1
|
Boibessot C, Toren P. Sex steroids in the tumor microenvironment and prostate cancer progression. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:R179-R196. [PMID: 29317479 DOI: 10.1530/erc-17-0493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is uniquely dependent on androgens. Despite years of research on the relationship between androgens and prostate cancer, many questions remain as to the biological effects of androgens and other sex steroids during prostate cancer progression. This article reviews the clinical and basic research on the influence of sex steroids such as androgens, estrogens and progesterone within the prostate tumor microenvironment on the progression of prostate cancer. We review clinical studies to date evaluating serum sex steroids as prognostic biomarkers and discuss their respective biological effects within the prostate tumor microenvironment. We also review the link between genomic alterations and sex steroid levels within prostate tumors. Finally, we highlight the links between sex steroid levels and the function of the immune system within the tumor microenvironment. As the context of treatment of lethal prostate cancer evolves over time, an understanding of this underlying biology remains central to developing optimal treatment approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clovis Boibessot
- Department of SurgeryLaval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul Toren
- Department of SurgeryLaval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gravina GL, Marampon F, Sanità P, Festuccia C, Forcella C, Scarsella L, Jitariuc A, Vetuschi A, Sferra R, Colapietro A, Carosa E, Dolci S, Lenzi A, Jannini EA. Episode-like pulse testosterone supplementation induces tumor senescence and growth arrest down-modulating androgen receptor through modulation of p-ERK1/2, pAR ser81 and CDK1 signaling: biological implications for men treated with testosterone replacement therapy. Oncotarget 2017; 8:113792-113806. [PMID: 29371946 PMCID: PMC5768363 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the growing body of knowledge showing that testosterone (T) may not significantly affect tumor progression in hypogonadal patients treated for prostate cancer (Pca), the use of this hormone in this population still remains controversial. The effects of continuous or pulsed T stimulation were tested in vitro and in vivo on androgen-sensitive Pca cell lines in order to assess the differential biological properties of these two treatment modalities. Pulsed T treatment resulted in a greater inhibition than continuous T supplementation of tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. The effects of pulsed T treatment on tumor growth inhibition, G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, and tumor senescence was more pronounced than those obtained upon continuous T treatments. Mechanistic studies revealed that G0/G1 arrest and tumor senescence upon pulsed T treatment were associated with a marked decrease in cyclin D1, c-Myc and SKp2, CDK4 and p-Rb levels and upregulation of p27 and p-ERK1/2. Pulsed, but not continuous, T supplementation decreased the expression levels of AR, p-ARser81 and CDK1 in both cellular models. The in vitro results were confirmed in an in vivo xenografts, providing evidence of a greater inhibitory activity of pulsed supraphysiological T supplementation than continuous treatment, both in terms of tumor volume and decreased AR, p-ARser81, PSA and CDK1 staining. The rapid cycling from hypogonadal to physiological or supra-physiological T intraprostatic concentrations results in cytostatic and senescence effects in preclinical models of androgen-sensitive Pca. Our preclinical evidence provides relevant new insights in the biology of Pca response to pulsed T supplementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Luca Gravina
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Prostate Onco-pathology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Prostate Onco-pathology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Patrizia Sanità
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Prostate Onco-pathology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Claudio Festuccia
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Chiara Forcella
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Prostate Onco-pathology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Luca Scarsella
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Anna Jitariuc
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonella Vetuschi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Roberta Sferra
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Colapietro
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Eleonora Carosa
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Prostate Onco-pathology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Susanna Dolci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Anatomy, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Chair of Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Emmanuele A Jannini
- Department of Systems Medicine, Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Swerdloff RS, Dudley RE, Page ST, Wang C, Salameh WA. Dihydrotestosterone: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Clinical Implications of Elevated Blood Levels. Endocr Rev 2017; 38:220-254. [PMID: 28472278 PMCID: PMC6459338 DOI: 10.1210/er.2016-1067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Benefits associated with lowered serum DHT levels after 5α-reductase inhibitor (5AR-I) therapy in men have contributed to a misconception that circulating DHT levels are an important stimulus for androgenic action in target tissues (e.g., prostate). Yet evidence from clinical studies indicates that intracellular concentrations of androgens (particularly in androgen-sensitive tissues) are essentially independent of circulating levels. To assess the clinical significance of modest elevations in serum DHT and the DHT/testosterone (T) ratio observed in response to common T replacement therapy, a comprehensive review of the published literature was performed to identify relevant data. Although the primary focus of this review is about DHT in men, we also provide a brief overview of DHT in women. The available published data are limited by the lack of large, well-controlled studies of long duration that are sufficiently powered to expose subtle safety signals. Nonetheless, the preponderance of available clinical data indicates that modest elevations in circulating levels of DHT in response to androgen therapy should not be of concern in clinical practice. Elevated DHT has not been associated with increased risk of prostate disease (e.g., cancer or benign hyperplasia) nor does it appear to have any systemic effects on cardiovascular disease safety parameters (including increased risk of polycythemia) beyond those commonly observed with available T preparations. Well-controlled, long-term studies of transdermal DHT preparations have failed to identify safety signals unique to markedly elevated circulating DHT concentrations or signals materially different from T.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald S Swerdloff
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Torrance, California 90502
| | | | - Stephanie T Page
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Christina Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Torrance, California 90502
- UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Torrance, California 90509
| | - Wael A Salameh
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Torrance, California 90502
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Anawalt BD. Is Dihydrotestosterone a Classic Hormone? Endocr Rev 2017; 38:170-172. [PMID: 28582536 DOI: 10.1210/er.2017-00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shibata Y, Arai S, Miyazawa Y, Shuto T, Nomura M, Sekine Y, Koike H, Matsui H, Ito K, Suzuki K. Effects of Steroidal Antiandrogen or 5-alpha-reductase Inhibitor on Prostate Tissue Hormone Content. Prostate 2017; 77:672-680. [PMID: 28145028 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of a steroidal antiandrogen (AA) and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor (5ARI) on prostate tissue hormone content and metabolism are not fully elucidated. The objective of this study is to investigate the hormone content and metabolism of the prostate tissues of patients treated with AA or 5ARI using the ultra-sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. METHODS Thirty-nine patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) undergoing transurethral surgery were included. Serum and prostate tissue hormone and prostate tissue hormone metabolism analyses were performed using LC-MS/MS after 1 month of treatment with chlormadinone acetate (CMA; steroidal AA, 50 mg/day) or dutasteride (DUTA; dual 5ARI, 0.5 mg/day). RESULTS Serum testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and adrenal androgen levels were lower in the CMA group than the control group. Prostate tissue T and DHT levels were also lower in the CMA group than the control group. In the DUTA group, only serum and prostate DHT concentrations were reduced compared to the control group; in contrast, those of other hormones, especially T and 4-androstene-3,17-dione in the prostate tissue, showed marked elevations up to 70.4- and 11.4-fold normal levels, respectively. Moreover, the hormone metabolism assay confirmed that the conversion of T to DHT was significantly suppressed while that of T to 4-androstene-3,17-dione was significantly accelerated in the prostate tissue of DUTA-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS Although treatment with AA and 5ARI show similar clinical outcomes, their effect on tissue hormone content and metabolism varied greatly. Prostate 77: 672-680, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Shibata
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Seiji Arai
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Miyazawa
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Takahiro Shuto
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Masashi Nomura
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Sekine
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Koike
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Matsui
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Kazuto Ito
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Suzuki
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Iyer R, Mok SF, Savkovic S, Turner L, Fraser G, Desai R, Jayadev V, Conway AJ, Handelsman DJ. Pharmacokinetics of testosterone cream applied to scrotal skin. Andrology 2017; 5:725-731. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Iyer
- Andrology Department; Concord Hospital and ANZAC Research Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - S. F. Mok
- Andrology Department; Concord Hospital and ANZAC Research Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - S. Savkovic
- Andrology Department; Concord Hospital and ANZAC Research Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - L. Turner
- Andrology Department; Concord Hospital and ANZAC Research Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - G. Fraser
- Andrology Department; Concord Hospital and ANZAC Research Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - R. Desai
- Andrology Department; Concord Hospital and ANZAC Research Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - V. Jayadev
- Andrology Department; Concord Hospital and ANZAC Research Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - A. J. Conway
- Andrology Department; Concord Hospital and ANZAC Research Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - D. J. Handelsman
- Andrology Department; Concord Hospital and ANZAC Research Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Piotrowska K, Wang C, Swerdloff RS, Liu PY. Male hormonal contraception: hope and promise. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017; 5:214-223. [PMID: 26915313 PMCID: PMC4993687 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(16)00034-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Family planning is a shared responsibility, but available male-directed contraceptive methods are either not easily reversible (vasectomy) or not sufficiently effective (condom). However, roughly 20% of couples using a contraceptive method worldwide, and up to 80% in some countries, still choose a male-directed method. Male hormonal contraception is highly effective, with perfect use failure rates of 0·6% (95% CI 0·3-1·1) if sperm concentrations of less than 1 million per mL are maintained. After cessation of male hormonal contraception, sperm output fully recovers in a predictable manner, resulting in pregnancies and livebirths. Spontaneous miscarriage and fetal malformation rates after recovery of sperm output overlap those in the general population. Short-term adverse events-acne, night sweats, increased weight, and altered mood and libido-are recognised, but are generally mild. Further optimisation of specific androgen-progestin regimens and phase 3 studies of lead combinations are still needed to successfully develop an approved male hormonal contraceptive and to identify long-term side-effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Piotrowska
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Ronald S Swerdloff
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Peter Y Liu
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) Torrance, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Thirumalai A, Cooper LA, Rubinow KB, Amory JK, Lin DW, Wright JL, Marck BT, Matsumoto AM, Page ST. Stable Intraprostatic Dihydrotestosterone in Healthy Medically Castrate Men Treated With Exogenous Testosterone. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2016; 101:2937-44. [PMID: 27172434 PMCID: PMC4929843 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2016-1483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Concern exists that T replacement therapy (TRT) might increase the risk of prostate disease. There are limited data regarding the impact of TRT on prostate androgen concentrations. OBJECTIVE Determine the dose-dependent effects of exogenous T administration on intraprostatic androgen concentrations. DESIGN Twelve-week, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING Academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS Sixty-two healthy eugonadal men, aged 25-55 years. INTERVENTIONS Subjects were randomly assigned to receive injections of acyline, a GnRH antagonist (used to achieve medical castration), every 2 weeks plus transdermal T gel (1.25 g, 2.5 g, 5.0 g, 10 g, or 15 g daily), or placebo injections and transdermal gel for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOMES Serum T and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were measured at baseline and every 2 weeks during treatment. Intraprostatic T and DHT concentrations were assessed from tissue obtained through ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsies at week 12. Androgens were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS 51 men completed the study and were included in the analysis. There were no significant adverse events. Exogenous T resulted in a dose-dependent increase in serum T and DHT concentrations (190-770 and 60-180 ng/dL, respectively). Although intraprostatic T differed among dose groups (P = .01), intraprostatic DHT was comparable regardless of T dose (P = .11) and was 10- to 20-fold greater than intraprostatic T. CONCLUSIONS In healthy, medically castrate men receiving exogenous T, the total intraprostatic androgen concentration (predominantly DHT) remained stable across serum T concentrations within the physiological range. These findings further our knowledge of the relationship between serum and intraprostatic androgens and suggest that physiological serum T achieved by TRT is unlikely to alter the prostate hormonal milieu.
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen H, Mruk DD, Xia W, Bonanomi M, Silvestrini B, Cheng CY. Effective Delivery of Male Contraceptives Behind the Blood-Testis Barrier (BTB) - Lesson from Adjudin. Curr Med Chem 2016; 23:701-13. [PMID: 26758796 PMCID: PMC4845722 DOI: 10.2174/0929867323666160112122724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is one of the tightest blood-tissue barriers in the mammalian body. It divides the seminiferous epithelium of the seminiferous tubule, the functional unit of the testis, where spermatogenesis takes place, into the basal and the adluminal (apical) compartments. Functionally, the BTB provides a unique microenvironment for meiosis I/II and post-meiotic spermatid development which take place exclusively in the apical compartment, away from the host immune system, and it contributes to the immune privilege status of testis. However, the BTB also poses major obstacles in developing male contraceptives (e.g., adjudin) that exert their effects on germ cells in the apical compartment, such as by disrupting spermatid adhesion to the Sertoli cell, causing germ cell exfoliation from the testis. Besides the tight junction (TJ) between adjacent Sertoli cells at the BTB that restricts the entry of contraceptives from the microvessels in the interstitium to the adluminal compartment, drug transporters, such as P-glycoprotein and multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), are also present that actively pump drugs out of the testis, limiting drug bioavailability. Recent advances in drug formulations, such as drug particle micronization (<50 μm) and co-grinding of drug particles with ß-cyclodextrin have improved bioavailability of contraceptives via considerable increase in solubility. Herein, we discuss development in drug formulations using adjudin as an example. We also put emphasis on the possible use of nanotechnology to deliver adjudin to the apical compartment with multidrug magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles. These advances in technology will significantly enhance our ability to develop effective non-hormonal male contraceptives for men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Chuen-Yan Cheng
- Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York 10065, USA..
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Androgens and androgen receptor (AR) signaling are necessary for prostate development and homeostasis. AR signaling also drives the growth of nearly all prostate cancer cells. The role of androgens and AR signaling has been well characterized in metastatic prostate cancer, where it has been shown that prostate cancer cells are exquisitely adept at maintaining functional AR signaling to drive cancer growth. As androgens and AR signaling are so intimately involved in prostate development and the proliferation of advanced prostate cancer, it stands to reason that androgens and AR are also involved in prostate cancer initiation and the early stages of cancer growth, yet little is known of this process. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge concerning the role of androgens and AR signaling in prostate tissue, from development to metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer, and use that information to suggest potential roles for androgens and AR in prostate cancer initiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhou
- Department of Molecular PharmacologyBeckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Road, Beckman 2310, Duarte, California 91010, USADepartment of Molecular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Eric C Bolton
- Department of Molecular PharmacologyBeckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Road, Beckman 2310, Duarte, California 91010, USADepartment of Molecular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Jeremy O Jones
- Department of Molecular PharmacologyBeckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Road, Beckman 2310, Duarte, California 91010, USADepartment of Molecular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
All forms of hypogonadism - primary, secondary and late-onset - require testosterone substitution. The indication is given when the patient presents with symptoms of androgen deficiency and the serum testosterone levels are below normal. Several testosterone preparations and modes of application are available of which those producing physiologic serum levels should be preferred e.g. preferentially transdermal gels and long-acting intramuscular testosterone undecanoate. Testosterone substitution must be monitored at regular intervals, best at 3, 6 and 12 months after initiation and then annually. Parameters for surveillance include well-being, libido and sexual activity, measurement of serum testosterone levels, haemoglobin and haematocrit, PSA and digital rectal examination, and, biannually, bone mineral density. Testosterone has positive effects on comorbidities such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes type II, cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eberhard Nieschlag
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospitals, Münster, Germany; Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lu L, Liu S, Li Q, Huang S, Bao L, Sheng X, Han Y, Watanabe G, Taya K, Weng Q. Seasonal expression of androgen receptor in scented gland of muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 204:1-7. [PMID: 24818970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Muskrat is a seasonal breeder, males of which secret musk from paired perineal scented glands found beneath the skin at the ventral base of the tail for attracting female during the breeding season. The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal changes of expression of androgen receptor (AR) in the scented gland of muskrat during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Histologically, glandular cells, interstitial cells and excretory tubules were identified in scented glands in both seasons, whereas epithelial cells were sparse in the nonbreeding season. AR was observed in glandular cells of scented glands during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons with stronger immunostaining during the breeding season compared to the nonbreeding season. Consistent with the immunohistochemical results, AR protein level was higher in the scented glands of the breeding season, and then decreased to a relatively low level in the nonbreeding season. The mean mRNA level of Ar was significantly higher in the breeding season than in the nonbreeding season. In addition, plasma gonadotropins and testosterone concentrations were remarkably higher in the breeding season than those in the nonbreeding season. These results suggested that muskrat scented gland was the direct target organ of androgen, and stronger expression of AR in scented glands during the breeding season suggested that androgens may directly influence scented glandular function of the muskrats and also courtship behavior as we inferred.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Shuqiang Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Qinglin Li
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Shiyang Huang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Lihong Bao
- Institute of Public Health, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, Tongliao 028000, PR China
| | - Xia Sheng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Yingying Han
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Gen Watanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Taya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
The effect of 5α-reductase inhibitors on prostate growth in men receiving testosterone replacement therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Urol Nephrol 2013; 45:979-87. [DOI: 10.1007/s11255-013-0477-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
14
|
Zhou Y, Otto-Duessel M, He M, Markel S, Synold T, Jones JO. Low systemic testosterone levels induce androgen maintenance in benign rat prostate tissue. J Mol Endocrinol 2013; 51:143-53. [PMID: 23709748 PMCID: PMC3826535 DOI: 10.1530/jme-13-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is both an age- and an androgen-dependent disease. Paradoxically, systemic levels of androgens decline with age as the risk of PC rises. While there is no correlation between systemic androgen levels and the risk of PC, systemic androgen levels do not reflect the levels of androgens in prostate tissue. In metastatic PC, changes in the androgen biosynthesis pathway during hormone therapy result in increased levels of androgens in cancer tissue and contribute to continued androgen receptor (AR) signaling. It is possible that similar changes occur in normal prostate tissue as androgen levels decline with age and that this contributes to tumorigenesis. In the present study, we sought to determine whether the rat prostate is able to maintain functional levels of androgens despite low serum testosterone levels. Rats were castrated and implanted with capsules to achieve castrate, normal, sub-physiological, and supra-physiological levels of testosterone. After 6 weeks of treatment, LC-MS/MS was used to quantify the levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the serum and prostate tissue. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to quantify the expression of genes involved in the androgen/AR signaling axis. Despite significantly different levels of testosterone and DHT being present in the serum, testosterone and DHT concentrations in prostate tissue from different testosterone-treatment groups were very similar. Furthermore, the expression of androgen-regulated genes in the prostate was similar among all the testosterone-treatment groups, demonstrating that the rat prostate can maintain a functional level of androgens despite low serum testosterone levels. Low-testosterone treatment resulted in significant alterations in the expression of androgen biosynthesis genes, which may be related to maintaining functional androgen levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhou
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Road, Beckman 2310, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|