Impacts of Androgen Abuse and Overtraining on Endocrine Profile in Bodybuilders

Abuse of androgens and overtraining expose bodybuilders to multifactorial stress influences related to endocrine activity. Endocrine responses in 23 bodybuilder athletes were investigated after a strength training period, during which they were taking high doses of androgenic-anabolic steroids. Serum concentrations of TSH, T3, and T4 were unchanged significantly. Serum LH and FSH concentrations decreased dramatically (P<0.05). In addition, low mean concentration of serum testosterone was recorded, with more substantial reduction in participants of elder ages. The multiple regression model used in this analysis supported this inference. On the other hand, a positive association was observed between levels of blood lipids (total cholesterol, triglyceride) and the outcome predictor (mean serum testosterone level). The results also suggested a negative correlation between testosterone level and each of age and HDL level. The current study shows that excessive bodybuilding exercise has an impact on the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis in top-level athletes. Also, simultaneous usage of anabolic steroids induces extreme shifts in the hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal (HPGA) axis, which is reflected as changes in testosterone level, development of the overtraining syndrome, and adverse influences on hormonal control.

Erectile dysfunction and testosterone levels prior to COVID-19 disease: What is the relationship?

Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 and Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and the effect of serum testosterone level on the disease prognosis. Methods: Between April-December 2020, 70 patients who were admitted with a complaint of ED after having COVID-19 and whose serum testosterone level was checked for varicocele, premature ejaculation, and infertility reasons before COVID-19. The patients filled the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and their testosterone level was checked. The questionnaire was arranged to assess the first month before COVID-19 and after COVID-19. Testosterone levels of the patients before and after COVID-19 were compared. The relationship between testosterone levels and hospitalization in the intensive care was evaluated.Results: It was revealed that testosterone levels and IIEF-5 scores after COVID-19 in all patients were statisticaly and significantly different compared to the period before COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Testosterone levels of patients in need of intensive care were significantly higher than those without any need of intensive care (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Our study has presented that COVID-19 may cause ED and high testosterone levels increase the rate of hospitalization in the intensive care by intensifying the disease.

Study on effect of hair coat color on various reproductive attributes of Cholistani service bulls

The objective of the present study was to assess the possible effect of hair coat color on various orchidometric, seminal and andrological attributes of black-coated and brown-coated Cholistani service bulls. Adult Cholistani bulls (n= 8) were grouped as black-spotted (n= 4) and brown-spotted (n=4). Semen collection was performed once weekly (2 ejaculates/collection) using artificial vagina (AV) throughout the study period (October-May). Semen samples were evaluated for various physical attributes. Body weight and orchidometric attributes of the bulls were attained using calipers. Blood sampling was performed twice weekly and serum testosterone level was deduced through automated analyzer. The scrotal circumference, Scrotal Skin Fold Thickness and Paired Testicular Volume were significantly higher (P<0.05) in black-spotted Cholistani bulls as compared to brown-spotted bulls. Similarly, the ejaculatory volume (5.8±0.1 mL) and individual sperm motility (63.3±1.4%) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in black-spotted bulls. Percentage of live spermatozoa, and spermatozoa with normal morphology and acrosome was also higher in black-spotted bulls though statistically non-significant (P>0.05). Amongst post-thaw seminal attributes, percentage of live spermatozoa, and spermatozoa with normal morphology and acrosome were significantly higher (P<0.05) in black-spotted bulls. Similarly, serum testosterone level in black-spotted Cholistani bulls (6.9±0.3 ng/mL) was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to brown-spotted bulls (5.4±0.3 ng/mL). The black-spotted Cholistani service bulls showed substantially better orchidometric and seminal attributes allied with higher serum level of testosterone.

Protective effect of propolis against aluminum chloride-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the toxic effects of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) on the reproductive organs, as well as, the protective effect of propolis against AlCl3-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Eighty adult male fertile Sprague Dawley albino rats were randomly divided into four groups of 20 each. Group 1: served as control group and received only distilled water. Group 2: received a daily ingestion of 80 mg/kg of AlCl3. Group 3: received a daily ingestion of 200 mg/kg of an ethanol extract of propolis. Group 4: received a daily ingestion of 80 mg/kg of AlCl3 in addition to 200 mg/kg of an ethanol extract of propolis. The duration of experiment was six weeks. At the end of the experiment, the testes, seminal vesicles, prostate glands and epididymides were dissected out, and weighed. Sperm characteristics were evaluated and plasma testosterone level was estimated. There were no significant changes between the control and the propolis-treated group. AlCl3-treated group showed a highly significant decrease in the index weights of testes and prostate glands, a highly significant lower sperm count, motility and viability, a highly significant increase in the number of abnormal sperms, as well as, a highly significant decrease in serum testosterone level (p < 0.001), compared to control. Rats of AlCl3+propolis-treated group showed a highly significant improvement in all previous alterations. In conclusion, propolis appeared to ameliorate AlCl3-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

Genetically determined serum testosterone level and Covid-19 illness level: A mendelian randomization study

Background: It is hypothesized that different levels of hormones especially serum testosterone level could explain the sex differences between men and women on the susceptibility and case fatality rate of COVID-19. However, traditional observational studies that support this hypothesis could not effectively establish the causal effects. Objective: Utilizing recently published genome-wide associations studies (GWAS) on serum Testosterone level and on COVID-19 related phenotypes, we sought to assess the causality through Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses. We further applied a suite of statistical genomics methods to further explore the biological mechanisms. Results: We found that testosterone level is significantly associated with Covid-19 critical illness. All six MR methods yielded significant associations. There is no significant association between Testosterone and COVID-19 respiratory failure or COVID-19 susceptibility. Conclusion: Based on the GWAS currently available, we provide support for a causal role of Testosterone on COVID-19 critical illness. Nevertheless, we recognize that the COVID-19 susceptibility GWAS effort is still ongoing and there is no such strong locus as CCR5 for HIV discovered for COVID-19.

Reduction of Testosterone Levels in Schistosoma Haematobium or Schistosoma Mansoni Infected Men: A Cross-Sectional Study in Two Schistosomiasis-Endemic Areas of the Adamawa Region of Cameroon

Background: The incidence of schistosomiasis‐induced male reproductive dysfunction and infertility is probably underestimated comparing to female genital schistosomiasis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of S. haematobium or S. mansoni infection on the reproductive function of adult men in Tibati and Wouldé, two schistosomiasis endemic areas in the Adamawa region of Cameroon.Methods: A total of 89 men in the reproductive age (range: 14 – 56 years) from two localities were enrolled in the study with 51 in Tibati and 38 in Wouldé. Each participant was submitted to a questionnaire to document data on sociodemographic and stream contact behaviors. A medical examination was performed to measure the circumference of the testes and to evaluate genital tract pathologies. Stool and urine samples were collected and screened for the presence of S. haematobium or S. mansoni ova. Blood serum was use to evaluate the level of transaminases and testosterone.Results: S. haematobium was present only in Tibati with a prevalence of 31.37%. S. mansoni prevalence was 3.92% at Tibati and 44.71% in Wouldé. The intensity of infection was 22.12 ± 9.57 eggs/10 mL for S. haematobium and 128.10 ± 3.76 epg for S. mansoni. Serum transaminases activity and the mean testicular circumference of Schistosoma-positive individuals were close to those of negative ones. The testes size was however higher in S. mansoni-positive individuals than in S. haematobium-positive ones (P < 0.05). The serum testosterone level of S. haematobium and S. mansoni-positive men was significantly reduced by 56.07% (P < 0.001) and 51.94% (P < 0.01) respectively in comparison to that of Schistosoma-negative ones. A significant and negative correlation was established between schistosomiasis and the low level of serum testosterone. Male genital tract pathologies such as scrotal abnormalities, varicocele, nodular epididymis, inguinal hernia and hydrocele were recorded in both Schistosoma-positive and Schistosoma-negative men. However, no significant link was established between schistosomiasis infection and these pathologies.Conclusion: These results demonstrated that infection with S. haematobium or S. mansoni is associated with a low production of the reproductive hormone testosterone, and may be a major cause of male infertility.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Reproductive Health in Boys and Men

Male reproductive health has declined as indicated by increasing rates of cryptorchidism, i.e., undescended testis, poor semen quality, low serum testosterone level, and testicular cancer. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been proposed to have a role in this finding. In utero exposure to antiandrogenic EDCs, particularly at a sensitive period of fetal testicular development, the so-called ‘masculinization programming window (MPW)’, can disturb testicular development and function. Low androgen effect during the MPW can cause both short- and long-term reproductive disorders. A concurrent exposure to EDCs may also affect testicular function or damage testicular cells. Evidence from animal studies supports the role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in development of male reproductive disorders. However, evidence from epidemiological studies is relatively mixed. In this article, we review the current literature that evaluated relationship between prenatal EDC exposures and anogenital distance, cryptorchidism, and congenital penile abnormality called hypospadias. We review also studies on the association between early life and postnatal EDC exposure and semen quality, hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormone levels and testicular cancer.

Effect of Cinnamon Bark Oil on Leydig Cell Count and Morphology along with Serum Testosterone Levels in Rats after Cadmium Induced Testicular Toxicity

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that causes number of health issues. Purpose: To demonstrate the effect of cinnamon bark oil on Leydig cell count and morphology with measurement of serum testosterone levels. Study Design: Experimental study. Methodology: Healthy male wistar rats (n=30) were taken and divided into 3 groups with n= 10. Group A functioned as control. Cadmium chloride was administered to the rats to induce testicular toxicity in group B. Group C was the treatment group. Animals were euthanized on day 15. Leydig cell count and morphology was done after haematoxylin and eosin staining of the testicular tissue sections. Serum testosterone level was done by ELISA. Statistical analysis: Data analyzed by SPSS 22.0v. Results: Cadmium chloride was observed to significantly reduce leydig cell counts and serum testosterone levels in group B. No significant effect was observed on the morphology of the leydig cells. Cinnamon bark oil significantly improved the leydig cell count. Serum testosterone levels were observed to increase after the cinnamon bark oil administration. Conclusion: This study clearly showed that cinnamon bark oil has protective effect on the cadmium induced testicular toxicity. Key Words: Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay, High Density Lipoprotein, Cinnamon Bark Oil and Optical Density.

Pharmacological evaluation of Vrishya karma (Aphrodisiac activity) of Whole plant of Lavandula bipinnata (Roth) Kuntze

Background: Lavandula bipinnata Roth. of family Lamiaceae known as Kamaraja in Odisha is an erect, strongly fragrant, annual herb with multifaceted ethno medicinal claims to treat, poisons, tooth ache, anxiety, depression, headache, cold and sexual disorder etc. Aim: To study the effect of whole plant of Lavandula bipinnata for its aphrodisiac activity in albino rats. Material Methods: The sexually active male rats were chosen separately and divided into 2 groups; each group consisting of 6 animals and the study was carried by using the suitable animal experimental model. The data generated during the study were analyzed by employing Student’s‘t’ test for paired and unpaired data as applicable to determine significant difference between groups at P<0.05. Results: Lavandula bipinnata showed significant increase in weight of rats in comparison with initial weight. Test drug provided significant increase in mounting frequency, licking, chasing, genital sniffing, in comparison to control group and non-significant increase in mounting latency and serum testosterone level. Conclusion: Lavandula bipinnata whole plant possess significant aphrodisiac activity in test rat model and confirms its traditional claim as an aphrodisiac.