Association of DHEA-S and estradiol serum levels to symptoms of aging men

Objectives A number of interactions between agerelated changes in serum levels of dehydroepiandrostendione sulfate (DHEA-S) and estradiol and symptoms of aging men have been proposed, yet data regarding this issue are scant. We therefore set up a prospective study to analyze these associations. Methods In a prospective, cross-sectional study, men aged 45-85 years were recruited. All men completed a questionnaire containing 38 items covering a number of aspects of the aging male. Questionnaires were compiled by using items from previously published and validated questionnaires. Several socioeconomic parameters were also determined. In parallel, serum levels of testosterone, free testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), DHEA-S, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were quantified by commercially available immunoassays. Results A total of 375 men with a mean age of 59.9 ± 9.2 years (mean ± standard deviation) were analyzed. Average DHEA-S and estradiol levels of 135.8 ± 90.9 μg/dl and 29.7 ± 14.6 pg/ml, respectively, were recorded. DHEA-S serum levels were negatively correlated to patient age, sexual function score, total score and PSA. Estradiol serum levels were positively correlated to testosterone and free testosterone. None of the other scores or questions revealed a correlation with DHEA-S or estradiol serum levels. Conclusion This prospective study elucidates only small interactions between partial androgen deficiency of the aging male (PADAM)-related symptoms and serum levels of DHEA-S and estradiol. Nevertheless, the data suggest an impact of DHEA-S on sexual function.     

Androgens and sexual function: a placebo-controlled,randomized, double-blind study of testosterone vs. dehydroepiandrosterone in men with sexual dysfunction and androgen deficiency

Purpose.?Supplemental administration of androgens has been advocated for men with sexual dysfunction (SD) and hypoandrogenism. The preponderance of evidence indicates that most delivery forms of testosterone (T) are effective but the role of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is controversial. A placebo-controlled, randomized trial of oral androgen (T versus DHEA) supplementation was carried out to determine their efficacy.

Materials and methods.?Eighty-six men with SD and decreased levels of serum T and/or DHEA, participated in a study receiving oral T undecanoate (OTU) (n?=?29) 80?mg twice daily, DHEA (n?=?28) 50?mg twice daily, or placebo (n?=?29). Outcomes included evaluation of sexual performance by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM), Aging Male Symtom Scale (AMS), and Global Assessment Questionnaire (GAQ) questionnaires. Biochemical evaluations included measurement of T and DHEA, prolactin, gonadotropins, and PSA.

Results.?Seventy-nine men completed the study. There were no significant differences in outcomes as assessed by four different instruments: the ADAM, IIEF, AMS, and GAQ in regard to sexual interest or erectile function. Biochemically, a significant increase in serum DHEA between baseline and final visit was documented in the group receiving DHEA. The levels of T, on the other hand, increased insignificantly between entry and final visit in the T cohort. No biochemical changes were observed in the placebo group. Levels of PSA remained stable in all three groups.

Conclusions.?This study did not suggest a clinical benefit of OTU or DHEA supplementation in men with hypoandrogenism and SD. The recommended dose of OTU may have been inadequate or poorly absorbed. Increased doses or an alternative T delivery form may result in a different response.     

Long-term low-dose dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in aging males with partial androgen deficiency

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) age-related withdrawal is very likely to be involved in the aging process and the onset of age-related diseases, giving rise to the question of whether preventing or compensating the decline of these steroids may have endocrine and clinical benefits. The aim of the present trial was to evaluate the endocrine, neuroendocrine and clinical consequences of a long-term (1 year), low-dose (25?mg/day) replacement therapy in a group of aging men who presented the clinical characteristics of partial androgen deficiency (PADAM). Circulating DHEA, DHEAS, androstenedione, total testosterone and free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, allopregnanolone, estrone, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), cortisol, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels were evaluated monthly to assess the endocrine effects of the therapy, while β-endorphin values were used as a marker of the neuroendocrine effects. A Kupperman questionnaire was performed to evaluate the subjective symptoms before and after treatment.

The results showed a great modification of the endocrine profile; with the exception of cortisol levels, which remained unchanged, DHEA, DHEAS, androstenedione, total and free testosterone, DHT, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, estrone, estradiol, GH, IGF-1 and β-endorphin levels increased significantly with respect to baseline values, while FSH, LH and SHBG levels showed a significant decrease. The Kupperman score indicated a progressive improvement in mood, fatigue and joint pain.

In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that 25?mg/day of DHEA is able to cause significant changes in the hormonal profile and clinical symptoms and can counteract the age-related decline of endocrine and neuroendocrine functions. Restoring DHEA levels to young adult values seems to benefit the age-related decline in physiological functions but, however promising, placebo-controlled trials are required to confirm these preliminary results.     

Serum cholesterol levels in college students: opportunities for education and intervention

Elevated serum cholesterol levels have been shown to be associated with premature atherosclerosis in adolescents and young adults. The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends cholesterol screening for all adults aged 20 years or older, but normative data on the college-age population are limited. At a university where lipid profiles are made available to students in selected health/wellness courses, the authors analyzed and summarized lipid profiles on 1,088 undergraduates. Mean total cholesterol levels were similar for men (165 +/- 33 mg/dL) and women (168 +/- 27 mg/dL). The men, however, had significantly lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol than the women. One hundred twenty-one students (11.1% of the sample) had elevated serum cholesterol levels (LDL-C > or = 130 mg/dL). Cholesterol screening can be used as an educational tool for college students to reinforce the link between lipid levels and health habits.     

Visceral obesity,androgens and the risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus

The sex difference in cardiovascular morbidity is traditionally ascribed to the effects of testosterone on the lipid profile. Epidemiological studies show, however, that men with cardiovascular disease have low rather than high circulating testosterone. The factor responsible for both the higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and the low testosterone might be visceral obesity. Men and women differ in their pattern of fat distribution. Women have predominantly gluteofemoral fat depots and men preferential abdominal/visceral depots. In puberty testosterone favors abdominal/visceral fat deposition. Visceral fat has a high metabolic turnover and the free fatty acids drain on the portal vein. With a large visceral fat depot the liver is flooded with free fatty acids inducing high levels of triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, impairment of insulin metabolism and reducing insulin sensitivity. These factors contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and diabetes type II. High insulin levels suppress sex hormone-binding globulin thus lowering circulating testosterone. The fat cell produces leptin signalling to the brain to reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure. High leptin levels suppress testosterone. Some studies suggest that testosterone supplementation reduces visceral obesity and improves cardiovascular risks but more evidence is needed.     

Tracking weight change,insulin resistance,stress, and aerobic fitness over 4 years of college

Objective: To determine if weight gain is accompanied by development of insulin resistance (IR) during 4 years in college. Participants: Two cohorts of college students were enrolled in fall semesters 2009 and 2010 and tracked for 4 years. Methods: Following a 12-hour fast, subjects reported for measurement of body mass index (BMI), perceived stress (PSS), aerobic fitness, and blood glucose, insulin, and lipids. Results: In the first year, 33% of subjects were overweight or obese, and 20% were hyperinsulinemic. Year 4 had 29 remaining subjects with disproportionate attrition of overweight and obese individuals. Just over half the subjects gained weight (WI), whereas nearly 30% lost considerable amounts (WD). WD showed significant decline in fasting insulin, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and PSS from year 1. WI was primarily highly fit men who did not demonstrate increased IR. Conclusion: WI was not associated with IR over 4 years of college.     

Not Such Strange Bedfellows After All

Abstract

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is best defined as abdominal pain of greater than three months duration, with or without a change in bowel habits. Barium studies, sedimentation rate, and the lactose tolerance test are usually within normal limits. The underlying physiology includes a predominance of 3 cycles/minute basal electrical rhythm (BER). The abdominal pain is poorly localized and usually intermittent, without a clear relationship to medication. Differential diagnosis should include inflammatory bowel disease, infectious colitis or gastroenteritis, lactose intolerance, gallbladder disease, peptic ulcer disease, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts and tumors, and endometriosis. A sedimentation rate is an important part of the diagnostic workup which may or may not include barium studies. Anticholinergics have been shown to alter the abnormal BER of irritable bowel syndrome and have proven to be of use in treating this syndrome. Dietary counseling should include advising the patient to eat slowly and at regular hours, and heat applied to the abdomen in the form of a hot water bag has been useful. “Overprogrammed” individuals with irritable bowel syndrome should be advised to modify their activities as this type of stress may give rise to the symptoms.

“Effect of Estrogen/Progestin Potency on Lipid/Lipoprotein Cholesterol,” PATRICIA WAHL, CAROLYN WALDEN, ROBERT KNOPP, JOANNE HOOVER, ROBERT WALLACE, GERARDO HEISS, and BASH RIFKIND. We studied 374 women taking oral contraceptives, 284 women taking estrogen preparations after menopause, and 1086 women taking no hormones, to determine the relation of plasma lipids and lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations to various types of estrogen/progestin formulations. Premenopausal women using oral contraceptives containing a relatively low dose of estrogen combined with a medium or high dose of progestin (Norlestrin, Ovral, or Demulen) had a 24 per cent higher median concentration of low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol than did those not using hormones (P < 0.05). Women using oral contraceptives that are high in estrogen and low in progestin (Envoid or Oracon) had significantly higher concentrations of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol than did nonusers; those using Ovral, a low-estrogen and high-progestin formulation, had significantly lower levels of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. In postmenopausal women the use of estrogen was associated with concentrations of low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol that were 11 to 19 per cent below the levels in postmenopausal women who did not use hormones. The effects of estrogen-progestin balance on low-density and high-density lipoproteins may underlie the increased incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction in women of childbearing age who take oral contraceptives. (New England Journal of Medicine 1983;308:862–7.)     

Relationship between vitamin D receptor BsmI and FokI polymorphisms and anthropometric and biochemical parameters describing metabolic syndrome

Introduction.?It was found that vitamin D may have a direct effect on adipocyte differentiation and metabolism and might be involved in the glucose regulation of insulin secretion, as suggested from the discovery of a nuclear localization of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ in pancreatic islets. In recent years, several polymorphisms in the VDR gene which are able to alter the activity of VDR protein have been described. The BsmI and FokI polymorphisms were described in relation to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The aim of the study was to find whether there are associations between BsmI and FokI polymorphisms and anthropometric (BMI, WHR, BP) and biochemical parameters describing metabolic syndrome.

Materials and methods.?Studied were 176 randomly selected men aged 25–65 years (mean: 51.99 years) with a mean BMI of 28.06 kg/m². Two polymorphisms of the VDR gene (FokI and BsmI) were explored using the PCR-RFLP method. Serum glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and TG were measured using commercially available kits.

Results.?It was found that BB carriers tend to have higher BMI (29.00 ± 3.74 versus 26.81 ± 3.76, p = 0.024) and waist circumference (101.79 ± 10.59 versus 96.23 ± 10.35, p = 0.014) compared with the bb genotypes. Similarly, FF and Ff carriers had higher fasting insulin levels than the ff genotypes (12.30 ± 10.26 versus 9.76 ± 5.88, p = 0.001 and 9.76 ± 5.88 vs. 6.35 ± 2.64, p = 0.008), and lover cHDL levels in comparison to ff genotypes (52.28 ± 10.02 versus 60.63 ± 16.58, p = 0.015 and 53.70 ± 12.03 versus 60.63 ± 16.58, p = 0.032. Besides these, no significant differences were found.

Conclusions.?The BsmI VDR polymorphism seems to influence BMI, while the FokI VDR polymorphism appears to affect insulin sensitivity and serum cHDL level.     

Congress Calendar

Aging is a complex process modulated by multiple interactions between environmental and genetic factors. Myotonic dystrophy (DM 1) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by an unstable (CTG)_n repeat expansion in the DM1 protein kinase (DMPK) gene. The affected male patients' life expectancy at birth (53.2 years) is more than two decades below that observed in most occidental populations. The DMPK gene expression is pleiotropic and includes the premature expression of several agerelated signs, symptoms and metabolic disturbances including hormonal dysfunctions, progressive decrease in muscular mass, presenile cataracts, alopecia, reduced alertness, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, erectile dysfunction and hypogonadism. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between aging covariates and the severity of DM1 expression in 136 DM1 male subjects. DM1 clinical expression was assessed on a validated neuromuscular disability rating scale and was correlated with plasma total testosterone (r_s = -0.31, p < 0.001), luteinizing hormone (LH) (r_s = 0.52, p < 0.001) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (r_s = 0.54, p < 0.001) levels. Following LH releasing hormone stimulation, FSH and LH concentrations increased as a function of DM1 severity (p < 0.05). Muscular disability in DM1 was also positively associated with fasting plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations (p < 0.05). The association of plasma apolipoprotein B and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with DM1 was not linear across their distribution and tended to reflect cell membrane damage progression. These results suggest that DM1, a simple M endelian trait, can represent a valuable model to illustrate the complex relationships between variables associated with male aging.     

Insulin resistance,oxidative stress markers and the blood antioxidant system in overweight elderly men

The purpose of the study was to examine in the blood of overweight men aged from 62 to 83 years, the relationships between age and insulin resistance, selected parameters of the oxidative stress, and the antioxidant defense system. The population studied was divided into two groups: the group ‘young-old’ consisted of men aged 62 to 74 years old, and the group ‘old-old’– of men aged between 75 and 83 years. The total antioxidative status (TAS) and concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in the blood plasma. In the serum samples, the levels of antibodies against oxidized LDL (oLAB), glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin were measured. Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA_IR) was calculated. Concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) were determined in the red blood cells hemolysate. The results of the study did not show significant differences between groups investigated with respect to concentrations of TBARS, TAS, GSH and GPx. However, significantly higher concentrations of glucose and antibodies against oxLDL (p < 0.05) were observed in the group of men over 74 years old in comparison to the group of ‘young-old’ men. It was indicated that the increased insulin resistance and hyperglycemia in elderly men are related to body mass and that they cause intensified oxidative modifications of LDL.     

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and the menopause: an update

Since we last reviewed this topic in 2001, considerably more information about dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has accrued, but this has not necessarily left us any wiser about the use of this steroid in postmenopausal women. There is no further evidence that DHEA supplementation is likely to be useful in the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cognitive impairment, or in the promotion of wellbeing. Evidence has, however, accumulated for beneficial effects of DHEA on osteoporosis, both in postmenopausal women and in patients receiving long-term glucocorticoid therapy. What is also emerging is a link between low DHEA levels and cardiovascular risk, and between high DHEA levels and breast cancer risk. In fact, the benefits and adverse effects of DHEA administration in postmenopausal women increasingly resemble those of conventional hormone replacement therapy. Overall, we conclude that DHEA is not currently to be recommended for therapeutic use in the majority of postmenopausal women. However, DHEA supplementation may be of benefit in two specific groups of women: those with the lowest circulating levels of DHEA; and those for whom osteoporosis is a particular problem.     

Senility,illness and death in Açvaghosa's ‘Buddhacări˘ta’The Feats of Buddha

Background An age-related decline in growth hormone (GH) level has been established, and this decline is associated with changes in body composition as well as a general increase in susceptibility to illness and a reduced sense of well-being. The current study, a first in Asia, sought to examine the effects of GH therapy on body composition and other endocrine and metabolic functions in a group of healthy elderly Chinese men.

Methods A total of 23 healthy elderly Chinese men, aged between 60 and 69 years, were injected subcutaneously, three times weekly, with 0.08 U/kg of recombinant GH for 6 months. Various hormones and biochemical parameters, together with percentage lean body mass and body fat, were measured before, 3 and 6 months after the start and 3 months after the cessation of GH therapy.

Results A significant increase in lean body mass, up to 9.1% over baseline values at 3 months post-therapy, and a significant decrease in body fat, up to 3.1%, were noted. GH therapy also induced variable and significant increases in levels of insulin growth factor (IGF-I), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), insulin, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and triglyceride and significant reductions in glucose and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels. No changes in testosterone, free androgen index and cholesterol were noted. A significant and independent correlation was noted between IGF-I and insulin, TSH, DHEAS, glucose and triglyceride levels.

Conclusions GH augmentation therapy was effective in improving the body composition of a group of elderly Chinese men. GH-induced positive changes in body composition in the elderly were probably a result of the direct effect of the GH. It is also possible that some of the changes were mediated through GH-induced changes in thyroid hormones, insulin, glucose, triglyceride and DHEAS. However, the mechanism of GH- induced changes in body composition remains to be defined.     

The relationship between plasma androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and testosterone), insulin,coagulation and fibrinolytic factors in men with coronary arteriosclerosis

Thrombosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction and stroke. It is known that a decrease in estradiol plasma concentration in postmenopausal women results in an increase in fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) concentrations, whereas estradiol replacement therapy decreases the plasma concentrations of these factors. In men, the risk of developing myocardial infarction is higher than in premenopausal women. However, the role of male sex hormones in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis, although the subject of many studies, has not yet been elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the plasma levels of and correlation between androgens, insulin, coagulation and fibrinolytic factors in men with coronary arteriosclerosis with and without a history of myocardial infarction. The study was carried out in a group of 109 non-obese men, aged 28-60 years, with coronary artery disease demonstrated by coronary angiography. In this group, 64 men had a history of one myocardial infarction and ten reported two or more such episodes. The control group consisted of 14 volunteers, who were healthy men aged 39-63 years with normal body weight. In men with coronary arteriosclerosis, the plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and testosterone were lower, whilst insulin, fibrinogen, PAI, PAI activity and lipoprotein(a) were higher in comparison with the group of healthy controls. We found that, in men with coronary arteriosclerosis, those with the highest incidence of infarction demonstrated the most advanced hyper-insulinism, had lower levels of DHEAS and testosterone, the highest fibrinogen plasma concentrations, as well as PAI-1, tPA and PAI activity. A positive correlation between insulin, PAI-1, tPA and fibrinogen has been shown. In conclusion, low androgen and high insulin concentrations, high PAI-1 and PAI activity, high tPA and fibrinogen concentration may be prognostic indicators of myocardial infarction in men with arteriosclerosis.     

Evaluation of sex hormone levels and some metabolic factors in men with coronary atherosclerosis

Background Because of the great controversy over the role of androgens in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, we investigated the relationship between serum sex hormone levels and angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease in men.

Material and methods We investigated 86 men aged 40–60 years, 56 with coronary artery disease and 30 healthy men, matched by age, as a control group. Body mass index and waist to hip ratio were calculated and total body fat mass and percentage of abdominal deposit were investigated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Dpx (?+?) Lunar, USA). The serum levels of sex hormones and insulin were measured using commercial radioimmunoassay and IRMA (by SHBG) kits (DPC, USA). The serum levels of lipids and glucose were assessed by means of enzymatic methods.

Results Men with coronary artery disease had lower total testosterone levels (17.01?±?6.42 vs. 19.37?±?6.58?nmol/l; p?<?0.05), testosterone/estradiol ratio (228.5?±?88.5 vs. 289.8?±?120.1; p?<?0.05) and free androgen index (FAI) (59.49?±?14.79 vs. 83.03?±?25.81; p?<?0.0001), and higher levels of estrone (49.5?±?27.7 vs. 36.6?±?12.7?pg/ml) than men in the control group. Moreover, men with coronary artery disease were more insulin-resistant than controls and had an atherogenic lipid profile. There was an inverse correlation (p?<?0.05) between testosterone level and serum level of glucose (r?=??0.29), triglycerides (r?=??0.37), body mass index (r?=??0.55), waist (r?=??0.43), total body fat mass (r?=??0.3) and fasting insulin resistance index. A significant positive association (p?<?0.05) was found between testosterone and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index and high density lipoprotein cholesterol level in serum (r?=?0.26).

Conclusions Low levels of total testosterone, testosterone/estradiol ratio and free androgen index and higher levels of estrone in men with coronary artery disease appear together with many features of metabolic syndrome and may be involved in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis.     

Relationship between testosterone serum levels and lifestyle in aging men

Objective.?The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum levels of testosterone and free testosterone to lifestyle in aging males.

Methods.?Men between 45 and 85 years were assessed regarding body mass index (BMI), nicotine and alcohol consumption, stress level, physical and social activity, and sleeping quality by a self-administered questionnaire. In parallel, serum levels of testosterone (T), free testosterone (fT), LH, FSH, DHEA-S, E2 and SHBG were obtained.

Results.?In total, 375 men with a mean age of 59.9 years (9.2 ± SD) entered this study; 25.4% and 27.4% had hypogonadal testosterone or free testosterone serum levels, respectively. Nicotine consumption (smokers had higher levels of T and fT; p < 0.01), BMI (negative correlation to T; p < 0.01) and age (negative correlation to fT; p < 0.001) correlated with serum levels of testosterone or free testosterone. Physical and social activity, nicotine and alcohol consumption, stress level and sleep quality did not show a significant association with serum androgen levels.

Conclusion.?This prospective study of 375 men aged 45 to 85 years confirms the correlation between age, BMI and smoking with serum levels of testosterone and free testosterone, whereas the investigated variety of lifestyle factors did not show a significant association to serum androgen levels.     

PEDF 5 inhibition in erectile dysfunction

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an adrenal steroid in humans, shows a certain anticarcinogenic effect in rat liver when it is administered simultaneously with strong carcinogens such as N-nitrosomorpholine (NNM). On the other hand, DHEA is an hepatocarcinogen in the rat when administered at high doses for more than 18 months. The hepatocellular tumors arise from amphophilic cell foci and exhibit a well-differentiated pheno-type. Wlien administered subsequent to NNM, DHEA acts as a tumor promoter in rat liver. Preneoplastic lesions of the glycogenotic/basophilic cell lineage induced by NNM are modulated to amphophilic lesions by DHEA. Female animals are more sensitive than males in respect of the carcinogenic and tumor-enhancing effect of DHEA. The higher sensitivity in females may be due to higher blood levels of DHEA andlor different metabolism and elimination of the drug, as compared to males. DHEA markedly induces cytochrome P450IVA, particularly in the liver of male rats. This effect may explain the rapid metabolism and elimination of the substance and the lower carcinogenicity in males. Both preneoplastic amphophilic foci and neoplasms are characterized by a strong proliferation of mitochondria. DHEA also induces peroxisome proliferation and susceptibility to lipid peroxidation in both genders. Furthermore, DHEA causes a reduction in activity and expression of key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism and of glycogen content in the liver, which may be related to modulation of hepatocarcinogenesis.     

Research of stroke combined hyperlipidemia-induced erectile dysfunction in rat model

Abstract

Objective: The study was aimed to evaluate the influences of erectile dysfunction (ED) in a rat model of stroke combined with hyperlipidemia (HLP).

Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into control and hyperlipidemia (HLP) groups. HLP model was constructed by feeding with high-fat and cholesterol diets. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), and non-HDL were identified to check the model was success. Stroke model was established by FeCl₃. ICP/MAP value was detected to evaluate the erectile function of rats. Serum level of lipoproteins and the expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected by ELISA. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining of corpus cavernosum and measurement of penis length were utilized to assessment erectile function. Western blot was used.

Results: TC, TG, LDL, and non-HDL-C in serum were up-regulated, while HDL level was attenuated. After treatment, the serum lipid level recovered. From the ICP/MAP values, the erectile function of both two treatment groups recovered. The expression of PDE5A was up-regulated, while the levels of eNOS and cGMP were suppressed after surgery. The length of penis was decreased, and corpus cavernosum was damaged following HLP and stroke. However, the erectile function was recovered after treatment.

Conclusion: Stroke combined HLP caused ED through NO-cGMP-PDE5 pathway.     

Aging, physical activity, and hormones in women--a review

Women experience significant changes in endocrine function during aging. Decreasing levels of anabolic hormones may be associated with musculoskeletal atrophy and decrease in function that is observed in older women and, as a result, there has been an increase in the use of pharmacological hormone therapies. It is difficult to distinguish, however, between physiological changes that are truly age related and those that are associated with lifestyle factors such as physical activity participation. Some research has shown that circulating levels of anabolic hormones such as DHEA(S) and IGF-I in older women are related to physical activity, muscle function, and aerobic power. Exercise-intervention studies have generally shown that increasing age blunts the acute hormonal response to exercise, although this might be explained by a lower exercise intensity in older women. There have been relatively few studies that examine hormonal adaptations to exercise training. Physical activity might have an effect on hormone action as a result of changes in protein carriers and receptors, and future research needs to clarify the effect of age and exercise on these other components of the endocrine system. The value and safety of hormone supplements must be examined, especially when used in combination with an exercise program.     

The correlation between highly sensitive C-reactive protein levels and erectile function among men with late-onset hypogonadism

We investigated the correlation between highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and erectile function, and assessed the clinical role of hs-CRP levels in men with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) syndrome. For 77 participants, we assessed Sexual Health Inventory for men (SHIM) score, Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) score and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). We also evaluated free testosterone (FT), hs-CRP, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, waist size and blood pressure. We attempted to identify parameters correlated with SHIM score and to determine the factors affecting cardiovascular risk based on hs-CRP levels. A Spearman rank correlation test revealed that age, AMS score, IPSS and hs-CRP levels were significantly correlated with SHIM score. Age-adjusted analysis revealed that hs-CRP and IPSS were the independent factors affecting SHIM score (r=??0.304 and ?0.322, respectively). Seventeen patients belonged to the moderate to high risk group for cardiovascular disease, whereas the remaining 60 belonged to the low risk group. Age, FT value and SHIM score showed significant differences between the two groups. A multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that SHIM score was an independent factor affecting cardiovascular risk (OR: 0.796; 95%CI: 0.637–0.995).