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Lisco G, Triggiani V, Bartolomeo N, Ramunni MI, Pelusi C, De Pergola G, Guastamacchia E, Jirillo E, Giagulli VA. The role of male hypogonadism, aging, and chronic diseases in characterizing adult and elderly men with erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:5. [PMID: 37020191 PMCID: PMC10077617 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-022-00182-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erectile function depends on a complex interaction between demographic, metabolic, vascular, hormonal, and psychological factors that trigger erectile dysfunction (ED). In the present study we carried out a cross-sectional study assessing the impact of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs), male hypogonadism, and demographic factors in characterizing men with ED. Four hundred thirty-three consecutive outpatients with ED were extracted from the electronic database from January 2017 to December 2019. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) 5 score was used to diagnose ED and stratify its severity, standardized values of serum testosterone (10.5 nM/L) and luteinizing hormone (LH 9.4 IU/L) to diagnose and classify male hypogonadism and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to weigh the role of each NCD on ED. RESULTS Forty-six percent of participants were eugonadal (EuG), 13% had organic hypogonadism (OrH), and the remaining 41% had functional hypogonadism (FuH). Hypogonadal men had a significantly lower IIEF 5 score (p < .0001) than EuG. FuH had a higher CCI than OrH and EuG (all p < .0001). In a multivariable model, only free T (FT) and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) showed a direct correlation with the IIEF 5 score (all p < .0001). Age and CCI had an inverse correlation with IIEF 5 score (all p < .0001). CONCLUSION Serum FT, SHBG, and CCI are the leading determinants of ED severity. Besides overt hypogonadism, a relevant burden of severe NTCDs in middle-aged or older adults features the patient's characteristics who will suffer from severe ED. Appropriate clinical approaches and, when necessary, treatments are required in these clusters of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lisco
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Policlinico, Bari, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Triggiani
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Bartolomeo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Isabella Ramunni
- Outpatients Clinic of Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease, Conversano Hospital, Conversano, Bari, Italy
| | - Carla Pelusi
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Pergola
- Research Hospital National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Edoardo Guastamacchia
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Emilio Jirillo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Angelo Giagulli
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Policlinico, Bari, Italy
- Outpatients Clinic of Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease, Conversano Hospital, Conversano, Bari, Italy
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Kassubek R, Weinstock D, Behler A, Müller HP, Dupuis L, Kassubek J, Ludolph AC. Morphological alterations of the hypothalamus in idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2022; 13:20406223221141354. [PMID: 36479140 PMCID: PMC9720803 DOI: 10.1177/20406223221141354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a condition characterized by raised intracranial pressure, is not well understood. OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that the hypothalamus might exhibit alterations in patients with IIH, based on its established association with obesity and the potential role of hormonal and metabolic factors in IIH. DESIGN Retrospective single-center cohort study. METHODS Thirty-three individuals with IIH and 40 matched healthy individuals were studied, including levels of the hormones and proteins leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, insulin, growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), somatostatin, and melatonin. In vivo high-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were analyzed by quantification of hypothalamic volumes using a well-established segmentation method, separate for the anterior and the posterior hypothalamic subvolumes. An additional analysis was performed using age, gender, and BMI-matched subgroups of 20 IIH patients and 20 controls. RESULTS The analysis of laboratory values showed significantly increased insulin, leptin, and melatonin levels for IIH patients in comparison to controls, while adiponectin levels were decreased in IIH; however, only melatonin level differences could be confirmed in the analysis with BMI matching. There was no statistical difference in total hypothalamus volumes between IIH and controls, but the hypothalamic morphology was altered in IIH patients with a lower volume of the anterior part of the hypothalamus and a higher volume of the posterior part; these results were identical in the analysis of the BMI-matched groups. The correlation analyses between hormonal changes and hypothalamic morphology did not achieve significant results. CONCLUSION In this exploratory study, morphological abnormalities of the hypothalamus were observed to be associated with the IIH complex, although the mechanism remains to be unraveled. These findings expand the metabolic phenotype of IIH, but further functional studies are necessary to corroborate these data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm,
Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Anna Behler
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm,
Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Luc Dupuis
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, Mécanismes
centraux et périphériques de la neurodégénérescence, Strasbourg,
France
| | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm,
Ulm, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm,
Germany
| | - Albert C. Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm,
Ulm, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm,
Germany
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Isidori AM, Aversa A, Calogero A, Ferlin A, Francavilla S, Lanfranco F, Pivonello R, Rochira V, Corona G, Maggi M. Adult- and late-onset male hypogonadism: the clinical practice guidelines of the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) and the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE). J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:2385-2403. [PMID: 36018454 PMCID: PMC9415259 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01859-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide the evidence-based recommendations on the role of testosterone (T) on age-related symptoms and signs remains. METHODS The Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) and the and the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE) commissioned an expert task force to provide an updated guideline on adult-onset male hypogonadism. Derived recommendations were based on Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS Clinical diagnosis of adult-onset hypogonadism should be based on a combination of clinical and biochemical parameters. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) should be offered to all symptomatic subjects with hypogonadism after the exclusion of possible contraindications. T gels and the long-acting injectable T are currently available preparations showing the best efficacy/safety profile. TRT can improve all aspects of sexual function, although its effect is limited in more complicated patients. Body composition (reducing fat mass and increasing lean mass) is improved after TRT, either in subjects with or without metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. Conversely, the role of TRT in improving glycometabolic control is more conflicting. TRT can result in increasing bone mineral density, particularly at lumbar site, but no information on fracture risk is available. Limited data support the use of TRT for improving other outcomes, including mood frailty and mobility. CONCLUSIONS TRT can improve sexual function and body composition particularly in less complicated adult and in aging subjects with hypogonadism. When hypogonadism is adequately diagnosed, T appropriately prescribed and subjects correctly followed up, no short-term increased risk of adverse events is observed. Longer and larger studies are advisable to better clarify TRT long-term efficacy/safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome - Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - A Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - A Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - A Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - S Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - F Lanfranco
- Division of Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolism, Humanitas Gradenigo, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - R Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- Staff of UNESCO Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - V Rochira
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - G Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl Bologna Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Largo Nigrisoli, 2, 40133, Bologna, Italy.
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Abstract
Sexual function, and testosterone (T) levels, progressively decline in aging men. Associated morbidities and metabolic disorders can accelerate the phenomenon. The specific contribution of low T to sexual function impairment in aging men has still not been completely clarified. Similarly, the role of T replacement therapy (TRT), as well as the combination of TRT with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) for patients with erectile dysfunction (ED), is still conflicting. Here we aim to summarize and critically discuss all available data supporting the contribution of low T to sexual impairment observed with aging as well as the possible role of TRT. Available data on men with sexual dysfunction show that reduced sexual desire is the most important correlate of male hypogonadism. Conversely, aging and associated morbidities substantially attenuate the relationship between ED and T. TRT is effective in improving sexual function in middle-aged and older subjects but its role is small and extremely variable. Lifestyle interventions can result in similar outcomes to those of TRT. In conclusion, it is our opinion that PDE5i along with lifestyle measures should be considered the first approach for treating ED even in subjects with milder T deficiency. When these interventions fail or are difficult to apply, TRT should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Azienda Usl, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Mario Serio, Italy.
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