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Corona G, Rastrelli G, Sparano C, Vignozzi L, Sforza A, Maggi M. Pharmacological management of testosterone deficiency in men current advances and future directions. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024; 17:665-681. [PMID: 38853775 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2024.2366505] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Testosterone deficiency (TD) is relatively common in aging men, affecting around 2% of the general population. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) represents the most common medical approach for subjects who are not interested in fathering. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes advances in TRT, including approved or non-approved pharmacological options to overcome TD. When possible, a meta-analytic approach was applied to minimize subjective and biased interpretations of the available data. EXPERT OPINION During the last decade, several new TRT formulations have been introduced on the market, including oral, transdermal, and parenteral formulations. Possible advantages and limitations have been discussed appropriately. Anti-estrogens, including selective estrogen modulators or aromatase inhibitors still represent further possible off-label options. However, long-term side effects on sexual function and bone parameters constitute major limitations. Glucagon-like peptide 1 analogues can be an alternative option in particular for massive obesity-associated TD. Weight loss obtained through lifestyle modifications including diet and physical exercise should be encouraged in all overweight and obese patients. A combination of TRT and lifestyle changes can be considered in those subjects in whom a reversal of the condition cannot be expected in a reasonable time frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, AUSL Bologna, Maggiore Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Clotilde Sparano
- Endocrinology Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Arillotta D, Floresta G, Papanti Pelletier GD, Guirguis A, Corkery JM, Martinotti G, Schifano F. Exploring the Potential Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Substance Use, Compulsive Behavior, and Libido: Insights from Social Media Using a Mixed-Methods Approach. Brain Sci 2024; 14:617. [PMID: 38928616 PMCID: PMC11202225 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is involved in a range of central and peripheral pathways related to appetitive behavior. Hence, this study explored the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on substance and behavioral addictions, including alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, cannabis, psychostimulants, compulsive shopping, and sex drive/libido. Data were collected from various social platforms. Keywords related to GLP-1 RAs and substance/behavioral addiction were used to extract relevant comments. The study employed a mixed-methods approach to analyze online discussions posted from December 2019 to June 2023 and collected using a specialized web application. Reddit entries were the focus here due to limited data from other platforms, such as TikTok and YouTube. A total of 5859 threads and related comments were extracted from six subreddits, which included threads about GLP-1 RAs drugs and associated brand names. To obtain relevant posts, keywords related to potential substance use and compulsive behavior were selected. Further analysis involved two main steps: (1) manually coding posts based on users' references to the potential impact of GLP-1 RAs on substance use and non-substance habits, excluding irrelevant or unclear comments; (2) performing a thematic analysis on the dataset of keywords, using AI-assisted techniques followed by the manual revision of the generated themes. Second, a thematic analysis was performed on the keyword-related dataset, using AI-assisted techniques followed by the manual revision of the generated themes. In total, 29.75% of alcohol-related; 22.22% of caffeine-related; and 23.08% of nicotine-related comments clearly stated a cessation of the intake of these substances following the start of GLP-1 RAs prescription. Conversely, mixed results were found for cannabis intake, and only limited, anecdotal data were made available for cocaine, entactogens, and dissociative drugs' misuse. Regarding behavioral addictions, 21.35% of comments reported a compulsive shopping interruption, whilst the sexual drive/libido elements reportedly increased in several users. The current mixed-methods approach appeared to be a useful tool in gaining insight into complex topics such as the effects of GLP-1 RAs on substance and non-substance addiction-related disorders; some GLP-1 RA-related mental health benefits could also be inferred from here. Overall, it appeared that GLP-1 RAs may show the potential to target both substance craving and maladaptive/addictive behaviors, although further empirical research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Arillotta
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Floresta
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy;
| | - G. Duccio Papanti Pelletier
- Tolmezzo Community Mental Health Centre, ASUFC Mental Health Department, Via Giuliano Bonanni, 2, 33028 Tolmezzo, Italy;
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK;
| | - John Martin Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse, and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (J.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Institute of Advanced Biomedical Technology (ITAB), University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 21, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse, and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (J.M.C.); (F.S.)
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Lisco G, Disoteo OE, De Tullio A, De Geronimo V, Giagulli VA, Monzani F, Jirillo E, Cozzi R, Guastamacchia E, De Pergola G, Triggiani V. Sarcopenia and Diabetes: A Detrimental Liaison of Advancing Age. Nutrients 2023; 16:63. [PMID: 38201893 PMCID: PMC10780932 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010063] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is an age-related clinical complaint characterized by the progressive deterioration of skeletal muscle mass and strength over time. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with faster and more relevant skeletal muscle impairment. Both conditions influence each other, leading to negative consequences on glycemic control, cardiovascular risk, general health status, risk of falls, frailty, overall quality of life, and mortality. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for research articles, scientific reports, observational studies, clinical trials, narrative and systematic reviews, and meta-analyses to review the evidence on the pathophysiology of di-abetes-induced sarcopenia, its relevance in terms of glucose control and diabetes-related outcomes, and diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The review comprehensively addresses key elements for the clinical definition and diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia, the pathophysiological correlation be-tween T2D, sarcopenia, and related outcomes, a critical review of the role of antihyperglycemic treatment on skeletal muscle health, and perspectives on the role of specific treatment targeting myokine signaling pathways involved in glucose control and the regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism and trophism. Prompt diagnosis and adequate management, including lifestyle inter-vention, health diet programs, micronutrient supplementation, physical exercise, and pharmaco-logical treatment, are needed to prevent or delay skeletal muscle deterioration in T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lisco
- Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.T.); (V.A.G.); (E.J.); (E.G.)
| | - Olga Eugenia Disoteo
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Sant Anna Hospital, 22020 San Fermo della Battaglia, Italy;
| | - Anna De Tullio
- Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.T.); (V.A.G.); (E.J.); (E.G.)
| | - Vincenzo De Geronimo
- Unit of Endocrinology, Clinical Diagnostic Center Morgagni, 95100 Catania, Italy;
| | - Vito Angelo Giagulli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.T.); (V.A.G.); (E.J.); (E.G.)
| | - Fabio Monzani
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Emilio Jirillo
- Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.T.); (V.A.G.); (E.J.); (E.G.)
| | - Renato Cozzi
- Division of Endocrinology, Niguarda Hospital, 20162 Milan, Italy;
| | - Edoardo Guastamacchia
- Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.T.); (V.A.G.); (E.J.); (E.G.)
| | - Giovanni De Pergola
- Center of Nutrition for the Research and the Care of Obesity and Metabolic Diseases, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Triggiani
- Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.T.); (V.A.G.); (E.J.); (E.G.)
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