Medicinal Use of Testosterone and Related Steroids Revisited

Comparison of microwave and pulsed electric field methods on extracting antioxidant compounds from Arvaneh plant (Hymenocrater platystegius Rech. F)

Improving the quality of extracts derived from medicinal plants is a critical concern due to their extensive use across various industries. The Arvaneh plant (Hymenocrater platystegius Rech. F), a species native to the Khorasan province in Iran and belonging to the mint family, was the focus of this study. We optimized the extraction of Arvaneh plant using both microwave (MW) and pulsed electric field (PEF) techniques. The MW method was tested at different processing times (90, 180, and 270 s) and power levels (180, 540, and 900 W), while the PEF method was evaluated with varying electric field intensities (0.25, 3.25, and 6.25 kV/cm) and pulse numbers (10, 45, and 80) using a central composite design (CCD). The results revealed that extraction efficiency, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content were significantly higher with the PEF method compared to the MW method (p < 0.05). Moreover, the PEF technique showed superior performance in preserving the antioxidant properties of the extract, as assessed by DPPH and FRAP methods. GC/MS analysis confirmed the presence of 27 bioactive compounds in the Arvaneh extract obtained through PEF-assisted extraction. In conclusion, the PEF method proved to be highly efficient for extracting bioactive compounds from the Arvaneh plant.

Comprehensive analysis of prohibited substances and methods in sports: Unveiling trends, pharmacokinetics, and WADA evolution

This review systematically compiles sports-related drugs, substances, and methodologies based on the most frequently detected findings from prohibited lists published annually by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) between 2003 and 2021. Aligned with structure of the 2023 prohibited list, it covers all proscribed items and details the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of five representatives from each section. Notably, it explores significant metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with these substances. Adverse analytical findings are summarized in tables for clarity, and the prevalence is visually represented through charts. The review includes a concise historical overview of doping and WADA's role, examining modifications in the prohibited list for an understanding of evolving anti-doping measures.

Current and investigational medications for the treatment of sarcopenia

Sarcopenia, defined as the loss of muscle mass and function, is a widely prevalent and severe condition in older adults. Since 2016, it is recognized as a disease. Strength exercise training and nutritional support are the frontline treatment of sarcopenia, with no drug currently approved for this indication. However, new therapeutic options are emerging. In this review, we evidenced that only very few trials have focused on sarcopenia/sarcopenic patients. Most drug trials were performed in different clinical older populations (e.g., men with hypogonadism, post-menopausal women at risk for osteoporosis), and their efficacy were tested separately on the components of sarcopenia (muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performances). Results from trials testing the effects of Testosterone, Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs), Estrogen, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), Growth Hormone (GH), GH Secretagogue (GHS), drug targeting Myostatin and Activin receptor pathway, Vitamin D, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs), or β-blockers, were compiled. Although some drugs have been effective in improving muscle mass and/or strength, this was not translated into clinically relevant improvements on physical performance. Finally, some promising molecules investigated in on-going clinical trials and in pre-clinical phase were summarized, including apelin and irisin.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of novel steroidal heterocyclic analogs as potent inhibitors of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis

Osteoporosis is a significant public health issue in our aging population. It is an excessive bone resorption condition brought on by osteoclastogenesis, which makes bones more brittle. In the present work, a series of novel heterosteroidal derivatives have been synthesized using the microwave technique and were evaluated as antiosteoclastogenic agents. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds have been confirmed using analytical and spectral data. The antiosteoclastogenic activity of the newly synthesized compounds was estimated in vitro against osteoclast-differentiated cells from the RAW 264.7 cell line. The pregnenolone dimer 10, the pyridinotestosterone derivative 2, and the phenylnicotinonitrile pregnenolone derivative 8a attained the most promising antiosteoclastogenic activity displaying IC50 (the half maximal inhibitory concentration) values of 5.45 ± 5.30, 11.88 ± 2.09, and 13.40 ± 3.00 µM, respectively, in comparison with dimethyl itaconate (IC50  = 17.76 ± 3.20 µM) and alendronate (IC50  = 4.48 ± 1.89 µM) as reference compounds. Finally, an in silico ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) study was conducted to evaluate the synthesized compounds' pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties. The results manifested that almost all the investigated compounds' properties were compatible with the specified optimal range, which indicates their reassuring pharmacokinetic properties.

Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Oxymetholone-Induced Testicular Toxicity

Oxymetholone is one of the anabolic steroids that has widely been used among teenagers and athletes to increase their muscle bulk. It has undesirable effects on male health and fertility. In this study, the therapeutic effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on oxymetholone-induced testicular toxicity were investigated in adult albino rats. During the experiments, 49 adult male albino rats were divided into 4 main groups: Group 0 (donor group) included 10 rats for the donation of PRP, Group I (control group) included 15 rats, Group II included 8 rats that received 10 mg/kg of oxymetholone orally, once daily, for 30 days, and Group III included 16 rats and was subdivided into 2 subgroups (IIIa and IIIb) that received oxymetholone the same as group II and then received PRP once and twice, respectively. Testicular tissues of all examined rats were obtained for processing and histological examination and sperm smears were stained and examined for sperm morphology. Oxymetholone-treated rats revealed wide spaces in between the tubules, vacuolated cytoplasm, and dark pyknotic nuclei of most cells, as well as deposition of homogenous acidophilic material between the tubules. Electron microscopic examination showed vacuolated cytoplasm of most cells, swollen mitochondria, and perinuclear dilatation. Concerning subgroup IIIa (PRP once), there was a partial improvement in the form of decreased vacuolations and regeneration of spermatogenic cells, as well as a reasonable improvement in sperm morphology. Regarding subgroup IIIb (PRP twice), histological sections revealed restoration of the normal testicular structure to a great extent, regeneration of the spermatogenic cells, and most sperms had normal morphology. Thus, it is recommended to use PRP to minimize structural changes in the testis of adult albino rats caused by oxymetholone.

Neurosteroids as positive and negative allosteric modulators of ligand-gated ion channels: P2X receptor perspective

Neurosteroids are steroids synthesized de novo in the brain from cholesterol in an independent manner from peripheral steroid sources. The term "neuroactive steroid" includes all steroids independent of their origin, and newly synthesized analogs of neurosteroids that modify neuronal activities. In vivo application of neuroactive steroids induces potent anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, sedative, analgesic and amnesic effects, mainly through interaction with the γ-aminobutyric acid type-A receptor (GABA_AR). However, neuroactive steroids also act as positive or negative allosteric regulators on several ligand-gated channels including N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and ATP-gated purinergic P2X receptors. Seven different P2X subunits (P2X1-7) can assemble to form homotrimeric or heterotrimeric ion channels permeable for monovalent cations and calcium. Among them, P2X2, P2X4, and P2X7 are the most abundant within the brain and can be regulated by neurosteroids. Transmembrane domains are necessary for neurosteroid binding, however, no generic motif of amino acids can accurately predict the neurosteroid binding site for any of the ligand-gated ion channels including P2X. Here, we will review what is currently known about the modulation of rat and human P2X by neuroactive steroids and the possible structural determinants underlying neurosteroid-induced potentiation and inhibition of the P2X2 and P2X4 receptors.

TESTOSTERONE BIOSENSOR IN SPORTS DOPING

ABSTRACT Introduction: Testosterone is a steroid that can help with blood disorders, sexual dysfunctions, connective tissue diseases, some malignancies, intractable pain, and other serious diseases. However, it must be prescribed under medical supervision because of the risk of major adverse effects such as liver disease, heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and cancer. There is an urgent need for research on developing an electrochemical sensor to detect testosterone as a doping substance in sports. Objective: Develop an electrochemical sensor of poly(ionic liquid)-graphene oxide molecularly printed polymers (PIL/MIs/GO) to detect testosterone as a doping substance in sports. Methods: Morphological characterization of modified electrodes was performed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), allowing the GO to be surface-mounted with fragments and apertures. Due to the holes generated by the agglomeration of PIL and MIs molecules on the wavy edges of the GO nanosheets, the surface morphology of PIL/MIs/GO/GCE also revealed a high porosity structure. Results: Compared to other synergistic influences of GO nanosheets with PIL and MIs molecules, electrochemical investigations using a differential pulse voltammetry approach indicated high selectivity, good stability, appropriate linear range, lower detection limit, and higher selectivity. Conclusion: In pharmaceutical samples and human biological fluids, the validity and accuracy of PIL/MIs/GO/GCE for the determination of testosterone demonstrated practical application. PIL/MIs/GO/GCE can thus be used as an accurate and reliable sensor for detecting testosterone as a doping agent in sports. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Zygo-Albuside A: New Saponin from Zygophyllum album L. with Significant Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiapoptotic Effects against Methotrexate-Induced Testicular Damage

Chemical investigation of the crude extract of the aerial part of Zygophyllum album L. (Z. album) led to the isolation of a new saponin, Zygo-albuside A (7), together with seven known compounds, one of them (caffeic acid, compound 4) is reported in the genus for the first time. NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectrometric analysis, including high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), were utilized to set up the chemical structures of these compounds. The present biological study aimed to investigate the protective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities of the crude extract from the aerial part of Z. album and two of its isolated compounds, rutin and the new saponin zygo-albuside A, against methotrexate (MTX)-induced testicular injury, considering the role of miRNA-29a. In all groups except for the normal control group, which received a mixture of distilled water and DMSO (2:1) as vehicle orally every day for ten days, testicular damage was induced on the fifth day by intraperitoneal administration of MTX at a single dose of 20 mg/kg. Histopathological examination showed that pre-treatment with the crude extract of Z. album, zygo-albuside A, or rutin reversed the testicular damage induced by MTX. In addition, biochemical analysis in the protected groups showed a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, Bcl-2-associated-protein (Bax), and an increase in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the testis, along with an increase in serum testosterone levels compared with the unprotected (positive control) group. The mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), p53, and miRNA-29a were downregulated in the testicular tissues of the protected groups compared with the unprotected group. In conclusion, the study provides sufficient evidence that Z. album extract, and its isolated compounds, zygo-albuside A and rutin, could alleviate testicular damage caused by the chemotherapeutic agent MTX.

[Androgens and Parkinson's disease: the role in humans and in experiment]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease. There is evidence that PD has a wider prevalence among men, which indicates the existing role of sex hormones in the pathogenesis of the disease. The article presents an overview of studies devoted to the study of sex differences in the incidence and symptoms of PD. Drug therapy with androgens, androgen precursors, antiandrogens and drugs that modify androgen metabolism is available for the treatment of various endocrine conditions, having translational significance for PD, but none of these drugs has yet shown sufficient effectiveness. Although PD has now been proven to be more common in men than in women, androgens do not always have any effect on the symptoms or progression of the disease. 5α-reductase inhibitors have shown neuroprotective and anti-dyskinetic activity and need further investigation. Despite the fact that the neuroprotective effect of dutasteride was observed only before damage to DA neurons, the absence of a negative effect makes it an attractive drug for use in patients with PD due to its anti-dyskinetic properties.

Androgens and Parkinson's Disease: A Review of Human Studies and Animal Models

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease. A greater prevalence and incidence of PD are reported in men than in women, suggesting a potential contribution of sex, genetic difference and/or sex hormones. This review presents an overview of epidemiological and clinical studies investigating sex differences in the incidence and symptoms of PD. This sex difference is replicated in animal models of PD showing an important neuroprotective role of sex steroids. Therefore, although gender and genetic factors likely contribute to the sex difference in PD, focus here will be on sex hormones because of their neuroprotective role. Androgens receive less attention than estrogen. It is well known that endogenous androgens are more abundant in healthy men than in women and decrease with aging; lower levels are reported in PD men than in healthy male subjects. Drug treatments with androgens, androgen precursors, antiandrogens, and drugs modifying androgen metabolism are available to treat various endocrine conditions, thus having translational value for PD but none have yet given sufficient positive effects for PD. Variability in the androgen receptor is reported in humans and is an additional factor in the response to androgens. In animal models of PD used to study neuroprotective activity, the androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone have given inconsistent results. 5α-Reductase inhibitors have shown neuroprotective activity in animal models of PD and antidyskinetic activity. Hence, androgens have not consistently shown beneficial or deleterious effects in PD but numerous androgen-related drugs are available that could be repurposed for PD.

Advances in the Determination of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: From Standard Practices to Tailor-Designed Multidisciplinary Approaches

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs), a group of compounds frequently misused by athletes and, unfortunately, also by the general population, have lately attracted global attention; thus, significant demands for more precise, facile, and rapid AAS detection have arisen. The standard methods ordinarily used for AAS determination include liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. However, good knowledge of steroid metabolism, pretreatment of samples (such as derivatization), and well-trained operators of the instruments are required, making this procedure expensive, complicated, and not routinely applicable. In the drive to meet current AAS detection demands, the scientific focus has shifted to developing novel, tailor-made approaches leading to time- and cost-effective, routine, and field-portable methods for AAS determination in various matrices, such as biological fluids, food supplements, meat, water, or other environmental components. Therefore, herein, we present a comprehensive review article covering recent advances in AAS determination, with a strong emphasis on the increasingly important role of chemically designed artificial sensors, biosensors, and antibody- and fluorescence-based methods.

Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulators (SPRMs) and Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) as Treatment for Benign Gynecologic Diseases

Common benign gynecologic conditions such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis are linked to chronic pelvic pain, abnormal and heavy uterine bleeding, and infertility. Effective medical management of these diseases is an unmet need. The steroid hormones progesterone (P4), estrogen (E2), and testosterone play a major role in reproductive physiology and uterine pathologies. Notably, selective progesterone receptor modulators have shown considerable promise as treatment options for some hormone-dependent conditions. More limited data are available regarding the safety and efficacy of selective androgen receptor modulators. In this report we review current evidence for selective progesterone receptor modulators and selective androgen receptor modulators as treatment options for benign gynecologic conditions.

The Prevalence of Hypogonadism and the Effectiveness of Androgen Administration on Body Composition in HIV-Infected Men: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Hypogonadism is a common comorbidity in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men, although the real prevalence is difficult to be estimated. Moreover, in HIV settings, the efficacy of exogenous testosterone (Te) administration at improving body composition remains unclear. Aim of the study: This review has a double aim. First, to estimate the prevalence of pituitary–testis axis abnormality in HIV-infected patients compared to uninfected subjects. Second, to evaluate the effect of androgen administration on body composition in HIV-infected men. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was carried out. Two separated literature searches were performed, the first to evaluate the prevalence of Te deficiency in HIV-infected men and the second one to evaluate effects of androgen administration on body composition. Results: The overall prevalence of Te deficiency in HIV-infected men was calculated from 41 studies, showing a 26% prevalence, which was even higher when free T (fT) levels, more than total T, were considered. Indeed, TT serum levels were similar between HIV patients and controls, although higher SHBG and lower fT were detected in HIV populations. When HIV-infected men were treated with exogenous Te, a significant increase in body weight, lean body mass and fat free mass was detected. Conclusion: The systematic review confirms the high prevalence of Te deficiency in HIV-infected men, particularly when fT has been considered. Moreover, chronic androgen supplementation improves body composition, affecting the lean mass compartment. However, considering the general frailty of HIV patients, a tailored indication for Te therapy should be advocated.

Effects of nandrolone decanoate on femur morphology. Experimental study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the immediate and late effects of nandrolone on femur morphology of rats.

METHODS

Twenty-eight animals with 20 weeks of age were divided into four groups: C28, control animals that were euthanized eight weeks after the experiment started; C40, control animals euthanized 20 weeks after the experiment started; T28, treated animals receiving nandrolone during eight weeks and euthanized immediately after the treatment period; and T40, animals treated during eight weeks and euthanized 12 weeks after the end of the treatment. Treated animals received nandrolone decanoate during eight weeks and control groups received peanut oil by intramuscular injection. After euthanasia, femurs were removed, dissected, weighted and measured by digital pachymeter.

RESULTS

The T40 group presented an increase on distal epiphysis diameter when compared to C40 group. There was no difference between treated and control groups in relation to body and femur absolute weight, relative weight and length of femur. There was also no difference in relation to diameter of proximal epiphysis and diameter of diaphysis among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Nandrolone decanoate does not produce significant effect on femur, exception on its distal extremity at late period. The effects of such drug may depend on the time after administration.