1
|
Alrehaili BD, Miski SF, Alzahrani FM. Assessing the prevalence and knowledge of anabolic steroid use in male athletes in Al Madina Al Munawara, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Med J 2024; 45:731-740. [PMID: 38955450 PMCID: PMC11237272 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.7.20240244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence of anabolic steroid use and the level of knowledge on anabolic steroids among the male athletes in Al Madina Al Munawara, Saudi Arabia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on male athletes randomly selected from the private athletic centers in Al Madina Al Munawara over 5 months. Data were collected from all participants using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire with 33 questions. The questionnaire covered the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, and their knowledge, attitudes, and use of anabolic steroids. RESULTS Of the 150 male athletes surveyed, 121 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 80.6%). Over half were aged between 18 and 23 years (56.2%) and were single (79.3%). Thirty-two percent reported using anabolic steroids, mainly to increase muscle mass, following coaches' advice (46.1%). Key sources included the internet (30.7%), coaches (30%), and friends (27.9%), and non-healthcare professionals. The top motivations were price, coach's/physician's advice, and availability. The perceived benefits included increased muscle mass, strength, and endurance, while the perceived adverse effects included kidney/liver damage and sexual problems. CONCLUSION One-third of the male athletes surveyed used anabolic steroids, influenced by accessibility and social contact, rather than healthcare guidance. This highlights the need for greater awareness of the long-term health risks, ideally through education provided by sports medicine specialists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bandar D. Alrehaili
- From the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department (Alrehaili, Miski), College of Pharmacy, Taibah University; and from the Pharmacy Practice Department (Alzahrani), College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al Madina Al Munawara, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Samar F. Miski
- From the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department (Alrehaili, Miski), College of Pharmacy, Taibah University; and from the Pharmacy Practice Department (Alzahrani), College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al Madina Al Munawara, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Fahad M. Alzahrani
- From the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department (Alrehaili, Miski), College of Pharmacy, Taibah University; and from the Pharmacy Practice Department (Alzahrani), College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al Madina Al Munawara, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
OUP accepted manuscript. J Appl Lab Med 2022; 7:945-970. [DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
3
|
Otuechere CA, Adewuyi A, Oluwabayo T, Afolayan F, Avwioroko O, Abazuh U. Salubrious effects of a vermiculite–cellulose‐based bionanocomposite on oxidative stress indices and histomorphology of male Wistar rats. Andrologia 2019; 52:e13426. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adewale Adewuyi
- Department of Chemical Sciences Redeemer's University Ede Osun State Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Uche Abazuh
- Department of Biological Sciences Redeemer's University Ede Osun State Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Snyder B, Duong P, Trieu J, Cunningham RL. Androgens modulate chronic intermittent hypoxia effects on brain and behavior. Horm Behav 2018; 106:62-73. [PMID: 30268884 PMCID: PMC6486829 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sleep apnea is associated with testosterone dysregulation as well as increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). A rodent model of the hypoxemic events of sleep apnea, chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), has been previously documented to impair cognitive function and elevate oxidative stress in male rats, while simultaneously decreasing testosterone. Therefore, androgens may modulate neuronal function under CIH. To investigate the role of androgens during CIH, male rats were assigned to one of four hormone groups: 1) gonadally intact, 2) gonadectomized (GDX), 3) GDX + testosterone (T) supplemented, or 4) GDX + dihydrotestosterone (DHT) supplemented. Each group was exposed to either normal room air or CIH exposure for one week, followed by memory and motor task assessments. Brain regions associated with AD and PD (entorhinal cortex, dorsal hippocampus, and substantia nigra) were examined for oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, key characteristics of AD and PD. Gonadally intact rats exhibited elevated oxidative stress due to CIH, but no significant memory and motor impairments. GDX increased memory impairments, regardless of CIH exposure. T preserved memory function and prevented detrimental CIH-induced changes. In contrast, DHT was not protective, as evidenced by exacerbated oxidative stress under CIH. Further, CIH induced significant spatial memory impairment in rats administered DHT. These results indicate androgens can have both neuroprotective and detrimental effects under CIH, which may have clinical relevance for men with untreated sleep apnea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brina Snyder
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Phong Duong
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Jenny Trieu
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Snyder B, Cunningham RL. Sex differences in sleep apnea and comorbid neurodegenerative diseases. Steroids 2018; 133:28-33. [PMID: 29258810 PMCID: PMC5864541 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sleep apnea is a disorder, which increasingly affects people worldwide. Whether the associated hypoxic events during sleep are central or obstructive in origin, the end result is excessive daytime sleepiness and an increased risk for several comorbidities, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. Sleep apnea is diagnosed more frequently in men than women, suggesting a role of sex hormones in the pathology of the disease. Furthermore, there are sex differences in the development and progression of comorbid diseases associated with sleep apnea. Therefore, treatment of sleep apnea may be clinically relevant for prevention of subsequent sex-specific comorbid disorders. While the impact sleep apnea has on cardiovascular events has been the subject of many research studies, the role of sleep apnea in neurodegeneration is less established. Here we review known risk factors for sleep apnea and the implications of the observed sex differences in this disease. We also summarize the evidence and mechanisms for how sleep apnea may contribute to the onset of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brina Snyder
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yafi FA, Haney NM, Anaissie J, DeLay KJ, Trost L, Khera M, Hellstrom WJG. Practice Patterns in the Diagnosis and Management of Hypogonadism: A Survey of Sexual Medicine Society of North America Members. Urology 2017; 106:87-95. [PMID: 28479477 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2017.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe practice patterns in the diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism, as the optimal approaches are controversial. Multiple therapeutic options are currently available for hypogonadal men and treatment patterns vary considerably. The safety of testosterone therapy (TTh) remains understudied. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 23-question survey regarding diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism was sent to all members of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America. Subgroup analyses compared responses between sexual medicine fellows and non-fellows, as well as between academic and nonacademic physicians, using a chi-squared analysis. RESULTS A total of 101 responses were included for analysis. The most common cutoff value used to diagnose hypogonadism was 300 ng/dL (55%, range = 200-400 ng/dL), and 31% felt comfortable giving TTh to a symptomatic patient with normal serum testosterone levels. No respondents felt that TTh increased a cardiovascular event risk. Of those surveyed, 68% would prescribe TTh to a hypogonadal man with severe lower urinary tract symptoms, and 64% would offer TTh to a man with low-risk prostate cancer on active surveillance. Fellowship-trained physicians were more likely to prescribe TTh to a man with hypogonadism but normal serum testosterone (P = .038), but they differed in the types of therapy they would use for men with hypogonadism who wish to preserve or regain fertility. CONCLUSION Significant variety exists in the diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism. The majority of physicians will only prescribe TTh in the setting of subnormal serum testosterone levels, despite the presence of symptoms. None of the surveyed physicians reported concern over the risk of cardiovascular events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faysal A Yafi
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Nora M Haney
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - James Anaissie
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Kenneth J DeLay
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Landon Trost
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Mohit Khera
- Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Wayne J G Hellstrom
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Montejo ÁL, Arango C, Bernardo M, Carrasco JL, Crespo-Facorro B, Cruz JJ, del Pino J, García Escudero MA, García Rizo C, González-Pinto A, Hernández AI, Martín Carrasco M, Mayoral Cleries F, Mayoral van Son J, Mories MT, Pachiarotti I, Ros S, Vieta E. Spanish consensus on the risks and detection of antipsychotic drug-related hyperprolactinaemia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsmen.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
8
|
Montejo ÁL, Arango C, Bernardo M, Carrasco JL, Crespo-Facorro B, Cruz JJ, Del Pino J, García Escudero MA, García Rizo C, González-Pinto A, Hernández AI, Martín Carrasco M, Mayoral Cleries F, Mayoral van Son J, Mories MT, Pachiarotti I, Ros S, Vieta E. Spanish consensus on the risks and detection of antipsychotic drug-related hyperprolactinaemia. REVISTA DE PSIQUIATRIA Y SALUD MENTAL 2016; 9:158-73. [PMID: 26927534 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Iatrogenic hyperprolactinaemia (IHPRL) has been more frequently related to some antipsychotic drugs that provoke an intense blockade of dopamine D2 receptors. There is a wide variation in clinical practice, and perhaps some more awareness between clinicians is needed. Due to the high frequency of chronic treatment in severe mental patients, careful attention is recommended on the physical risk. IHPRL symptoms could be underestimated without routine examination. METHODOLOGY An intense scientific literature search was performed in order to draw up a multidisciplinary consensus, including different specialists of psychiatry, endocrinology, oncology and internal medicine, and looking for a consensus about clinical risk and detection of IHPRL following evidence-based medicine criteria levels (EBM I- IV). RESULTS Short-term symptoms include amenorrhea, galactorrhoea, and sexual dysfunction with decrease of libido and erectile difficulties related to hypogonadism. Medium and long-term symptoms related to oestrogens are observed, including a decrease bone mass density, hypogonadism, early menopause, some types of cancer risk increase (breast and endometrial), cardiovascular risk increase, immune system disorders, lipids, and cognitive dysfunction. Prolactin level, gonadal hormones and vitamin D should be checked in all patients receiving antipsychotics at baseline although early symptoms (amenorrhea-galactorrhoea) may not be observed due to the risk of underestimating other delayed symptoms that may appear in the medium term. Routine examination of sexual dysfunction is recommended due to possible poor patient tolerance and low compliance. Special care is required in children and adolescents, as well as patients with PRL levels >50ng/ml (moderate hyperprolactinaemia). A possible prolactinoma should be investigated in patients with PRL levels >150ng/ml, with special attention to patients with breast/endometrial cancer history. Densitometry should be prescribed for males >50 years old, amenorrhea>6 months, or early menopause to avoid fracture risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángel L Montejo
- Área de Neurociencias, Instituto de Biomedicina de Salamanca (IBSAL), Universidad de Salamanca, Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, España.
| | - Celso Arango
- Departamento de Psiquiatría Infanto-Juvenil, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM). Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, CIBERSAM, Madrid, España
| | - Miguel Bernardo
- Unidad Esquizofrenia Clínic, Instituto Clínic de Neurociencias, Hospital Clínic. Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universidad de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, España
| | - José L Carrasco
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, CIBERSAM, Madrid, España
| | - Benedicto Crespo-Facorro
- Departamento de Medicina y Psiquiatría, Universidad de Cantabria. Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, CIBERSAM, Santander, España
| | - Juan J Cruz
- Servicio de Oncología Médica, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Universidad de Salamanca (IBSAL), España
| | - Javier Del Pino
- Servicio Medicina Interna, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Universidad de Salamanca, España
| | | | - Clemente García Rizo
- Unidad Esquizofrenia Clínic, Instituto Clínic de Neurociencias, Hospital Clínic. Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universidad de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, España
| | - Ana González-Pinto
- International Mood Disorders Research Centre, CIBERSAM, Hospital Santiago Apóstol, Universidad del País Vasco, Vitoria, España
| | - Ana I Hernández
- FEA Psiquiatría, Red de Salud Mental de Guipúzcoa, San Sebastián, España
| | - Manuel Martín Carrasco
- Instituto de Investigaciones Psiquiátricas, Fundación María Josefa Recio, Bilbao, España; Clínica Psiquiátrica Padre Menni, CIBERSAM, Pamplona, España
| | - Fermin Mayoral Cleries
- UGC Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario, Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga, Málaga, España
| | | | - M Teresa Mories
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, España
| | - Isabella Pachiarotti
- Programa de Trastornos Bipolares, Departamento de Psiquiatría, Hospital Clínic, Universidad de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, España
| | - Salvador Ros
- Instituto Internacional de Neurociencias Aplicadas, Barcelona, España
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Programa de Trastornos Bipolares, Departamento de Psiquiatría, Hospital Clínic, Universidad de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, España
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Drug delivery to the testis: current status and potential pathways for the development of novel therapeutics. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2015; 1:351-60. [PMID: 25788421 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-011-0039-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Nanotechnology has been increasingly utilized for the targeting and delivery of novel therapeutic agents to different tissues and cell types. The current therapeutic options for testicular disorders fall short in many instances due to difficulty traversing the blood-testis barrier, systemic toxicities, and complicated dosing regiments. For testicular tissue, potential targeting can be obtained either via anatomic methods or specific ligands such as luteinizing hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone analogs. Potential novel therapeutic agents include DNA, RNA, cytokines, peptide receptor antagonists, peptide receptor agonists, hormones, and enzymes. Nanotherapeutic treatment of testicular cancer, infertility, testicular torsion, orchalgia, hypogonadism, testicular infections, and cryptorchidism within the framework of potential target cells are an emerging area of research. While there are many potential applications of nanotechnology in drug delivery to the testis, this remains a relatively unexplored field. This review highlights the current status as well as potential future of nanotechnology in the development of novel therapeutics for testicular disorders.
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen JR, Tseng GF, Wang YJ, Wang TJ. Exogenous dehydroisoandrosterone sulfate reverses the dendritic changes of the central neurons in aging male rats. Exp Gerontol 2014; 57:191-202. [PMID: 24929010 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2014.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sex hormones are known to help maintaining the cognitive ability in male and female rats. Hypogonadism results in the reduction of the dendritic spines of central neurons which is believed to undermine memory and cognition and cause fatigue and poor concentration. In our previous studies, we have reported age-related regression in dendrite arbors along with loss of dendritic spines in the primary somatosensory cortical neurons in female rats. Furthermore, castration caused a reduction of dendritic spines in adult male rats. In light of this, it was surmised that dendritic structures might change in normal aging male rats with advancing age. Recently, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) has been reported to have memory-enhancing properties in aged rodents. In this study, normal aging male rats, with a reduced plasma testosterone level of 75-80%, were used to explore the changes in behavioral performance of neuronal dendritic arbor and spine density. Aging rats performed poorer in spatial learning memory (Morris water maze). Concomitantly, these rats showed regressed dendritic arbors and spine loss on the primary somatosensory cortical and hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Exogenous DHEAS and testosterone treatment reversed the behavioral deficits and partially restored the spine loss of cortical neurons in aging male rats but had no effects on the dendritic arbor shrinkage of the affected neurons. It is concluded therefore that DHEAS, has the efficacy as testosterone, and that it can exert its effects on the central neuron level to effectively ameliorate aging symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeng-Rung Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Guo-Fang Tseng
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Jan Wang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tsyr-Jiuan Wang
- Department of Nursing, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Asarian L, Geary N. Sex differences in the physiology of eating. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2013; 305:R1215-67. [PMID: 23904103 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00446.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 346] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis function fundamentally affects the physiology of eating. We review sex differences in the physiological and pathophysiological controls of amounts eaten in rats, mice, monkeys, and humans. These controls result from interactions among genetic effects, organizational effects of reproductive hormones (i.e., permanent early developmental effects), and activational effects of these hormones (i.e., effects dependent on hormone levels). Male-female sex differences in the physiology of eating involve both organizational and activational effects of androgens and estrogens. An activational effect of estrogens decreases eating 1) during the periovulatory period of the ovarian cycle in rats, mice, monkeys, and women and 2) tonically between puberty and reproductive senescence or ovariectomy in rats and monkeys, sometimes in mice, and possibly in women. Estrogens acting on estrogen receptor-α (ERα) in the caudal medial nucleus of the solitary tract appear to mediate these effects in rats. Androgens, prolactin, and other reproductive hormones also affect eating in rats. Sex differences in eating are mediated by alterations in orosensory capacity and hedonics, gastric mechanoreception, ghrelin, CCK, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucagon, insulin, amylin, apolipoprotein A-IV, fatty-acid oxidation, and leptin. The control of eating by central neurochemical signaling via serotonin, MSH, neuropeptide Y, Agouti-related peptide (AgRP), melanin-concentrating hormone, and dopamine is modulated by HPG function. Finally, sex differences in the physiology of eating may contribute to human obesity, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating. The variety and physiological importance of what has been learned so far warrant intensifying basic, translational, and clinical research on sex differences in eating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lori Asarian
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Center for Integrated Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; and
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
|
13
|
|
14
|
Effects of the yangjing capsule extract on steroidogenesis and apoptosis in mouse leydig cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:985457. [PMID: 23259004 PMCID: PMC3521456 DOI: 10.1155/2012/985457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2012] [Revised: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of Yangjing capsule on testosterone secretion in mouse Leydig tumor cells (MLTC-1). Methods. MLTC-1 cells were treated with the Yangjing capsule extract for 24 h. The testosterone level in medium was measured by radioimmunoassay. The expression of steroidogenic enzymes (StAR, CYP11A1, and HSD3B) in the cells was examined using real-time RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Additionally, MLTC-1 cells were treated for 48 h in a serum-free medium. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay. The cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed using flow cytometry. The expression of activated caspase-3 was analyzed using RT-PCR and a colorimetric protease assay. Results. The Yangjing capsule extract increased testosterone production and the expression of StAR, CYP11A1, and HSD3B mRNAs and proteins compared with the control. H89 significantly inhibited these effects. The medicine improved the viability of MLTC-1 cells, decreased the number of cells in G0/G1 phase, and increased the number of cells in S-phase, as well as prevented cell apoptosis by inhibiting caspase-3. Conclusion. The Yangjing capsule can stimulate MLTC-1 cells to secrete testosterone and may be an alternative treatment for diseases characterized by insufficient testosterone production.
Collapse
|