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Aitken RJ. Male reproductive ageing: a radical road to ruin. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1861-1871. [PMID: 37568254 PMCID: PMC10546083 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In modern post-transition societies, we are reproducing later and living longer. While the impact of age on female reproductive function has been well studied, much less is known about the intersection of age and male reproduction. Our current understanding is that advancing age brings forth a progressive decline in male fertility accompanied by a reduction in circulating testosterone levels and the appearance of age-dependent reproductive pathologies including benign prostatic hypertrophy and erectile dysfunction. Paternal ageing is also associated with a profound increase in sperm DNA damage, the appearance of multiple epigenetic changes in the germ line and an elevated mutational load in the offspring. The net result of such changes is an increase in the disease burden carried by the progeny of ageing males, including dominant genetic diseases such as Apert syndrome and achondroplasia, as well as neuropsychiatric conditions including autism and spontaneous schizophrenia. The genetic basis of these age-related effects appears to involve two fundamental mechanisms. The first is a positive selection mechanism whereby stem cells containing mutations in a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway gain a selective advantage over their non-mutant counterparts and exhibit significant clonal expansion with the passage of time. The second is dependent on an age-dependent increase in oxidative stress which impairs the steroidogenic capacity of the Leydig cells, disrupts the ability of Sertoli cells to support the normal differentiation of germ cells, and disrupts the functional and genetic integrity of spermatozoa. Given the central importance of oxidative stress in defining the impact of chronological age on male reproduction, there may be a role for antioxidants in the clinical management of this process. While animal studies are supportive of this strategy, carefully designed clinical trials are now needed if we are to realize the therapeutic potential of this approach in a clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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2
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Ide H, Akehi Y, Fukuhara S, Ohira S, Ogawa S, Kataoka T, Kumagai H, Kobayashi K, Komiya A, Shigehara K, Syuto T, Soh J, Tanabe M, Taniguchi H, Chiba K, Matsushita K, Mitsui Y, Yoneyama T, Shirakawa T, Fujii Y, Kumano H, Ueshiba H, Amano T, Sasaki H, Maeda S, Mizokami A, Suzuki K, Horie S. Summary of the clinical practice manual for late-onset hypogonadism. Int J Urol 2023; 30:422-430. [PMID: 36757880 DOI: 10.1111/iju.15160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone plays an important role in maintaining both physical and mental function. Age-related testosterone depletion contributes to the development of angina, arteriosclerosis, obesity, metabolic syndrome, dementia, frailty, and a range of other conditions. A condition involving age-related testosterone depletion and the associated clinical symptoms is defined as late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). LOH is treated by testosterone replacement therapy. Indications for testosterone replacement therapy are determined by evaluating symptoms and signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisamitsu Ide
- Department of Urology, Dokkyo Medical University, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yuko Akehi
- Diabetes Therapeutics and Research Center, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Fukuhara
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shin Ohira
- Department of Urology, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Sumito Ogawa
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoya Kataoka
- Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kumagai
- The Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ko Kobayashi
- Department of Urology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akira Komiya
- Department of Urology, Kameda Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Shigehara
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takahiro Syuto
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Jintetu Soh
- Department of Urology, Japanese Red Cross Society Kyoto Daini, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Makito Tanabe
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hisanori Taniguchi
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Chiba
- Department of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Matsushita
- Department of Urology, Juntendo University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yozo Mitsui
- Department of Urology, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yoneyama
- Department of Advanced Transplant and Regenerative Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Aomori, Japan
| | - Tomoya Shirakawa
- Department of Urology, Juntendo University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Fujii
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kumano
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hajime Ueshiba
- Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiyasu Amano
- Department of Urology, Nagano Red Cross Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Haruaki Sasaki
- Department of Urology, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Seiji Maeda
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Atsushi Mizokami
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Suzuki
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Shigeo Horie
- Department of Urology, Juntendo University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Shin D, Jeon SH, Piao J, Park HJ, Tian WJ, Moon DG, Ahn ST, Jeon KH, Zhu GQ, Park I, Park HJ, Bae WJ, Cho HJ, Hong SH, Kim SW. Efficacy and Safety of Maca ( Lepidium meyenii) in Patients with Symptoms of Late-Onset Hypogonadism: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. World J Mens Health 2023:41.e11. [PMID: 36593713 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluated the efficacy and safety of gelatinized Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for eugonadal patients with late onset hypogonadism symptoms (LOH). MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants were instructed to receive 1,000 mg of Maca or placebo, two pills at a time, three times per day for 12 weeks before food intake. To evaluate the efficacy of the drug, Aging Males' Symptoms scale (AMS), Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Males (ADAM), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires, serologic tests (total testosterone and free testosterone, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride), body weight, and waist circumference were assessed at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS A total of 80 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to Maca treated group (n=41) or the placebo group (n=39). AMS, IIEF, and IPSS were significantly (p<0.05) improved in Maca treated group than in the placebo group. ADAM positive rate was also significantly (p<0.0001) decreased in Maca treated group. CONCLUSIONS Maca may be considered an effective and safe treatment for eugonadal patients with late onset hypogonadism symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongho Shin
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Jeon
- Catholic Integrative Medicine Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Junjie Piao
- Catholic Integrative Medicine Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Park
- Catholic Integrative Medicine Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wen Jie Tian
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Chang Chun, China
| | - Du Geon Moon
- Department of Urology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Tae Ahn
- Department of Urology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Hwa Jeon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Guan Qun Zhu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ilbum Park
- Yuhan Care Co., Ltd., Yuhan Care R&D Center, Yongin, Korea
| | - Hyun-Je Park
- Yuhan Care Co., Ltd., Yuhan Natural Product R&D Center, Andong, Korea
| | - Woong Jin Bae
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Catholic Integrative Medicine Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyuk Jin Cho
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Hoo Hong
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sae Woong Kim
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Catholic Integrative Medicine Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Green Medicine Co., Ltd, Busan, Korea.
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Shepherd A, Brunckhorst O, Ahmed K, Xu Q. Botanicals in health and disease of the testis and male fertility: A scoping review. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 106:154398. [PMID: 36049429 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male factor infertility often results from testicular disorders leading to inadequate sperm quantity and quality. Both beneficial and detrimental effects of botanical products, especially herbal medicines, on testicular functions and male fertility have been reported in the literature. PURPOSE This scoping review aims to map the main clinical evidence on different impacts of botanical entities on the testis and to critically appraise relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in the recent 5 years, so as to inform the future. METHODS Systematic reviews, meta-analyses and RCT reports on botanical impacts on testicular functions and male fertility were retrieved and synthesized from Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar up to 10th May 2022. RCTs published since 2018 were critically appraised against good practice guidelines for RCT and for reporting herbal studies. RESULTS We identified 24 systematic reviews and meta-analyses published since 2005, by authors from Iran (25%), China (21%), USA (12.5%) and 9 other countries. All but two were published in English. Only 3 systematic review protocols were identified, all published in English from China in the recent 3 years. We identified 125 RCTs published in six languages, mainly English (55%) and Chinese (42%). They were published since 1994 from 23 countries on all the six inhabitable continents, with China (46%), Australia (8%), USA (8%), India (7%) and Iran (5%) being the leading contributors. 72% and 28% RCTs published in English were on efficacy (botanicals vs placebo) and comparative effectiveness (a botanical vs other treatments), respectively. In contrast, 98% RCT reports in Chinese were on comparative effectiveness, with merely 2% on efficacy. Among all the 125 RCTs, 57% were studies in patients with semen abnormality and/or male infertility, 22% investigated herbal effects in healthy men, 14% were on patients with male sexual dysfunction and hypogonadism, and 7% were conducted in men with non-sexual disorders. Since 2018, 32 RCTs have been published, in English (69%) or Chinese (31%). Nineteen RCT reports from China, India, Japan and Korea all studied herbal formulae while the 13 RCT reports from Australia, Brazil, Czech and Italy, Iran, Malaysia, Spain, the UK and the USA all exclusively studied extracts of a single species. Putting geo-cultural differences aside, gossypol and extracts of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. were found to be detrimental to the testis and male fertility, while the extracts of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal and traditional Chinese medicine Qilin Pill, etc., might improve testosterone levels and semen parameters, thus could be therapeutic for male sexual dysfunction and infertility. However, all still require further evaluation in view of recurring weaknesses in quality control of herbal materials, RCT design and reporting. For example, only 9%-23% of the RCTs published since 2018 provided information on voucher samples, chemical profiling, herbal authentication and herbal extraction. CONCLUSION Research on botanicals and the testis has been reported worldwide, demonstrating clear geo-cultural differences in studied plant species, botanical types, study objectives and quality of research design, implementation and reporting. Due to a few recurring weaknesses in the literature, this study is unable to recommend the use of any specific botanicals, however, current evidence does indicate that botanicals can be double-edged swords to the testis and male fertility. To secure better clinical evidence, future studies must faithfully implement existing and emerging good practice guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Shepherd
- GKT School of Medical Education, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Brunckhorst
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Guy's Hospital Campus, King's College London, King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kamran Ahmed
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Guy's Hospital Campus, King's College London, King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom; Department of Urology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Qihe Xu
- Renal Sciences and Integrative Chinese Medicine Laboratory, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Krzastek SC, Smith RP. Non-testosterone management of male hypogonadism: an examination of the existing literature. Transl Androl Urol 2020; 9:S160-S170. [PMID: 32257856 PMCID: PMC7108991 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.11.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone deficiency is defined as a total testosterone level <300 ng/dL confirmed on two early morning lab draws. Testosterone therapy has historically been offered to men with symptomatic testosterone deficiency in the form of injections, gels, or pellets. However, these treatments are invasive or have undesirable effects including the risk of drug transference. Additionally, testosterone therapy has been associated with increases in hematocrit and controversy remains regarding the risk of cardiovascular and thromboembolic events while on testosterone therapy. As such, much interest has recently been focused on alternative treatment options for testosterone deficiency in the form of orally-administered medications with more favorable side effect profiles. Lifestyle modifications and varicocelectomy have been shown to raise endogenous testosterone production. Similarly, SERMs and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been shown to raise testosterone levels safely and effectively. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) remains the only FDA-approved non-testosterone treatment option for testosterone deficiency in men. However, this medication is expensive and requires patient-administered injections. Over the counter herbal supplements and designer steroids remain available though they are poorly studied and are associated with the potential for abuse as well as increased hepatic and cardiovascular risks. This review aims to discuss the existing treatment alternatives to traditional testosterone therapy, including efficacy, safety, and side effects of these options. The authors suggest that the SERM clomiphene citrate (CC) holds the greatest promise as a non-testosterone treatment option for testosterone deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Krzastek
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ryan P Smith
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Oh E, Kim U, Lee BJ, Moon C. Multivariate Statistical Optimization of Tablet Formulations Incorporating High Doses of a Dry Herbal Extract. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:pharmaceutics11020079. [PMID: 30781880 PMCID: PMC6409561 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11020079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of oral tablet formulation for herbal medicines has been restricted by large drug loadings and the poor physicochemical and mechanical properties of dry herbal extracts (DHEs). Herein, statistical experimental designs were applied to herbal tablet formulation development and optimization using Wuzi Yanzong dry extract (WYE). The tablet disintegration time and hardness were identified as the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of the product. The tablet formulation was designed to achieve a high drug loading (50% or higher of WYE), shorter tablet disintegration time (less than 30 minutes), and suitable hardness (6.0 to 7.5 kp). A D-optimal mixture design was used to evaluate the effects of excipients on CQAs to minimize the risk compression failure and improve the tabletability in formulations containing WYE at 50% and 65% by weight. A partial least squares model was used to elucidate the multivariate relationships between a large number of formulation variables and product CQAs, and determine the maximum possible WYE loading. From overlaid plots of the effects of formulation variables on CQAs, it was found that a maximum WYE loading of 67% in tablet formulation satisfied the acceptance criteria of CQAs. In conclusion, this study shows that multivariate statistical tools are useful for developing tablet formulations containing high doses of herbal extracts and establishing control strategies that ensure product quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euichaul Oh
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Korea.
| | - Uijung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Korea.
| | - Beom-Jin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea.
| | - Cheol Moon
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea.
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