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Fantus RJ, Greenberg DR, Chang C, Helfand BT, Xu J, Wei J, Shoag JE, Nangia AK, Brannigan RE, Halpern JA. Novel reference range values for serum testosterone: a cross-sectional study of 200,000 males. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:2261-2268. [PMID: 38383878 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02319-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To better understand the effects of aging, metabolic syndrome, diurnal variation, and seasonal variation on serum testosterone levels in the context of current guideline statements on testosterone deficiency. METHODS This cross-sectional study utilized the United Kingdom Biobank. Physical examination, anthropomorphic measurements, and laboratory evaluation were performed at the time of enrollment from 2006 to 2010. The primary outcomes were the effect of age, the presence of metabolic syndrome, the time of day, and the month of the year on serum testosterone levels. RESULTS Among 197,883 included men, the 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 95th percentile testosterone levels in men without metabolic syndrome were significantly higher than those in men with metabolic syndrome at every decade of life (p < 0.001). The average testosterone level within each group (men without metabolic syndrome vs. men with) was clinically similar across decade of life (12.43 in 40's 12.29 in 50's 12.24 in 60's vs. 10.69 in 40's 10.56 in 50's 10.63 in 60's respectively). Average testosterone levels decreased with blood draws later in the day ranging from 10.91 to 12.74 nmol/L (p < 0.01). Similarly, there was seasonal variation in serum testosterone ranging from 11.86 to 12.18 nmol/L (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS We found significant variation in serum testosterone according to the presence of metabolic syndrome and time of laboratory draw, but not according to age. These data challenge the prior dogma of age-related hypogonadism and favor an individualized approach towards serum testosterone measurement and interpretation. However, further studies are needed to correlate these population-based data with individuals' hypogonadal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Fantus
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Northshore University Health System, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Urology, Medical Center, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Daniel R Greenberg
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 675 N. Clair Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Cecilia Chang
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Northshore University Health System, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Brian T Helfand
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Northshore University Health System, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jianfeng Xu
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Northshore University Health System, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jun Wei
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Northshore University Health System, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jonathan E Shoag
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ajay K Nangia
- Department of Urology, Medical Center, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Robert E Brannigan
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 675 N. Clair Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Joshua A Halpern
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 675 N. Clair Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Rastegar Panah M, Jarvi K, Lo K, El-Sohemy A. Vitamin B 12 Is Associated with Higher Serum Testosterone Concentrations and Improved Androgenic Profiles Among Men with Infertility. J Nutr 2024; 154:2680-2687. [PMID: 38936552 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility impacts 16% of North American couples, with male factor infertility contributing to ∼30% of cases. Reproductive hormones, especially testosterone, are essential for spermatogenesis. An age-independent population-level decline in testosterone concentrations over the past few decades has been proposed to be a consequence of diet and lifestyle changes. Vitamin B12 is present in the testes and has been suggested as an adjuvant nutritional therapy for male infertility due to its potential to improve sperm parameters. However, evidence examining the relationship between vitamin B12 and reproductive hormones is limited. OBJECTIVES The objective was to cross-sectionally examine the relationship between serum vitamin B12 and male reproductive hormones (luteinizing hormone, follicular stimulating hormone, total testosterone, estradiol, and prolactin). METHODS Men with infertility (n = 303) were recruited from Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Canada. Serum was analyzed for vitamin B12 and reproductive hormones. Statistical analyses included nonparametric Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, linear regression, logistic regression, and effect modification by age and BMI linear regressions. RESULTS An independent monotonic relationship between serum vitamin B12 and total testosterone (ρ = 0.19, P = 0.001) was observed. Serum vitamin B12 was linearly associated with total testosterone (unadjusted β = 0.0007, P = 0.008 and adjusted β = 0.0005, P = 0.03). Compared to individuals in the lowest tertile of serum vitamin B12, those in the middle tertile (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25, 0.93, P = 0.03) and the highest tertile (unadjusted OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.77, P = 0.005 and adjusted OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.87, P = 0.02) had reduced odds of testosterone deficiency. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that among men with infertility, low serum vitamin B12 is associated with a higher risk of testosterone deficiency and impaired androgenic hormonal profiles that impact spermatogenesis and consequently, fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Department of Urology, Murray Koffler Urologic Wellness Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kirk Lo
- Department of Urology, Murray Koffler Urologic Wellness Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ahmed El-Sohemy
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Thompson A, Omil-Lima D, Rhodes S, Jevnikar B, Obery D, Kaelber D, Thirumavalavan N. Low serum testosterone is associated with an increased risk of first-time renal calculi in men without testosterone replacement therapy. Int J Impot Res 2024:10.1038/s41443-024-00963-x. [PMID: 39164486 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-024-00963-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
The incidence of low serum testosterone has been increasing in men of all ages across a period which also corresponds to an increasing prevalence of kidney stones. Currently, the relationship between testosterone and kidney stones is unclear. Using the TriNetX Research Network, we performed a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the risk of developing an initial kidney stone in men based on their total testosterone level. Men aged ≥18 were divided into a low testosterone (<300 ng/dL) and normal testosterone (≥ 300 ng/dL) cohort. Men were excluded if they had a history of a kidney stone encounter diagnosis before testosterone measurement and a history of testosterone therapy prescription at any point. Propensity score matching was employed with an absolute standardized mean difference of less than 0.1 used as an indicator of successful matching. Our main outcome of interest was risk of developing an initial kidney stone in men aged ≥18 and within age-based subgroups. In men 18 and older, low testosterone was associated with a higher risk of one or more kidney stone encounter diagnoses (HR 1.12, 95% CI [1.09-1.15]). When stratified by age, no significant association between low testosterone and kidney stone encounter diagnoses was seen in men aged 18-24 (HR 1.09, 95% CI [0.85-1.39]). The highest risk was observed in men with low testosterone aged 34-44 (HR 1.29, 95% CI [1.17-1.38]). In this study, low serum testosterone was associated with an increased risk of initial kidney stone diagnosis in adult men without testosterone therapy prescriptions at any point in their life. Stratifying by age, the increased risk appears to begin in men aged 25, with the highest observed risk in men aged 33-44.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Thompson
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Danly Omil-Lima
- Fox Chase Cancer Center at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen Rhodes
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Dana Obery
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Wang Y, Jiang R. Androgens and erectile dysfunction: from androgen deficiency to treatment. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:458-468. [PMID: 38719619 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Androgens play important roles in regulating the growth and development of the male reproductive system and maintaining libido and erectile function. The specific mechanisms by which androgen deficiency leads to erectile dysfunction (ED) are not yet fully understood. OBJECTIVES To understand the mechanisms and treatment of androgen deficiency-related ED. METHODS A literature search in the past 10 years was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar to determine the effects of androgen deficiency on erectile function and the treatment of androgen deficiency. RESULTS Androgen deficiency can be caused by hypothalamic-pituitary lesions and injuries, testicular-related diseases and injuries, endocrine and metabolic disorders, the side effects of medication, and age. Androgen deficiency can lead to ED by inhibiting the NOS/NO/cGMP pathway (nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate) and altering the expression of ion channel proteins, as well as by inducing oxidative stress, death, and fibrosis in penile corpus cavernosum cells. Testosterone replacement therapy is effective at improving the serum testosterone levels and erectile function in patients with androgen deficiency. For patients who need to maintain a low androgenic state, erectile function can be improved by lifestyle changes, treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy, and stem cell therapy. CONCLUSIONS Androgen deficiency can affect the structure and function of the penile corpus cavernosum, leading to ED. Areas of further study include how androgen replacement therapy can improve erectile function and how to improve the maintenance of erectile function in patients with hypoandrogenic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
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Wu Z, Bao L, Wang H, Zheng J, Chen Y, Wang W, Qiu D. Association between weight-adjusted waist index and serum total testosterone in males aged 6-19 years in the United States: Data from NHANES 2013-2016. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27520. [PMID: 38496858 PMCID: PMC10944222 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to estimate the association between weight-adjusted waist index and serum total testosterone (sTT) in males aged 6-19 years in the United States. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2016. sTT was considered as the response variable, and weight-adjusted waist circumference index (WWI) as the independent variable. Multiple linear regression was performed to estimate the association between the two variables, and subgroup analysis was performed to identify sensitive cohorts. Smoothing curve fitting and threshold effects analysis was carried out to assess possible nonlinear relationships between WWI and sTT. Results The study included 4207 participants. The mean value of sTT (117.93 ng/dl) was used as the grouping basis, with 1066 participants having serum total testosterone levels above the mean. A negative association was observed between WWI and sTT [beta coefficient (β) = -72.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): -79.45, -65.55], which decreased as WWI increased (P for trend<0.05). Subgroup analysis indicated a stronger negative correlation in late adolescent (16-19 years) males (β = -128.94, 95% CI: -146.75, -111.13). The smoothing curve fit analysis revealed a U-shaped curve relationship for the negative correlation between WWI and sTT. Threshold effect analysis suggested a significant change when WWI exceeded 10.09 (β = -15.82, 95% CI: -24.11, -7.54), and stepwise threshold effect analysis indicated that this negative correlation became less stable when WWI exceeded 11.45 (β = -0.80, 95% CI: -9.15, 7.56). Conclusions Participants with higher WWI exhibited lower total testosterone levels, and a negative association was found between WWI and total testosterone, particularly in late adolescent males aged 16-19 years. Among males aged 6-19 years, caution should be exercised regarding the risk of lower testosterone levels associated with elevated WWI, particularly when WWI is below 10.09.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifei Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Beilun District People's Hospital, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Lingling Bao
- Beilun District People's Hospital, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Beilun District People's Hospital, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Jiajing Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Beilun District People's Hospital, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Beilun District People's Hospital, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Beilun District People's Hospital, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Dongkai Qiu
- Department of Pediatrics, Beilun District People's Hospital, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, PR China
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Hernández-Pérez JG, Taha S, Torres-Sánchez LE, Villasante-Tezanos A, Milani SA, Baillargeon J, Canfield S, Lopez DS. Association of sleep duration and quality with serum testosterone concentrations among men and women: NHANES 2011-2016. Andrology 2024; 12:518-526. [PMID: 37452666 PMCID: PMC10788378 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between testosterone concentrations and sleep duration is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between sleep duration and quality with serum testosterone concentrations and its variation by sex and age. METHODS Data were analyzed for 8748 men and women (≥20 years old) who participated in the cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2016, a cross-sectional study. Total testosterone (ng/dL) was measured and categorized (low, moderate, and high) based on established cut-offs for men and its tertile distribution among women. Sleep duration was classified as ≤6, 7-8, and ≥9 h. Sleep quality was classified as poor or good based on the frequency of trouble falling or staying asleep or sleeping too much. Weighted multivariable adjusted and multinomial logistic regression models were conducted to assess these associations. RESULTS The association between sleep duration and testosterone concentrations, varied according to sex and age. Sleep deprivation (≤6 h) was associated with high testosterone (odds ratio = 3.62; 95% confidence interval: 1.37, 9.53) among young men (20-40 years old); meanwhile, middle-aged men (41-64 years old) who reported more sleep duration had low testosterone (odds ratio = 2.03; 95% confidence interval: 1.10, 3.73). A J-shaped association between sleep duration and low testosterone (odds ratio≤6 h = 1.57; 95% confidence interval: 1.10, 2.27; odds ratio≥9 h = 2.06; 95% confidence interval: 1.18, 3.59) was observed in women aged 41-64 years. We did not find any association with sleep quality. CONCLUSION The association of sleep duration with serum testosterone concentrations varies with sex and age group. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these sex and age group differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shaden Taha
- School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - Sadaf A. Milani
- School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jacques Baillargeon
- School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Steven Canfield
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David S. Lopez
- School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Laru J, Pinola P, Ojaniemi M, Korhonen E, Laikari L, Franks S, Piltonen TT, Tapanainen JS, Niinimäki M, Morin-Papunen L. Low testosterone at age 31 associates with maternal obesity and higher body mass index from childhood until age 46: A birth cohort study. Andrology 2024; 12:327-337. [PMID: 37424437 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low testosterone (T) levels in men associate with increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. However, most studies are cross-sectional with follow-up-time < 10 years, and data on early growth are limited. OBJECTIVE To compare prenatal factors and body mass index (BMI) development from birth to age 46 in relation to low T at age 31. MATERIALS AND METHODS Men with low T (T < 12.1 nmol/L, n = 132) and men with normal T at age 31 (n = 2561) were derived from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. Prenatal factors, longitudinal weight and height data from birth to age 14, and cross-sectional weight and height data at ages 31 and 46, and waist-hip-ratio (WHR) and T levels at age 31 were analyzed. Longitudinal modeling and timing of adiposity rebound (AR, second BMI rise at age 5-7 years) were calculated from fitted BMI curves. Results were adjusted for mother's pre-pregnancy BMI and smoking status, birth weight for gestational age, alcohol consumption, education level, smoking status, and WHR at age 31. RESULTS Neither gestational age nor birth weight was associated with low T at age 31; however, maternal obesity during gestation was more prevalent among men with low T (9.8% vs. 3.5%, adjusted aOR: 2.43 [1.19-4.98]). Men with low T had earlier AR (5.28 vs. 5.82, aOR: 0.73 [0.56-0.94]) and higher BMI (p < 0.001) from AR onward until age 46. Men with both early AR and low T had the highest BMI from AR onward. CONCLUSIONS In men, maternal obesity and early weight gain associate with lower T levels at age 31, independently of adulthood abdominal obesity. Given the well-known health risks related to obesity, and the rising prevalence of maternal obesity, the results of the present study emphasize the importance of preventing obesity that may also affect the later reproductive health of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Laru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oulu University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of North Ostrobothnia, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Pekka Pinola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oulu University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of North Ostrobothnia, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marja Ojaniemi
- Medical Research Center, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of North Ostrobothnia Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Elisa Korhonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oulu University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of North Ostrobothnia, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Lotta Laikari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stephen Franks
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Terhi T Piltonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oulu University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of North Ostrobothnia, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Juha S Tapanainen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, HFR - Cantonal Hospital of Fribourg and University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Maarit Niinimäki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oulu University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of North Ostrobothnia, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Laure Morin-Papunen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oulu University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of North Ostrobothnia, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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Wynne-Ellis MM, Mursu JJ, Tuomainen TP, Bertone-Johnson E, Salonen JT, Virtanen JK. Dietary fat quality and serum androgen concentrations in middle-aged men. Eur J Clin Nutr 2024; 78:99-106. [PMID: 37891228 PMCID: PMC10853065 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-023-01358-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Average testosterone concentrations in men have declined over the last few decades. The reasons for this are not fully known, but changes in dietary fat quality have been suggested to have a role. This study aimed to investigate the associations of different dietary fatty acids with serum androgen concentrations. SUBJECTS/METHODS A total of 2546 men with a mean age of 53 from the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study were included in this cross-sectional study. Associations between dietary saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA) and trans (TFA) fatty acids and concentrations of serum total and free testosterone and steroid hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were analyzed with analysis of covariance and linear regression analysis. Associations of isocaloric replacement of nutrients and androgen concentrations were analyzed with multivariate nutrient-density models. RESULTS After adjustment for age, examination year and energy intake, higher SFA intake was associated with higher serum total and free testosterone and SHBG concentrations, and higher PUFA intake with lower concentrations. However, the associations were attenuated and not statistically significant after further adjustments for potential confounders. MUFA and TFA intakes were not associated with androgen concentrations. In isocaloric substitution models, replacing dietary protein with SFA was associated with higher serum total testosterone and SHBG concentrations. After excluding men with history of CVD or diabetes (n = 1021), no statistically significant associations were found. CONCLUSIONS Dietary fat quality was not independently associated with serum androgen concentrations in middle-aged men. However, replacing protein with SFA may be associated with higher serum androgen concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miika M Wynne-Ellis
- University of Eastern Finland, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jaakko J Mursu
- University of Jyväskylä, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tomi-Pekka Tuomainen
- University of Eastern Finland, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Jukka T Salonen
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Helsinki, Finland
- Metabolic Analytical Services Oy, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jyrki K Virtanen
- University of Eastern Finland, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Kuopio, Finland.
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Rastegar Panah M, Jarvi K, Lo K, El-Sohemy A. Biomarkers of Iron Are Associated with Anterior-Pituitary-Produced Reproductive Hormones in Men with Infertility. Nutrients 2024; 16:290. [PMID: 38257183 PMCID: PMC10819645 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 16% of North American couples are affected by infertility, with 30% of cases being attributable to male factor infertility. The regulation of reproductive hormones via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is important for spermatogenesis and subsequently male fertility. Maintaining iron homeostasis is critical to normal reproductive physiological function. This cross-sectional study's objective was to determine the association between serum biomarkers of iron and reproductive hormones. Men experiencing infertility (n = 303) were recruited from Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto. Serum was analyzed for iron and ferritin as biomarkers of iron status and reproductive hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, estradiol, and prolactin), which were the primary outcome. Associations were determined using non-parametric Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, linear regressions, and logistic regressions. A significant independent monotonic inverse relationship between serum iron and prolactin (p = 0.0002) was found. In linear regression analyses, iron was inversely associated with luteinizing hormone (unadjusted p = 0.03, adjusted p = 0.03) and prolactin (unadjusted p = 0.001 and adjusted p = 0.003). Serum ferritin was inversely associated with both gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (adjusted p = 0.03), and luteinizing hormone (adjusted p = 0.02). These findings suggest that biomarkers of iron are associated with pituitary-produced reproductive hormones, which play a role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal signaling pathway involved in spermatogenesis, testicular testosterone production, and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matineh Rastegar Panah
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 5th Floor, Room 5326A, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Murray Koffler Urologic Wellness Centre, Department of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, 60 Murray Street, 6th Floor, Toronto, ON M5T 3L, Canada
| | - Kirk Lo
- Murray Koffler Urologic Wellness Centre, Department of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, 60 Murray Street, 6th Floor, Toronto, ON M5T 3L, Canada
| | - Ahmed El-Sohemy
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 5th Floor, Room 5326A, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
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Osadchuk L, Kleshchev M, Osadchuk A. Effects of cigarette smoking on semen quality, reproductive hormone levels, metabolic profile, zinc and sperm DNA fragmentation in men: results from a population-based study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1255304. [PMID: 37920251 PMCID: PMC10619690 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1255304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cigarette smoking seems to have a negative impact on men's reproductive health, but our knowledge of its effects on the reproductive function of Russian men is still very limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cigarette smoking on semen quality, including sperm DNA fragmentation, hormonal, zinc and metabolic status in young men from the general multi-ethnic Russian population (n=1,222, median age 23 years) and to find out the ethno-specific effects of smoking by comparing male groups of different ethnicity. Methods Each participant filled out a standardized questionnaire, provided one blood and semen sample. Semen parameters, serum reproductive hormones, lipids, glucose, uric acid and seminal zinc were analyzed. Participants were classified as smokers (n=450) and non-smokers (n=772), and smokers were stratified into moderate (≤10 cigarettes/day) and heavy (>10 cigarettes/day) smokers. Results In the entire study population, heavy smokers were characterized by a decrease in semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration and motility, and an increase in sperm DNA fragmentation and teratozoospermia compared with non-smokers (p<0.05). There was also a reduction in the serum and seminal zinc level as well as an impairment in metabolic health in smokers compared with non-smokers (p<0.05). No significant differences between smokers and non-smokers were found for serum levels of LH, FSH, inhibin B, testosterone and estradiol. In the second part of our study, the most numerous ethnic groups of Slavs (n=654), Buryats (n=191), and Yakuts (n=125) were selected from the entire study population. Among three ethnic groups, the smoking intensity was higher in Slavs than in Buryats or Yakuts suggesting a greater tobacco addiction in Slavs than in Asians. A decrease in semen parameters and seminal zinc levels, and an increase in sperm DNA fragmentation and teratozoospermia was observed only in smoking Slavs (p<0.05); moderate decrease in testosterone and increase in triglyceride levels were revealed in smoking Yakuts (p<0.05), but no significant changes were detected in smoking Buryats. Conclusion We concluded that cigarette smoking has an ethno-specific effect on male reproductive function, probably due to the different activity of the seminal antioxidant system, which is yet to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Osadchuk
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Federal Research Center 'Institute of Cytology and Genetics', the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Maxim Kleshchev
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Federal Research Center 'Institute of Cytology and Genetics', the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexander Osadchuk
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Federal Research Center 'Institute of Cytology and Genetics', the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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11
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Gomes GK, de Branco FMS, Santos HO, Pereira JL, Orsatti FL, de Oliveira EP. Cholesterol intake and serum total cholesterol levels are not associated with total testosterone levels in men: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2013-2014. Lipids Health Dis 2023; 22:168. [PMID: 37798611 PMCID: PMC10552423 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-023-01928-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testosterone (T) is an anabolic hormone crucial to the structure and function of skeletal muscle. Testosterone is partially synthesized from cholesterol, but little is known about the relationship of cholesterol intake and serum cholesterol with T levels. AIM To investigate whether cholesterol intake and serum total cholesterol (TC) levels are associated with serum total testosterone (TT) levels in men. METHODS A cross-sectional study enrolling 1996 men aged 20 to 80 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014 was carried out. Diet assessment was performed using two 24-h food recalls, and TT levels were measured by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Regression analyses were performed to evaluate whether TT was associated with cholesterol intake and serum TC levels. RESULTS Neither cholesterol intake nor serum TC levels were associated with TT levels in unadjusted and adjusted analyses (adjustment for energy, total fat and alcohol intake, smoking, age, physical activity, family income, marital status, race, educational level, diabetes, hypertension, and body mass index). CONCLUSION Dietary cholesterol intake and TC levels are not associated with TT levels in men from the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gederson K Gomes
- Laboratory of Nutrition, Exercise and Health (LaNES), School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, 38400902, Brazil
| | - Flávia M S de Branco
- Laboratory of Nutrition, Exercise and Health (LaNES), School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, 38400902, Brazil
| | - Heitor O Santos
- Laboratory of Nutrition, Exercise and Health (LaNES), School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, 38400902, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline L Pereira
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo - SP, Brazil
| | - Fábio L Orsatti
- Exercise Biology Research Group (BioEx), Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, MG, Brazil
- Department of Sport Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Erick P de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Nutrition, Exercise and Health (LaNES), School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, 38400902, Brazil.
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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12
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Belladelli F, Del Giudice F, Glover F, Mulloy E, Muncey W, Basran S, Fallara G, Pozzi E, Montorsi F, Salonia A, Eisenberg ML. Worldwide Temporal Trends in Penile Length: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:848-860. [PMID: 36792094 PMCID: PMC10523114 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220203] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Normative male genital measurements are clinically useful and temporal changes would have important implications. The aim of the present study is to characterize the trend of worldwide penile length over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis using papers from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to April 2022 was performed. PRISMA guidelines were used for abstracting data and assessing data quality and validity. Pooled means and standard deviations for flaccid, stretched, and erect length were obtained. Subgroup analyses were performed by looking at differences in the region of origin, population type, and the decade of publication. Metaregression analyses were to adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS Seventy-five studies published between 1942 and 2021 were evaluated including data from 55,761 men. The pooled mean length estimates were flaccid length: 8.70 cm (95% CI, 8.16-9.23), stretched length: 12.93 cm (95% CI, 12.48-13.39), and erect length: 13.93 cm (95% CI, 13.20-14.65). All measurements showed variation by geographic region. Erect length increased significantly over time (QM=4.49, df=2, p=0.04) in several regions of the world and across all age groups, while no trends were identified in other penile size measurements. After adjusting for geographic region, subject age, and subject population; erect penile length increased 24% over the past 29 years. CONCLUSIONS The average erect penis length has increased over the past three decades across the world. Given the significant implications, attention to potential causes should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Belladelli
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Urology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Francesco Del Giudice
- Department of Urology, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Frank Glover
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Evan Mulloy
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Wade Muncey
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Satvir Basran
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Giuseppe Fallara
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Urology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Pozzi
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Urology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Montorsi
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Urology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Salonia
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Urology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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13
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Erenpreisa J, Vainshelbaum NM, Lazovska M, Karklins R, Salmina K, Zayakin P, Rumnieks F, Inashkina I, Pjanova D, Erenpreiss J. The Price of Human Evolution: Cancer-Testis Antigens, the Decline in Male Fertility and the Increase in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11660. [PMID: 37511419 PMCID: PMC10380301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411660] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing frequency of general and particularly male cancer coupled with the reduction in male fertility seen worldwide motivated us to seek a potential evolutionary link between these two phenomena, concerning the reproductive transcriptional modules observed in cancer and the expression of cancer-testis antigens (CTA). The phylostratigraphy analysis of the human genome allowed us to link the early evolutionary origin of cancer via the reproductive life cycles of the unicellulars and early multicellulars, potentially driving soma-germ transition, female meiosis, and the parthenogenesis of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs), with the expansion of the CTA multi-families, very late during their evolution. CTA adaptation was aided by retrovirus domestication in the unstable genomes of mammals, for protecting male fertility in stress conditions, particularly that of humans, as compensation for the energy consumption of a large complex brain which also exploited retrotransposition. We found that the early and late evolutionary branches of human cancer are united by the immunity-proto-placental network, which evolved in the Cambrian and shares stress regulators with the finely-tuned sex determination system. We further propose that social stress and endocrine disruption caused by environmental pollution with organic materials, which alter sex determination in male foetuses and further spermatogenesis in adults, bias the development of PGCC-parthenogenetic cancer by default.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marija Lazovska
- Molecular Genetics Scientific Laboratory, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Roberts Karklins
- Molecular Genetics Scientific Laboratory, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Kristine Salmina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1-1k, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Pawel Zayakin
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1-1k, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Felikss Rumnieks
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1-1k, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Inna Inashkina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1-1k, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Dace Pjanova
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1-1k, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
- Molecular Genetics Scientific Laboratory, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Juris Erenpreiss
- Molecular Genetics Scientific Laboratory, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Clinic iVF-Riga, Zala 1, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia
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14
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Storz MA, Ronco AL. Dietary Acid Load Is Not Associated with Serum Testosterone in Men: Insights from the NHANES. Nutrients 2023; 15:3075. [PMID: 37447401 DOI: 10.3390/nu15133075] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The dietary acid load (DAL) is a novel marker of overall diet quality, which has been associated with overweight, type 2 diabetes and altered glucocorticoid secretion. A potential association with sex hormones is thus not inconceivable. We investigated whether DAL was associated with serum total testosterone concentrations of men in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The DAL scores, including the potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP), were estimated and compared between participants with low and normal testosterone levels. The investigated sample encompassed n = 377 males with a mean age of 49.50 years. Approximately 73% of the sample were of Non-Hispanic White origin. None of the examined DAL scores showed significant associations with serum testosterone levels. We observed no significant differences in the crude DAL scores between individuals with low testosterone levels and individuals with normal testosterone levels. Multivariate regression models adjusting for covariates confirmed the lack of associations between the PRAL and serum testosterone. Our results are of particular importance for those individuals who wish to lower their DAL in light of the presumable health effects of a more alkaline diet. Our data suggest that diet modifications toward a lower intake of animal protein and refined grains (which consecutively translates into a lower DAL) may not negatively affect men's testosterone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Andreas Storz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Complementary Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alvaro Luis Ronco
- Unit of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Pereira Rossell Women's Hospital, Bvard. Artigas 1590, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
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15
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Rastegar Panah M, Tahir I, Garcia-Bailo B, Lo K, Jarvi K, El-Sohemy A. Ascorbic acid is associated with favourable hormonal profiles among infertile males. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1143579. [PMID: 37361344 PMCID: PMC10285163 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1143579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Infertility affects about 16% of North American couples, with the male factor contributing to ∼30% of cases. Reproductive hormones play an integral role in regulating the reproductive system and consequently, fertility. Oxidative stress reduces testosterone synthesis, and reduction in oxidative stress can improve hormone profiles. Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant that accounts for up to 65% of seminal antioxidant activity; however, its effects on reproductive hormones in humans are unknown. Methods The objective was to determine the association between serum ascorbic acid concentrations and male reproductive hormones. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving infertile males (n = 302) recruited from Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto. Serum was analyzed for ascorbic acid, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (TT), prolactin and estradiol. Statistical analyses included Spearman's rank correlations, linear regressions, logistic regressions, simple slope and Johnson-Neyman procedures. Results After adjusting for covariates, ascorbic acid was inversely associated with LH (P = 0.01). Ascorbic acid was positively associated with TT only among males over the age of 41.6 years (P = 0.01). Discussion Our findings show that ascorbic acid is associated with higher testosterone levels and improved androgenic status in infertile males, and some of the effects appear to be age dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matineh Rastegar Panah
- El-Sohemy Lab, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Irtaza Tahir
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bibiana Garcia-Bailo
- El-Sohemy Lab, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kirk Lo
- Murray Koffler Urologic Wellness Centre, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Murray Koffler Urologic Wellness Centre, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmed El-Sohemy
- El-Sohemy Lab, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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16
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Whittaker J. Dietary trends and the decline in male reproductive health. Hormones (Athens) 2023; 22:165-197. [PMID: 36725796 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00431-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Over the twentieth century, male reproductive health has suffered a substantial decline, as evidenced by decreases in sperm counts and testosterone levels and increases in reproductive pathologies. At the same time, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome has risen dramatically. Metabolic and reproductive health are highly interconnected, suggesting that their respective trends are intertwined and, given the timeframe of such trends, environmental and not genetic factors are most likely to be the primary causes. Industrialization, which began in Europe in the mid-eighteenth century, has resulted in profound changes to our diet, lifestyle, and environment, many of which are causal factors in the rise in chronic diseases. Industrialization results in a nutrition transition from an agricultural unprocessed to a modern processed diet, incorporating increases in sugar, vegetable oils, ultra-processed foods, linoleic acid, trans-fats, and total energy. This dietary shift has incurred numerous adverse effects on metabolic and reproductive health, characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. Moreover, these effects appear to multiply across subsequent generations via epigenetic inheritance. Men's fertility is markedly affected by obesity and diabetes, with an increase in total energy via processed food intake arguably being the key factor driving the diabesity pandemic. In contrast, wholefoods rich in micronutrients and phytonutrients support male fertility and a healthy body weight. Therefore, men wanting to maximize their fertility should consider making positive dietary changes, such as replacing processed foods with unprocessed foods that support metabolic and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Whittaker
- The School of Allied Health and Community, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR2 6AJ, UK.
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17
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Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals and Children's Health. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032671. [PMID: 36768991 PMCID: PMC9916521 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We are all exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) starting from embryonic life. The fetus and child set up crucial developmental processes allowing adaptation to the environment throughout life: they are extremely sensitive to very low doses of hormones and EDCs because they are developing organisms. Considering the developmental origin of well-being and diseases, every adult organism expresses consequences of the environment in which it developed. The molecular mechanisms through which the main EDCs manifest their effects and their potential association with endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, obesity, thyroid disease and alteration of adrenal hormones, will be reviewed here. Despite 40 years having passed since the first study on EDCs, little is yet known about them; therefore, our purpose is to take stock of the situation to establish a starting point for further studies. Since there is plenty of evidence showing that exposure to EDCs may adversely impact the health of adults and children through altered endocrine function-suggesting their link to endocrinopathies-it is essential in this context to bear in mind what is already known about endocrine disruptors and to deepen our knowledge to establish rules of conduct aimed at limiting exposure to EDCs' negative effects. Considering that during the COVID-19 pandemic an increase in endocrine disruptor effects has been reported, it will also be useful to address this new phenomenon for better understanding its basis and limiting its consequences.
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18
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De Toni L, Finocchi F, Jawich K, Ferlin A. Global warming and testis function: A challenging crosstalk in an equally challenging environmental scenario. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1104326. [PMID: 36726592 PMCID: PMC9885165 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1104326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollution, accounting for both chemical and physical factors, is a major matter of concern due to its health consequences in both humans and animals. The release of greenhouse gases with the consequent increase in environmental temperature is acknowledged to have a major impact on the health of both animals and humans, in current and future generations. A large amount of evidence reports detrimental effects of acute heat stress on testis function, particularly on the spermatogenetic and steroidogenetic process, in both animal and human models, wich is largely related to the testis placement within the scrotal sac and outside the abdomen, warranting an overall scrotal temperature of 2°C-4°C lower than the core body temperature. This review will provide a thorough evaluation of environmental temperature's effect on testicular function. In particular, basic concepts of body thermoregulation will be discussed together with available data about the association between testis damage and heat stress exposure. In addition, the possible association between global warming and the secular decline of testis function will be critically evaluated in light of the available epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy,*Correspondence: Luca De Toni,
| | - Federica Finocchi
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Kenda Jawich
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria,Department of Biochemistry, International University for Science and Technology, Daraa, Syria
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Martínez MÁ, Marquès M, Salas-Huetos A, Babio N, Domingo JL, Salas-Salvadó J. Lack of association between endocrine disrupting chemicals and male fertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 217:114942. [PMID: 36436552 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of infertility currently affects about 15% of the world's population. Male factors are estimated to be responsible for up to 40-50% of these cases. While the cause of these reproductive disorders is still unclear, the exposure to a family of ubiquitous compounds in our daily life, named endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) could be involved. This paper was aimed at performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of population studies exploring whether human male exposure to EDCs affects male fertility. Clinical and observational studies assessing the exposure to EDCs along with sperm quality, the most common reproductive disorders, sperm DNA damage, sperm oxidative stress, fertilization rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and miscarriage rate were included. The quality assessment tool from the NHLBI-NIH was used to assure that studies met standardized quality criteria. Sensitivity analysis and heterogeneity among studies was assessed. Overall, the 32 selected articles, including 7825 individuals in the systematic review, explored 12 families of EDCs. The results revealed a high heterogeneity among studies in relation to the association between exposure to EDCs and the endpoints analyzed. Meta-analyses were performed with data from 7 articles including 479 individuals, 4 articles assessing the association between BPA in urine and sperm quality, and 3 articles evaluating PCB153 in serum and sperm quality. In the meta-analysis, we identified an unpredicted significant positive association between PCB153 exposure and sperm concentration. However, it would not be clinically relevant. No positive or inverse associations were found neither for BPA, nor for PCB153 and the rest of sperm parameters analyzed. The high disparity between studies made difficult to draw conclusions on the potential harmful effects of EDCs on male fertility. Consequently, to delineate the potential relationship that EDCs can have on male fertility, an important condition stressing the health system, further investigations are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ángeles Martínez
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició, Reus, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de La Obesidad y La Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Montse Marquès
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de La Obesidad y La Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and 4 Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, US-02115, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Nancy Babio
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició, Reus, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de La Obesidad y La Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - José L Domingo
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició, Reus, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de La Obesidad y La Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Higher Serum Testosterone Level Was Associated with a Lower Risk of Prediabetes in US Adults: Findings from Nationally Representative Data. Nutrients 2022; 15:nu15010009. [PMID: 36615670 PMCID: PMC9824532 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Low testosterone may be a novel risk factor for prediabetes. We assessed the associations between prediabetes and total serum testosterone (TT), and whether the associations were modified by population characteristics. The data from 5330 adults aged ≥ 20 years, who participated in the 2011−2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States, were used. Prediabetes was based on fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, or OGTT. Sociodemographic, obesity, co-morbidities, and lifestyle factors were included in logistic regression models. A dose-response relationship was found between prediabetes and the testosterone quartiles. The odds ratio (OR and 95% CI) for prediabetes across the quartiles of TT were: 1.00, 0.68 (0.50−0.92), 0.51 (0.36−0.72), and 0.48 (0.34−0.70) in men; and 1.00, 1.06 (0.81−1.40), 0.81 (0.61−1.06), and 0.68 (0.49−0.93) in women. The results changed marginally if the models were adjusted for additional variables such as BMI. The subgroup analyses showed differences in the association, which was stronger in some groups (for men: age < 50, white and black, overweight/obese, adequate physical activity, never-smoking; and for women: age ≥ 50, black). A higher testosterone level was associated with a lower risk of prediabetes among US adults. The strength of the association varied by population characteristics, weight status, gender, and lifestyle factors.
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Lokeshwar SD, Geada AM, Ramasamy R. Re: Sperm Count is Increased by Diet-induced Weight Loss and Maintained by Exercise or GLP-1 Analogue Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Eur Urol 2022; 82:659-660. [PMID: 36058803 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2022.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Soum D Lokeshwar
- Department of Urology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alexandra M Geada
- Department of Urology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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22
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Zizzo J, Reddy R, Kulkarni N, Braun-Blachman R, Ramasamy R. Impact of Low-Dose Melatonin Supplementation on Testosterone Levels in U.S. Adult Males. Urology 2022; 169:92-95. [PMID: 35963395 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.07.048] [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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Amidst the rapid rise in melatonin supplementation, decreased testosterone levels amongst males in recent decades, and the unclear association between melatonin and the hypogonadal-pituitary-gland (HPG) axis, this study aimed to further examine the association of melatonin use and impact on testosterone levels among men in a nationally representative sample. METHODS U.S. men over the age of 18 surveyed from 2011-2016 via the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) without missing demographic or pertinent health information were included in the analysis. A total testosterone (TT) level of less than 300 ng/dL was considered low. An average daily dose (ADD) was calculated to quantify participants' exposure to melatonin supplementation in the past 30 days. RESULTS Analysis included 7,656 participants after selection criteria. Median age of participants was 47 [31-63] years old; median TT level was 389.9 [289 - 513.9] ng/dL. Melatonin intake was reported in 51 (0.7%) individuals with an ADD of 1 [0.4 - 3] mg/day. We found no association between melatonin intake in the past 30 days and low TT levels (OR = 0.958, 95% CI: 0.496 -1.850; p=0.898). As expected, increasing BMI (OR = 1.133, 95% CI: 1.122 - 1.144; p < 0.001) and older age (OR = 1.019, 95% CI: 1.016 - 1.022; p < 0.001) were associated with low TT levels. CONCLUSION Predominantly low-dose melatonin supplementation was not associated with low TT levels. Future studies are needed to better quantify the relationship between melatonin intake and low TT levels, especially in the setting of supratherapeutic doses and prolonged periods of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Zizzo
- Desai Sethi Urological Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rohit Reddy
- Desai Sethi Urological Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nikhil Kulkarni
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ruben Braun-Blachman
- Desai Sethi Urological Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Desai Sethi Urological Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA..
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JATENZO®: Challenges in the development of oral testosterone. Int J Impot Res 2021; 34:721-724. [PMID: 34354245 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-021-00461-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone therapy (TT) for the treatment of testosterone deficiency (TD) can be administered via several routes of administration. Due to a variety of concerns such as hepatotoxicity, an oral formulation has long been absent in the United States. Recently, JATENZO® (testosterone undecanoate) oral capsules was approved by the US FDA as an oral option for men suffering from TD. In this article, we will discuss the history and challenges in the development of a viable oral formulation of exogeneous TT and examine how JATENZO® addresses these concerns.
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Su Y, Tian Z, Qi X, Luo D, Liu L, Liu S, Zheng D, Wei F, He Z, Guan Q. Effects of increasing intake of soybean oil on synthesis of testosterone in Leydig cells. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2021; 18:53. [PMID: 34039393 PMCID: PMC8157704 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-021-00580-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Soybean oil is a very common edible oil in daily life. With the changes in the dietary composition, the intake of soybean oil increased. However, the effects of dietary intake of soybean oil on testosterone production are still unclear. Methods In order to study the effects of increasing intake of soybean oil on the synthesis of testosterone in Leydig cells, we fed male C57BL/6 mice on the diet which added 20% soybean salad oil (SOY group). We detected the hormone levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits and serum fatty acid composition by gas chromatography, and analyzed the expression of steroidogenic enzymes by Real-Time PCR or immunoblotting analysis. Results After the 16-week feeding period, serum linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) significantly increased and serum palmitic acid (PA) significantly decreased in SOY group mice. Compared to the normal diet (ND group), increasing intake of soybean oil raised the luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and up-regulated luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member I (CYP11A1). Testosterone levels in SOY group were higher than that in the ND group, and significantly difference showed. Conclusions Increasing intake of soybean oil could raise the serum LA and ALA levels and decrease serum PA levels. This could activate the LH/LHCGR pathway and improve the function of steroid synthesis in Leydig cells, and finally lead to the elevated testosterone levels. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12986-021-00580-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Su
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenhua Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangyu Qi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Dandan Luo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Luna Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Dongmei Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Fang Wei
- Department of Clinical Expert, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Zhao He
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
| | - Qingbo Guan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
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Rodprasert W, Toppari J, Virtanen HE. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Reproductive Health in Boys and Men. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:706532. [PMID: 34690925 PMCID: PMC8530230 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.706532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Male reproductive health has declined as indicated by increasing rates of cryptorchidism, i.e., undescended testis, poor semen quality, low serum testosterone level, and testicular cancer. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been proposed to have a role in this finding. In utero exposure to antiandrogenic EDCs, particularly at a sensitive period of fetal testicular development, the so-called 'masculinization programming window (MPW)', can disturb testicular development and function. Low androgen effect during the MPW can cause both short- and long-term reproductive disorders. A concurrent exposure to EDCs may also affect testicular function or damage testicular cells. Evidence from animal studies supports the role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in development of male reproductive disorders. However, evidence from epidemiological studies is relatively mixed. In this article, we review the current literature that evaluated relationship between prenatal EDC exposures and anogenital distance, cryptorchidism, and congenital penile abnormality called hypospadias. We review also studies on the association between early life and postnatal EDC exposure and semen quality, hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormone levels and testicular cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiwat Rodprasert
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Helena E. Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- *Correspondence: Helena E. Virtanen,
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Kavoussi PK, Machen GL, Gilkey MS, Chen SH, Kavoussi KM, Esqueda A, Wininger JD, Barsky M, Kavoussi SK. Converting Men From Clomiphene Citrate to Natesto for Hypogonadism Improves Libido, Maintains Semen Parameters, and Reduces Estradiol. Urology 2020; 148:141-144. [PMID: 33301741 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.11.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate outcomes including libido, semen parameters, testosterone, estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone when converting men with low libido on Clomiphene Citrate (CC) to Natesto. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed. Baseline hormones prior to treatment, and again on CC and Natesto, as well as semen parameters on CC and on Natesto were assessed. RESULTS In 41 men, there was no difference in serum testosterone levels on CC vs Natesto, however; there was a significantly higher E2 on CC than on Natesto. Although FSH levels were significantly lower on Natesto than at baseline, the mean FSH level on Natesto remained in the normal reference range. There was no difference in luteinizing hormone levels at baseline vs on Natesto. There was not a significant difference in semen parameter values when men were on CC vs when they were on Natesto for 3 months. At 3 months after changing to Natesto, 38 of 41 (92.7%) men reported significantly improved libido on Natesto when compared to CC. CONCLUSION Men on CC and Natesto reach eugonadal testosterone levels, however; on CC the E2 level nearly doubled from baseline, and converting men from CC to Natesto returned E2 to nearly baseline levels. There was not a detrimental effect on semen parameters, and there was subjective reporting of improved libido after converting from CC to Natesto in this cohort, but further long-term studies are needed prior to Natesto being established as a definitive treatment for hypogonadism for men desiring to maintain fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Melissa S Gilkey
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX
| | - Shu-Hung Chen
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX
| | | | - Amy Esqueda
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX
| | - J David Wininger
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX
| | - Maya Barsky
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX
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Wrzosek M, Woźniak J, Włodarek D. The Combination of a Diversified Intake of Carbohydrates and Fats and Supplementation of Vitamin D in a Diet Does Not Affect the Levels of Hormones (Testosterone, Estradiol, and Cortisol) in Men Practicing Strength Training for the Duration of 12 Weeks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8057. [PMID: 33139636 PMCID: PMC7662710 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to verify the extent to which a diversification of carbohydrates and fats intake in a diet, together with the reduction in vitamin D deficiency, impact the levels of hormones (testosterone, estradiol, cortisol) and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHGB) in men doing strength training. The research involved 55 men aged 19-35. The participants were divided into two groups following two interventional diets for 12 weeks: high-fat diet (LCHF) or high-carb diet (LFHC), which were applied to satisfy the caloric requirements of each participant. Moreover, vitamin D supplementation was included. Moreover, both before and after following interventional diets, the level of hormones in participant's blood was examined. After 12 weeks of following interventional diets in both groups, no changes of the levels of testosterone and estradiol, as well as SHGB, were found. The cortisol level in both groups decreased; however, only in the LFHC group was the change statistically significant (p = 0.03) and amounted to -3.5% (the cortisol level on an empty stomach in this group decreased from 14.17 ± 3.35 to 13.93 ± 2.63 mcg/dl). In both groups, the supplementation of vitamin D brought about a significant change in the level of vitamin D metabolite (25 (OH) D) (p = 0.01). In the LCHF group, the level of metabolite increased by 95%, and by 58.3% in the LFHC group. The increase in vitamin D metabolite in blood was higher in the LCHF group than the LFHC group, which might have resulted from the supplementation of this vitamin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jakub Woźniak
- Department of Dietetics, Instutute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS—SGGW), Nowoursynowska 159 C, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (D.W.)
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Lima TFN, Frech FS, Blachman-Braun R, Rakitina E, Patel P, Ramasamy R. Association of aging and obesity with decreased 17-hydroxyprogesterone, a serum biomarker of intratesticular testosterone. Int J Impot Res 2020; 34:44-49. [PMID: 33009497 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-020-00358-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Obesity's negative association with serum testosterone can be explained by either decreasing luteinizing hormone (LH) production from the pituitary gland and/or directly impacting intratesticular testosterone production. We hypothesize that obesity will negatively impact intratesticular testosterone levels when compared to those of non-obese men. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of men with symptoms of testosterone deficiency and male infertility between July 2018 and April 2020 to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and age with intratesticular testosterone (using serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) as a biomarker), and between BMI with LH. Univariable and multiple linear regression analysis were performed using confounding variables to predict 17-OHP and testosterone. A total of 340 men were selected. Median age was 38 [33-44] years, BMI 27.8 [25.4-31.1] kg/m2, serum testosterone 363 [256.3-469.6] ng/dl, 17-OHP 60.5 [39.3-85.8] ng/dl, and LH 4.2 [2.8-5.7] mIU/ml. Older and obese men had lower testosterone compared to younger and non-obese men. Interestingly, increasing age and higher BMI were associated with lower 17-OHP (p < 0.001). Contrarily, age and BMI were not associated with LH levels (p = 0.478). In conclusion, obesity and aging negatively affected 17-OHP independent of LH, suggesting a possible direct effect on testicular function, rather than a secondary effect from a decline in pituitary signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio Stefano Frech
- Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Ruben Blachman-Braun
- Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Evgeniya Rakitina
- Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Premal Patel
- Department of Urology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
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Looking beyond hypogonadism: association between low testosterone and metabolic syndrome in men 20-59 years. Int Urol Nephrol 2020; 52:2237-2244. [PMID: 32617747 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-020-02557-0] [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: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rates of low testosterone and metabolic syndrome are increasing among adult men in the United States. Both are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. This study aims to assess the association between low testosterone and metabolic syndrome with a population-based contemporary cohort of men aged 20-59 years. METHODS National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used between the years of 2013 and 2016. Men aged 20-59 years with testosterone levels were included. Metabolic syndrome was defined by National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Protocol (ATP) III. RESULTS 24.4% of the cohort had low testosterone and 26.4% had metabolic syndrome. Univariate analysis revealed that men with low testosterone had a significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome and metabolic syndrome criteria. Multivariable logistic regression revealed a significant association between low testosterone and a large waistline (Odds ratio (OR) 4.32), as well as low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (OR 1.67) among all men. Age-stratification revealed that men 20-39 years with a large waistline had an OR 6.43 for low testosterone. CONCLUSION Nearly one quarter of men aged 20-59 years have low testosterone and metabolic syndrome. A large waistline increases the risk of low testosterone six-fold among young men.
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