Hypoandrogen-metabolic syndrome: a significant issue for men's health

The Metabolic Syndrome, a Human Disease

This review focuses on the question of metabolic syndrome (MS) being a complex, but essentially monophyletic, galaxy of associated diseases/disorders, or just a syndrome of related but rather independent pathologies. The human nature of MS (its exceptionality in Nature and its close interdependence with human action and evolution) is presented and discussed. The text also describes the close interdependence of its components, with special emphasis on the description of their interrelations (including their syndromic development and recruitment), as well as their consequences upon energy handling and partition. The main theories on MS's origin and development are presented in relation to hepatic steatosis, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, but encompass most of the MS components described so far. The differential effects of sex and its biological consequences are considered under the light of human social needs and evolution, which are also directly related to MS epidemiology, severity, and relations with senescence. The triggering and maintenance factors of MS are discussed, with especial emphasis on inflammation, a complex process affecting different levels of organization and which is a critical element for MS development. Inflammation is also related to the operation of connective tissue (including the adipose organ) and the widely studied and acknowledged influence of diet. The role of diet composition, including the transcendence of the anaplerotic maintenance of the Krebs cycle from dietary amino acid supply (and its timing), is developed in the context of testosterone and β-estradiol control of the insulin-glycaemia hepatic core system of carbohydrate-triacylglycerol energy handling. The high probability of MS acting as a unique complex biological control system (essentially monophyletic) is presented, together with additional perspectives/considerations on the treatment of this 'very' human disease.

Gonadal function in young adult males with metabolic syndrome

AIMS

Aim of the study was to assess the gonadal function of young adult males with metabolic syndrome and to compare them with healthy age matched controls.

METHODS

Forty young male subjects of age group 20-40 years who fulfilled the IDF criteria (2005) for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome were included in the study. Thorough evaluation of the subjects was done and history of sexual dysfunction if any was noted. Pooled blood samples were collected from each subject in fasting state for total testosterone, SHBG, FSH, LH, prolactin and insulin levels. All hormonal analyses were done by radio immune assay (RIA). Hypogonadism was defined as total testosterone less than 3ng/ml. Eighteen healthy age matched controls were also taken for the study.

RESULTS

Twenty percent of subjects with metabolic syndrome had eugonadotropic hypogonadism compared to 5.5% controls. Subjects with metabolic syndrome also had significantly lower SHBG level compared to the controls.

CONCLUSION

From this study it has been observed that eugonadotropic hypogonadism with low total testosterone and normal or low normal gonadotropin levels may be a feature of the metabolic syndrome in young adult males. Significant low SHBG levels as compared to controls could be one of the factors responsible for various biochemical alteration seen in these cases. This study highlights the importance of evaluating gonadal function in young adult males with the metabolic syndrome and has therapeutic implications in the management of such subjects with gonadal dysfunction.

Spermatogenic and sperm quality differences in an experimental model of metabolic syndrome and hypogonadal hypogonadism

The synergistic effect of the co-morbidities that comprise metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasingly being recognised as an important contributor in the pathology of a broad spectrum of seemingly disparate conditions. However, in terms of male reproductive function, beyond erectile dysfunction, little is known about the influence of this cohort (collectively or separately) on spermatogenesis and sperm quality. The aims of this study were to assess the reproductive tract of a MetS animal model for detrimental changes, to determine whether a group of compounds (advanced glycation end products and their receptor) known to cause cell dysfunction and DNA damage was present and assess whether hypogonadotropic hypogonadism was the main contributing factor for the changes seen. Animals fed a high-fat diet were found to have significantly increased cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, mean arterial pressure and visceral fat levels. Although serum testosterone was decreased, no changes were seen in either testicular or epididymal histology. Immunolocalisation ofNϵ-carboxymethyl-lysine and the receptor for advanced glycation end products was found in the testes, epididymides and sperm of the two treated groups of animals; however, ELISA did not show any difference in protein levels. Similarly, assessment of sperm nuclear DNA (nDNA) fragmentation by acridine orange test did not find significant differences in nDNA integrity. We conclude that the minimal effect on spermatogenesis and sperm quality seen in our model is probably due to the moderate increase of blood glucose rather than the hypogonadism.

ORIGINAL RESEARCH—ENDOCRINOLOGY: NCEP-ATPIII-Defined Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Prevalence of Hypogonadism in Male Patients with Sexual Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are characterized by insulin resistance and often associated with male hypogonadism.

AIM

To discriminate the specific contribution of T2DM and MetS to male hypogonadism.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 1,134 (mean age 52.1 +/- 13 years) male patients with sexual dysfunction was studied.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Several hormonal and biochemical parameters were studied along with ANDROTEST, a 12-item validated structured interview, specifically designed for the screening of hypogonadism (total testosterone [TT] <10.4 nmol/L or free testosterone [FT] <37 pmol/L) in a male population with sexual dysfunction.

RESULTS

Irrespective of the criteria used to define hypogonadism, MetS was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of the condition, both in subjects with and without T2DM (41% and 29% vs. 13.2% and 77.1% and 58% vs. 40.6%, respectively, for TT and FT in patients with MetS and with or without T2DM, when compared with subjects without MetS and T2DM; both P < 0.0001). Conversely, T2DM was associated with a higher prevalence of hypogonadism in subjects with MetS but not in those without MetS. Patients with MetS, with or without T2DM, also showed a higher ANDROTEST score when compared with patients without MetS. Logistic multivariate regression analysis, incorporating the five components of MetS, identified a significant association of elevated waist circumference and hypertriglyceridemia with hypogonadism both in patients, with or without T2DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that MetS, and in particular visceral adiposity (as assessed by increased waistline and hypertriglyceridemia), is specifically associated with hypogonadism in subjects consulting for sexual dysfunction.

[Lifestyle, erectile dysfunction, hormones and metabolic syndrome. Opportunities for gender-specific prevention for men]

German men tend to be less health conscious and show less of an interest in preventative behaviours. However, urological symptoms can provide the grounds for a doctor's visit and conversation. Modifiable lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of exercise and smoking play a role in the development, progression or remission not only of erectile dysfunction (ED), but also in cardiovascular disease and the metabolic syndrome. Moreover, age-related testosterone deficiency can negatively impact the overall health as well as the sexual function of men. Recommendations to alter behaviours in the context of ED management and, if necessary, testosterone replacement, provide the urologist with the opportunity for broad gender-specific prevention for his male patients.