Neural regulation of sexual function in men

Lactobacillus brevis GKJOY Supplementation Ameliorates Oxidative Stress and Reproductive Dysfunction in Male Rats with Polystyrene Microplastics-Induced Reproductive Toxicity

The growing demand for plastic products has led to an increase in human exposure to microplastics (MPs). MPs have been shown to have detrimental effects on reproductive function, while probiotics have demonstrated promise in enhancing fertility. This study aimed to determine the protective effects of Lactobacillus brevis GKJOY against reproductive damage induced by polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in male rats. In the cell study, LC540 cells were treated with L. brevis GKJOY postbiotic (PGK), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and PS-MPs to evaluate their effects on cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In the animal experiment, rats were treated with a low dose of L. brevis GKJOY (GK1X, 50 mg/kg), a medium dose (GK2X, 100 mg/kg), or a high dose (GK4X, 200 mg/kg). The results showed that PGK and GABA reduced the levels of ROS and protected against oxidative stress. In contrast, PS-MPs increased ROS levels and had harmful effects on cell viability. In the animal study, testicular injuries caused by PS-MPs led to disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and a decrease in reproductive hormone levels. However, treatment with L. brevis GKJOY reduced oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, restored hormonal imbalances, and led to significant improvements. L. brevis GKJOY effectively mitigated reproductive damage in male rats due to its dual function as a probiotic and neurotransmitter modulator. In conclusion, L. brevis GKJOY, which functions as both a probiotic and a GABA producer, may offer superior protection against male reproductive damage.

Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction and Help-Seeking Behavior Among Patients Attending Primary Healthcare Centers for Non-Urological Complaints

Background/Objectives: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition worldwide that significantly affects men's sexual health and overall quality of life. ED is often associated with both psychological and organic factors and may serve as an early indicator of underlying health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to assess the attitudes and help-seeking behaviors of patients with ED who attended primary healthcare centers for non-urological reasons. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 men aged 18 years and older who attended primary care clinics. Erectile dysfunction was evaluated using a structured questionnaire designed to assess patients' attitudes toward ED, help-seeking behaviors, and treatment preferences. Results: Approximately half of the participants (49.5%) acknowledged the necessity of seeking treatment. However, the majority (53.1%) had not consulted specialized clinics, primarily due to social stigma and a preference for self-medication. Concerning sources of information on ED treatment, 30.7% of participants relied on their partners and healthcare providers. Conclusions: The study underscores critical barriers to ED management, including social stigma and reliance on self-medication, which may impede optimal treatment engagement and access to specialized care.

Muscle Strength and Male Sexual Function

Sexual dysfunction, in particular erectile dysfunction, is a common complaint among aging men. Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking are shown to be independent risk factors for erectile dysfunction, while cardiorespiratory fitness is shown to be protective. Less is known about the role of muscle strength in male sexual function. Our objective was to study the association between male sexual function and typical cardiovascular risk factors, together with exercise and muscle strength. We included data from the fourth wave of the RHINE study. Data on anthropometrics, exercise habits, diseases, muscle strength, and sexual function were collected using questionnaires, including the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to measure the association between sexual function and body mass index (BMI), age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, exercise and muscle strength status. We included 2116 men aged 48-75 from four Nordic-Baltic countries. BMI, age, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension were found to be associated with higher odds of reporting decreased sexual function, while reporting intact muscle strength was associated with lower odds. In a large Nordic-Baltic male study population, we show that known cardiovascular risk factors are associated with decreased sexual function, while reporting intact muscle strength is associated with lower odds of reporting decreased sexual function.

Heart Failure and Erectile Dysfunction: a Review of the Current Evidence and Clinical Implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Heart failure (HF) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are two common conditions that affect millions of men worldwide and impair their quality of life. ED is a frequent complication of HF, as well as a possible predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. ED deserves more attention from clinicians and researchers.

RECENT FINDINGS

The pathophysiology of ED in HF involves multiple factors, such as endothelial dysfunction, reduced cardiac output, neurohormonal activation, autonomic imbalance, oxidative stress, inflammation, and drug side effects. The diagnosis of ED in HF patients should be based on validated questionnaires or objective tests, as part of the routine cardiovascular risk assessment. The therapeutic management of ED in HF patients should be individualized and multidisciplinary, considering the patient's preferences, expectations, comorbidities, and potential drug interactions. The first-line pharmacological treatment for ED in HF patients with mild to moderate symptoms (NYHA class I-II) is phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is), which improve both sexual function and cardiopulmonary parameters. PDE5Is are contraindicated in patients who use nitrates or nitric oxide donors for angina relief, and these patients should be advised to avoid sexual activity or to use alternative treatments for ED. Non-pharmacological treatments for ED, such as psychotherapy or couples therapy, should also be considered if there are significant psychosocial factors affecting the patient's sexual function or relationship. This review aims to summarize the most recent evidence regarding the prevalence of ED, the pathophysiology of this condition with an exhaustive analysis of factors involved in ED development in HF patients, a thorough discussion on diagnosis and management of ED in HF patients, providing practical recommendations for clinicians.

The Acute Effects and Mechanism of Ketamine on Nicotine-Induced Neurogenic Relaxation of the Corpus Cavernosum in Mice

The present study aimed to investigate the acute effects and the mechanism of ketamine on nicotine-induced relaxation of the corpus cavernosum (CC) in mice. This study measured the intra-cavernosal pressure (ICP) of male C57BL/6 mice and the CC muscle activities using an organ bath wire myograph. Various drugs were used to investigate the mechanism of ketamine on nicotine-induced relaxation. Direct ketamine injection into the major pelvic ganglion (MPG) inhibited MPG-induced increases in ICP. D-serine/L-glutamate-induced relaxation of the CC was inhibited by MK-801 (N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor inhibitor), and nicotine-induced relaxation was enhanced by D-serine/L-glutamate. NMDA had no effect on CC relaxation. Nicotine-induced relaxation of the CC was suppressed by mecamylamine (a non-selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist), lidocaine, guanethidine (an adrenergic neuronal blocker), N^w-nitro-L-arginine (a non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), MK-801, and ketamine. This relaxation was almost completely inhibited in CC strips pretreated with 6-hydroxydopamine (a neurotoxic synthetic organic compound). Ketamine inhibited cavernosal nerve neurotransmission via direct action on the ganglion and impaired nicotine-induced CC relaxation. The relaxation of the CC was dependent on the interaction of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, which may be mediated by the NMDA receptor.

CT, Kumar P, Babu P. G, Walke P, Nayak SK, Sharma R. Teleost Nonapeptides, Isotocin and Vasotocin Administration Released the Milt by Abdominal Massage in Male Catfish, Clarias magur

In the present work the nonapeptides i.e., isotocin and vasotocin alone or in a combination were tested in C. magur to evaluate their effect on stripping by abdominal massage. Also, we used chitosan-carbon nanotube nanocomposites to conjugate the nonapetides isotocin (abbreviated as COOH-SWCNTCSPeP) and isotocin and vasotocin (COOH-SWCNTCSPePs) with the aim of sustaining the effect for a longer duration. The conjugation of nonapeptides with nanocomposites was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of naked (without nanoparticles) and conjugated nonapeptides on the milt release by stripping. Both the experiments consisted of eight treatments which included four naked groups two nanoconjugated groups and two controls. Both naked and nonconjugated formulations were successful in stripping the male catfish. The mRNA expression of selected reproductive genes was analysed to decipher the effect of nanopeptides at the molecular level. Nonapeptide treatment either naked or nanoconjugated, resulted in the upregulation of the transcript level of genes. Histological analysis revealed the concentration of spermatozoa was more in peptide injected groups than in the controls. The synergistic effects of nonapeptides and Ovatide had a positive impact on GSI. Thus, the present formulations were successful in stripping the male catfish to obtain the milt with significant reproductive success. Even though the naked groups perform better but the number of males required to fertilize the eggs in nanoconjuagted groups was smaller making it worth using for the delivery of nonapeptides.