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Rajmil O, Moreno-Sepulveda J. Recovery of spermatogenesis after androgenic anabolic steroids abuse in men. A systematic review of the literature. Actas Urol Esp 2024; 48:116-124. [PMID: 37567343 DOI: 10.1016/j.acuroe.2023.07.007] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to evaluate the optimal treatment for male infertility resulting from Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) abuse. METHODS A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Studies that compared different protocols for the recovery of spermatogenesis in patients after AAS use were included. RESULTS 13 studies investigating different protocols to restore spermatogenesis in patients with AAS abuse met the inclusion criteria. The available agents that showed restoration of spermatogenesis include injectable gonadotropins, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and aromatase inhibitors, but their use is still poorly described in the literature. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians need to be aware of the detrimental effects of AAS on spermatogenesis. AAS-associated infertility may be reversible, but sperm production may take over a year to normalize. Both conservative and aggressive treatment can boost spermatogenesis with positive results. Further understanding of male reproductive endocrinology and high-quality data on the field of restoration of spermatogenesis after AAS abuse are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Rajmil
- Servicio de Andrología, Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Moreno-Sepulveda
- Departmento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus Universitario UAB, Barcelona, Spain; Clínica de la Mujer y Medicina Reproductiva, Viña del Mar, Chile.
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2
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Tienforti D, Castellini C, Di Giulio F, Totaro M, Dalmazio G, Spagnolo L, Muselli M, Corona G, Baroni MG, Barbonetti A. Selective modulation of estrogen receptor in obese men with androgen deficiency: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrology 2023; 11:1067-1076. [PMID: 36604313 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although selective estrogen receptor modulators have been proposed as a treatment for men with central functional hypogonadism, only a few data have been produced in men with obesity-related functional androgen deficiency. OBJECTIVE To determine whether and to what extent selective estrogen receptor modulators are an effective and safe therapy in men with obesity-related functional androgen deficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS A thorough search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases was performed to identify studies comparing testosterone levels before and after treatment. Mean differences with 95% coefficient intervals were combined using random effects models. Funnel plot, Egger's test, and trim-and-fill analysis were used to assess publication bias. RESULTS Seven studies met the inclusion criteria providing information on 292 men with obesity-related functional androgen deficiency treated with clomiphene citrate (12.5-50 mg daily) or enclomiphene citrate (12.5-25 mg daily) for 1.5-4 months. The pooled estimates indicated a significant increase in testosterone levels both with clomiphene (mean difference: 11.56 nmol/L; 95% coefficient interval: 9.68, 13.43; I2 = 69%, pfor heterogeneity = 0.01) and enclomiphene citrate (mean difference: 7.50 nmol/L; 95% coefficient interval: 6.52, 8.48; I2 = 4%, pfor heterogeneity = 0.37). After the exclusion of one study on severely obese men, who exhibited the highest response rate to clomiphene citrate, the heterogeneity disappeared (mean difference: 10.27 nmol/L; 95% coefficient interval: 9.39, 11.16; I2 = 0%, pfor heterogeneity = 0.66). No publication bias was revealed by Egger's test and trim-and-fill analysis. No treatment-related unexpected findings regarding safety profile were registered. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Treatment with clomiphene citrate and enclomiphene citrate may be an effective and safe alternative to testosterone replacement therapy in men with obesity-related functional androgen deficiency. Further long-term studies are warranted to define clinical reflections of the selective estrogen receptor modulators-induced increase in testosterone levels and to better clarify the safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Tienforti
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Andrology Unit, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Chiara Castellini
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Andrology Unit, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Giulio
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Andrology Unit, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maria Totaro
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Andrology Unit, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Gilda Dalmazio
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Andrology Unit, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Luca Spagnolo
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Andrology Unit, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mario Muselli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Epidemiology Division, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Marco Giorgio Baroni
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Andrology Unit, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Neuroendocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Barbonetti
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Andrology Unit, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Sidhom K, Panchendrabose K, Mann U, Patel P. An update on male infertility and intratesticular testosterone-insight into novel serum biomarkers. Int J Impot Res 2022; 34:673-678. [PMID: 34987179 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-021-00507-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Intratesticular testosterone is vital for spermatogenesis, male fertility, and virility. Currently the only method to assess levels of intratesticular testosterone is to perform testicular biopsy which is invasive and can lead to several complications. Approaches to assess intratesticular testosterone have been understudied but hold promise as future male contraceptive agents and may grant the ability to monitor patients undergoing hormonal changes from therapeutic and diagnostic perspectives. Previous studies have sought to assess the utility of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) as accurate surrogate biomarkers of intratesticular testosterone. The aim of this review is thus to highlight the importance of intratesticular testosterone and the consequent advances that have been made to elucidate the potential of biomarkers for intratesticular testosterone in the context of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Sidhom
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Uday Mann
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Section of Urology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Premal Patel
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. .,Section of Urology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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Whitaker DL, Geyer-Kim G, Kim ED. Anabolic steroid misuse and male infertility: management and strategies to improve patient awareness. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2021; 16:109-122. [PMID: 33973822 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2021.1921574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Anabolic androgenic steroid use is an uncommon but important cause of male infertility. As paternal age and anabolic steroid use increases, providers are more likely than ever to encounter men with infertility and prior or concurrent anabolic steroid use. In this review, we outline the background, epidemiology and pathophysiology of anabolic steroid induced male infertility and provide recommendations regarding the diagnosis, management, and future prevention of this condition.Areas covered: Male reproductive physiology is a tightly regulated process that can be influenced by exogenous sources such as anabolic steroids and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). Data suggest that a combination of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), aromatase inhibitors (AIs), and recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) may lead to spermatogenesis recovery.Expert opinion: Anabolic steroid and SARM users continue to exhibit lack of understanding regarding the potential side effects of their use on male fertility. Current literature suggests that spermatogenesis can be safely recovered using a combination of SERMs, hCG, AIs and rFSH although additional studies are necessary. While anabolic steroid prevention strategies have largely been focused on the individual level, further investigation is necessary and should be approached in a socioecological manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin L Whitaker
- Department of Urology, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Gabriella Geyer-Kim
- Department of Urology, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Edward D Kim
- Department of Urology, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
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Sobolevsky T, Ahrens B. High-throughput liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay as initial testing procedure for analysis of total urinary fraction. Drug Test Anal 2020; 13:283-298. [PMID: 32852861 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the recent years, a lot of effort was put into the development of multiclass initial testing procedures (ITP) to streamline analytical workflow in antidoping laboratories. Here, a high-throughput assay based on liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry suitable for use as initial testing procedure covering multiple classes of compounds prohibited in sports is described. Employing a 96-well plate packed with 10 mg of weak cation exchange polymeric sorbent, up to 94 urine samples and their associated positive and negative controls can be processed in less than 3 h with minimal labor. The assay requires a 0.5-ml urine aliquot, which is subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis followed by solid phase extraction, evaporation, and reconstitution in a 96-well collection plate. With a 10-min run time, more than 100 analytes can be detected using electrospray ionization with polarity switching. The assay can be run nearly 24/7 with minimal downtime for instrument maintenance while detecting picogram amounts for the majority of analytes. Having analyzed approximately 28,000 samples, nearly 400 adverse analytical findings were found of which only one tenth were at or above 50% of the minimum required performance level established by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Compounds most often identified were stanozolol, GW1516, ostarine, LGD4033, and clomiphene, with median estimated concentrations in the range of 0.02-0.09 ng/ml (either as parent drug or a metabolite). Our data demonstrate the importance of using a highly sensitive ITP to ensure efficient antidoping testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Sobolevsky
- UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Brian Ahrens
- UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Miller GD, Moore C, Nair V, Hill B, Willick SE, Rogol AD, Eichner D. Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis Effects and Urinary Detection Following Clomiphene Administration in Males. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:906-914. [PMID: 30295816 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-01159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Clomiphene is a performance-enhancing drug commonly abused by males in sport, but the extent to which testosterone increases in healthy males following its use is unknown. In addition, evidence suggests that clomiphene, a mixture of cis- and trans-isomers zuclomiphene and enclomiphene, is detectable in urine for months following use; the isomer-specific urinary detection window has yet to be characterized in a controlled study. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of once-daily, 30-day clomiphene treatment on serum testosterone and gonadotropin levels in the subject population studied and the urinary clearance and detection window of clomiphene isomers following administration for antidoping purposes. PARTICIPANTS AND DESIGN Twelve healthy males aged 25 to 38 years, representing a recreational athlete population, participated in this open-label, single-arm study. INTERVENTION Oral clomiphene citrate (50 mg) was self-administered once daily for 30 days. Serum and urine samples were collected at baseline and at days 7, 14, 21, 28, 30, 32, 35, 37, 44, 51, and 58; urine collections continued periodically up to day 261. RESULTS Mean testosterone, LH, and FSH levels increased 146% (SEM, ±23%), 177% (±34%), and 170% (±33%), respectively, during treatment compared with baseline. Serum drug concentrations and urinary excretion were nonuniform among individuals as isomeric concentrations varied. The zuclomiphene urinary detection window ranged from 121 to >261 days. CONCLUSIONS Clomiphene significantly raised serum testosterone and gonadotropin levels in healthy men and thus can be abused as a performance-enhancing drug. Such abuse is detectable in urine for ≥4 months following short-term use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey D Miller
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Chad Moore
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Vinod Nair
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Brian Hill
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Stuart E Willick
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Alan D Rogol
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Daniel Eichner
- Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Alder NJ, Keihani S, Stoddard GJ, Myers JB, Hotaling JM. Combination therapy with clomiphene citrate and anastrozole is a safe and effective alternative for hypoandrogenic subfertile men. BJU Int 2018; 122:688-694. [PMID: 29873446 DOI: 10.1111/bju.14390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with clomiphene citrate (CC) and anastrozole (AZ) for male hypoandrogenism. PATIENTS AND METHODS We identified patients treated with a combination of CC + AZ in the period 2014 to 2017. Data were gathered on patient characteristics and laboratory values at baseline. Total testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, oestradiol and testosterone:oestradiol ratio were measured before combination therapy (treatment with CC only) and at CC + AZ combination therapy follow-ups. Treatment side effects were recorded; prostatic-specific antigen and haematocrit levels were measured to assess safety after 6 months. As a secondary outcome, semen characteristics were compared at baseline and after at least 3 months of combination therapy when these data were available. Data were analysed using a paired t-test and Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. RESULTS A total of 51 men were included, with a mean age of 35.4 ± 7.4 years and a mean body mass index of 35.0 ± 8.0 kg/m2 . After CC treatment, total testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, and oestradiol levels all significantly increased. AZ was added in all patients with hyperoestrogenaemia (oestradiol >50 pg/mL) or a testosterone:oestradiol ratio <10. CC + AZ therapy maintained therapeutic total testosterone and bioavailable testosterone levels while also normalizing oestradiol levels and testosterone:oestradiol ratio. Eleven patients experienced side effects: anxiety/irritability, n = 5; decreased libido, n = 4; elevated (>54%) haematocrit, n = 2. CONCLUSION Combination therapy with CC + AZ is an effective and safe alternative for patients with elevated oestradiol level or low testosterone:oestradiol ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Alder
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sorena Keihani
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Gregory J Stoddard
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jeremy B Myers
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - James M Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Corona G. Pharmacological management of late-onset hypogonadism. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2018; 11:439-458. [DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2018.1445969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rastrelli
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B.—Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corona
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl Bologna Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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“Cherchez La Femme”: Modulation of Estrogen Receptor Function With Selective Modulators: Clinical Implications in the Field of Urology. Sex Med Rev 2017; 5:365-386. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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