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Phua TJ. Understanding human aging and the fundamental cell signaling link in age-related diseases: the middle-aging hypovascularity hypoxia hypothesis. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1196648. [PMID: 37384143 PMCID: PMC10293850 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1196648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Aging-related hypoxia, oxidative stress, and inflammation pathophysiology are closely associated with human age-related carcinogenesis and chronic diseases. However, the connection between hypoxia and hormonal cell signaling pathways is unclear, but such human age-related comorbid diseases do coincide with the middle-aging period of declining sex hormonal signaling. This scoping review evaluates the relevant interdisciplinary evidence to assess the systems biology of function, regulation, and homeostasis in order to discern and decipher the etiology of the connection between hypoxia and hormonal signaling in human age-related comorbid diseases. The hypothesis charts the accumulating evidence to support the development of a hypoxic milieu and oxidative stress-inflammation pathophysiology in middle-aged individuals, as well as the induction of amyloidosis, autophagy, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in aging-related degeneration. Taken together, this new approach and strategy can provide the clarity of concepts and patterns to determine the causes of declining vascularity hemodynamics (blood flow) and physiological oxygenation perfusion (oxygen bioavailability) in relation to oxygen homeostasis and vascularity that cause hypoxia (hypovascularity hypoxia). The middle-aging hypovascularity hypoxia hypothesis could provide the mechanistic interface connecting the endocrine, nitric oxide, and oxygen homeostasis signaling that is closely linked to the progressive conditions of degenerative hypertrophy, atrophy, fibrosis, and neoplasm. An in-depth understanding of these intrinsic biological processes of the developing middle-aged hypoxia could provide potential new strategies for time-dependent therapies in maintaining healthspan for healthy lifestyle aging, medical cost savings, and health system sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teow J. Phua
- Molecular Medicine, NSW Health Pathology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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2
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Does Testosterone Salvage PDE5i Non-Responders? A Scoping Review. ENDOCRINES 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/endocrines4010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Erectile physiology, in order to function normally, requires the complex coordination of endocrine, neurocognitive, neuromuscular and vascular mechanisms. Testosterone (T) influences male sexuality as well as penile erections at multiple levels, including a direct influence on the nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/cGMP/phosphodiesterase 5 pathway in the penis. However, the precise role of testosterone replacement (TRT) to “salvage” men with mixed ED failing phosphdiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) remains unclear. We conducted a scoping review identifying the rationale for TRT in ED failing PDE5i, and we critically discuss clinical trials that have examined TRT in the setting of PDE5i use. Overall, TRT replacement appears to be well tolerated and may enhance the response to PDE5i and quality of life, particularly for men with mixed ED, and particularly among men with very low levels of testosterone. However, most of the available literature examines concurrent TRT alone or simultaneous TRT + PDE5i usage, without necessarily selecting for PDE5i failure cases. The present studies are limited to heterogenous studies with small sample sizes, without an exact predominant etiologic factor causing ED. Furthermore, studies showing the most benefit are non-placebo-controlled trials; however, the correction of more profound hypogonadism may lead to an improved response to PDE5i. Stronger conclusions would require properly selected patient populations and larger placebo-controlled RCTs.
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Alonso-Isa M, García-Gómez B, González-Ginel I, García-Rayo-Encina C, Del Prado Caro-González M, Medina-Polo J, García-Rojo E, Romero-Otero J. Conservative Non-surgical Options for Erectile Dysfunction. Curr Urol Rep 2023; 24:75-104. [PMID: 36445614 DOI: 10.1007/s11934-022-01137-2] [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] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This study aimed to review recent evidence on conservative non-surgical options for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. A narrative review of the literature was performed. A comprehensive search in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases was done. Papers in English language, published from May 2017 until May 2022, were included. Papers reporting basic research or animal research were excluded, as long as reviews or meta-analyses. Congress reports, clinical cases, or clinical trials protocols with no results were also excluded. RECENT FINDINGS We found a multitude of different treatment modalities for ED. We must take into account the type of patient, their comorbidities, the origin of their ED, and its severity in order to reproduce effective results using these therapies. Some of the treatments show good results with a good level of evidence (new IPDE5 formulations, intracavernous injections, shock wave therapy, hormonal theraphy, psycho-sexual theraphy). However, others (some new molecules, stem cell theraphy, platelet-rich plasma injections, oxygenation-based therapy, nutraceuticals), although some of them present promising results, require randomized studies with a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up time to be able to establish firm recommendations. Regarding the conservative treatment of erectile dysfunction, in recent years, some therapies have been consolidated as effective and safe for certain types of patients. On the other hand, other treatment modalities, although promising, still lack the evidence and the necessary follow-up to be recommended in daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Alonso-Isa
- Department of Urology, Hospital Universitario 12 Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital, 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Urology, HM Hospitales (Montepríncipe, Puerta del Sur, Sanchinarro), Madrid, Spain
- ROC Clinic, Madrid, Spain
| | - Borja García-Gómez
- Department of Urology, Hospital Universitario 12 Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital, 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Urology, HM Hospitales (Montepríncipe, Puerta del Sur, Sanchinarro), Madrid, Spain
- ROC Clinic, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio González-Ginel
- Department of Urology, Hospital Universitario 12 Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital, 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara García-Rayo-Encina
- Department of Urology, Hospital Universitario 12 Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital, 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Del Prado Caro-González
- Department of Urology, Hospital Universitario 12 Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital, 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Medina-Polo
- Department of Urology, Hospital Universitario 12 Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital, 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Urology, HM Hospitales (Montepríncipe, Puerta del Sur, Sanchinarro), Madrid, Spain
- ROC Clinic, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther García-Rojo
- Department of Urology, HM Hospitales (Montepríncipe, Puerta del Sur, Sanchinarro), Madrid, Spain
- ROC Clinic, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Romero-Otero
- Department of Urology, HM Hospitales (Montepríncipe, Puerta del Sur, Sanchinarro), Madrid, Spain.
- ROC Clinic, Madrid, Spain.
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Barone B, Napolitano L, Abate M, Cirillo L, Reccia P, Passaro F, Turco C, Morra S, Mastrangelo F, Scarpato A, Amicuzi U, Morgera V, Romano L, Calace FP, Pandolfo SD, De Luca L, Aveta A, Sicignano E, Trivellato M, Spena G, D’Alterio C, Fusco GM, Vitale R, Arcaniolo D, Crocetto F. The Role of Testosterone in the Elderly: What Do We Know? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3535. [DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Testosterone is the most important hormone in male health. Aging is characterized by testosterone deficiency due to decreasing testosterone levels associated with low testicular production, genetic factors, adiposity, and illness. Low testosterone levels in men are associated with sexual dysfunction (low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction), reduced skeletal muscle mass and strength, decreased bone mineral density, increased cardiovascular risk and alterations of the glycometabolic profile. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) shows several therapeutic effects while maintaining a good safety profile in hypogonadal men. TRT restores normal levels of serum testosterone in men, increasing libido and energy level and producing beneficial effects on bone density, strength and muscle as well as yielding cardioprotective effects. Nevertheless, TRT could be contraindicated in men with untreated prostate cancer, although poor findings are reported in the literature. In addition, different potential side effects, such as polycythemia, cardiac events and obstructive sleep apnea, should be monitored. The aim of our review is to provide an updated background regarding the pros and cons of TRT, evaluating its role and its clinical applicability in different domains.
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The Role of Testosterone in the Elderly: What Do We Know? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073535. [PMID: PMID: 35408895 PMCID: PMC8998588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Testosterone is the most important hormone in male health. Aging is characterized by testosterone deficiency due to decreasing testosterone levels associated with low testicular production, genetic factors, adiposity, and illness. Low testosterone levels in men are associated with sexual dysfunction (low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction), reduced skeletal muscle mass and strength, decreased bone mineral density, increased cardiovascular risk and alterations of the glycometabolic profile. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) shows several therapeutic effects while maintaining a good safety profile in hypogonadal men. TRT restores normal levels of serum testosterone in men, increasing libido and energy level and producing beneficial effects on bone density, strength and muscle as well as yielding cardioprotective effects. Nevertheless, TRT could be contraindicated in men with untreated prostate cancer, although poor findings are reported in the literature. In addition, different potential side effects, such as polycythemia, cardiac events and obstructive sleep apnea, should be monitored. The aim of our review is to provide an updated background regarding the pros and cons of TRT, evaluating its role and its clinical applicability in different domains.
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Cipriani S, Maseroli E, Di Stasi V, Scavello I, Todisco T, Rastrelli G, Fambrini M, Sorbi F, Petraglia F, Jannini EA, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Effects of testosterone treatment on clitoral haemodynamics in women with sexual dysfunction. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2765-2776. [PMID: 34118018 PMCID: PMC8572206 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01598-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the effects of 6-month systemic testosterone (T) administration on clitoral color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) parameters in women with female sexual dysfunction (FSD). METHODS 81 women with FSD were retrospectively recruited. Data on CDU parameters at baseline and after 6 months with four different treatments were available and thus further longitudinally analyzed: local non-hormonal moisturizers (NH group), n = 37; transdermal 2% T gel 300 mcg/day (T group), n = 23; local estrogens (E group), n = 12; combined therapy (T + E group), n = 9. Patients underwent physical, laboratory, and genital CDU examinations at both visits and completed different validated questionnaires, including the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). RESULTS At 6-month visit, T therapy significantly increased clitoral artery peak systolic velocity (PSV) when compared to both NH (p < 0.0001) and E (p < 0.0001) groups. A similar increase was found in the T + E group (p = 0.039 vs. E). In addition, T treatment was associated with significantly higher FSFI desire, pain, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and total scores at 6-month visit vs. baseline. Similar findings were observed in the T + E group. No significant differences in the variations of total and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glycemia, insulin and glycated hemoglobin levels were found among the four groups. No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION In women complaining for FSD, systemic T administration, either alone or combined with local estrogens, was associated with a positive effect on clitoral blood flow and a clinical improvement in sexual function, showing a good safety profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04336891; date of registration: April 7, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - V Di Stasi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - I Scavello
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - T Todisco
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - M Fambrini
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Gynecology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F Sorbi
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Gynecology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F Petraglia
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Gynecology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - E A Jannini
- Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy.
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Hill TD, Dowd-Arrow B, Ellison CG, Garcia-Alexander G, Bartkowski JP, Burdette AM. Sexual Dysfunction and Gun Ownership in America: When Hard Data Meet a Limp Theory. Am J Mens Health 2021; 15:15579883211044342. [PMID: 34521291 PMCID: PMC8447103 DOI: 10.1177/15579883211044342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there has been no direct empirical evidence linking sexual dysfunction (SD) with gun ownership, speculation has been widespread and persistent for decades. In this paper, we formally examine the association between SD and gun ownership. Our primary hypothesis, derived from the psychosexual theory of gun ownership, asserts that men experiencing SD are more likely to personally own guns than other men. To test this hypothesis, we used recently collected data from the 2021 Crime, Health, and Politics Survey (CHAPS), a national probability sample of 780 men, and binary logistic regression to model gun ownership as a function of SD. Our key finding is that men experiencing SD are no more likely to own guns than men without SD. This interpretation was supported across several indicators of SD (performance anxiety, erection trouble, and ED medication) and gun ownership (personal gun ownership, purchasing a gun during the pandemic, and keeping a gun in one's bedroom). To our knowledge, we are the first to have directly tested the association between SD and gun ownership in America. Our findings are important because they contribute to our understanding of factors associated with gun ownership by challenging the belief that phallic symbolism and masculinity somehow drive men with SD to purchase guns. Our results also remind us of the perils of gun culture rhetoric, which, in this case, function to discredit gun owners and to further stigmatize men with ED. We conclude by calling for more evidence-based discussions of SD and guns in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terrence D Hill
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Benjamin Dowd-Arrow
- Department of Sociology, Public Health Program, and Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | | | | | - John P Bartkowski
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Amy M Burdette
- Department of Sociology, Public Health Program, and Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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Cignarelli A, Genchi VA, D’Oria R, Giordano F, Caruso I, Perrini S, Natalicchio A, Laviola L, Giorgino F. Role of Glucose-Lowering Medications in Erectile Dysfunction. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112501. [PMID: 34198786 PMCID: PMC8201035 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a long-term complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D) widely known to affect the quality of life. Several aspects of altered metabolism in individuals with T2D may help to compromise the penile vasculature structure and functions, thus exacerbating the imbalance between smooth muscle contractility and relaxation. Among these, advanced glycation end-products and reactive oxygen species derived from a hyperglycaemic state are known to accelerate endothelial dysfunction by lowering nitric oxide bioavailability, the essential stimulus of relaxation. Although several studies have explained the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the generation of erectile failure, few studies to date have described the efficacy of glucose-lowering medications in the restoration of normal sexual activity. Herein, we will present current knowledge about the main starters of the pathophysiology of diabetic ED and explore the role of different anti-diabetes therapies in the potential remission of ED, highlighting specific pathways whose activation or inhibition could be fundamental for sexual care in a diabetes setting.
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Morgado A, Diniz P, Silva CM. Is There a Point to Performing a Penile Duplex Ultrasound? J Sex Med 2019; 16:1574-1580. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Liu Q, Li S, Zhang Y, Cheng Y, Fan J, Jiang L, Li S, Tang Y, Zeng H, Wang J, Zhu Z. Anatomic Basis and Clinical Effect of Selective Dorsal Neurectomy for Patients with Lifelong Premature Ejaculation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Sex Med 2019; 16:522-530. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.01.319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Aqueous extract of Lespedeza cuneata improves male menopause by increase of nitric oxide and dihydrotestosterone. Food Sci Biotechnol 2019; 28:253-260. [PMID: 30815317 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-018-0434-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Lespedeza cuneata (ALC) on men menopause induced erectile dysfunction (ED) and testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) in vitro and in vivo. Nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) have been fundamental factors of ED, and free testosterone such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) has a crucial role in mitigation of TDS. ALC increased the production of NO in a dose-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. The level of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and cGMP was increased in the ALC group. The level of DHT and 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17β-HSD) was also increased in the ALC group. There was no significant change of hepatotoxicity, renal toxicity, lipid metabolism, and glucose. These results suggest that ALC enhanced NO, cGMP and free testosterone which could be developed as a health supplement for improving male menopause.
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