The Effects of Aging on Testicular Volume and Glucose Metabolism: an Investigation with Ultrasonography and FDG-PET

Cellular senescence in reproduction: a two-edged sword†

Cellular senescence (CS) is the state when cells are no longer capable to divide even after stimulation with grown factors. Cells that begin to undergo CS stop in the cell cycle and enter a suspended state without committing to programmed cell death. These cells assume a specific phenotype and influence their microenvironment by secreting molecules and extracellular vesicles that are part of the so-called senescent cell-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Cellular senescence is intertwined with physiological and pathological conditions in the human organism. In terms of reproduction, senescent cells are present from reproductive tissues and germ cells to gestational tissues, and participate from fertilization to delivery, going through adverse reproductive outcomes such as pregnancy losses. Furthermore, various SASP molecules are enriched in gestational tissues throughout pregnancy. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide a basis about the features and potential roles played by CS throughout the reproductive process, encompassing its implication in each step of it and proposing a way to manage it in adverse reproductive contexts.

Epigenetic aging of mammalian gametes

The process of aging refers to physiological changes that occur to an organism as time progresses and involves changes to DNA, proteins, metabolism, cells, and organs. Like the rest of the cells in the body, gametes age, and it is well established that there is a decline in reproductive capabilities in females and males with aging. One of the major pathways known to be involved in aging is epigenetic changes. The epigenome is the multitude of chemical modifications performed on DNA and chromatin that affect the ability of chromatin to be transcribed. In this review, we explore the effects of aging on female and male gametes with a focus on the epigenetic changes that occur in gametes throughout aging. Quality decline in oocytes occurs at a relatively early age. Epigenetic changes constitute an important part of oocyte aging. DNA methylation is reduced with age, along with reduced expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Histone deacetylases (HDAC) expression is also reduced, and a loss of heterochromatin marks occurs with age. As a consequence of heterochromatin loss, retrotransposon expression is elevated, and aged oocytes suffer from DNA damage. In sperm, aging affects sperm number, motility and fecundity, and epigenetic changes may constitute a part of this process. 5 methyl-cytosine (5mC) methylation is elevated in sperm from aged men, but methylation on Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE) elements is reduced. Di and trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2/3) is reduced in sperm from aged men and trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) is elevated. The protamine makeup of sperm from aged men is also changed, with reduced protamine expression and a misbalanced ratio between protamine proteins protamine P1 and protamine P2. The study of epigenetic reproductive aging is recently gaining interest. The current status of the field suggests that many aspects of gamete epigenetic aging are still open for investigation. The clinical applications of these investigations have far-reaching consequences for fertility and sociological human behavior.

Inter-individual exposure variability interpretation through reflection of biological age algorithm in physiologically based toxicokinetic model: Application to human risk assessment of di-isobutyl-phthalate

Age-related changes and interindividual variability in the degree of exposure to hazardous substances in the environment are pertinent factors to be considered in human risk assessment. Existing risk assessments remain in a one-size-fits-all approach, often without due consideration of inter-individual toxicokinetic variability factors, such as age. The purpose of this study was to advance from the existing risk assessment of hazardous substances based on toxicokinetics to a precise human risk assessment by additionally considering the effects of physiologic and metabolic fluctuations and interindividual variability in age. Qualitative age-associated physiologic and metabolic changes in humans, obtained through a meta-analysis, were quantitatively modeled to produce the final biological age algorithm (BAA). The developed BAAs (for males) were extended and applied to the reported testicular reproductive toxicity-focused di-isobutyl-phthalate (DiBP)-mono-isobutyl-phthalate (MiBP) physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model in males. The advanced PBTK model combined with the BAA was applied to the human risk assessment based on MiBP biomonitoring data. As a result, the specialized DiBP external exposure values for each age could be estimated. Additionally, by applying the Monte Carlo simulation, the distribution of internal exposure diversity among individuals according to the same external exposure dose could be estimated. The contributions of physiologic and metabolic factors to the age-dependent toxicokinetic changes were approximately 93.41-99.99 and 0.01-6.59%, respectively. In addition, the relative contribution of metabolic factors was major in infants and continued to decrease as age increased (up to about age 30 years). This study provides a step-by-step platform that can be widely applied to overcome the limitations of existing toxicokinetic models that still require interindividual pharmacokinetic variability explanations. This will be important for the rationalization and explanation of inter-individual variability in the pharmacokinetics of many substances.

The Role of Advanced Parental Age in Reproductive Genetics

The increase of parental reproductive age is a worldwide trend in modern society in recent decades. In general, older parents have a significant impact on reproductive genetics and the health of offspring. In particular, advanced parental age contributes to the increase in the risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. However, it is currently under debate how and to what extent the health of future generations was affected by the parental age. In this review, we aimed to (i) provide an overview of the effects of age on the fertility and biology of the reproductive organs of the parents, (ii) highlight the candidate biological mechanisms underlying reproductive genetic alterations, and (iii) discuss the relevance of the effect of parental age on offspring between animal experiment and clinical observation. In addition, we think that the impact of environmental factors on cognitive and emotional development of older offspring will be an interesting direction.

Exploring Health Behaviours, Attitudes and Beliefs of Women and Men during the Preconception and Interconception Periods: A Cross-Sectional Study of Adults on the Island of Ireland

Preconception health is increasingly seen as a key target for improving population health in the UK and Ireland, yet little is known about the attitudes and beliefs of adults regarding preconception care strategies. This online cross-sectional survey aimed to explore the health behaviours, attitudes and beliefs of adults of reproductive age in regard to preconception health and care. The survey was developed by reviewing the previous literature and engaging with those from the target group. It is one of the first surveys to assess the attitudes and beliefs of adults of reproductive age across the Island of Ireland regarding preconception health and care. Results from 386 individuals with a mean age of 29.9 ± 10.3 years were included. A variety of health behaviours, attitudes and beliefs were investigated, with differences being identified between women and men and between participants with or without children (i.e., in the preconception or interconception stage). The majority of respondents held beliefs that preconception care was important, but there was greater emphasis on women than men in terms of the need to engage in health-promoting preconception health behaviours. This study highlights the need to improve preconception health awareness in women and men in the preconception and interconception stage. Findings indicate that efforts to improve preparation for pregnancy among adults of childbearing age are needed, to ensure optimal engagement in preconception health behaviours, with efforts being tailored based on sex and parental status.

Biomarkers of aging

Aging biomarkers are a combination of biological parameters to (i) assess age-related changes, (ii) track the physiological aging process, and (iii) predict the transition into a pathological status. Although a broad spectrum of aging biomarkers has been developed, their potential uses and limitations remain poorly characterized. An immediate goal of biomarkers is to help us answer the following three fundamental questions in aging research: How old are we? Why do we get old? And how can we age slower? This review aims to address this need. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of biomarkers developed for cellular, organ, and organismal levels of aging, comprising six pillars: physiological characteristics, medical imaging, histological features, cellular alterations, molecular changes, and secretory factors. To fulfill all these requisites, we propose that aging biomarkers should qualify for being specific, systemic, and clinically relevant.

The Timing Sequence and Mechanism of Aging in Endocrine Organs

The world is increasingly aging, and there is an urgent need to find a safe and effective way to delay the aging of the body. It is well known that the endocrine glands are one of the most important organs in the context of aging. Failure of the endocrine glands lead to an abnormal hormonal environment, which in turn leads to many age-related diseases. The aging of endocrine glands is closely linked to oxidative stress, cellular autophagy, genetic damage, and hormone secretion. The first endocrine organ to undergo aging is the pineal gland, at around 6 years old. This is followed in order by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, gonads, pancreatic islets, and thyroid gland. This paper summarises the endocrine gland aging-related genes and pathways by bioinformatics analysis. In addition, it systematically summarises the changes in the structure and function of aging endocrine glands as well as the mechanisms of aging. This study will advance research in the field of aging and help in the intervention of age-related diseases.

Reproductive axis ageing and fertility in men

Compared to women, increasing male age is not accompanied by such marked changes in reproductive function but changes certainly do happen. These include alterations to the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis, with resultant implications for testosterone production and bioavailability as well as spermatogenesis. There is a decline in sexual function as men age, with a dramatic increase in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction after the age of 40, which is a marker for both clinically evident as well as covert coronary artery disease. Despite a quantitative decline in spermatogenesis and reduced fecundability, the male potential for fertility persists throughout adult life, however there are also increasingly recognised alterations in sperm quality and function with significant implications for offspring health. These changes are relevant to both natural and medically assisted conception.

Hallmarks of Testicular Aging: The Challenge of Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Therapies Using Natural and/or Pharmacological Compounds to Improve the Physiopathological Status of the Aged Male Gonad

The evolutionary theory of aging supports a trade-off relationship between reproduction and aging. Aging of the male reproductive system primarily affects the testes, leading to a decrease in the levels of sexual hormones, alterations in sperm quality and production, and a decline in fertility that does not necessarily involve a complete cessation of spermatogenesis. Inflammation, oxidation, and apoptosis are events considered as predictors of pathogenesis and the development of age-related diseases that are frequently observed in aged testes. Although the molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood, accumulating evidence points toward pro-inflammatory molecules and reactive oxygen species as primary contributing factors for testicular aging. However, the real impact of aging-related testicular alterations on fertility, reproductive health, and life span is far from being fully revealed. This work discusses the current knowledge on the impact of aging in the testis, particularly of aging-related dysregulated inflammation and oxidative damage on the functioning of its different cell populations. More interestingly, this review covers the potential benefits of anti-aging interventions and therapies using either pharmacological compounds (such as non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication) or more natural alternatives (such as various nutraceuticals or even probiotics) that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. Some of these are currently being investigated or are already in clinical use to delay or prevent testicular aging.

Developmental programming and ageing of male reproductive function

Developmental programming predisposes offspring to metabolic, behavioural and reproductive dysfunction in adult life. Evidence is accumulating that ageing phenotype and longevity are in part developmentally programmed in each individual. Unfortunately, there are few studies addressing the effects of developmental programming by maternal nutrition on the rate of ageing of the male reproductive system. This review will discuss effects of foetal exposure to maternal environmental challenges on male offspring fertility and normal ageing of the male reproductive system. We focus on several key factors involved in reproductive ageing such as decreased hormone production, DNA fragmentation, oxidative stress, telomere shortening, epigenetics, maternal lifestyle and nutrition. There is compelling evidence that ageing of the male reproductive system is developmentally programmed. Both maternal over- or undernutrition accelerate ageing of male offspring reproductive function through similar mechanisms such as decreased serum testosterone levels, increase in oxidative stress biomarkers in both the testes and sperm and changes in sperm quality. Importantly, even in adult life, exercise in male offspring of obese mothers improves adverse effects of programming on reproductive function. Maternal consumption of a low-protein diet causes transgenerational effects in progeny via the paternal line. The seminal fluid has effects on the intrauterine environment. Programming by male factors may involve more than just the sperm. Improving knowledge on developmental programming ageing interactions will improve not only male health and life span but also the health of future generations by reducing programming via the paternal line.

Reproductive aging and telomeres: Are women and men equally affected?

Successful reproduction is very important for individuals and for society. Currently, the human health span and lifespan are the object of intense and productive investigation with great achievements, compared to the last century. However, reproduction span does not progress concomitantly with lifespan. Reproductive organs age, decreasing the levels of sexual hormones, which are protectors of health through their action on several organs of the body. Thus, this is the starting point of the organismal decay and infertility. This starting point is easily detected in women. In men, it goes under the surface, undetected, but it goes, nevertheless. Regarding fertility, aging alters the hormonal equilibrium, decreases the potential of reproductive organs, diminishes the quality of the gametes and worsen the reproductive outcomes. All these events happen at a different pace and affecting different organs in women and men. The question is what molecular pathways are involved in reproductive aging and if there is a possible halting or even reversion of the aging events. Answers to all these points will be explained in the present review.

Familial resemblance in markers of testicular function in fathers and their young sons: a cross-sectional study

STUDY QUESTION

Is testicular function associated within father-son pairs?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Familial resemblance in testis volume and serum markers of spermatogenesis was observed in father-son pairs.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Studies suggest familial clustering of male subfertility and impaired spermatogenesis, but in men from the general population little is known about concordance in testicular function between fathers and sons.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This cross-sectional study with simultaneous collection of data in fathers and sons included 72 pairs (144 fathers and sons), unselected regarding testicular function were included.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

A subgroup of men from the background population and participating in a study on testicular function were asked permission to invite their fathers to participate in a similar setup. Fathers (median age of 53 years) and sons (median age of 19 years) participated in the same study setup including assessment of testis size, having a blood sample taken and analysed for serum levels of reproductive hormones (FSH, inhibin B, LH, testosterone, oestradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and calculated free testosterone) and delivering a semen sample for assessment of traditional semen parameters. Mixed-effects models were fitted to estimate the familial resemblance as the proportion of variance in markers of testicular function due to shared factors for fathers and sons accounted for using random-effects. Variance components were calculated from both unadjusted and adjusted models.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

After adjustments, variance component analyses showed that familial resemblance between fathers and sons accounted for 48% (P < 0.001) of the variation in testicular volume, 32% (P = 0.009) of the variation in FSH, 31% (P = 0.009) of the variation in the inhibin B/FSH ratio, 33% (P = 0.007) and 45% (P < 0.001) of the variation in testosterone and free testosterone, respectively, and 31% (P = 0.009) of the variation in SHBG. None of the semen parameters were associated within father-son pairs.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The present study may have lacked power to detect associations for semen quality, as large intra- and inter-individual variation occur in semen parameters.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

In this study, testis volume, serum testosterone and serum markers of spermatogenesis including FSH were associated in fathers and sons, suggesting an impact of paternal genetics for testicular function in the son. However, the estimated familial resemblance for spermatogenesis markers highlights that other factors, such as maternal genetics and prenatal as well as adult exposures, are also of major importance for testicular function.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

The study has received funding from Danish Health Authority, Research Fund of the Capital Region of Denmark and Independent Research Fund Denmark (8020-00218B). None of the funders had any role in the study design, collection, analysis or interpretation of data, writing of the paper of publication decisions. The authors have nothing to disclose.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

18 F-FDG PET/CT use in functional assessment of the testes: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Our study analysed previous studies employing positron emission tomography with co-registered computer tomography (PET/CT) in andrological patient evaluation and assessed the differences in 2-[¹⁸ F]F-fluoro-2'-deoxyglucose (FDG) uptake between three groups: healthy testes, benign and malignant testicular pathology.

METHODS

Medline and Embase were systematically searched for studies involving FDG-PET/CT imaging of testes with results expressed as mean standardised uptake value (SUV_mean ). A one-way ANOVA was used to compare SUV_mean between three groups. All papers assessing andrological parameters were pooled to compare fertility data.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies, including three relating to fertility diagnosis, with a total of 830 patients, were included in the review. One-way ANOVA showed a statistical difference between mean values of tracer SUV_mean in healthy and malignant testes (Dif. = -2.77, 95% CI = -4.32 to 1.21, p < 0.01) as well as benign and malignant (Dif. = -2.95, 95% CI = -4.33 to -1.21, p < 0.01) but no difference between healthy and benign (Dif. = 0.19, 95% CI = -0.96 to 1.33, p = 0.90). There is some evidence to suggest that FDG uptake and testicular volume are positively correlated to total sperm count, sperm concentration and sperm motility and that germ cells are likely to account for the majority of testicular FDG accumulation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that malignant testicular lesions demonstrate a significantly higher FDG uptake than benign testicular lesions or healthy testes. Some evidence also suggests that FDG-PET could visualise metabolic activity and thus spermatogenesis; however more studies are required to determine whether FDG-PET could also be used to diagnose infertility. Further studies should focus on correlating both sex hormone-serum levels and semen analysis results with imaging data.

Prevalence and determinants of low testosterone levels in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus; a case-control study in a district hospital in Ghana

Diabetes mellitus, an endocrine disorder, has been implicated in many including hypogonadism in men. Given the fact that diabetes mellitus is becoming a fast-growing epidemic and the morbidity associated with it is more disabling than the disease itself. This study sought to assess the prevalence of low testosterone levels and predictors in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and non-diabetic men in a district hospital in Ghana. This hospital-based case-control study comprised 150 type 2 diabetics and 150 healthy men. A pre-structured questionnaire and patient case notes were used to document relevant demographic and clinical information. Venous blood sample of about 6 ml was taken to measure FBS, HbA1c, FSH, LH, and testosterone levels. All data were analyzed using STATA version 12 (STATA Corporation, Texas, USA). The overall hypogonadism in the study population was 48% (144/300). The prevalence of hypogonadism in type 2 diabetic subjects was almost three times more than in healthy men (70.7% vs 25.3%). The odds of having hypogonadism was lower in the men with normal weight and overweight with their underweight counterparts (AOR = 0.33, 95% CI; 0.12-0.96, p = 0.042) and (AOR = 0.29, 95% CI; 0.10-0.84, p = 0.023) respectively. Also, the odds of suffering from hypogonadism was lower in non-smokers compared with smokers (AOR: 0.16, 95% CI; 0.05-0.58, p = 0.005). Participants who were engaged in light (AOR: 0.29, 95% CI; 0.14-0.61, p = 0.001), moderate (AOR: 0.26, 95% CI; 0.13-0.54, p<0.001) and heavy (AOR: 0.25, 95% CI; 0.10-0.67, p = 0.006) leisure time activities had lower odds hypogonadal compared to those engaged in sedentary living. Type 2 diabetic men have high incidence of hypogonadism, irrespective of their baseline clinical, lifestyle or demographic characteristics. Smoking and sedentary lifestyle and BMI were associated with hypogonadism in the study population. Routine testosterone assessment and replacement therapy for high risk patients is recommended to prevent the detrimental effect of hypogonadism in diabetic men.

Age-related changes of seminiferous tubule morphology, interstitial fibrosis and spermatogenesis in dogs

There are age-related changes in testicular anatomy and physiology whereby there are modifications of sperm production and reproductive hormone functions. Effects of age on testicular microanatomy are well documented in humans, while there is limited understanding of these changes in dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate age-related changes of seminiferous tubule morphology, interstitial fibrosis and spermatogenesis in dogs. Dogs (n = 32) were divided into four age groups: peripubertal (n = eight), relatively younger (n = seven), reproductively mature (n = seven) and relatively older (n = ten). Picrosirius Red stained sections were used for morphometrical analysis of testicular tissues, while the characteristics of seminiferous epithelium were assessed using a modified Johnsen scoring system for haematoxylin and eosin stained sections. Seminiferous epithelium and seminiferous tubule area increased from peripuberty to reproductive maturity, indicating there were changes during sexual maturation and subsequently there were decreases with further aging. There was a similar age-related trend for changes in seminiferous epithelium height with values being greatest in reproductively mature dogs; while there were no age-related differences in tubular diameter. Collagen content in the testicular interstitium gradually decreased from peripuberty to the age when dogs were reproductively mature and there were subsequent increases in relatively older dogs, thus, there was an association between the extent of testicular fibrosis and senescence. There was a decrease in spermatogenetic functions from relatively younger to older ages. Further investigations are warranted to establish mechanisms responsible for age-related changes of testicular morphology and related clinical implications.

Testicular Aging: An Overview of Ultrastructural, Cellular, and Molecular Alterations

The trend in parenthood at an older age is increasing for both men and women in developed countries, raising concerns about the reproductive ability, and the consequences for the offspring's health. While reproductive activity in women stops with menopause, a complete cessation of the reproductive potential does not occur in men. Although several studies have been published on the effects of aging on semen parameters and spermatozoa DNA integrity, literature on impact of aging on the testis, particularly cellular, and molecular alterations, has been, so far, limited and controversial. This work discusses the current knowledge on testicular aging in humans and other mammals, covering topics from tissue ultrastructure, to cellular and molecular alterations. Aging affects male reproductive function at multiple levels, from sperm production and quality, to the morphology and histology of the male reproductive system. The morphological and functional changes that occur in the testes result in variations in the levels of many hormones, changes in molecules involved in mitochondrial function, receptors, and signaling proteins. Despite knowing that these age-related alterations occur, their real impact on male fertility and reproductive health are still far from being fully understood, highlighting that research in the field is crucial.

A young testicular microenvironment protects Leydig cells against age-related dysfunction in a mouse model of premature aging

Testicular Leydig cells (LCs) are the primary source of circulating androgen in men. As men age, circulating androgen levels decline. However, whether reduced LC steroidogenesis results from specific effects of aging within LCs or reflects degenerative alterations to the wider supporting microenvironment is unclear; inability to separate intrinsic LC aging from that of the testicular microenvironment in vivo has made this question difficult to address. To resolve this, we generated novel mouse models of premature aging, driven by CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2 (Cisd2) deletion, to separate the effects of cell intrinsic aging from extrinsic effects of aging on LC function. At 6 mo of age, constitutive Cisd2-deficient mice display signs of premature aging, including testicular atrophy, reduced LC and Sertoli cell (SC) number, decreased circulating testosterone, increased luteinizing hormone/testosterone ratio, and decreased expression of steroidogenic mRNAs, appropriately modeling primary testicular dysfunction observed in aging men. However, mice with Cisd2 deletion (and thus premature aging) restricted to either LCs or SCs were protected against testicular degeneration, demonstrating that age-related LCs dysfunction cannot be explained by intrinsic aging within either the LC or SC lineages alone. We conclude that age-related LC dysfunction is largely driven by aging of the supporting testicular microenvironment.—Curley, M., Milne, L., Smith, S., Jørgensen, A., Frederiksen, H., Hadoke, P., Potter, P., Smith, L. B. A Young testicular microenvironment protects Leydig cells against age-related dysfunction in a mouse model of premature aging.

Effects of aging on the male reproductive system

The study aims to discuss the effects of aging on the male reproductive system. A systematic review was performed using PubMed from 1980 to 2014. Aging is a natural process comprising of irreversible changes due to a myriad of endogenous and environmental factors at the level of all organs and systems. In modern life, as more couples choose to postpone having a child due to various socioeconomic reasons, research for understanding the effects of aging on the reproductive system has gained an increased importance. Paternal aging also causes genetic and epigenetic changes in spermatozoa, which impair male reproductive functions through their adverse effects on sperm quality and count as, well as, on sexual organs and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Hormone production, spermatogenesis, and testes undergo changes as a man ages. These small changes lead to decrease in both the quality and quantity of spermatozoa. The offspring of older fathers show high prevalence of genetic abnormalities, childhood cancers, and several neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, the latest advances in assisted reproductive techniques give older men a chance to have a child even with poor semen parameters. Further studies should investigate the onset of gonadal senesce and its effects on aging men.

Association between serum inhibin-B levels and coronary artery disease in aging males

INTRODUCTION

Atherosclerosis is a systemic disorder. It is a frequent leading cause of coronary artery disease (CAD). Similarly, atherosclerotic vascular alterations could lead to testicular arterial blood flow reduction and impairment of testicular function with age. Inhibin-B has been validated as a valuable serum marker of testicular functions and its correlation with testicular volume was shown in some studies done before. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between serum inhibin-B levels and CAD in elderly men.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between March 2009 and March 2010, fifty-two 50-80-year-old consecutive patients with Gensini score over 20 and ejection fraction (EF) > 50% were included in the study as the CAD group. Fifty healthy men without any cardiac disease history were recruited as the control group. All patients in the CAD group who had indications for coronary artery angiography underwent selective coronary artery angiography.

RESULTS

Inhibin-B, total testosterone and testicular volume levels were found to be significantly lower in the CAD group in comparison with the control group (p = 0.004, p < 0.0001, and p = 0.001 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, although no correlation was found in CAD patients between Gensini score and inhibin-B or testicular volume, inhibin-B levels and testicular volume were significantly lower in patients with CAD than in healthy men. In order to fully assess the relationship between serum inhibin-B levels and CAD, multi-centered prospective and longitudinal studies must be done in elderly male patients.

Male reproductive traits of full-sibs of different age classes in three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

The process of ageing is associated with negative effects of mutations acting late in life, which range from those affecting cells to those affecting the whole organism. In many animal taxa, the deterioration of the phenotype with age also affects traits such as males’ primary and secondary sexual characteristics. In three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus), males usually reproduce at one or two years of age. To see whether sexual selection has the potential to differ between young and old males, full-sib brothers of different age classes were compared, which were bred and raised under standardised laboratory conditions. During two simulated, successive breeding seasons males were allowed to build their nest in single tanks either in the first (“young males”) or in the second (“old males”) breeding season. A comparison of reproductively active brothers of the first and second breeding season showed that older males produce more but smaller sperm, which might be of lower quality. The fact that older males stored more sperm is size dependent as the results show that larger males possess a greater absolute testis mass, which is inextricably linked to sperm number. However, independent of body size, old males had a lower intensity of red/orange and UV breeding coloration as well as a reduced testis melanisation, which might have consequences in female mate choice and sperm competition.

The Effect of Patient Age on Standardized, Uptake Value-Hounsfield Unit Values of Male Genitourinery Structures In F-18 FDG PET/CT

Objective: Relation between patient age and Hounsfield Unit (HU),which is the linear attenuation coefficient, and Standardized Uptake Values (SUV) which is the amount of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) uptake, measured in the areas of interest drawn to prostate, seminal vesicles and testicles in F-18 FDG Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) images was investigated.

Material and Methods: Mean and maximum SUV and HU values were recorded from the areas of interest (min 12 mm in diameter) which showed FDG uptake in prostate, seminal vesicles and testicles from F-18 FDG PET-CT images of 21 male patients under 40 years without genitourinary cancer. The effect of patient age to SUV and HU values was examined with Pearson correlation test using SPSS program.

Results: There was a negative insignificant correlation between patient age and SUV and HU values for prostate. For seminal vesicles, correlation between patient age and SUV values and HU_max were positive but insignificant, while correlation with HU_mean was significant (r=0.459, p=0.00). Correlation between patient age and SUV_max and SUV_mean values were significant for testicles (r=0.506, p=0.002 and r=0.467, p=0.005, respectively) but the correlation between patient age and HU_max and HU_mean values was not significant.

Conclusion: F-18 FDG uptake in testicles in males increases with age until 40, suggesting an increase in metabolic rate. The significant correlation between age and mean HU values is probably caused by thickening of the tissue without an increase in glucose metabolism in seminal vesicles. In prostate, the effect of patient age to SUV and HU values was not observed until the age 40.

Conflict of interest:None declared.