL score increased to 74.5% at 3 months and 77.3% at 6 months (p < 0.001) after surgery. At 6-month follow-up, median scores were still less than 70% in appearance, vitality, and mental health dimensions. The QoL after surgery were similar among the three groups, although higher GH and more preoperative somatostatin analogs usage were observed in the active group. Conclusion In conclusion, acromegalic patients were associated with low QoL, which could be reversed partially by surgery. The improvement was independent of the endocrine remission. Appearance, vitality, and mental health were three major aspects that warrant further attention from physicians and caregivers after surgery.

An audit of the measurement and reporting of male testosterone levels in UK clinical biochemistry laboratories.

A number of guidance documents have been published in recent years for the diagnosis and management of hypogonadism (HG). Laboratory practice has a major role in supporting guidelines with accurate and precise serum total testosterone (TT) methods and standardised pre- and post-analytical protocols. Our study investigated whether laboratory practice currently supports the management guidelines for HG. An internet-based questionnaire survey of senior laboratory biochemists (UK/Republic of Ireland) was conducted (April-May 2018). Questions reflected sampling, laboratory practice, reference ranges and reporting of results. The results were analysed in conjunction with data obtained from the UK National External Quality Assurance Service (UK NEQAS) on testosterone assay performance. Analyses of 96 laboratory surveys returned the following: 74 laboratories stated that the optimal sampling time was communicated to users; 81 laboratories used immunoassays; 76 laboratories included reference ranges for adult men (31 had dual/multiple age-related intervals). Wide variability in lower/upper limits was evident in the common immunoassays; the majority of reference ranges were from manufacturers (50.0%) or historical (18.8%). Action limits based on TT levels were used by 64 laboratories, but 63 did not report a borderline range as suggested by the guidelines. Protocols for cascading tests based on TT were evident in 58 laboratories, with 50 laboratories offering estimated free testosterone; interpretative comments were provided by 67 laboratories, but no references were made to the management guidelines. Data from UK NEQAS demonstrated considerable variation in testosterone assay performance. Our survey has highlighted inconsistencies that could lead to HG (and other conditions requiring measurement of TT) not being managed appropriately. The results from this survey and from UK NEQAS reinforce the requirement for action to be considered regarding the standardisation of testosterone assays and harmonisation of laboratory practice.

Obesity and osteoporotic fractures

Obesity correlates with a higher risk of fractures in some sites as vertebras, upper arm, and legs. This is a narrative mini-review focused on several key points that link obesity with osteoporosis. Waist circumference may a better predictor of fractures than body mass index (BMI) in obese females. Even obese menopausal women have an extra source of estrogens in fat tissue this actually is not enough to offer a complete protection against osteoporotic fractures. Low levels of testosterone in males induce a higher risk of fall dependent or independent of sarcopenia (which is more evident in elderly). High BMI is correlated with vitamin D deficiency. Obesity is a contributor to muscle damage and decline due to fat accumulation and inefficient fuel utilisation by the muscle, namely sarcopenic obesity, regardless the age. Associated type 2 diabetes mellitus involves bone damage and fracture risk due to glycated proteins of the matrix, the changes of adipokines, increased cortical porosity, high risk of fall because of blood pressure and glycaemia anomalies, visual disturbances, renal and peripheral nerves diabetes-associated conditions etc. The fracture risk is also augmented via fat derived cytokines and chronic inflammation. Even it seems logical that the weight correction though bariatric surgery reduces the fracture risk in obesity, actually data from longitudinal studies pointed that, despite the procedure is life saving, it does not actually protect against osteoporosis which is regarded as a potential long-term complication. A high fracture burden in obesity should increase the level of awareness for practitioners of different medical areas due to multiple levels of complications and to the epidemiological impact of obesity.

Chronic exposure to di‐n‐butyl phthalate causes reproductive toxicity in zebrafish

Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is known to have adverse effects on reproduction in mammals and is pervasive in the aquatic environment. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether long-term exposure to low concentrations of DBP can affect fish reproduction. In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos (F0 ) were exposed to low concentrations (4.9, 13.6 and 43.8 μg/L) of DBP from 2 hours post-fertilization until sexual maturation. The results demonstrate that chronic exposure to DBP (43.8 μg/L) impaired the reproductive function of zebrafish, as verified by reduced egg production and modifications to gonadal histology of the treated fish. Plasma 17β-estradiol levels in female zebrafish decreased significantly in a concentration-dependent manner, while testosterone levels in males increased significantly when fish were exposed to 43.8 μg/L DBP. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine selected genes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and liver. Hepatic vitellogenin gene transcription was downregulated in both males and females, suggesting that DBP possesses anti-estrogenic activity. The disturbed steroid hormones were accompanied by the significant alterations in gene expression along the HPG axis. Additionally, parental exposure to DBP caused reduced hatching and survival rate as well as decreased growth in the F1 generation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that long-term exposure to low concentrations of DBP in zebrafish could cause reproductive toxicity, implying that DBP could have significant adverse effects on fish populations, particularly in a highly DBP-contaminated aquatic environment.

Glyphosate-based herbicides influence antioxidants, reproductive hormones and gut microbiome but not reproduction: A long-term experiment in an avian model

Controversial glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are the most frequently used herbicides globally. GBH residues in the wild, in animal and human food may expose non-target organisms to health risks, yet the developmental and cumulative effects of GBHs on physiology and reproduction remain poorly understood. We present the first long-term study on the effects of subtoxic GBH exposure (160 mg/kg) on multiple key physiological biomarkers (cellular oxidative status and neurotransmitters), gut microbiome, reproductive hormones, and reproduction in an avian model. We experimentally exposed in Japanese quail females and males (Coturnix japonica) to GBHs and respective controls from the age of 10 days–52 weeks. GBH exposure decreased hepatic activity of an intracellular antioxidant enzyme (catalase), independent of sex, but did not influence other intracellular oxidative stress biomarkers or neurotransmitter enzyme (acetylcholinesterase). GBH exposure altered overall gut microbiome composition, especially at a younger age and in females, and suppressed potentially beneficial microbes at an early age. Many of the microbial groups increased in frequency from 12 to 28 weeks under GBH exposure. GBH exposure decreased male testosterone levels both at sexual maturity and at 52 weeks of exposure, but did not clearly influence reproduction in either sex (maturation, testis size or egg production). Future studies are needed to characterize the effects on reproductive physiology in more detail. Our results suggest that cumulative GBH exposure may influence health and reproduction-related traits, which is important in predicting their effects on wild populations and global poultry industry.

Lack of AR in LepRb Cells Disrupts Ambulatory Activity and Neuroendocrine Axes in a Sex-Specific Manner in Mice.

Disorders of androgen imbalance, such as hyperandrogenism in females or hypoandrogenism in males, increase risk of visceral adiposity, type 2 diabetes, and infertility. Androgens act upon androgen receptors (AR) which are expressed in many tissues. In the brain, AR are abundant in hypothalamic nuclei involved in regulation of reproduction and energy homeostasis, yet the role of androgens acting via AR in specific neuronal populations has not been fully elucidated. Leptin receptor (LepRb)-expressing neurons coexpress AR predominantly in hypothalamic arcuate and ventral premammillary nuclei (ARH and PMv, respectively), with low colocalization in other LepRb neuronal populations, and very low colocalization in the pituitary gland and gonads. Deletion of AR from LepRb-expressing cells (LepRbΔAR) has no effect on body weight, energy expenditure, and glucose homeostasis in male and female mice. However, LepRbΔAR female mice show increased body length later in life, whereas male LepRbΔAR mice show an increase in spontaneous ambulatory activity. LepRbΔAR mice display typical pubertal timing, estrous cycles, and fertility, but increased testosterone levels in males. Removal of sex steroid negative feedback action induced an exaggerated rise in luteinizing hormone in LepRbΔAR males and follicle-stimulating hormone in LepRbΔAR females. Our findings show that AR can directly affect a subset of ARH and PMv neurons in a sex-specific manner and demonstrate specific androgenic actions in the neuroendocrine hypothalamus.

Insulin resistance and testosterone level in Indonesian young adult males.

Central obesity is characterized by the accumulation of abdominal fat which may lead to several diseases including insulin resistance. The prevalence of central obesity is higher in male and the incidence in young adult males is increased. Central obesity is also related to low testosterone levels. The research aimed to assess the relationship between the testosterone levels and insulin resistance of young adult males with central obesity. This was a cross-sectional study, the subjects were young adult males of 18 to 25 years old. The central obesity consisted of 50 samples and non-central obesity comprised 70 samples. The examination of testosterone and insulin was performed by the ECLIA method, glucose used the enzymatic method, the insulin resistance was calculated by using the HOMA-IR index. The mean of the testosterone level in central obesity was lower than non-central obesity (5.24 + 1.17 vs 7.18 + 1.54 ng/mL, p < 0.001). HOMA-IR index in central obesity was higher than non-central obesity (4.29 + 2.23 vs 2.46 + 1.72, p < 0.001). Testosterone levels had negative correlation with HOMA-IR (r = -0.470, p < 0.001). There was significant difference in HOMA-IR among the quartiles of testosterone levels. There is negative correlation between testosterone level with HOMA-IR, the lower the testosterone level the higher the insulin resistance in young adult males.

The effects of testosterone on the physiological response to social and somatic stressors

Higher testosterone levels in males have previously been linked to decreased stress reactivity, but in other cases, testosterone has been reported to increase the stress response. We addressed these inconsistencies in a placebo-controlled single-dose testosterone administration study, in which 120 male participants were randomly assigned to undergo a cold-pressor test (CPT, a non-social somatic stressor), a socially evaluated cold-pressor test (SECPT, a social-somatic stressor), or a lukewarm water test (LWT, a non-stressful control condition). Throughout the experiment, blood pressure and interbeat intervals were measured continuously, and saliva samples for hormonal analyses were taken repeatedly at predefined time points. When comparing the groups treated with placebo, the SECPT elicited a larger increase in the systolic blood pressure than CPT, in agreement with previous studies. However, testosterone administration altered this pattern. Compared to placebo, testosterone increased systolic blood pressure during the CPT, whereas the opposite effect was found during the SECPT. Cortisol reactivity was not affected by testosterone administration. The CAG repeat polymorphism of the androgen receptor gene was unrelated to the effects of testosterone on the stress response, but it was correlated with blood pressure across the whole sample. Our findings demonstrate that testosterone’s effects on the stress response are dependent on the social context. Testosterone’s ability to flexibly influence the response to stressors may be an important mechanism through which the hormone promotes adaptive behavior. Our results are also in line with research showing that testosterone decreases social anxiety and suggest it may help to modulate the effects of stress in socially challenging situations.

Malignant Testicular Germ Cell Tumor in Late Adolescent With Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome [26B

INTRODUCTION: Androgen receptor mutations located in the X chromosome may present as several clinical disorders. When total function of the androgen receptor is loss in a male, complete androgen insensitivity syndrome develops. A phenotypically normal appearing female develops without uterus, fallopian tubes, short vagina and bilateral intraperitoneal testes. Germ cell neoplasia may develop and the risk of developing malignant germ cell tumor is approximately a 5% that gradually increases after puberty. Although gonadectomy is the actual management, there is no consensus about the specific timing for gonadectomy or risk of developing malignant germ cell tumor by age. METHODS: IRB, Consent. RESULTS: 15-year-old girl with primary amenorrhea, no relevant medical history and Tanner stage four for breast and pubic hair. Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome was diagnosed by means of transabdominal ultrasound, normal male testosterone levels and karyotype 46XY. Laparoscopic gonadectomy was performed at 18-year-old due to loss of follow up. Pathology with immunohistochemistry reported bilateral germ cell neoplasia in situ and unilateral seminoma. CONCLUSION: This case presents with an early development of a seminoma and appoints to reconsider an earlier post pubertal gonadectomy. A 30% risk of developing malignant germ cell tumor in late adulthood also supports the decision for an earlier gonadectomy. This case challenges the typical presentation of a female patient with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, due to a clinical presentation with adequate tanner stage development. Considerations must be taken into account when dealing with a non-compliant patient, addressing the traditional timeline management to a more individualized clinical evaluation and prompt management.

Possible effects of low testosterone levels on olfactory function in males

IntroductionFunctions attributed to androgens have increased, ranging from the role in hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and reproductive behaviors to modulation of cognition, mood and some other functions. Sex differences and changes in circulating sex hormones affect human sensory function. In the literature, authors reported this kind of influence for olfaction predominantly in females. ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of low testosterone levels on olfactory functions in males, in this prospective clinical study. MethodsMale patients diagnosed with prostate cancer were included. Thirty-nine patients with prostate cancer whose testosterone levels were lower than 50ng/dL due to castration, were the study group. Thirty-one patients with prostate cancer who were not castrated with testosterone levels higher than 50ng/dL were selected as the control group. Acoustic rhinometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow tests were performed for all participants; and for evaluation of olfactory function, both groups completed the Connecticut chemosensory clinical research center olfactory test. ResultsThe mean ages of the patients and controls were 69.6±7.2 (57–89) and 66.3±5.8 (50–78) years, respectively (p=0.039). There was a significant difference between groups in terms of testosterone levels (p<0.0001). The multivariate logistic regression revealed testosterone level as the only predictive factor determining the difference between the groups. In terms of olfactory parameters, all scores were lower in the emasculated group (butanol threshold test p=0.019, identification p=0.059, and Connecticut center score p=0.029) There was a significant correlation between testosterone levels and olfactory parameters (p=0.023; p=0.025 for identification and Connecticut center scores, respectively). ConclusionLow testosterone levels in males have negative effects on olfactory functions. Further molecular research is required to understand the connection between testosterone and olfaction.

Relation between testosterone levels and body composition, physical functioning and selected biochemical parameters in adult males

The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between the values of selected parameters of physical function, body composition, body mass index (BMI) and biochemical markers of metabolic health with the total testosterone (TT) levels in adult males. We aimed to analyse the correlation between these values and variations in the TT levels.A total of 17 subjects (age = 50.2 ± 8.1 years, TT = 11.4 ± 3.8nmol/l) were included in the study. Subjects were tested on physical function (1RM on leg press, bench-press, handgrip, VO2max), body composition (DXA), biochemical parameters (morning fasting blood samples).TT was inversely correlated with abdominal circumference (AC) (p.

Reproduction in the Eared Dove: An exception to the classic model of seasonal reproduction in birds?

In avian species living at high altitudes and latitudes, reproductive events are largely controlled by photoperiod, with changes being perceived mainly through encephalic photoreceptors located in the hypothalamus. It is known that during long day periods (reproductive periods), the information transmitted by brain photoreceptors triggers the production of thyroid hormones that regulate GnRH secretion, inducing secretion of pituitary gonadotropins. As a result, gonads develop and grow and the production of gonadal sex hormones, testosterone and estradiol increases (classic gonadal cycle). During short day periods (non-reproductive periods) on the other hand, the gonads regress, and plasma gonadal steroid levels are low. By means of this mechanism, birds synchronize their physiology and reproductive behaviors with seasonal changes in the environment. However, it appears that not all avian species comply with this general reproductive pattern. For example, the Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata), a South American opportunistic breeding columbiform, has been reported to successfully reproduce throughout the year, making it an interesting avian system for studying the endocrine basis of avian reproduction. In view of a clear lack of seasonal variability in testicular weight and size (the classic gonadal regression/recrudescence cycle) in the male Eared Dove, we examined whether their reproductive aseasonality could be the result of being in a continuous state of reproductive preparedness. Our results show that despite the absence of a marked gonadal cycle in terms of gonadal volume, plasma testosterone levels in males were minimal during autumn-winter, reaching maximum values during spring-summer. This indicates that male gonad function is not seasonal in terms of spermatogenesis but that circulating testosterone levels are correlated with photoperiod, demonstrating an exception to the classic model of reproduction in birds.

Hormonal and behavioural effects of motorboat noise on wild coral reef fish

Anthropogenic noise is an emergent ecological pollutant in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Human population growth, urbanisation, resource extraction, transport and motorised recreation lead to elevated noise that affects animal behaviour and physiology, impacting individual fitness. Currently, we have a poor mechanistic understanding of the effects of anthropogenic noise, but a likely candidate is the neuroendocrine system that integrates information about environmental stressors to produce regulatory hormones; glucocorticoids (GCs) and androgens enable rapid individual phenotypic adjustments that can increase survival. Here, we carried out two field-based experiments to investigate the effects of short-term (30 min) and longer-term (48 h) motorboat-noise playback on the behaviour, GCs (cortisol) and androgens of site-attached free-living orange-fin anemonefish (Amphiprion chrysopterus). In the short-term, anemonefish exposed to motorboat-noise playback showed both behavioural and hormonal responses: hiding and aggression increased, and distance moved out of the anemone decreased in both sexes; there were no effects on cortisol levels, but male androgen levels (11-ketotestosterone and testosterone) increased. Some behaviours showed carry-over effects from motorboat noise after it had ceased, and there was no evidence for a short-term change in response to subsequent motorboat-noise playback. Similarly, there was no evidence that longer-term exposure led to changes in response: motorboat noise had an equivalent effect on anemonefish behaviour and hormones after 48 h as on first exposure. Longer-term noise exposure led to higher levels of cortisol in both sexes and higher testosterone levels in males, and stress-responses to an additional environmental challenge in both sexes were impaired. Circulating androgen levels correlated with aggression, while cortisol levels correlated with hiding, demonstrating in a wild population that androgen/glucocorticoid pathways are plausible proximate mechanisms driving behavioural responses to anthropogenic noise. Combining functional and mechanistic studies are crucial for a full understanding of this global pollutant.

The Effect of Administering Lemon Basil (Ocimum sanctum) Leaves on FSH and LH Estrogen Levels and Size of Ovarian Antral Follicle in Female Balb/C Mice

INTRODUCTION: Ocimum sanctum have been proven effective in decreasing Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) levels, and sperm number, and also increase male testosterone levels. However, so far no evidence has been found on the effect of Ocimum sanctum leaves on the levels of estrogen, FSH, LH, and the size of ovarian anthral follicles. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of Ocimum sanctum leaves on estrogen, FSH, LH and the size of antral follicle of female Balb/C mice.METHODS: In the post test only control group design, 12 female Balb/C mice were assigned into 2 groups. The treatment group (OS-G) was given 0.08 gram of ocimum sanctum leaves, three times a day for 30 days and the control group (C-G) received no ocimum sanctum. Estrogen, FSH anduLH levels wereumeasured on the 30th day, the mice were sacrificed and taken up by their ovaries. HE preparationsuwere then madeuand HE was performed, and the size of the antral follicle of the ovary was measured .RESULTS: Mann Whitney analysisuindicateduthat estrogen and FSH levels in OS-G group were significantly higher compared to that of C-G group, p&lt;0.05. Based on independent t-test, the level of LH in OS-G was significantly higher than that of C-Gugroup, p&gt;&lt;0.05. On the contrary, uthe size of ovarianuanthralufollicle in OS-Guwas smaller than that of C-Gugroup, p&gt;&lt;0.05. CONCLUSION: Ocimum sanctum increased the levels of estrogen, FSH, LH and decreased the size of ovarian antral follicle in female of Balb/C mice.&gt;

Low dose prenatal testosterone exposure decreases the corticosterone response to stress in adult male, but not female, mice

Gonadal steroid hormones affect the organization of the brain during sensitive periods of development, resulting in sex differences in the neuroendocrine function and behaviour of the offspring. Although alterations in developmental testosterone exposure have been hypothesized to play a role in male-biased neurodevelopmental disorders, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The present study investigated the hypothesis that early prenatal exposure to low concentrations of testosterone might affect the control of stress responses in later life. Pregnant CD1 mice were treated with 10 μg of testosterone propionate or sesame oil control on embryonic days 12, 14, and 16. Effects on development were assessed by measuring litter size, composition and weight, first appearance of hair, eye and ear opening, and adult body weight. Reproductive development was assessed by measuring testosterone levels in neonatal and adult males, gonad weights in both sexes and reproductive cyclicity in females. The function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was determined by measuring corticosterone in hair samples from juvenile animals, as well as in plasma following restraint stress in adulthood. Prenatal testosterone treatment had no significant effects on any of the overall developmental or reproductive endpoints assessed. However, in adulthood, corticosterone responses to restraint stress were reduced in the male but not the female offspring, with no significant effect on basal corticosterone levels in either sex. Thus, a small prenatal increase in maternal testosterone may be sufficient to produce a lasting sex-specific alteration in the sensitivity of the male HPA axis to stress.

Long-term effects of status epilepticus during infancy in male rats: Sexual behavior and brain response upon exposure to sexually receptive females

Previous research in female rats showed that induction of status epilepticus (SE) during infancy impairs proceptive sexual behavior at the long run in adulthood but temporarily, since full proceptivity is recovered after four mating trials. In male rats, such equivalent effects have not been explored yet. Thus, SE was experimentally induced by injecting lithium chloride (3 mEq/kg, i.p.) in thirteen-day-old (P13) male pups and then, on P14, pilocarpine hydrochloride (100 mg/kg, s.c.). Controls received the same volume of saline. For Experiment 1, at P90, we analyzed c-Fos immunoreactivity (c-Fos-IR) as a measure of unconditioned brain activity after exposing them to sexually receptive females, but without physical contact. For Experiment 2, a different group of males was tested for locomotor activity, and their sexual behavior was assessed during five trials. Then, serum testosterone and corticosterone levels were measured. Our results showed that a lower proportion of SE males performed mounts, intromissions, and ejaculations, and repeated training did not improve their behavior. The levels of testosterone in SE males were reduced, but corticosterone, c-Fos-IR, and locomotion were similar to controls. These results suggest that SE during infancy impairs adult sexual behavior by reducing testosterone.

How do elevated levels of testosterone affect the function of the human fallopian tube and fertility?—New insights

Excess testosterone levels affect up to 20% of the female population worldwide and are a key component in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. However, little is known about how excess testosterone affects the function of the human fallopian tube-the site of gamete transport, fertilization, and early embryogenesis. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize alterations caused by long-term exposure to male testosterone levels. For this purpose, the Fallopian tubes of nine female-to-male transsexuals, who had been undergoing testosterone treatment for 1-3 years, were compared with the tubes of 19 cycling patients. In the ampulla, testosterone treatment resulted in extensive luminal accumulations of secretions and cell debris which caused ciliary clumping and luminal blockage. Additionally, the percentage of ciliated cells in the ampulla was significantly increased. Transsexual patients, who had had sexual intercourse before surgery, showed spermatozoa trapped in mucus. Finally, in the isthmus complete luminal collapse occurred. Our results imply that fertility in women with elevated levels of testosterone is altered by tubal luminal obstruction resulting in impaired gamete transport and survival.

The spectrum of testosterone levels in males with functioning gonadotroph adenomas: report of three cases

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

Male testosterone levels and laboratory practice: a need for a standardised approach to measurement and reporting

Male testosterone levels and laboratory practice: a need for a standardised approach to measurement and reporting