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Santi D, Cignarelli A, Baldi M, Sansone A, Spaggiari G, Simoni M, Corona G. The chronic alcohol consumption influences the gonadal axis in men: Results from a meta-analysis. Andrology 2024; 12:768-780. [PMID: 37705506 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13526] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low testosterone concentrations affect 2-13% of adult males, with a direct association between reduction in testosterone (T) concentrations and cardiovascular events. Lifestyle habits have been linked to visceral fat accumulation and endocrine disorders like secondary hypogonadism. Alcohol intake has also been a topic of debate, with studies showing a detrimental effect on sperm production and underlying mechanisms. This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate the effect of alcohol consumption on T serum concentrations in adult men. METHODS The literature search included only controlled clinical trials comparing men who drink alcohol to men who do not, or who assumed placebo or nonalcoholic beverages. The primary outcome was the comparison of total testosterone serum concentrations between the study and control groups. The publications were examined for publication bias using Egger's test. RESULTS Twenty-one studies were included in the analysis for a total of 30 trials that examined the effects of alcohol consumption on testosterone level in 10,199 subjects. The meta-analysis showed that alcohol consumption overall is related to significant reduction in circulating concentrations of total testosterone (mean difference [MD] = -4.02; 95% CI -6.30, -1.73), free T (MD = -0.17; 95% CI -0.23, -0.12), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) (MD = -1.94; 95% CI -3.37, -0.48), an increase in estradiol (E2) (MD = 7.65; 95% CI 1.06, 14.23) and neutral effect on luteinizing hormone (LH) (MD = -0.15; 95% CI -0.36, 0.06), independently by age, body mass index (BMI), E2, and LH serum concentrations and alcohol intake. However, these results are evident only in healthy men exposed to chronic alcohol consumption and not in those with a recognized diagnosis of alcohol use disorder or after acute alcohol intake. CONCLUSION This study suggests how chronic alcohol consumption may inhibit the gonadal axis in healthy men, although the exact pathophysiological mechanisms connecting alcohol exposure and steroidogenesis are still not completely clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Santi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Angelo Cignarelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Matteo Baldi
- Unit of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, presidio Molinette, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Sansone
- Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Spaggiari
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
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Apostolov R, Wong D, Low E, Vaz K, Spurio J, Worland T, Liu D, Chan RK, Gow P, Grossmann M, Sinclair M. Testosterone is lower in men with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol-related cirrhosis and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Scand J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:1328-1334. [PMID: 37282344 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2023.2220857] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Low serum testosterone is common in cirrhotic men, but the impact of disease aetiology remains uncertain. This study compares serum total testosterone (TT) levels by disease aetiology and assesses its prognostic value. METHODS Single-centre retrospective study of cirrhotic men who had TT levels measured between 2002 and 2020. A cut-off of 12 nmol/L was used to define low TT and 230 pmol/L for calculated free testosterone (cFT). Linear and logistic regression used to adjust for variables known to affect testosterone levels and assess for an association between levels and outcomes. RESULTS Of 766 cirrhotic men, 33.3% had alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) and 11.9% had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The median age was 56 years (interquartile range (IQR) 50-61), and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score 14 (IQR 9-20). TT levels were low in 53.3% of patients, (median 11.0 nmol/L; IQR 3.7-19.8) and cFT low in 79.6% (median 122 pmol/L; IQR 48.6-212). Median TT was lower in men with ALD (7.6 nmol/L; IQR 2.1-16.2) and NAFLD (9.8 nmol/L; IQR 2.75-15.6) compared to other aetiologies (11.0 nmol/L; IQR 3.73-19.8) (p < 0.001 for all), which remained true after adjustment for age and MELD score. TT was inversely associated with 12-month mortality or transplant (381 events, p = 0.02) and liver decompensation (345 events, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Low serum testosterone is common in cirrhotic men and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. TT levels are significantly lower in ALD and NAFLD compared to other disease aetiologies. Further large-scale studies are required to assess the potential benefits of testosterone therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Apostolov
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Darren Wong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Low
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karl Vaz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica Spurio
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas Worland
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dorothy Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Paul Gow
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marie Sinclair
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Smith SJ, Lopresti AL, Fairchild TJ. The effects of alcohol on testosterone synthesis in men: a review. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2023; 18:155-166. [PMID: 36880700 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2023.2184797] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Testosterone concentrations in men decline with advancing age, with low testosterone concentrations being associated with multiple morbidities, an increased risk of early mortality, and a reduced quality of life. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of alcohol on testosterone synthesis in men by investigating its effects on each level of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. AREAS COVERED Acute consumption of a low-to-moderate amount of alcohol increases testosterone concentrations in men, while consumption of a large volume of alcohol is associated with a reduction in serum testosterone concentrations. Elevated testosterone concentrations result from the increased activity of detoxification enzymes in the liver. Conversely, the primary mechanisms of action involved in the reduction of testosterone are increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, inflammation, and oxidative stress. When alcohol is consumed in excess, particularly chronically, it negatively affects testosterone production in men. EXPERT OPINION Since testosterone is an important component of men's health and wellbeing, current levels of alcohol consumption in many countries of the world require urgent attention. Elucidating the relationship between alcohol consumption and testosterone may be useful in identifying strategies to attenuate the testosterone-reducing effects of excessive or chronic alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen James Smith
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Australia
- The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Adrian Leo Lopresti
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Australia
- The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Timothy John Fairchild
- The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
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Aluja A, Balada F, García O, Aymami N, García LF. `Association study of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, impulsivity personality traits and moderate alcohol consumption in men. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Kobayashi G, Hashimoto Y, Takahashi F, Kaji A, Sakai R, Okamura T, Okada H, Kitagawa N, Nakanishi N, Majima S, Osaka T, Senmaru T, Ushigome E, Asano M, Hamaguchi M, Yamazaki M, Fukui M. Impact of Eating Speed on Muscle Mass in Older Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective Study of KAMOGAWA–DM Cohort. Front Nutr 2022; 9:919124. [PMID: 35811950 PMCID: PMC9260176 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.919124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Maintenance of muscle mass is important for sarcopenia prevention. However, the effect of eating speed, especially fast, normal, or slow speed, on muscle mass changes remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the effect of eating speed on muscle mass changes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods This study included 284 patients with T2DM. Based on a self–reported questionnaire, participants were classified into three groups: fast–, normal–, and slow–speed eating. Muscle mass was assessed using a multifrequency impedance body composition analyzer, and skeletal muscle mass (SMI) decrease (kg/m2/year) was defined as [baseline SMI (kg/m2)–follow–up SMI (kg/m2)] ÷ follow–up duration (year). The rate of SMI decrease (%) was defined as [SMI decrease (kg/m2/year) ÷ baseline SMI (kg/m2)] × 100. Results The proportions of patients with fast–, normal–, and slow–speed eating were, respectively, 50.5%, 42.9%, and 6.6% among those aged <65 years and 40.4%, 38.3%, and 21.3% among those aged ≥65 years. In patients aged ≥65 years, the rate of SMI decrease in the normal (0.85 [95% confidence interval, CI: −0.66 to 2.35]) and slow (0.93 [95% CI −0.61 to 2.46]) speed eating groups was higher than that in the fast speed eating group (−1.08 [95% CI −2.52 to 0.36]). On the contrary, there was no difference in the rate of SMI decrease among the groups in patients aged <65 years. Compared with slow speed eating, the adjusted odds ratios of incident muscle loss [defined as rate of SMI decrease (%) ≥0.5%] due to fast– and normal–speed eating were 0.42 (95% CI 0.18 to 0.98) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.36 to 2.03), respectively. Conclusion Slow–speed eating is associated with a higher risk of muscle mass loss in older patients with T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genki Kobayashi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Hashimoto
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Matsushita Memorial Hospital, Moriguchi, Japan
- *Correspondence: Yoshitaka Hashimoto
| | - Fuyuko Takahashi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ayumi Kaji
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Sakai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takuro Okamura
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Okada
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Matsushita Memorial Hospital, Moriguchi, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Kitagawa
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Diabetology, Kameoka Municipal Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Naoko Nakanishi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Saori Majima
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takafumi Osaka
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Ayabe City Hospital, Ayabe, Japan
| | - Takafumi Senmaru
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Emi Ushigome
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mai Asano
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masahide Hamaguchi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamazaki
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Michiaki Fukui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Oshima S, Shiiya S, Kato Y. Effects of Regular Low-Level Alcohol Consumption in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10050882. [PMID: 35628019 PMCID: PMC9140552 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10050882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of alcohol consumption on health are suggested to depend on the amount of alcohol consumed. We investigated the objective and subjective health effects of the daily consumption of a small amount of alcohol in healthy individuals using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Accordingly, 15 male and 27 female Japanese adults with average or lower general well-being schedule (GWBS) scores were asked to consume a beverage with 0.5% (v/v) alcohol (~4 g of alcohol a day; test beverage) and a placebo beverage two times daily for 4 weeks each. Regular low-level alcohol consumption significantly decreased the serum liver function indexes (aspartic aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase) before and after consumption (p = 0.034, 0.033, and 0.013, respectively). The small amount of alcohol did not affect the participants’ GWBS scores; however, a stratified analysis with poor subjective well-being revealed that these changes differed significantly between low-level alcohol consumption and placebo-treated subjects (16.0 vs. 11.5, p = 0.041). In addition, changes in serum testosterone levels demonstrated a higher trend in the group that received the test beverage compared with the group that received the placebo beverage (p = 0.051). Daily low-level alcohol consumption may have positive effects on liver function and subjective well-being.
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Macke AJ, Petrosyan A. Alcohol and Prostate Cancer: Time to Draw Conclusions. Biomolecules 2022; 12:375. [PMID: 35327568 PMCID: PMC8945566 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been a long-standing debate in the research and medical societies whether alcohol consumption is linked to the risk of prostate cancer (PCa). Many comprehensive studies from different geographical areas and nationalities have shown that moderate and heavy drinking is positively correlated with the development of PCa. Nevertheless, some observations could not confirm that such a correlation exists; some even suggest that wine consumption could prevent or slow prostate tumor growth. Here, we have rigorously analyzed the evidence both for and against the role of alcohol in PCa development. We found that many of the epidemiological studies did not consider other, potentially critical, factors, including diet (especially, low intake of fish, vegetables and linoleic acid, and excessive use of red meat), smoking, family history of PCa, low physical activity, history of high sexual activities especially with early age of first intercourse, and sexually transmitted infections. In addition, discrepancies between observations come from selectivity criteria for control groups, questionnaires about the type and dosage of alcohol, and misreported alcohol consumption. The lifetime history of alcohol consumption is critical given that a prostate tumor is typically slow-growing; however, many epidemiological observations that show no association monitored only current or relatively recent drinking status. Nevertheless, the overall conclusion is that high alcohol intake, especially binge drinking, is associated with increased risk for PCa, and this effect is not limited to any type of beverage. Alcohol consumption is also directly linked to PCa lethality as it may accelerate the growth of prostate tumors and significantly shorten the time for the progression to metastatic PCa. Thus, we recommend immediately quitting alcohol for patients diagnosed with PCa. We discuss the features of alcohol metabolism in the prostate tissue and the damaging effect of ethanol metabolites on intracellular organization and trafficking. In addition, we review the impact of alcohol consumption on prostate-specific antigen level and the risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Lastly, we highlight the known mechanisms of alcohol interference in prostate carcinogenesis and the possible side effects of alcohol during androgen deprivation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J. Macke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - Armen Petrosyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
- The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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Li Y, Ramoz N, Derrington E, Dreher JC. Hormonal responses in gambling versus alcohol abuse: A review of human studies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 100:109880. [PMID: 32004637 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.109880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The endocrine system plays an essential role in communication between various organs of the body to maintain homeostasis. Both substance use disorders (SUDs) and non-substance abuse disrupt this system and lead to hormonal dysregulations. Here, we focus on the comparison between the function of the endocrine system in gambling disorders and alcohol addiction to understand the commonalities and differences in their neurobiological and psychological underpinnings. We review human research to compare findings on gambling addiction and alcohol dependence pertaining to the dynamic interplay between testosterone and cortisol. Understanding and classifying similarities in hormonal responses between behavioural addiction and SUDs may facilitate development of treatments and therapeutic interventions across different types of addictive disorders, while describing differences may shed light on therapeutic interventions for specific disorders. Although research on gambling addiction is in its infancy, such evaluation may still have a positive effect for addiction research, thereby stimulating discovery of "crossover" pharmacotherapies with benefits for both SUDs and nonsubstance addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansong Li
- Competition, Addiction and Social Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Nicolas Ramoz
- Vulnerability of Psychiatric and Addictive Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM UMRS1266, Paris, France.
| | - Edmund Derrington
- Neuroeconomics Laboratory, Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, CNRS UMR 5229, Bron, France
| | - Jean-Claude Dreher
- Neuroeconomics Laboratory, Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, CNRS UMR 5229, Bron, France.
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Mullen J, Bækken LV, Törmäkangas T, Ekström L, Ericsson M, Hullstein IR, Schulze JJ. Inter‐individual variation of the urinary steroid profiles in Swedish and Norwegian athletes. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:720-730. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Mullen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical PharmacologyKarolinska Institutet Sweden
| | | | - Timo Törmäkangas
- Health Sciences, Faculty of Sport and Health SciencesUniversity of Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Lena Ekström
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical PharmacologyKarolinska Institutet Sweden
| | - Magnus Ericsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical PharmacologyKarolinska Institutet Sweden
- French Doping Control LaboratoryAgence Française de lutte contre le dopage (AFLD) Département des Analyses France
| | | | - Jenny J. Schulze
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical PharmacologyKarolinska Institutet Sweden
- The Swedish National Anti‐Doping OrganisationSwedish Sports Confederation Sweden
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Coppeta L, Neri A, Nicotra M, Gentile V, Spina C, Pietropolli A, Gloria-Bottini F. Infertility in Men with Varicocele: The Role of Age, Smoking and Alcohol Intake. Health (London) 2020. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2020.123019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Lenz B, Köllner MG, Mühle C, Weinland C, Kornhuber J. Basic Human Body Dimensions Relate to Alcohol Dependence and Predict Hospital Readmission. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E2076. [PMID: 31783685 PMCID: PMC6947550 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8122076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol dependence is a severe mental illness and there is a need for more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Translational research suggests that intrauterine sex hormone exposure modulates the risk and course of alcohol dependence during adulthood. During development, sex hormones permanently shape sexually dimorphic body dimensions. Thus, these dimensions may provide insight into sex hormone organization. Here, we compared body measurements (absolute, relative to, and residualized on height) between 200 alcohol-dependent in-patients and 240 age-matched healthy control subjects and investigated how these measurements associate with the patients' prospective 12- and 24-month outcome. The results show that alcohol dependence is related to lower absolute, relative, and residualized body measurements for height and weight, head circumference, bitragion head arc, lip-chin distance, hip, thigh, and calf circumference, and foot length and breadth. In male alcohol-dependent in-patients, higher risk, shorter latency, and more alcohol-related readmissions were predicted by higher absolute, relative, and residualized thigh and calf circumferences. The second-to-fourth finger length ratio, a putative proxy for prenatal sex hormone organization, was not convincingly correlated with the body dimensions, suggesting that the results represent pubertal (or later) effects. The study's findings have implications for further research. The body measurements' high accessibility may facilitate the future transition into clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.M.); (C.W.); (J.K.)
| | - Martin G. Köllner
- Human Motivation and Affective Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Nägelsbachstraße 49 b, D-91052 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.M.); (C.W.); (J.K.)
| | - Christian Weinland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.M.); (C.W.); (J.K.)
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.M.); (C.W.); (J.K.)
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Kapourchali FR, Louis XL, Eskin MNA, Suh M. A pilot study on the effect of early provision of dietary docosahexaenoic acid on testis development, functions, and sperm quality in rats exposed to prenatal ethanol. Birth Defects Res 2019; 112:93-104. [PMID: 31697449 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal ethanol (EtOH) exposure is associated with adverse effect on the male reproductive function. Dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is known to improve testis function and sperm parameters, thereby male fertility. This study piloted whether dietary DHA influences testis development and function in rats exposed to prenatal EtOH. METHODS Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 30) received either EtOH (3 g/kg, twice a day, n = 14) or dextrose (n = 16) throughout pregnancy. Moreover, they were fed either diet supplemented with (Cont + DHA, n = 8, EtOH + DHA, n = 6) or without DHA (1.4% w/w of total fatty acids) (Cont, EtOH, n = 8 each), with pups being continued on their mothers' diet after weaning. Tissues were collected at gestational day (GD) 20, postnatal day (PD) 4, 21, 49 and 90 for analyzing testicular developmental markers and sperm parameters, and plasma for testosterone. RESULTS Dietary DHA increased serum testosterone at GD20 (p < .05) and sperm normal morphology at PD90 (p < .0001) compared to the group without DHA supplementation. Dietary DHA also increased the height of germinal epithelium at peripuberty, PD49 (p < .03). The EtOH exposure induced a marked decline in the testicular gene expression of StAR at PD49 (p < .02) than those of non-EtOH treated group. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that dietary DHA may positively contribute to male fertility by impacting sperm normal morphology likely by increasing fetal testosterone level. Prenatal EtOH exposure did not adversely affect the overall testis developmental markers during development and sperm parameters in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh R Kapourchali
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Xavier L Louis
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael N A Eskin
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Miyoung Suh
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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13
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Beer consumption negatively regulates hormonal reproductive status and reduces apoptosis in Leydig cells in peripubertal rats. Alcohol 2019; 78:21-31. [PMID: 30690073 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2019.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages consumed by young people. Ethanol intake is associated with harmful effects to the reproductive system. Bioactive compounds present in beer may diminish the toxics effect of ethanol. However, there is still little knowledge about the effect of beer consumption on hormonal regulation of male reproduction in organisms exposed to alcohol after the peripubertal age. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of beer intake on plasma reproductive hormones, immunolocalization of cleaved caspase-3 (casp-3), and the level of the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in Leydig cells (LCs) in adolescent male Wistar rats. The animals, beginning at the age of 30 days, drank beer (10% ethanol; B2 group [2 weeks' exposure] and B4 group [4 weeks' exposure]), 10% ethanol solution (CE2 group [2 weeks' exposure] and CE4 group [4 weeks' exposure]), or water (C2 group [2 weeks' exposure] and C4 group [4 weeks' exposure]). Rats drinking beer for 4 weeks showed higher phenolic acid intake compared to rats drinking beer for 2 weeks. Rats exposed to beer for 4 weeks showed decreased plasma levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and 17β-estradiol (E2) (3.173 ng/mL and 11.49 pg/mL, respectively), compared to the CE4 (5.293 ng/mL and 43.912 pg/mL, respectively) and the C4 groups (5.002 ng/mL and 41.121 pg mL, respectively). Expression of cleaved caspase-3 in LCs was lower in the B4 group rats, compared to the CE4 group rats (ID score: 1.676 vs. 2.190). No changes in nNOS expression were observed. Beer consumption revealed a similar negative effect on hormonal regulation of male reproductive function, but lower apoptosis in LCs may be beneficial for steroidogenic activity.
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14
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Kaufman JM, Lapauw B, Mahmoud A, T'Sjoen G, Huhtaniemi IT. Aging and the Male Reproductive System. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:906-972. [PMID: 30888401 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This narrative review presents an overview of current knowledge on fertility and reproductive hormone changes in aging men, the factors driving and modulating these changes, their clinical consequences, and the benefits and risks of testosterone (T) therapy. Aging is accompanied by moderate decline of gamete quality and fertility. Population mean levels show a mild total T decline, an SHBG increase, a steeper free T decline, and a moderate LH increase with important contribution of comorbidities (e.g., obesity) to these changes. Sexual symptoms and lower hematocrit are associated with low T and are partly responsive to T therapy. The relationship of serum T with body composition and metabolic health is bidirectional; limited beneficial effects of T therapy on body composition have only marginal effects on metabolic health and physical function. Skeletal changes are associated primarily with estradiol and SHBG. Cognitive decline is not consistently linked to low T and is not improved by T therapy. Although limited evidence links moderate androgen decline with depressive symptoms, T therapy has small beneficial effects on mood, depressive symptoms, and vitality in elderly patients with low T. Suboptimal T (and/or DHT) has been associated with increased risk of stroke, but not of ischemic heart disease, whereas an association with mortality probably reflects that low T is a marker of poor health. Globally, neither severity of clinical consequences attributable to low T nor the nature and magnitude of beneficial treatment effects justify the concept of some broadly applied "T replacement therapy" in older men with low T. Moreover, long-term safety of T therapy is not established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Kaufman
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno Lapauw
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ahmed Mahmoud
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy T'Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilpo Tapani Huhtaniemi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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15
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Park B, Lee YJ. Upcoming Aging Society and Men's Health: Focus on Clinical Implications of Exercise and Lifestyle Modification. World J Mens Health 2019; 38:24-31. [PMID: 30799560 PMCID: PMC6920071 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.180103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent epidemiological research has indicated that men have increased health risks due to biological and social factors. Research in the area of men's health has been focused on disease events and subsequent disabilities. In future aging societies, more attention should be paid to the importance of men's health because a decreased quality of life and increased social burden are impending unless proper maneuvers are taken to slow the development and progression of morbidity through the use of preventive strategies. The adoption of a healthier lifestyle and the early identification and management of risk factors are very important and can be an initiative for prevention and for slowing the progression of morbidities with related quality of life issues. Males are rather vulnerable in terms of health, and conscious and active efforts are required to promote their health in an aging society. Here, we hope to shed light on the influence of lifestyle modifications and their clinical implications on men's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byoungjin Park
- Department of Family Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Jae Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Family Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
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16
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Claudel JP, Auffret N, Leccia MT, Poli F, Dréno B. Acne and nutrition: hypotheses, myths and facts. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2018; 32:1631-1637. [PMID: 29633388 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.14998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Acne is an inflammatory and multifactorial skin disease. Different external and internal factors, including air pollution, aggressive skincare products, medication, mechanical, hormonal and familial factors and, more recently, lifestyle and stress, have been suggested as having an impact on acne. Moreover, for many years nutrition was believed to cause or worsen acne. Over the last decades, however, it has become a dermatological doctrine that there is no direct association between diet and acne. Even if recent research has allowed to identify certain nutritional elements and behaviour that may impact on acne, including the excessive intake of dairy products and hyperglycaemic food, modern lifestyle nutrition, obesity and eating disorders, knowledge about the role of nutrition in the physiopathology of acne still remains sparse and hypotheses and myths continue to dominate the debate. Thus, further clinical and translational research is necessary to investigate and confirm the association between nutrition and acne.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M T Leccia
- Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Photobiology, CHU A Michallon, Grenoble, France
| | - F Poli
- Private Practice, Paris, France
| | - B Dréno
- Department of Dermatology, CIC 1413, CRCINA Inserm 1232, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
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17
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Suwa M, Imoto T, Kida A, Iwase M, Yokochi T. Age-related reduction and independent predictors of toe flexor strength in middle-aged men. J Foot Ankle Res 2017; 10:15. [PMID: 28360943 PMCID: PMC5369005 DOI: 10.1186/s13047-017-0196-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toe flexor muscles play an important role in posture and locomotion, and poor toe flexor strength is a risk factor for falls. In this cross-sectional study, we estimated the age-related change in toe flexor strength and compared it with that of handgrip strength. Independent factors predicting toe flexor and handgrip strength were also determined. Methods A total of 1401 male (aged 35–59 years) study participants were divided into five groups according to their chronological age; 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, and 55–59 years. Toe flexor and handgrip strength, anthropometry, and resting blood pressure were measured. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure blood glucose, triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterols, and albumin. A self-administered lifestyle questionnaire was conducted. Results Decline in absolute toe flexor and handgrip strength began in the age groups 50–55 and 55–59 years, respectively. In comparison to the mean values of the youngest group, relative toe flexor strength (87.0 ± 26.6%) was significantly lower than handgrip strength (94.4 ± 13.1%) for the oldest group. Multiple regression analyses showed that independent factors predicting both toe flexor and handgrip strength were lean body mass, age, serum albumin, drinking habit, and fat mass. Additionally, fasting blood glucose, diastolic blood pressure, sleeping time and exercise habit were predicting factors of toe flexor strength but not of handgrip strength. Conclusions Age-related reduction in toe flexor strength was earlier and greater than handgrip strength, and toe flexor strength reflects body composition and metabolic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Suwa
- Health Support Center WELPO, Toyota Motor Corporation, 1-1, Ipponmatsu, Iwakura-cho, Toyota, Aichi 444-2225 Japan
| | - Takayuki Imoto
- Health Support Center WELPO, Toyota Motor Corporation, 1-1, Ipponmatsu, Iwakura-cho, Toyota, Aichi 444-2225 Japan
| | - Akira Kida
- Health Support Center WELPO, Toyota Motor Corporation, 1-1, Ipponmatsu, Iwakura-cho, Toyota, Aichi 444-2225 Japan
| | - Mitsunori Iwase
- Toyota Memorial Hospital, 1-1, Heiwa-cho, Toyota, Aichi 471-8513 Japan
| | - Takashi Yokochi
- Health Support Center WELPO, Toyota Motor Corporation, 1-1, Ipponmatsu, Iwakura-cho, Toyota, Aichi 444-2225 Japan
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18
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Kumari S, Mittal A, Dabur R. Moderate alcohol consumption in chronic form enhances the synthesis of cholesterol and C-21 steroid hormones, while treatment with Tinospora cordifolia modulate these events in men. Steroids 2016; 114:68-77. [PMID: 27016128 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2016.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Chronic and heavy alcohol consumption disrupts lipid metabolism and hormonal balance including testosterone levels. However, studies doubt the relationship between moderate alcohol intake and sex hormone levels. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation was to establish the direct impact of chronic and moderate alcohol intake on cholesterol homeostasis and steroid hormone synthesis. Asymptomatic chronic and moderate alcoholics (n=12) without chronic liver disease and healthy volunteers (n=14) were selected for the study. Furthermore, effects of standardized water extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd) Mier. (Menispermaceae) (TCJ), a well reported anti-alcoholic herbal drug, on urinary steroids was studied. This study included four groups, i.e. a) healthy; b) healthy+TCJ; c) alcoholic; d) alcoholic+TCJ. The blood and urine samples from each group were collected on day 0 and 14 of the post-treatment with TCJ and analyzed. Alcoholic blood samples showed the significantly higher values of traditional biomarkers γ-GT and MCV along with cholesterol, LDL, TGL and urinary methylglucuronide compared to healthy. Qualitative analysis of steroids showed that moderate alcohol intake in a chronic manner increased the cholesterol synthesis and directed its flow toward C-21 steroids; shown by increased levels of corticosterone (2.456 fold) and cortisol (3.7 fold). Moreover, alcohol intake also increased the synthesis of estradiol and clearance rate of other steroids through the formation of glucuronides. Therefore, it decreased the synthesis and increased the clearance rate of testosterone (T) and androstenedione (A). Quantitative analysis confirmed decreased T/A ratio from 2.31 to 1.59 in plasma and 2.47 to 1.51 in urine samples of alcoholics. TCJ intervention normalized the levels of steroids and significantly improved the T:A ratio to 2.0 and 2.12 in plasma and urine. The study revealed that TCJ modulated lipid metabolism by inhibiting cholesterol and glucuronides synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Kumari
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Ashwani Mittal
- Department of Biochemistry, University College, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, Haryana, India
| | - Rajesh Dabur
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India; National Research Institute of Basic Ayurvedic Sciences, Nehru Garden, Kothrud, Pune, Maharastra 411038, India.
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19
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Association of testosterone and BDNF serum levels with craving during alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol 2016; 54:67-72. [PMID: 27514572 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies show associations between testosterone and brain-derived neurotrophic growth factor (BDNF) serum levels. BDNF and testosterone have been independently reported to influence alcohol consumption. Therefore, we aimed to investigate a possible interplay of testosterone and BDNF contributing to alcohol dependence. Regarding possible interplay of testosterone and BDNF and the activity of the hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPA), we included cortisol serum levels in our research. We investigated testosterone and BDNF serum levels in a sample of 99 male alcohol-dependent patients during alcohol withdrawal (day 1, 7, and 14) and compared them to a healthy male control group (n = 17). The testosterone serum levels were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the patients' group than in the control group and decreased significantly during alcohol withdrawal (p < 0.001). The decrease of testosterone serum levels during alcohol withdrawal (days 1-7) was significantly associated with the BDNF serum levels (day 1: p = 0.008). In a subgroup of patients showing high cortisol serum levels (putatively mirroring high HPA activity), we found a significant association of BDNF and testosterone as well as with alcohol craving measured by the Obsessive and Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS). Our data suggest a possible association of BDNF and testosterone serum levels, which may be relevant for the symptomatology of alcohol dependence. Further studies are needed to clarify our results.
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20
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D'Errico MN, Lovreglio P, Drago I, Apostoli P, Soleo L. Influence of Occupational and Environmental Exposure to Low Concentrations of Polychlorobiphenyls and a Smoking Habit on the Urinary Excretion of Corticosteroid Hormones. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:360. [PMID: 27023579 PMCID: PMC4847022 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13040360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The effects of occupational exposure to low concentrations of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) on the urinary excretion of corticosteroid hormones were evaluated, taking into account the influence of cigarette smoking. The study included 26 males working as electrical maintenance staff in a steel factory, previously exposed to a mixture of PCBs (exposed workers), and 30 male workers with no occupational exposure to PCBs (controls). Serum PCBs (33 congeners), urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, 17-ketosteroids (KS) and pregnanes, and their respective glucuronidated and sulfonated compounds, were determined for each subject. PCBs were significantly higher in the exposed workers than controls, and were correlated with age. Both the urinary concentrations of the total 17-KS and pregnanes, and those of some single steroids and their glucuronidated compounds, were significantly lower in the exposed workers than controls, but higher in smokers than the non-smokers + ex-smokers. Two-way analysis of variance showed a negative association between serum PCBs and both total glucuronidated 17-KS and total and glucuronidated pregnanes, and a positive association between cigarette smoking and both total and glucuronidated 17-KS. PCBs seem to act as endocrine disruptors by reducing the urinary excretion of corticosteroid hormones, particularly of the glucuronidated fraction. Cigarette smoking could boost these effects of PCBs in smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Nicolà D'Errico
- Section of Occupational Medicine "Enrico Carlo Vigliani", Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, Bari 70124, Italy.
| | - Piero Lovreglio
- Section of Occupational Medicine "Enrico Carlo Vigliani", Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, Bari 70124, Italy.
| | - Ignazio Drago
- Section of Occupational Medicine "Enrico Carlo Vigliani", Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, Bari 70124, Italy.
| | - Pietro Apostoli
- Section of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, Department of Experimental and Applied Medicine, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, Brescia 25123, Italy.
| | - Leonardo Soleo
- Section of Occupational Medicine "Enrico Carlo Vigliani", Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, Bari 70124, Italy.
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21
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Erol A, Karpyak VM. Sex and gender-related differences in alcohol use and its consequences: Contemporary knowledge and future research considerations. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 156:1-13. [PMID: 26371405 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 559] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To review the contemporary evidence reflecting male/female differences in alcohol use and its consequences along with the biological (sex-related) and psycho-socio-cultural (gender-related) factors associated with those differences. METHODS MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched for relevant publications, which were subsequently screened for the presence/absence of pre-specified criteria for high quality evidence. RESULTS Compared to men, more women are lifetime abstainers, drink less, and are less likely to engage in problem drinking, develop alcohol-related disorders or alcohol withdrawal symptoms. However, women drinking excessively develop more medical problems. Biological (sex-related) factors, including differences in alcohol pharmacokinetics as well as its effect on brain function and the levels of sex hormones may contribute to some of those differences. In addition, differences in alcohol effects on behavior may also be driven by psycho-socio-cultural (gender-related) factors. This is evident by variation in the magnitude of differences in alcohol use between countries, decreasing difference in the rates of alcohol consumption in recent generations and other findings. Evidence indicates that both sex and gender-related factors are interacting with alcohol use in complex manner, which differentially impacts the risk for development of the behavioral or medical problems and alcohol use disorders in men and women. CONCLUSIONS Discovery of the mechanisms underlying biological (sex-related) as well as psycho-socio-cultural (gender-related) differences in alcohol use and related disorders is needed for development of personalized recommendations for prevention and treatment of alcohol use disorders and related problems in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almila Erol
- Department of Psychiatry, Ataturk Education and Research Hospital, Basinsitesi, Izmir 35250, Turkey; Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 200 First Stret SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Victor M Karpyak
- Department of Psychiatry, Ataturk Education and Research Hospital, Basinsitesi, Izmir 35250, Turkey.
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22
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Hisasue SI. Contemporary perspective and management of testosterone deficiency: Modifiable factors and variable management. Int J Urol 2015; 22:1084-95. [DOI: 10.1111/iju.12880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shin-ichi Hisasue
- Department of Urology; Graduate School of Medicine; Juntendo University; Tokyo Japan
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23
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Kuuranne T, Saugy M, Baume N. Confounding factors and genetic polymorphism in the evaluation of individual steroid profiling. Br J Sports Med 2015; 48:848-55. [PMID: 24764553 PMCID: PMC4033181 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-093510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In the fight against doping, steroid profiling is a powerful tool to detect drug misuse with endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids. To establish sensitive and reliable models, the factors influencing profiling should be recognised. We performed an extensive literature review of the multiple factors that could influence the quantitative levels and ratios of endogenous steroids in urine matrix. For a comprehensive and scientific evaluation of the urinary steroid profile, it is necessary to define the target analytes as well as testosterone metabolism. The two main confounding factors, that is, endogenous and exogenous factors, are detailed to show the complex process of quantifying the steroid profile within WADA-accredited laboratories. Technical aspects are also discussed as they could have a significant impact on the steroid profile, and thus the steroid module of the athlete biological passport (ABP). The different factors impacting the major components of the steroid profile must be understood to ensure scientifically sound interpretation through the Bayesian model of the ABP. Not only should the statistical data be considered but also the experts in the field must be consulted for successful implementation of the steroidal module.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiia Kuuranne
- Doping Control Laboratory, United Medix Laboratories Ltd., , Helsinki, Finland
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24
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Romero-Martínez Á, Lila M, Moya-Albiol L. Alcohol Abuse Mediates the Association between Baseline T/C Ratio and Anger Expression in Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators. Behav Sci (Basel) 2015; 5:113-20. [PMID: 25803635 PMCID: PMC4384066 DOI: 10.3390/bs5010113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The imbalance between testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) levels has been proposed as a possible marker of risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). Moreover, it could be related to a high probability of adopting risky behaviors such as alcohol abuse which, in turn, promotes the onset of IPV. This study tested the potential mediating effect of alcohol consumption on the relationship between baseline T/C ratio and anger expression in IPV perpetrators and non-violent controls. Alcohol consumption was higher in the former than controls. A high baseline T/C ratio was only associated with high anger expression in IPV perpetrators, and this association was mediated by high alcohol consumption. Thus, alcohol abuse may act as a catalytic factor in this relationship, high consumption promoting the onset of IPV. These findings contribute to the development of effective treatment and prevention programs, which could introduce the use of biological markers for preventing the onset, development and recidivism of IPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Romero-Martínez
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibañez, Valencia 21 46010, Spain.
| | - Marisol Lila
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibañez, Valencia 21 46010, Spain.
| | - Luis Moya-Albiol
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibañez, Valencia 21 46010, Spain.
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Sigurdsson B, Palsson SP, Aevarsson O, Olafsdottir M, Johannsson M. Saliva testosterone and cortisol in male depressive syndrome, a community study. The Sudurnesjamenn Study. Nord J Psychiatry 2014; 68:579-87. [PMID: 24724928 DOI: 10.3109/08039488.2014.898791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The association between testosterone levels and depression is unclear. The relationship has been described as complex, i.e. more U (J)-shaped than linear in some previous studies. AIM The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationship between saliva testosterone level variations and different levels of male depressive symptoms in a community sample. The secondary aim was to investigate whether simultaneous testing of evening cortisol and testosterone improved the detection of depression. METHODS In a community study, 534 males were screened, using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS) and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Those with signs of depression (n = 65) and randomly selected controls (n = 69) had psychiatric evaluation for depressive disorder. In a sub-sample (n = 51) saliva testosterone was measured twice on a single day. RESULTS Testosterone morning values were significantly higher than evening values (236 vs. 145 pg/ml, P = 0.009). Evening testosterone was significantly higher in depressive males, according to both MADRS (P = 0.028) and BDI (P = 0.036). Having depression increased the likelihood of being in the highest third of testosterone levels (BDI P = 0.021; MADRS P = 0.018). Positive correlation was between total BDI score and elevated evening testosterone with and without psychotropics (P = 0.017; P = 0.002). Correlation was between elevated evening cortisol and evening testosterone levels (P = 0.021) though simultaneous testing did not increase specificity of detecting depression. CONCLUSION Evening saliva testosterone measurements seem the most informative, as they correlate with male depressive syndrome. Simultaneous testing for evening cortisol and evening testosterone levels did not increase specificity for clinical diagnosis of depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjarni Sigurdsson
- Bjarni Sigurdsson, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Iceland , Reykjavik , Iceland
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Alcohol consumption and hormonal alterations related to muscle hypertrophy: a review. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2014; 11:26. [PMID: 24932207 PMCID: PMC4056249 DOI: 10.1186/1743-7075-11-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Detrimental effects of acute and chronic alcohol (ethanol) consumption on human physiology are well documented in the literature. These adversely influence neural, metabolic, cardiovascular, and thermoregulatory functions. However, the side effects of ethanol consumption on hormonal fluctuations and subsequent related skeletal muscle alterations have received less attention and as such are not entirely understood. The focus of this review is to identify the side effects of ethanol consumption on the major hormones related to muscle metabolism and clarify how the hormonal profiles are altered by such consumption.
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Jensen TK, Swan S, Jørgensen N, Toppari J, Redmon B, Punab M, Drobnis EZ, Haugen TB, Zilaitiene B, Sparks AE, Irvine DS, Wang C, Jouannet P, Brazil C, Paasch U, Salzbrunn A, Skakkebæk NE, Andersson AM. Alcohol and male reproductive health: a cross-sectional study of 8344 healthy men from Europe and the USA. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:1801-9. [PMID: 24893607 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between alcohol intake and semen quality and serum reproductive hormones among healthy men from the USA and Europe? SUMMARY ANSWER Moderate alcohol intake is not adversely associated with semen quality in healthy men, whereas it was associated with higher serum testosterone levels. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY High alcohol intake has been associated with a wide range of diseases. However, few studies have examined the correlation between alcohol and reproductive function and most have been conducted in selected populations of infertile men or have a small sample size and the results have been contradictory. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A coordinated international cross-sectional study among 8344 healthy men. A total of 1872 fertile men aged 18-45 years (with pregnant partners) from four European cities and four US states, and 6472 young men (most with unknown fertility) aged 18-28 years from the general population in six European countries were recruited. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The men were recruited using standardized protocols. A semen analysis was performed and men completed a questionnaire on health and lifestyle, including their intake of beer, wine and liquor during the week prior to their visit. Semen quality (semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage motile and morphologically normal sperm) and serum reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and inhibin B and free testosterone) were examined. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The participation rate for our populations was 20-30%. We found no consistent association between any semen variable and alcohol consumption, which was low/moderate in this group (median weekly intake 8 units), either for total consumption or consumption by type of alcohol. However, we found a linear association between total alcohol consumption and total or free testosterone in both groups of men. Young and fertile men who consumed >20 units of alcohol per week had, respectively, 24.6 pmol/l (95% confidence interval 16.3-32.9) and 19.7 pmol/l (7.1-32.2) higher free testosterone than men with a weekly intake between 1 and 10 units. Alcohol intake was not significantly associated with serum inhibin B, FSH or LH levels in either group of men. The study is the largest of its kind and has sufficient power to detect changes in semen quality and reproductive hormones. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The participation rate was low, but higher than in most previous semen quality studies. In addition, the study was cross-sectional and the men were asked to recall their alcohol intake in the previous week, which was used as a marker of intake up to 3 months before. If consumption in that week differed from the typical weekly intake and the intake 3 months earlier, misclassification of exposure may have occurred. However, the men were unaware of their semen quality when they responded to the questions about alcohol intake. Furthermore, we cannot exclude that our findings are due to unmeasured confounders, including diet, exercise, stress, occupation and risk-taking behavior. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study suggests that moderate alcohol intake is not adversely associated with semen quality in healthy men, whereas it was associated with higher serum testosterone levels which may be due to a changed metabolism of testosterone in the liver. Healthy men may therefore be advised that occasional moderate alcohol intake may not harm their reproductive health; we cannot address the risk of high alcohol consumption of longer duration or binge drinking on semen quality and male reproductive hormones. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS All funding sources were non-profitable and sponsors of this study played no role in the study design, in data collection, analysis, or interpretation, or in the writing of the article. The authors have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Kold Jensen
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwsparken 17, Odense, Denmark Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shanna Swan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Bruce Redmon
- Department of Medicine and Urologic Surgery, University Of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Margus Punab
- Department of Andrology Unit, Tartu University Clinicum, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Erma Z Drobnis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Trine Berit Haugen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Birute Zilaitiene
- Institute of Endocrinology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Amy E Sparks
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - D Stewart Irvine
- Medical Directorate, NHS Education for Scotland, Edinburgh, UK Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christina Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Pierre Jouannet
- Biologie de la Reproduction, Hopital Cochin - Universite Paris V, Paris, France
| | - Charlene Brazil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Uwe Paasch
- Department of Dermatology/Andrology Unit, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andrea Salzbrunn
- Department of Andrology, Universitatsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Niels Erik Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Greene FJ, Han L, Martin S, Zhang S, Wittert G. Testosterone is associated with self-employment among Australian men. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2014; 13:76-84. [PMID: 24565039 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2013.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2012] [Revised: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone has pronounced effects on men's physiological development and smaller, more nuanced, impacts on their economic behavior. In this study of 1199 Australian adult males, we investigate the relationship between the self-employed and their serum testosterone levels. Because prior studies have identified that testosterone is a hormone that is responsive to external factors (e.g. competition, risk-taking), we explicitly control for omitted variable bias and reverse causality by using an instrumental variable approach. We use insulin as our primary instrument to account for endogeneity between testosterone and self-employment. This is because prior research has identified a relationship between insulin and testosterone but not between insulin and self-employment. Our results show that there is a positive association between total testosterone and self-employment. Robustness checks using bioavailable testosterone and another similar instrument (daily alcohol consumption) confirm this positive finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis J Greene
- Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Liang Han
- Surrey Business School, University of Surrey, United Kingdom.
| | - Sean Martin
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Song Zhang
- Surrey Business School, University of Surrey, United Kingdom.
| | - Gary Wittert
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Australia.
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Compass: A hybrid method for clinical and biobank data mining. J Biomed Inform 2014; 47:160-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2013.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Fu Y, Lu Y, Liu EY, Zhu X, Mahajan GJ, Lu D, Roman RJ, Liu R. Testosterone enhances tubuloglomerular feedback by increasing superoxide production in the macula densa. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2013; 304:R726-33. [PMID: 23467324 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00341.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Males have higher prevalence of hypertension and renal injury than females, which may be attributed in part to androgen-mediated effects on renal hemodynamics. Tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) is an important mechanism in control of renal microcirculation. The present study examines the role of testosterone in the regulation of TGF responses. TGF was measured by micropuncture (change of stop-flow pressure, ΔPsf) in castrated Sprague-Dawley rats. The addition of testosterone (10(-7) mol/l) into the lumen increased the ΔPsf from 10.1 ± 1.2 to 12.2 ± 1.2 mmHg. To determine whether androgen receptors (AR) are involved, mRNA of AR was measured in the macula dense cells isolated by laser capture microdissection from kidneys, and a macula densa-like cell line (MMDD1). AR mRNA was expressed in the macula densa of rats and in MMDD1 cells. We next examined the effects of the AR blocker, flutamide (10(-5) mol/l) on the TGF response. The addition of flutamide blocked the effects of testosterone on TGF. The addition of Tempol (10(-4) mol/l) or polyethylene glycol-superoxide dismutase (100 U/ml) to scavenge superoxide blocked the effect of testosterone to augment TGF. We then applied apocynin to inhibit NAD(P)H oxidase and oxypurinol to inhibit xanthine oxidase and found the testosterone-induced augmentation of TGF was blocked. In additional experiments in MMDD1 cells, we found that testosterone increased O2(-) generation. Apocynin or oxypurinol blocked the testosterone-induced increases of O2(-), while blockade of COX-2 with NS-398 had no effect. These findings suggest that testosterone enhances TGF response by stimulating O2(-) production in macula densa via an AR-dependent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Fu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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Measurement of Ethyl Glucuronide, Ethyl Sulphate and Their Ratio in the Urine and Serum of Healthy Volunteers after Two Doses of Alcohol. Alcohol Alcohol 2012; 48:74-82. [DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/ags108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Hansen ML, Thulstrup AM, Bonde JP, Olsen J, Håkonsen LB, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Does last week's alcohol intake affect semen quality or reproductive hormones? A cross-sectional study among healthy young Danish men. Reprod Toxicol 2012; 34:457-62. [PMID: 22732148 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2012.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The association between last 5 days of alcohol intake, semen quality and reproductive hormones was estimated in this cross-sectional study among 347 men. Conventional semen characteristics, DNA fragmentation index and reproductive hormones (testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and inhibin B) were determined. There was a tendency towards lower semen characteristics at higher intake of alcohol past 5 days, albeit with no statistically significant dose-response association. The ratio between free estradiol and free testosterone was higher at higher alcohol intake during the 5 days preceding semen sampling. In conclusion, alcohol intake was associated with impairment of most semen characteristics but without a coherent dose-response pattern. The study indicates an association between recent alcohol intake and a hormonal shift towards higher estradiol/testosterone ratio. The hormonal changes observed may over time, lead to adverse effects on semen quality, but longitudinal studies are needed to study this.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Hansen
- Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Vatsalya V, Issa JE, Hommer DW, Ramchandani VA. Pharmacodynamic effects of intravenous alcohol on hepatic and gonadal hormones: influence of age and sex. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2012; 36:207-13. [PMID: 21797891 PMCID: PMC3258349 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01600.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis and gonadal hormones demonstrate extensively associated regulation; however, little is known about the effects of acute alcohol exposure on these hormones. This study examined the effects of intravenous alcohol on the GH-IGF-1 axis and gonadal hormone concentrations, and the influence of age and sex on their regulation. METHODS Forty-eight healthy volunteers (24 men and 24 women each in the 21 to 25 and 55 to 65 year age groups) underwent a 2-session single-blinded study. Subjects received in randomized counter-balanced order, alcohol infusions, individually computed based on a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model, to maintain a steady-state ("clamped") exposure of 50 mg% or saline for 3 hours in separate sessions. Blood samples collected at baseline and postinfusion in each session were assayed for levels of GH, IGF-1, free testosterone, and estradiol. RESULTS Acute alcohol administration resulted in changes in gonadal hormones that differed by sex. Change in free testosterone showed a significant treatment × baseline interaction (p < 0.001), indicating that alcohol-induced suppression of testosterone occurred predominantly in men. On the other hand, change in estradiol showed a significant treatment × sex interaction (p = 0.028), indicating that alcohol-induced increases in estradiol occurred predominantly in women. There was a trend for alcohol-induced decreases in IGF-1 levels. Change in GH showed a significant main effect of baseline (p < 0.001) and a trend for treatment by baseline interaction, suggesting an alcohol-induced decrease in individuals with high baseline GH values. There was also a significant main effect of sex (p = 0.046) indicating that men had greater changes in GH across treatment compared with women. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol induced a complex pattern of hormonal responses that varied between younger and older men and women. Some of the observed sex-based differences may help improve our understanding of the greater susceptibility to alcohol-related hepatic damage seen in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vatsalya Vatsalya
- Section on Human Psychopharmacology, Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Julnar E. Issa
- Section on Human Psychopharmacology, Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Daniel W. Hommer
- Section of Brain Electrophysiology and Imaging, Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Vijay A. Ramchandani
- Section on Human Psychopharmacology, Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD USA
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Thieme D, Große J, Keller L, Graw M. Urinary concentrations of ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate as thresholds to determine potential ethanol-induced alteration of steroid profiles. Drug Test Anal 2011; 3:851-6. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Thieme
- Institute of Doping Analysis; Dresden; Germany
| | - J. Große
- Institute of Doping Analysis; Dresden; Germany
| | - L. Keller
- Institute of Legal Medicine; University of Munich; Germany
| | - M. Graw
- Institute of Legal Medicine; University of Munich; Germany
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Lenz B, Müller CP, Stoessel C, Sperling W, Biermann T, Hillemacher T, Bleich S, Kornhuber J. Sex hormone activity in alcohol addiction: integrating organizational and activational effects. Prog Neurobiol 2011; 96:136-63. [PMID: 22115850 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2011.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2011] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
There are well-known sex differences in the epidemiology and etiopathology of alcohol dependence. Male gender is a crucial risk factor for the onset of alcohol addiction. A directly modifying role of testosterone in alcohol addiction-related behavior is well established. Sex hormones exert both permanent (organizational) and transient (activational) effects on the human brain. The sensitive period for these effects lasts throughout life. In this article, we present a novel early sex hormone activity model of alcohol addiction. We propose that early exposure to sex hormones triggers structural (organizational) neuroadaptations. These neuroadaptations affect cellular and behavioral responses to adult sex hormones, sensitize the brain's reward system to the reinforcing properties of alcohol and modulate alcohol addictive behavior later in life. This review outlines clinical findings related to the early sex hormone activity model of alcohol addiction (handedness, the second-to-fourth-finger length ratio, and the androgen receptor and aromatase) and includes clinical and preclinical literature regarding the activational effects of sex hormones in alcohol drinking behavior. Furthermore, we discuss the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and -gonadal axes and the opioid system in mediating the relationship between sex hormone activity and alcohol dependence. We conclude that a combination of exposure to sex hormones in utero and during early development contributes to the risk of alcohol addiction later in life. The early sex hormone activity model of alcohol addiction may prove to be a valuable tool in the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany.
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Etelälahti TJ, Saarikoski ST, Eriksson CP. Associations of corticosterone and testosterone with alcohol drinking in F2 populations derived from AA and ANA rat lines. Alcohol 2011; 45:421-6. [PMID: 21621369 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2011.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2010] [Revised: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 04/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In our previous studies on alcohol-preferring AA (Alko alcohol) and nonpreferring ANA (Alko nonalcohol) rats, we have observed that the AA rats exhibit lower endogenous levels of corticosterone, higher testosterone levels, and more frequent alcohol-induced testosterone elevations when compared with ANA rats. The objective of the present study was to get more conclusive evidence for the potential role of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal and hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axes in alcohol drinking by using the F2 experimental design. Alcohol-preferring AA and alcohol-nonpreferring ANA rat lines were crossbred to form a F1 population from which the final F2 population was derived. Male animals were challenged with a priming alcohol dose after which a 3 weeks' voluntary alcohol drinking period took place. After a washout period of 1 week, one-half of the 40 highest and 40 lowest alcohol drinkers were challenged with a second dose of alcohol and the other half with saline. Serum testosterone and corticosterone levels were measured before and during the test. Higher endogenous testosterone levels were detected in the rats of the high alcohol consumption group compared with the low consumption group. Also supporting the original AA/ANA line differences, a trend for lower endogenous corticosterone levels were measured in the high alcohol consumption group compared with the low consumption group. The alcohol challenge test after the drinking period resulted in a higher frequency (38%) of testosterone elevations in the high drinkers compared with the low drinkers (5%). The present data confirms the validity of the positive connections between testosterone elevation and increased alcohol drinking, as well as between testosterone reduction and decreased alcohol drinking, in AA and ANA rats.
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Forquer MR, Hashimoto JG, Roberts ML, Wiren KM. Elevated testosterone in females reveals a robust sex difference in altered androgen levels during chronic alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol 2011; 45:161-71. [PMID: 20843636 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2010.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2010] [Revised: 07/19/2010] [Accepted: 08/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The endocrine disruption associated with alcohol (ethanol) abuse in both males and females is widely recognized. Ethanol intoxication and withdrawal in males results in significant reductions in androgen levels. Less is known about female alcoholics, and because the changes in testosterone concentrations remain controversial, we systematically characterized changes in sex steroids after chronic ethanol exposure and withdrawal in both sexes. Testosterone and 17β-estradiol concentrations were determined during chronic high intoxication, over a withdrawal time course, and following a period of abstinence using a genetic model of withdrawal vulnerability, the Withdrawal Seizure-Resistant (WSR) and -Prone (WSP) selected lines. In males, testosterone concentrations were significantly lower in intoxicated WSP mice after chronic ethanol exposure, and were dramatically and transiently reduced during the withdrawal period in both WSR and WSP lines. In contrast, testosterone levels were increased in intoxicated WSP females and in both WSR and WSP mice during withdrawal. Chronic ethanol exposure disrupted normal estrous cycling in WSP mice, associated with hyperandrogenemia while intoxicated. In abstinence, elevated testosterone was observed in both sexes but only in WSR mice. Estrogen levels were modestly reduced during withdrawal in both WSR and WSP lines, predominantly in males. These findings identify a mechanism based on altered androgen signaling that likely contributes to sex-specific responses during withdrawal. However, only WSR mice showed similar elevations in androgen long after withdrawal in both sexes, suggesting that genotype is an important determinant of steroid responses after abstinence. Increased androgen signaling in females as a consequence of chronic ethanol exposure may play an important and relatively uncharacterized role in sexually dimorphic responses to alcohol abuse.
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Patki KC, Greenblatt DJ, von Moltke LL. Ethanol inhibits in-vitro metabolism of nifedipine, triazolam and testosterone in human liver microsomes. J Pharm Pharmacol 2010; 56:963-6. [PMID: 15285839 DOI: 10.1211/0022357043950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Although extended exposure to ethanol induces CYP3A metabolism in-vivo, the acute effects of ethanol on CYP3A metabolism have not been fully evaluated in-vitro. We assessed the effect of ethanol on CYP3A-mediated biotransformation using human liver microsomes in-vitro with three prototypic CYP3A-mediated reactions: nifedipine to oxidized nifedipine, triazolam to its 1-hydroxy (1-OH TRZ) and 4-hydroxy (4-OH TRZ) metabolites, and testosterone to 6β-hydroxytestosterone (6β-OH TST). Ethanol inhibited metabolism of nifedipine (oxidized nifedipine IC50 3 mg dL−1, where the IC50 value is the inhibitor concentration corresponding to a 50% reduction in metabolite formation velocity), triazolam (1-OH TRZ IC50 1.1 mg dL−1, 4-OH TRZ IC50 2.7 mg dL−1) and testosterone (6β-OH TST IC50 2.4 mg dL−1). The inhibitory potency of ethanol was similar for the three substrates representing the three hypothetical CYP3A substrate categories. The IC50 values obtained were lower than clinically relevant blood alcohol concentrations. In conclusion, ethanol is an inhibitor of human CYP3A metabolism and may contribute to clinically important interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran C Patki
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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Danel T, Vantyghem MC, Touitou Y. Responses of the Steroid Circadian System to Alcohol in Humans: Importance of the Time and Duration of Intake. Chronobiol Int 2009; 23:1025-34. [PMID: 17050215 DOI: 10.1080/07420520600920742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Reports provide conflicting data about the effects of alcohol consumption on the hormonal system. Any study of these effects must control for a number of variables, including sex, alcohol status (alcoholic addiction vs. non-addiction), medical status (malnutrition, liver disease), and conditions of alcohol exposure, including an acute or continuous pattern of intake. The latter appears to be an especially critical factor in interpreting these effects. The authors therefore conducted a trial with a circadian design in which alcohol was administered repeatedly and regularly over a 26 h period for a total dose of 256 g. Because this protocol involves continuous alcohol administration, it is similar to administration among alcoholics and thus sheds new light on alcohol's effect on hormone secretion. Using healthy volunteers rather than alcoholics, however, prevents any confounding due to liver disorders and nutritional deficiencies, and thus makes it possible to focus on the direct role of alcohol in hormonal modifications. In these conditions, the continuous administration of alcohol did not affect cortisol secretion, but serum testosterone levels were significantly higher at all time points during the alcohol session than at the corresponding time points during the control session. These data are not consistent with previously reported findings for the relation between alcohol and both cortisol and testosterone, because in the current experiment the action of ethanol on steroid secretion should involve the circadian clock more than the hormonal system itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Danel
- Service d'Endocrinologie et Maladies Métaboliques, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, 59037 Lille Cedex, France.
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Problems in the measurement of androgens and in interpreting results have been reviewed and classified as follows: PREANALYTICAL FACTORS: The exact sampling conditions in relation to circadian and seasonal variations, diet, alcohol, physical activity and posture. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL FACTORS Androgen levels vary according to the patient's general health, stress, sexual activity and smoking habits. Analytical variables. Sample preservation and storage variables are often unknown. The different androgen assays used have widely differing accuracy and precision and are subject to large inter-laboratory variation, which especially in women and children can render the results of routinely available direct immunoassays meaningless. INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS Laboratory reference ranges vary widely, largely independent of methodology, and fail to take into account the log-normal distribution of androgen values, causing errors in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Other unknowns are antagonists such as SHBG, estrogens, catecholamines, cortisol, and anti-androgens. As well as age, androgen receptor polymorphisms play a major role in regulating androgen levels and resistance to their action. CONCLUSIONS Though laboratory assays can support a diagnosis of androgen deficiency in men, they should not be used to exclude it. It is suggested that there needs to be greater reliance on the history and clinical features, together with careful evaluation of the symptomatology, and where necessary a therapeutic trial of androgen treatment given.
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Pierucci-Lagha A, Covault J, Feinn R, Khisti RT, Morrow AL, Marx CE, Shampine LJ, Kranzler HR. Subjective effects and changes in steroid hormone concentrations in humans following acute consumption of alcohol. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2006; 186:451-61. [PMID: 16341848 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-005-0231-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2005] [Accepted: 10/05/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND GABAA receptors are an important site of action of endogenous neurosteroids and an important mediator of several behavioral effects of alcohol. This study examined the effects of alcohol on plasma steroid hormone concentrations on the hypothesis that the endocrine effects mediate some of the subjective effects of alcohol. METHODS Thirty-two healthy subjects (17 men) with no history of a substance use disorder participated in this human laboratory study. All subjects consumed three standard drinks of grain alcohol. Subjective measures and blood samples for steroid concentrations were collected at baseline and 40 min after alcohol consumption. RESULTS Alcohol increased self-reported stimulation, alcohol liking, and desire for more alcohol. Alcohol also increased pregnenolone (PREG) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentrations, while it decreased progesterone (PROG) and allopregnanolone (ALLO) concentrations, as well as ALLO/PREG and PROG/PREG ratios. In men, the change in PREG concentration was significantly correlated with alcohol liking, while the alcohol-induced change in ALLO concentration correlated significantly with both alcohol liking and desire for more alcohol. DISCUSSION These findings provide preliminary support for the hypothesis that endogenous neurosteroids mediate some of the subjective effects of alcohol. Efforts to replicate these findings should aim to specify more clearly the nature and time course of the effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Pierucci-Lagha
- Department of Psychiatry, Alcohol Research Center, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham VA Medical Center, NC 27705, USA
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Pierucci-Lagha A, Covault J, Feinn R, Nellissery M, Hernandez-Avila C, Oncken C, Morrow AL, Kranzler HR. GABRA2 alleles moderate the subjective effects of alcohol, which are attenuated by finasteride. Neuropsychopharmacology 2005; 30:1193-203. [PMID: 15702134 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
GABA(A) receptors are involved in the subjective effects of alcohol. Endogenous neuroactive steroids interact with GABA(A) receptors to mediate several behavioral effects of alcohol in rodents. Based on a haplotypic association of alcohol dependence with the gene encoding the GABA(A) receptor alpha-2 subunit (GABRA2), we examined whether GABRA2 alleles are associated with the subjective response to alcohol. We also examined whether finasteride (a 5-alpha steroid reductase inhibitor), which blocks the synthesis of some neuroactive steroids, reduces the subjective response to alcohol. In all, 27 healthy social drinkers (15 males) completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of high-dose finasteride. After being pretreated with study drug, subjects consumed three alcoholic drinks. Subjective effects were measured repeatedly over the ascending blood alcohol curve. To examine the moderating role of genetic variation in GABRA2, a single-nucleotide polymorphism that was informative in association studies was included as a factor in the analysis. Subjects homozygous for the more common A-allele (n=7) showed more subjective effects of alcohol than did individuals with one or two copies of the alcohol dependence-associated G-allele (n=20, including two homozygotes). Among the A-allele homozygotes, there was a greater reduction in several subjective effects during the finasteride session compared to the placebo session. These findings provide preliminary evidence that the risk of alcoholism associated with GABRA2 alleles may be related to differences in the subjective response to alcohol. The effects of finasteride provide indirect evidence for a mediating role of neuroactive steroids in some of the subjective effects of alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Pierucci-Lagha
- Department of Psychiatry, Alcohol Research Center, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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Selvage DJ, Hales DB, Rivier CL. Comparison Between the Influence of the Systemic and Central Injection of Alcohol on Leydig Cell Activity. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2004; 28:480-8. [PMID: 15084906 DOI: 10.1097/01.alc.0000117839.69352.b3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic alcohol exposure lowers plasma testosterone (T) levels in adult males, but the relative role of impaired luteinizing hormone (LH)-releasing hormone synthesis and decreased pituitary LH release versus that of a direct ability of circulating alcohol to inhibit testicular steroidogenesis remains poorly understood. We had reported preliminary evidence that alcohol might stimulate a pituitary-independent, neural pathway between the hypothalamus and the testes whose activation blunts T secretion in response to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The present work was done to further investigate the influence of alcohol on this pathway by comparing the effect of the intragastric (i.g.) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of alcohol on the T response to hCG, to probe the role of LH and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in both models, and to examine potential changes in levels of the cholesterol transfer protein steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein. METHODS Male Sprague Dawley rats were implanted with chronic i.c.v., i.g., and/or intravenous cannulae that allowed drug delivery and blood sampling in nonanesthetized, undisturbed animals. T blood levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The role of LH and of hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis such as adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone was investigated in rats pretreated with an LH-releasing hormone antagonist or CRF antibodies. The potential presence of neuronal damage was assessed by Fluoro-Jade methodology. StAR protein levels were measured by Western blot in Leydig cells isolated from rats injected with the vehicle or alcohol. RESULTS Although it was not accompanied by measurable blood alcohol levels, i.c.v. administered alcohol, at a dose (5 microl of 200 proof, 86 microM) that did not cause neuronal damage and did not lead to detectable levels of the drug in the cerebrospinal fluid of the fourth ventricle of the brain, significantly blunted hCG-induced T release. The ig injection of alcohol, which in contrast induced significant increases in blood alcohol levels, also significantly interfered with the ability of hCG to induce T release. This effect was comparable in 40- and 65-day-old rats. Neither prior blockade of LH-releasing hormone receptors with a potent LH-releasing hormone antagonist nor immunoneutralization of endogenous CRF altered the inhibitory effect of alcohol injected i.c.v. or i.g. on T secretion. Preliminary results suggested that testicular levels of StAR protein may be slightly decreased by both alcohol regimens. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our results indicate that alcohol can act within the brain to influence testicular activity independently of LH, independently of hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and/or independently of the presence of the drug in the circulation. Our present working hypothesis is that the i.c.v. injection of alcohol stimulates an inhibitory neural pathway that connects the hypothalamus to the testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Selvage
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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Apter SJ, Eriksson CJP. The effect of alcohol on testosterone concentrations in alcohol-preferring and non-preferring rat lines. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2003; 27:1190-3. [PMID: 12878927 DOI: 10.1097/01.alc.0000075832.83254.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have reported associations between human alcohol drinking and testosterone levels. METHODS In this study we investigated serum testosterone concentrations without and under the influence of alcohol in alcohol-preferring (AA) and nonpreferring (ANA) rat lines. Animals were tested in both mornings and afternoons and the alcohol doses were 0.75 and 1.50 g/kg. RESULTS Higher basal serum testosterone levels were detected in the AA rats compared with the ANA rats in both mornings (152%, p = 0.028) and afternoons (75%, p = 0.035). The high alcohol dose decreased the testosterone concentrations of both the AA and the ANA rats (p = 0.001-0.01). The low dose, however, decreased testosterone concentrations only in the ANA line (line difference in the morning: p = 0.027; in the afternoon p = 0.000). CONCLUSION The present results support previous indications of a positive association between testosterone and alcohol drinking. Furthermore, the present results, together with earlier reports on the AA and ANA rats, introduce the possibility of a connection between this association and the hypothalamic opiate system, which is also involved in the feedback regulation of testosterone synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna J Apter
- Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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