Effects of Testosterone and Estradiol Deficiency on Vasomotor Symptoms in Hypogonadal Men

Synthetic androgens for male contraception

High global rates of unintended pregnancy (>40% of all pregnancies) are relatively stagnant despite a broad array of female contraceptive options. Data suggest many men are enthusiastic to utilize novel, reversible, male contraceptives, particularly those that may be administered orally. Hormonal male contraception utilizes androgens or androgen-progestin combinations to exploit endocrine negative feedback, interrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis to suppress spermatogenesis. Modifications of testosterone allow for tailoring of steroid activity and show promise as single agent hormonal male contraceptives. The addition of progestin activity by molecular modification of testosterone could enhance the degree and speed of sperm suppression compared to testosterone alone using a single, exogenous steroid. Moreover, modifications that block reduction of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone could diminish androgenic stimulation of prostate tissue. This review summarizes data in the development of modified androgens for male hormonal contraception and suggest a path forward for these molecules in helping to fill the gap in contraceptive technologies for men.

The Loss of Estradiol by Androgen Deprivation in Prostate Cancer Patients Shows the Importance of Estrogens in Males

The role of estradiol (E2; an estrogen) in men needs to be more appreciated. In this review, we address the clinical situations that allow the study of the clinical consequences of E2 deficiency in men and discuss the effects of restoration of levels of this reproductive steroid hormone. In men with advanced prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), E2 is suppressed along with testosterone, leading to side effects affecting the quality of life. These include hot flashes, arthralgia, fatigue, mood changes, cognition problems, weight gain, bone loss, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Transdermal E2 alone for ADT has shown equivalent testosterone suppression compared to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists while also preventing estrogen-deficiency side effects, including hot flashes and bone loss. Co-treatment of ADT with fetal estrogen estetrol (E4) has shown significant improvements of estrogen-deficiency symptoms. These observations emphasize the need to raise awareness of the importance of estrogens in men among clinicians and the lay public.

Effects of oestradiol treatment on hot flushes in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: a randomised placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Most men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer experience hot flushes. Current treatments have low or limited evidence of efficacy. It is likely that oestradiol depletion is the mediator of these hot flushes, and transdermal oestradiol might be an effective treatment.

DESIGN

This is a 6-month randomised, placebo-controlled trial with the hypothesis that oestradiol would reduce hot flush frequency and intensity and improve quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

Seventy-eight participants receiving ADT were randomised to 0.9 mg of 0.1% oestradiol gel per day or matched placebo. Hot flush frequency and severity were assessed by 7-day diary at baseline, month 1, month 3, and month 6. QoL was assessed by validated questionnaire.

RESULTS

Oestradiol reduced daily hot flush frequency, with a mean adjusted difference (MAD) of -1.6 hot flushes per day (95% CI: -2.7 to -0.5; P = 0.04). The effect on weekly hot flush score was non-significant, with a MAD -19.6 (95% CI: -35.5 to -3.8; P = 0.11). On per protocol analysis, E2 significantly reduced daily hot flush frequency, with a MAD of -2.2 hot flushes per day (95% CI: -3.2 to -1.1; P = 0.001), and weekly hot flush score, with a MAD of -27.0 (-44.7 to -9.3; P = 0.02). Oestradiol had no significant effect on QoL.

CONCLUSION

We confirmed our hypothesis of a clinical effect of assignment to oestradiol to reduce hot flush frequency in men with castrate testosterone due to ADT. Transdermal oestradiol could be considered for men with burdensome hot flushes in whom other treatments have failed as long as the risk of breast effects and fat gain are considered.

Pharmacological Treatment for Pedophilic Disorder and Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder: A Review

Guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of paraphilic disorders have historically been based on data from forensic settings and on risk levels for sexual crime. However, emerging treatment options are being evaluated for individuals experiencing distress because of their sexual urges and preferences, targeting both paraphilic disorders such as pedophilic disorder (PeD) and the new diagnosis of compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) included in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11). As in other mental disorders, this may enable individualized pharmacological treatment plans, taking into account components of sexuality (e.g. high libido, compulsivity, anxiety-driven/sex as coping), medical and psychiatric comorbidity, adverse effects and patient preferences. In order to expand on previous reviews, we conducted a literature search focusing on randomized controlled trials of pharmacological treatment for persons likely to have PeD or CSBD. Our search was not restricted to studies involving forensic or criminal samples. Twelve studies conducted between 1974 and 2021 were identified regardless of setting (outpatient or inpatient), with only one study conducted during the last decade. Of a total of 213 participants included in these studies, 122 (57%) were likely to have PeD, 34 (16%) were likely to have a CSBD, and the remainder had unspecified paraphilias (40, 21%) or sexual offense (17, 8%) as the treatment indication. The diagnostic procedure for PeD and/or CSBD, as well as comorbid psychiatric symptoms, has been described in seven studies. The studies provide some empirical evidence that testosterone-lowering drugs reduce sexual activity for patients with PeD or CSBD, but the body of evidence is meager. There is a need for studies using larger samples, specific criteria for inclusion, longer follow-up periods, and standardized outcome measures with adherence to international reporting guidelines.

Melatonin protects against ovarian damage by inhibiting autophagy in granulosa cells in rats

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to further verify the protective mechanism of Melatonin (MT) against ovarian damage through animal model experiments and to lay a theoretical and experimental foundation for exploring new approaches for ovarian damage treatment.

METHOD

The wet weight and ovarian index of rat ovaries were weighted, and the morphology of ovarian tissues and the number of follicles in the pathological sections of collected ovarian tissues were recorded. And the serum sex hormone levels, the key proteins of the autophagy pathway (PI3K, AKT, mTOR, LC3II, LC3I, and Agt5) in rat ovarian tissues, as well as the viability and mortality of ovarian granulosa cells in each group were measured by ELISA, western blotting, CCK8 kit and LDH kit, respectively.

RESULTS

The results showed that MT increased ovarian weight and improved the ovarian index in ovarian damage rats. Also, MT could improve autophagy-induced ovarian tissue injury, increase the number of primordial follicles, primary follicles, and sinus follicles, and decrease the number of atretic follicles. Furthermore, MT upregulated serum AMH, INH-B, and E2 levels downregulated serum FSH and LH levels in ovarian damage rats and activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Besides, MT inhibited autophagic apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells and repressed the expression of key proteins in the autophagic pathway and reduced the expression levels of Agt5 and LC3II/I.

CONCLUSIONS

MT inhibits granulosa cell autophagy by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby exerting a protective effect against ovarian damage.

The role of gonadotropins in testicular and adrenal androgen biosynthesis pathways-Insights from males with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism on hCG/rFSH and on testosterone replacement

OBJECTIVE

To delineate the role of gonadotropins in male androgen biosynthesis pathways.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

Twenty five males with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) underwent hCG/rFSH and testosterone treatment sequentially. Serum steroid hormone profiles (testosterone precursors and metabolites) on both replacement regimens were analysed, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and compared to those of healthy controls, matched by age, BMI and serum testosterone.

RESULTS

On testosterone replacement, serum concentrations of the classic Δ4 pathway hormones progesterone and 17-hydroxy-progesterone (17-OHP), and the marker steroid of an alternative pathway of testosterone synthesis (androstenediol) were decreased, compared to controls. Androstanediol, a marker of the backdoor pathway of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) synthesis, was increased. 17-OH-pregnenolone, androstenedione and DHEAS (Δ5 pathway), three 11-oxygenated C19 androgens (11-keto-A4, 11-keto-T and 11-keto-DHT) and the testosterone (T) metabolites DHT and 17ß-oestradiol (E2) were similar to controls. On gonadotropin replacement, 17-OHP, 17-OH-pregnenolone, DHEAS and androstenedione, as well as DHT, androstenediol, and all 11-oxygenated C19 androgens were normal. Progesterone (Δ4 pathway) was slightly decreased, and androstanediol (backdoor DHT pathway) and E2 (T metabolite) were increased.

CONCLUSIONS

In males with CHH, serum steroid hormone profiles resemble those of healthy men, if hCG/rFSH is used for substitution. Gonadotropins contribute to steroid hormone production along the classic Δ4 pathway and co-activate an alternative pathway of testosterone biosynthesis via androstenediol. Backdoor DHT biosynthesis, Δ5 17-OH-pregnenolone, DHEA(S) and androstenedione synthesis and 11-oxygenated C19 androgen production are activated independently of gonadotropins. The androgen replacement modality used for treatment of hypogonadal males with absent or reduced endogenous LH/FSH secretion may impact on long-term health and quality of life.

Brain-Selective Estrogen Therapy Prevents Androgen Deprivation-Associated Hot Flushes in a Rat Model

Hot flushes are best-known for affecting menopausal women, but men who undergo life-saving castration due to androgen-sensitive prostate cancer also suffer from these vasomotor symptoms. Estrogen deficiency in these patients is a direct consequence of androgen deprivation, because estrogens (notably 17β-estradiol, E2) are produced from testosterone. Although estrogens alleviate hot flushes in these patients, they also cause adverse systemic side effects. Because only estrogens can provide mitigation of hot flushes on the basis of current clinical practices, there is an unmet need for an effective and safe pharmacotherapeutic intervention that would also greatly enhance patient adherence. To this end, we evaluated treatment of orchidectomized (ORDX) rats with 10β, 17β-dihydroxyestra-1,4-dien-3-one (DHED), a brain-selective bioprecursor prodrug of E2. A pilot pharmacokinetic study using oral administration of DHED to these animals revealed the formation of E2 in the brain without the appearance of the hormone in the circulation. Therefore, DHED treatment alleviated androgen deprivation-associated hot flushes without peripheral impact in the ORDX rat model. Concomitantly, we showed that DHED-derived E2 induced progesterone receptor gene expression in the hypothalamus without stimulating galanin expression in the anterior pituitary, further indicating the lack of systemic estrogen exposure upon oral treatment with DHED.

Short-term effects of transdermal estradiol in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

There is increasing recognition that, in men, some biological actions attributed to testosterone (TS) are mediated by estradiol (E2). This study used two low doses of daily transdermal E2 gel to assess the effects on circulating E2 concentrations in men with prostate cancer with suppressed endogenous E2 production arising from androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Secondarily, we aimed to assess short-term biological effects of E2 add-back without increasing circulating TS.

DESIGN

28-day randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

METHODS

37 participants were randomised to either 0.9 or 1.8 mg of 0.1% E2 gel per day or matched placebo gel. Fasting morning serum hormones, quality of life questionnaires, and treatment side effects were evaluated at baseline, days 14 and 28. Hot flush diaries and other biochemical measurements were completed at baseline and study end.

RESULTS

Transdermal E2 significantly raised serum E2 from baseline to day 28 compared to placebo in the 0.9 mg dose group (median: 208 pmol/L; interquartile range: 157-332) and in the 1.8 mg dose group (median: 220 pmol/L; interquartile range: 144-660). E2 treatment reduced hot flush frequency and severity as well as beta carboxyl-terminal type 1 collagen telopeptide.

CONCLUSION

In men with castrate levels of E2 and TS, daily transdermal E2: 0.9-1.8 mg increased median serum E2 concentrations into the reference range reported for healthy men, but with substantial variability. E2 treatment reduced hot flushes and bone resorption. Larger studies will be required to test whether low-dose E2 treatment can mitigate ADT-associated adverse effects without E2-related toxicity.

Estradiol for the mitigation of adverse effects of androgen deprivation therapy

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. Conventional endocrine treatment for PCa leads to global sex steroid deprivation. The ensuing severe hypogonadism is associated with well-documented adverse effects. Recently, it has become apparent that many of the biological actions attributed to androgens in men are in fact not direct, but mediated by estradiol. Available evidence supports a primary role for estradiol in vasomotor stability, skeletal maturation and maintenance, and prevention of fat accumulation. Hence there has been interest in revisiting estradiol as a treatment for PCa. Potential roles for estradiol could be in lieu of conventional androgen deprivation therapy or as low-dose add-back treatment while continuing androgen deprivation therapy. These strategies may limit some of the side effects associated with conventional androgen deprivation therapy. However, although available data are reassuring, the potential for cardiovascular risk and pro-carcinogenic effects on PCa via estrogen receptor signalling must be considered.

Impaired steroidogenesis in the testis of leptin-deficient mice (ob/ob -/-)

The obesity and its comorbidities, including resistance to leptin, impacts the reproductive function. Testes express leptin receptors in the germ cells and Leydig cells. Then, leptin-deficient animals are obese and infertile. We aimed to evaluate the structure and steroidogenic pathway of the testis of deficient leptin mice. Three months old male C57BL/6 mice (wild-type, WT) and deficient leptin (ob/ob) mice had their testes dissected and prepared for analyses. Compared to the WT group, the ob/ob group showed a greater body mass with smaller testes, and alterations in the germinative epithelium: fewer spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids. The Sertoli cells and the germ cells showed condensed nuclei and nuclear fragmentation indicating cell death, in agreement with a low expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen and a high expression of Caspase3. In the ob/ob group, the sperm was absent in the seminiferous tubules, and the steroidogenic pathway was compromised (low 3Beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein). Further, all hormone receptors involved in the testicular function were down expressed (androgen, estrogen, follicle-stimulating, luteinizing, aromatase, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). In conclusion, the findings indicate significant morphological, hormonal and enzymatic changes in the testis of the ob/ob mice. The shifts in the enzymatic steroidogenic pathway and the enzymes related to spermatic activity support the insights about the failures in the fertility of these animals. The study provides new evidence and contributes to the understanding of how the lack of leptin and obesity might negatively modulate the testicular function leading to infertility.