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Ozturk Öztürk DA, Erden Y, Tekin S. Central MOTS-c infusion affects reproductive hormones in obese and non-obese rats. Neurosci Lett 2024; 826:137722. [PMID: 38462167 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
MOTS-c, a mitochondrial-derived peptide, acts as a systemic hormone and MOTS-c level is inversely correlated with markers of obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for male reproductive physiology and is expressed as an important cause of infertility. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of MOTS-c, which has been proven in the hypothalamus and testicles, on the actors involved in the reproductive axis. In the study, 80 male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into two main groups, obese and non-obese (n = 40). Rats in the first main group were fed with fatty diet feed and obesity was induced. The second main group was fed with normal diet feed. Each main group was divided into 4 subgroups (Control, Sham, 10 and 100 µM MOTS-c). The lateral ventricles of the animals in the treatment groups were infused with 10 and 100 µM MOTS-c (solvent in Sham group) for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, hypothalamic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) gene expression level, serum testosterone, Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were determined. MOTS-c infusion caused an increase in GnRH mRNA, protein expression levels and serum testosterone, LH and FSH levels in obese and non-obese rats (p < 0.05). MOTS-c administration more significantly upregulated hormone levels in non-obese rats (p < 0.05). MOTS-c administration increases these hormones, suggesting that MOTS-c may stimulate the reproductive axis. Our results reveal that MOTS-c plays a role in the central regulation of reproduction, as well as causes increased LH, FSH and testosterone release.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yavuz Erden
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Bartin University, Bartin, Turkey.
| | - Suat Tekin
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey.
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2
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Smith SJ, Bekele D, Lopresti AL, Fairchild TJ. Examining the associations between testosterone and biomarkers as men age. Am J Hum Biol 2023; 35:e23942. [PMID: 37341438 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Testosterone concentrations in men decline with advancing age. However, the cause of the decline is yet to be fully elucidated. Therefore, the aims of this study were to examine the associations between chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with total testosterone (TT) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), using a large nationally-representative data set (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; NHANES). METHODS NHANES is a cross-sectional survey, physical examination, and laboratory evaluation of a nationally-representative sample of a non-institutionalized United States population. Male participants aged ≥18 years during the NHANES 2013-2014 and NHANES 2015-2016 survey periods were selected for this analysis. The analysis included the following data: body mass index (BMI), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin, glucose, and age. RESULTS An overweight or obese condition was significantly inversely associated with TT and SHBG, even after adjusting for other variables. Several variables associated with T2DM (OGTT, HOMA-IR, insulin, and glucose) were also inversely associated with TT; however, only the associations between OGTT and insulin with TT remained significant after adjusting for the other variables. Insulin and HOMA-IR levels were significantly inversely associated with SHBG; however, only the association between SHBG and pre-diabetic HOMA-IR levels remained significant after adjusting for the other variables. OGTT became significantly associated with SHBG after adjusting for the other variables. Age was significantly inversely associated with TT, but positively associated with SHBG, even after adjusting for other variables. CONCLUSION The results of the present study, which is the largest to date, indicate that a marker of obesity, BMI, and some markers of T2DM are both independently and significantly inversely associated with TT and SHBG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Smith
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Daniel Bekele
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Adrian L Lopresti
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy J Fairchild
- The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Male Sex Hormones, Metabolic Syndrome, and Aquaporins: A Triad of Players in Male (in)Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031960. [PMID: 36768282 PMCID: PMC9915845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is becoming a chronic and emerging problem in the world. There is a resistant stigma that this health condition is mostly due to the female, although the literature supports that the responsibility for the onset of infertility is equally shared between both sexes in more or less equal proportions. Nevertheless, male sex hormones, particularly testosterone (T), are key players in male-related infertility. Indeed, hypogonadism, which is also characterized by changes in T levels, is one of the most common causes of male infertility and its incidence has been interconnected to the increased prevalence of metabolic diseases. Recent data also highlight the role of aquaporin (AQP)-mediated water and solute diffusion and the metabolic homeostasis in testicular cells suggesting a strong correlation between AQPs function, metabolism of testicular cells, and infertility. Indeed, recent studies showed that both metabolic and sexual hormone concentrations can change the expression pattern and function of AQPs. Herein, we review up-to-date information on the involvement of AQP-mediated function and permeability in men with metabolic syndrome and testosterone deficit, highlighting the putative mechanisms that show an interaction between sex hormones, AQPs, and metabolic syndrome that may contribute to male infertility.
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Ketchem JM, Bowman EJ, Isales CM. Male sex hormones, aging, and inflammation. Biogerontology 2023; 24:1-25. [PMID: 36596999 PMCID: PMC9810526 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-022-10002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Adequate levels of androgens (eugonadism), and specifically testosterone, are vital compounds for male quality of life, longevity, and positive health outcomes. Testosterone exerts its effects by binding to the androgen receptor, which is expressed in numerous tissues throughout the body. Significant research has been conducted on the impact of this steroid hormone on skeletal, muscle and adipose tissues and on the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems. Testosterone levels have also been studied in relation to the impact of diseases, aging, nutrition and the environment on its circulating levels. Conversely, the impact of testosterone on health has also been evaluated with respect to its cardiac and vascular protective effects, body composition, autoimmunity and all-cause mortality. The male aging process results in decreasing testosterone levels over time. The exact mechanisms and impact of these changes in testosterone levels with age on health- and life-span are still not completely clear. Further research is needed to determine the optimal testosterone and androgen levels to protect from chronic age-related conditions such as frailty and osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M. Ketchem
- grid.410427.40000 0001 2284 9329Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
| | | | - Carlos M. Isales
- grid.410427.40000 0001 2284 9329Departments of Medicine, Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
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Abstract
Sleep serves important biological functions, and influences health and longevity through endocrine and metabolic related systems. Sleep debt, circadian misalignment and sleep disruption from obstructive sleep apnea is widespread in modern society and accumulates with life because recovery sleep is not completely restorative. Accumulated disordered sleep throughout life impacts the ageing process and the development of age-related diseases. When epidemiological and interventional studies are considered collectively, sleep loss and lower sleep duration are associated with lower morning, afternoon and 24-h testosterone; as well as higher afternoon, but not morning or 24-h cortisol. These reciprocal changes imbalances anabolic-catabolic signaling because testosterone and cortisol are respectively the main anabolic and catabolic signals in man. Fixing testosterone-cortisol balance by means of a novel dual-hormone clamp mitigates the induction of insulin resistance by sleep restriction and provided the first proof-of-concept that the metabolic harm from sleep loss can be ameliorated by approaches that do not require sleeping more. Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with lower testosterone, even after controlling for age and obesity whereas the conclusion that continuous positive airway pressure therapy has no effect on testosterone is premature because available studies are underpowered and better-quality studies suggest otherwise. High dose testosterone therapy induces OSA, but more physiological dosing may not; and this effect may be transient or may dissipate with longer term therapy. Studies investigating the origin of the diurnal testosterone rhythm, the effect of circadian misalignment on testosterone-cortisol balance, and methods to mitigate metabolic harm, are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Y Liu
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Harbor UCLA Medical Center and The Lundquist Institute, 1124 W Carson St., Box 446, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA.
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Radha T Reddy
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Harbor UCLA Medical Center and The Lundquist Institute, 1124 W Carson St., Box 446, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
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Carrageta DF, Guerra-Carvalho B, Spadella MA, Yeste M, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Animal models of male reproductive ageing to study testosterone production and spermatogenesis. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:1341-1360. [PMID: 35604584 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09726-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ageing is the time-dependent gradual decline of the functional characteristics in an organism. It has been shown that it results in the loss of reproductive health and fertility. The age-dependent decline of fertility is a potential issue as the parenthood age is increasing in Western countries, mostly due to socioeconomic factors. In comparison to women, for whom the consequences of ageing are well documented and general awareness of the population is extensively raised, the effects of ageing for male fertility and the consequences of advanced paternal age for the offspring have not been widely studied. Studies with humans are welcome but it is hard to implement relevant experimental approaches to unveil the molecular mechanisms by which ageing affects male reproductive potential. Animal models have thus been extensively used. These models are advantageous due to their reduced costs, general easy maintenance in laboratory facilities, rigorous manipulation tools, short lifespan, known genetic backgrounds, and reduced ethical constraints. Herein, we discuss animal models for the study of male reproductive ageing. The most well-known and studied reproductive ageing models are rodents and non-human primates. The data collected from these models, particularly studies on testicular ageing, steroidogenesis, and genetic and epigenetic changes in spermatogenesis are detailed. Notably, some species challenge the currently accepted ageing theories and the concept of senescence itself, which renders them interesting animal models for the study of male reproductive ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Carrageta
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Guerra-Carvalho
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Chemistry, QOPNA & LAQV, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry, QOPNA & LAQV, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.
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Anawalt BD, Matsumoto AM. Aging and androgens: Physiology and clinical implications. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:1123-1137. [PMID: 36459352 PMCID: PMC10370404 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09765-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In men > ~35 years, aging is associated with perturbations in the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis and declining serum testosterone concentrations. The major changes are decreased gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) outflow and decreased Leydig cell responsivity to stimulation by luteinizing hormone (LH). These physiologic changes increase the prevalence of biochemical secondary hypogonadism-a low serum testosterone concentration without an elevated serum LH concentration. Obesity, medications such as opioids or corticosteroids, and systemic disease further reduce GnRH and LH secretion and might result in biochemical or clinical secondary hypogonadism. Biochemical secondary hypogonadism related to aging often remits with weight reduction and avoidance or treatment of other factors that suppress GnRH and LH secretion. Starting at age ~65-70, progressive Leydig cell dysfunction increases the prevalence of biochemical primary hypogonadism-a low serum testosterone concentration with an elevated serum LH concentration. Unlike biochemical secondary hypogonadism in older men, biochemical primary hypogonadism is generally irreversible. The evaluation of low serum testosterone concentrations in older men requires a careful assessment for symptoms, signs and causes of male hypogonadism. In older men with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30, biochemical secondary hypogonadism and without an identifiable cause of hypothalamus or pituitary pathology, weight reduction and improvement of overall health might reverse biochemical hypogonadism. For older men with biochemical primary hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy might be beneficial. Because aging is associated with decreased metabolism of testosterone and increased tissue-specific androgen sensitivity, lower dosages of testosterone replacement therapy are often effective and safer in older men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Avenue, Box 356420, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Alvin M Matsumoto
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Avenue, Box 356420, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 South Columbian Way (S-182-GRECC), Seattle, WA, 98118, USA
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Zeng JY, Miao Y, Liu C, Deng YL, Chen PP, Zhang M, Cui FP, Shi T, Lu TT, Liu CJ, Zeng Q. Serum multiple organochlorine pesticides in relation to testosterone concentrations among Chinese men from an infertility clinic. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134469. [PMID: 35367495 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals and may alter male reproductive hormone concentrations. OBJECTIVE To explore the associations between multiple OCP exposures and serum testosterone concentrations among Chinese men. METHODS We investigated 421 men who provided serum samples from an infertility clinic in Wuhan, China. Each man completed a questionnaire concerning demographic characteristics and lifestyle habits. Serum concentrations of 18 OCPs and total testosterone were measured. Linear regression models were used to explore whether serum OCP levels were associated with altered testosterone concentrations, and potential effect modifications by age and body mass index (BMI) were also examined. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, elevated dieldrin and p,p'-DDD levels had monotonically negative and positive exposure-response associations with testosterone concentrations, respectively (-30.98 ng/dL, 95% CI: -72.34, 10.37; P for trend = 0.12 and 41.31 ng/dL, 95% CI: -0.32, 82.93; P for trend = 0.06 for the highest vs. non-detectable exposure category, respectively). After stratification by age and BMI, dieldrin in relation to decreased testosterone concentrations was more pronounced among men aged <30 years old, and p,p'-DDD in relation to increased testosterone concentrations was stronger among men aged ≥30 years old and among men with a BMI <24 kg/m2, though the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION The study found evidence that serum dieldrin and p,p'-DDD concentrations might be associated with altered serum testosterone concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yue Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yu Miao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yan-Ling Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Pan-Pan Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Fei-Peng Cui
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Tian Shi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ting-Ting Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chang-Jiang Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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van der Spoel E, Roelfsema F, van Heemst D. Relationships Between 24-hour LH and Testosterone Concentrations and With Other Pituitary Hormones in Healthy Older Men. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab075. [PMID: 34337275 PMCID: PMC8315483 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the relationship between LH and testosterone (T), which characteristics associate with the strength of this relationship, and their interrelationships with GH, TSH, cortisol, and ACTH. Design Hormones were measured in serum samples collected every 10 minutes during 24 hours from 20 healthy men, comprising 10 offspring of long-lived families and 10 control subjects, with a mean (SD) age of 65.6 (5.3) years. We performed cross-correlation analyses to assess the relative strength between 2 timeseries for all possible time shifts. Results Mean (95% CI) maximal correlation was 0.21 (0.10-0.31) at lag time of 60 minutes between LH and total T concentrations. Results were comparable for calculated free, bioavailable, or secretion rates of T. Men with strong LH-T cross-correlations had, compared with men with no cross-correlation, lower fat mass (18.5 [14.9-19.7] vs. 22.3 [18.4-29.4] kg), waist circumference (93.6 [5.7] vs. 103.1 [12.0] cm), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (0.7 [0.4-1.3] vs. 1.8 [0.8-12.3] mg/L), IL-6 (0.8 [0.6-1.0] vs. 1.2 [0.9-3.0] pg/mL), and 24-hour mean LH (4.3 [2.0] vs. 6.1 [1.5] U/L), and stronger LH-T feedforward synchrony (1.5 [0.3] vs. 1.9 [0.2]). Furthermore, T was positively cross-correlated with TSH (0.32 [0.21-0.43]), cortisol (0.26 [0.19-0.33]), and ACTH (0.26 [0.19-0.32]). Conclusions LH is followed by T with a delay of 60 minutes in healthy older men. Men with a strong LH-T relationship had more favorable body composition, inflammatory markers, LH levels, and LH-T feedforward synchrony. We observed positive correlations between T and TSH, cortisol, and ACTH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evie van der Spoel
- Section Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ferdinand Roelfsema
- Section Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Diana van Heemst
- Section Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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10
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Liu PY, Takahashi PY, Yang RJ, Iranmanesh A, Veldhuis JD. Age and time-of-day differences in the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular, and adrenal, response to total overnight sleep deprivation. Sleep 2021; 43:5717179. [PMID: 31993665 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES In young men, sleep restriction decreases testosterone (Te) and increases afternoon cortisol (F), leading to anabolic-catabolic imbalance, insulin resistance, and other andrological health consequences. Age-related differences in the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular/adrenal response to sleep restriction could expose older individuals to greater or lesser risk. We aimed to evaluate and compare the 24-h and time-of-day effect of sleep restriction on F, luteinizing hormone (LH), and Te in young and older men. METHODS Thirty-five healthy men, aged 18-30 (n = 17) and 60-80 (n =18) years, underwent overnight sleep deprivation (complete nighttime wakefulness) or nighttime sleep (10 pm to 6 am) with concurrent 10-min blood sampling in a prospectively randomized crossover study. F, LH, and Te secretion were calculated by deconvolution analysis. RESULTS Sleep deprivation had multiple effects on 24-h Te secretion with significant reductions in mean concentrations, basal, total and pulsatile secretion, and pulse frequency (each p < 0.05), in the absence of detectable changes in LH. These effects were most apparent in older men and differed according to age for some parameters: pulsatile Te secretion (p = 0.03) and Te pulse frequency (p = 0.02). Time-of-day analyses revealed that sleep restriction significantly reduced Te in the morning and afternoon, reduced LH in the morning in both age groups, and increased F in the afternoon in older men. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest a time-of-day dependent uncoupling of the regulatory control of the testicular axis and of F secretion. Future studies will need to directly verify these regulatory possibilities specifically and separately in young and older men. CLINICAL TRIAL Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Y Liu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Paul Y Takahashi
- Department of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Rebecca J Yang
- Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Center for Translational Science Activities, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Ali Iranmanesh
- Endocrine Service, Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salem, VA
| | - Johannes D Veldhuis
- Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Center for Translational Science Activities, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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11
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Braga PC, Pereira SC, Ribeiro JC, Sousa M, Monteiro MP, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Late-onset hypogonadism and lifestyle-related metabolic disorders. Andrology 2020; 8:1530-1538. [PMID: 31991053 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is a condition defined by low levels of testosterone (T), occurring in advanced age. LOH is promoted by senescence, which, in turn, has negative effects on male fertility. Interestingly, the impact of metabolic disorders on the male reproductive system has been the topic of several studies, but the association with LOH is still debatable. OBJECTIVES Herein, we discuss the hypothesis that the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities potentiates the effects of LOH on the male reproductive system, affecting the reproductive potential of those individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS We analyzed the bibliography available, until June 2019, about LOH in relation to metabolic and hormonal dysregulation, sperm quality profiles and assisted-reproduction treatment outcomes. RESULTS LOH affects the hypothalamic-pituitary testis (HPT) axis. Additionally, metabolic disorders can also induce T deficiency, which is reflected in decreased male fertility, highlighting a possible connection. Indeed, T replacement therapy (TRT) is widely used to restore T levels. Although this therapy is unable to reverse all deleterious effects promoted by LOH on male reproductive function, it can improve metabolic and reproductive health. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Emerging new evidence suggests that metabolic disorders may aggravate LOH effects on the fertility potential of males in reproductive age, by enhancing T deficiency. These results clearly show that metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes, have a greater impact on causing hypogonadotropic hypogonadism than tissue senescence. Further, TRT and off-label alternatives capable of restoring T levels appear as suitable to improve LOH, while also counteracting comorbidities related with metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia C Braga
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara C Pereira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João C Ribeiro
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Centre for Reproductive Genetics Professor Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana P Monteiro
- Department of Anatomy, Endocrine, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Research, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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12
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Kaufman JM, Lapauw B, Mahmoud A, T'Sjoen G, Huhtaniemi IT. Aging and the Male Reproductive System. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:906-972. [PMID: 30888401 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This narrative review presents an overview of current knowledge on fertility and reproductive hormone changes in aging men, the factors driving and modulating these changes, their clinical consequences, and the benefits and risks of testosterone (T) therapy. Aging is accompanied by moderate decline of gamete quality and fertility. Population mean levels show a mild total T decline, an SHBG increase, a steeper free T decline, and a moderate LH increase with important contribution of comorbidities (e.g., obesity) to these changes. Sexual symptoms and lower hematocrit are associated with low T and are partly responsive to T therapy. The relationship of serum T with body composition and metabolic health is bidirectional; limited beneficial effects of T therapy on body composition have only marginal effects on metabolic health and physical function. Skeletal changes are associated primarily with estradiol and SHBG. Cognitive decline is not consistently linked to low T and is not improved by T therapy. Although limited evidence links moderate androgen decline with depressive symptoms, T therapy has small beneficial effects on mood, depressive symptoms, and vitality in elderly patients with low T. Suboptimal T (and/or DHT) has been associated with increased risk of stroke, but not of ischemic heart disease, whereas an association with mortality probably reflects that low T is a marker of poor health. Globally, neither severity of clinical consequences attributable to low T nor the nature and magnitude of beneficial treatment effects justify the concept of some broadly applied "T replacement therapy" in older men with low T. Moreover, long-term safety of T therapy is not established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Kaufman
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno Lapauw
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ahmed Mahmoud
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy T'Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilpo Tapani Huhtaniemi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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13
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Karakas SE, Surampudi P. New Biomarkers to Evaluate Hyperandrogenemic Women and Hypogonadal Men. Adv Clin Chem 2018; 86:71-125. [PMID: 30144842 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Androgens can have variable effects on men and women. Women may be evaluated for androgen excess for several reasons. Typically, young premenopausal women present with clinical symptoms of hirsutism, alopecia, irregular menses, and/or infertility. The most common cause of these symptoms is polycystic ovary syndrome. After menopause, even though ovaries stop producing estrogen, they continue to produce androgen, and women can have new onset of hirsutism and alopecia. Laboratory evaluation involves measurement of the major ovarian and adrenal androgens. In women, age, phase of the menstrual cycle, menopausal status, obesity, metabolic health, and sex hormone-binding proteins significantly affect total-androgen levels and complicate interpretation. This review will summarize the clinically relevant evaluation of hyperandrogenemia at different life stages in women and highlight pitfalls associated with interpretation of commonly used hormone measurements. Hypogonadism in men is a clinical syndrome characterized by low testosterone and/or low sperm count. Symptoms of hypogonadism include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased vitality, decreased muscle mass, increased adiposity, depressed mood, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Hypogonadism is a common disorder in aging men. Hypogonadism is observed rarely in young boys and adolescent men. Based on the defects in testes, hypothalamus, and/or pituitary glands, hypogonadism can be broadly classified as primary, secondary, and mixed hypogonadism. Diagnosis of hypogonadism in men is based on symptoms and laboratory measurement. Biomarkers in use/development for hypogonadism are classified as hormonal, Leydig and Sertoli cell function, semen, genetic/RNA, metabolic, microbiome, and muscle mass-related. These biomarkers are useful for diagnosis of hypogonadism, determination of the type of hypogonadism, identification of the underlying causes, and therapeutic assessment. Measurement of serum testosterone is usually the most important single diagnostic test for male hypogonadism. Patients with primary hypogonadism have low testosterone and increased luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Patients with secondary hypogonadism have low testosterone and low or inappropriately normal LH and FSH. This review provides an overview of hypogonadism in men and a detailed discussion of biomarkers currently in use and in development for diagnosis thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidika E Karakas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Prasanth Surampudi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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14
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Grossmann M. Hypogonadism and male obesity: Focus on unresolved questions. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2018; 89:11-21. [PMID: 29683196 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Obesity, increasing in prevalence globally, is the clinical condition most strongly associated with lowered testosterone concentrations in men and presents as one of the strongest predictors of receiving testosterone treatment. While low circulating total testosterone concentrations in modest obesity primarily reflect reduced concentrations of sex hormone binding globulin, more marked obesity can lead to genuine hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPT) suppression. HPT axis suppression is likely mediated via pro-inflammatory cytokine and dysregulated leptin signalling and aggravated by associated comorbidities. Whether oestradiol-mediated negative hypothalamic-pituitary feedback plays a pathogenic role requires further study. Although the obesity-hypogonadism relationship is bidirectional, the effects of obesity on testosterone concentrations are more substantial than the effects of testosterone on adiposity. In markedly obese men submitted to bariatric surgery, substantial weight loss is very effective in reactivating the HPT axis. In contrast, lifestyle measures are less effective in reducing weight and generally only associated with modest increases in circulating testosterone. In randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), testosterone treatment does not reduce body weight, but modestly reduces fat mass and increases muscle mass. Short-term studies have shown that testosterone treatment in carefully selected obese men may have modest benefits on symptoms of androgen deficiency and body composition even additive to diet alone. However, longer term, larger RCTs designed for patient-important outcomes and potential risks are required. Until such trials are available, testosterone treatment cannot be routinely recommended for men with obesity-associated nonclassical hypogonadism. Lifestyle measures or where indicated bariatric surgery to achieve weight loss, and optimization of comorbidities remain first line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Vic, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Vic, Australia
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15
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The decrease in testosterone levels that occurs with aging has become an important clinical issue both due to the growth of the geriatric population and patient interest in testosterone therapy. The decision to assess for testosterone deficiency and the ability to determine whether the benefits exceed the risks require a comprehensive evaluation of the aging patient. This article is part of a series of papers focused on the endocrinology of aging. This review addresses common issues needed for clinical decision making, including how to interpret test results, differential diagnosis, potential impact of testosterone treatment on insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease, and options for therapy. METHODS Papers reviewed were identified through literature searches conducted on PubMed. RESULTS Assessment of testosterone levels in the geriatric male requires an understanding of the limitations of the assay that is used, the symptoms associated with low testosterone, the impact of comorbid conditions on levels, and risks of therapy. Successful treatment requires setting realistic expectations of the benefits of replacement therapy. CONCLUSION While the prevalence of low testosterone concentrations is increased with aging, the common comorbidities such as obesity and diabetes may contribute to changes in testosterone levels. Clinical trial evidence shows modest benefit for treatment of low testosterone in the presence of symptoms. Assessment of the geriatric male should include evaluation of their testosterone level in the context of their functional status and comorbidities. ABBREVIATIONS CDC = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CI = confidence interval; CVD = cardiovascular disease; DXA = dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; EMAS = European Male Aging Study; FDA = U.S. Food and Drug Administration; FHS = Framingham Heart Study; HDL = high-density lipoprotein; HOMA-IR = homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance; LH = luteinizing hormone; OR = odds ratio; PSA = prostate-specific antigen; SHBG = sex hormone-binding globulin; T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus; vBMD = volumetric bone mineral density.
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16
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Eendebak RJAH, Ahern T, Swiecicka A, Pye SR, O'Neill TW, Bartfai G, Casanueva FF, Maggi M, Forti G, Giwercman A, Han TS, Słowikowska-Hilczer J, Lean MEJ, Punab M, Pendleton N, Keevil BG, Vanderschueren D, Rutter MK, Tampubolon G, Goodacre R, Huhtaniemi IT, Wu FCW. Elevated luteinizing hormone despite normal testosterone levels in older men-natural history, risk factors and clinical features. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2018; 88:479-490. [PMID: 29178359 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) with normal testosterone (T) suggests compensated dysregulation of the gonadal axis. We describe the natural history, risk factors and clinical parameters associated with the development of high LH (HLH, LH >9.4 U/L) in ageing men with normal T (T ≥ 10.5 nmol/L). DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS We conducted a 4.3-year prospective observational study of 3369 community-dwelling European men aged 40-79 years. Participants were classified as follows: incident (i) HLH (n = 101, 5.2%); persistent (p) HLH (n = 128, 6.6%); reverted (r) HLH (n = 46, 2.4%); or persistent normal LH (pNLH, n = 1667, 85.8%). Potential predictors and changes in clinical features associated with iHLH and rHLH were analysed using regression models. RESULTS Age >70 years (OR = 4.12 [2.07-8.20]), diabetes (OR = 2.86 [1.42-5.77]), chronic pain (OR = 2.53 [1.34-4.77]), predegree education (OR = 1.79 [1.01-3.20]) and low physical activity (PASE ≤ 78, OR = 2.37 [1.24-4.50]) predicted development of HLH. Younger age (40-49 years, OR = 8.14 [1.35-49.13]) and nonsmoking (OR = 5.39 [1.48-19.65]) predicted recovery from HLH. Men with iHLH developed erectile dysfunction, poor health, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer more frequently than pNLH men. In pHLH men, comorbidities, including CVD, developed more frequently, and cognitive and physical function deteriorated more, than in pNLH men. Men with HLH developed primary hypogonadism more frequently (OR = 15.97 [5.85-43.60]) than NLH men. Men with rHLH experienced a small rise in BMI. CONCLUSIONS Elevation of LH with normal T is predicted by multiple factors, reverts frequently and is not associated with unequivocal evidence of androgen deficiency. High LH is a biomarker for deteriorating health in aged men who tend to develop primary hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J A H Eendebak
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Institute of Human Development, Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Andrology Research Unit, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Tomas Ahern
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Institute of Human Development, Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Andrology Research Unit, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Agnieszka Swiecicka
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Institute of Human Development, Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Andrology Research Unit, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen R Pye
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Epidemiology, Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Terence W O'Neill
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Epidemiology, Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Gyorgy Bartfai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, Albert Szent-György Medical University, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Felipe F Casanueva
- Department of Medicine, Santiago de Compostela University, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Instituto Salud Carlos III, CIBER de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutricion(CB06/03), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianni Forti
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Thang S Han
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Royal Holloway University of London (ICR2UL) and Ashford and St Peter's NHS Foundation Trust, Egham, Surrey, UK
| | | | - Michael E J Lean
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Unit, United Laboratories of Tartu University Clinics, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Neil Pendleton
- Centre for Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Brian G Keevil
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Department of Andrology and Endocrinology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martin K Rutter
- Manchester Diabetes Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science, Manchester, UK
| | - Gindo Tampubolon
- Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research. Faculty of Humanities, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Royston Goodacre
- School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute for Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, UK
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Frederick C W Wu
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Institute of Human Development, Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Andrology Research Unit, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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17
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Li S, Mbong EF, John DT, Terasaka T, Li D, Lawson MA. Induction of Stress Signaling In Vitro and Suppression of Gonadotropin Secretion by Free Fatty Acids in Female Mouse Gonadotropes. Endocrinology 2018; 159:1074-1087. [PMID: 29315384 PMCID: PMC5793794 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
An emerging body of evidence supports the concept that the pituitary is a site for integration of multiple physiological and metabolic signals that inform and modulate endocrine pathways. Multiple endocrine mediators of energy balance and adiposity are known to impinge on the neuroendocrine axis regulating reproduction. Observations in humans show that obesity is correlated with decreased gonadotropin secretion, and studies have also suggested that pituitary sensitivity to stimulation by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is decreased in obese individuals. Free fatty acids are a potential mediator of adiposity and energy balance, but their impact as an endocrine modulator of pituitary function has not been closely examined. We evaluated the impact of free fatty acids on a pituitary gonadotrope cell line and in primary pituitary cultures of female mice. We show that increasing physiologically relevant doses of the monounsaturated ω-9 fatty acid oleate induces cellular stress and increases production of reactive oxygen species in a mouse gonadotrope cell line. In contrast, the unsaturated ω-3 α-linolenic and ω-6 linoleic fatty acids do not have this effect. Additionally, oleate can activate immediate-early gene expression independent of GnRH stimulation but has a negative impact on GnRH induction and expression of the gonadotropin subunit gene Lhb. Further, oleate suppresses gonadotropin secretion in response to pulsatile stimulation by GnRH. These results indicate that free fatty acids can directly alter gonadotropin gene expression and secretion in response to GnRH and may provide a link between energy sensing and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Dongguan Eighth People’s Hospital, Dongguan 523000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ekaette F. Mbong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Denise T. John
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Tomohiro Terasaka
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Danmei Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Mark A. Lawson
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
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18
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Ng Tang Fui M, Hoermann R, Zajac JD, Grossmann M. The effects of testosterone on body composition in obese men are not sustained after cessation of testosterone treatment. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2017; 87:336-343. [PMID: 28561278 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testosterone treatment in obese dieting men augments the diet-associated loss of fat mass, but protects against loss of lean mass. We assessed whether body composition changes are maintained following withdrawal of testosterone treatment. METHODS We conducted a prespecified double-blind randomized placebo-controlled observational follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants were men with baseline obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m2 ) and a repeated total testosterone level <12 nmol/L, previously enrolled in a 56-week testosterone treatment trial combined with a weight loss programme. Main outcome measures were mean adjusted differences (MAD) (95% confidence interval), in body composition between testosterone- and placebo-treated men at the end of the observation period. RESULTS Of the 100 randomized men, 82 completed the RCT and 64 the subsequent observational study. Median [IQR] observation time after completion of the RCT was 82 weeks [74; 90] in men previously receiving testosterone (cases) and 81 weeks [67;91] in men previously receiving placebo (controls), P=.51. At the end of the RCT, while losing similar amounts of weight, cases had, compared to controls, lost more fat mass, MAD -2.9 kg (-5.7, -0.2), P=.04, but had lost less lean mass MAD 3.4 kg (1.3, 5.5), P=.002. At the end of the observation period, the former between-group differences in fat mass, MAD -0.8 kg (-3.6, 2.0), P=1.0, in lean mass, MAD -1.3 kg (-3.0, 0.5), P=.39, and in appendicular lean mass, MAD -0.1 kg/m2 (-0.3, 0.1), P=.45, were no longer apparent. During observation, cases lost more lean mass, MAD -3.7 kg (-5.5, -1.9), P=.0005, and appendicular lean mass, MAD -0.5 kg/m2 (-0.8, -0.3), P<.0001 compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS The favourable effects of testosterone on body composition in men subjected to a concomitant weight loss programme were not maintained at 82 weeks after testosterone treatment cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Ng Tang Fui
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia
| | - Rudolf Hoermann
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia
| | - Jeffrey D Zajac
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia
| | - Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia
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19
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Wang Y, Chen F, Ye L, Zirkin B, Chen H. Steroidogenesis in Leydig cells: effects of aging and environmental factors. Reproduction 2017; 154:R111-R122. [PMID: 28747539 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Serum testosterone (TS) levels decrease with aging in both humans and rodents. Using the rat as a model system, it was found that age-related reductions in serum TS were not due to loss of Leydig cells, but rather to the reduced ability of the Leydig cells to produce TS in response to luteinizing hormone (LH). Detailed analyses of the steroidogenic pathway have suggested that two defects along the pathway, LH-stimulated cAMP production and cholesterol transport to and into the mitochondria, are of particular importance in age-related reductions in TS production. Although the mechanisms involved in these defects are far from certain, increasing oxidative stress appears to play a particularly important role. Interestingly, increased oxidative stress also appears to be involved in the suppressive effects of endocrine disruptors on Leydig cell TS production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyan Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Fenfen Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Leping Ye
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Barry Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Haolin Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, Zhejiang, China .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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20
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Keenan DM, Veldhuis JD. Pulsatility of Hypothalamo-Pituitary Hormones: A Challenge in Quantification. Physiology (Bethesda) 2017; 31:34-50. [PMID: 26674550 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00027.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine systems control many of the most fundamental physiological processes, e.g., reproduction, growth, adaptations to stress, and metabolism. Each such system involves the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and a specific target gland or organ. In the quantification of the interactions among these components, biostatistical modeling has played an important role. In the present article, five key challenges to an understanding of the interactions of these systems are illustrated and discussed critically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Keenan
- Department of Statistics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; and
| | - Johannes D Veldhuis
- Department of Medicine, Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Clinical Translational Science Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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21
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Terasaka T, Adakama ME, Li S, Kim T, Terasaka E, Li D, Lawson MA. Reactive Oxygen Species Link Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Signaling Cascades in the Gonadotrope. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:286. [PMID: 29163358 PMCID: PMC5671645 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological rhythms lie at the center of regulatory schemes that control many aspects of living systems. At the cellular level, meaningful responses to external stimuli depend on propagation and quenching of a signal to maintain vigilance for subsequent stimulation or changes that serve to shape and modulate the response. The hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad endocrine axis that controls reproductive development and function relies on control through rhythmic stimulation. Central to this axis is the pulsatile stimulation of the gonadotropes by hypothalamic neurons through episodic release of the neuropeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Alterations in pulsatile stimulation of the gonadotropes result in differential synthesis and secretion of the gonadotropins LH and FSH and changes in the expression of their respective hormone subunit genes. The requirement to amplify signals arising from activation of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor and to rapidly quench the resultant signal to preserve an adaptive response suggests the need for rapid activation and feedback control operating at the level of intracellular signaling. Emerging data suggest that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can fulfill this role in the GnRH receptor signaling through activation of MAP kinase signaling cascades, control of negative feedback, and participation in the secretory process. Results obtained in gonadotrope cell lines or other cell models indicate that ROS can participate in each of these regulatory cascades. We discuss the potential advantage of reactive oxygen signaling for modulating the gonadotrope response to GnRH stimulation and the potential mechanisms for this action. These observations suggest further targets of study for regulation in the gonadotrope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Terasaka
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Mary E. Adakama
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Song Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Dongguan Eighth People’s Hospital Dongguan City, Dongguan, China
| | - Taeshin Kim
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Eri Terasaka
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Danmei Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Mark A. Lawson
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Mark A. Lawson,
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22
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Ahern T, Swiecicka A, Eendebak RJAH, Carter EL, Finn JD, Pye SR, O'Neill TW, Antonio L, Keevil B, Bartfai G, Casanueva FF, Forti G, Giwercman A, Han TS, Kula K, Lean MEJ, Pendleton N, Punab M, Rastrelli G, Rutter MK, Vanderschueren D, Huhtaniemi IT, Wu FCW. Natural history, risk factors and clinical features of primary hypogonadism in ageing men: Longitudinal Data from the European Male Ageing Study. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2016; 85:891-901. [PMID: 27374987 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In ageing men, the incidence and clinical significance of testosterone (T) decline accompanied by elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) are unclear. We describe the natural history, risk factors and clinical features associated with the development of biochemical primary hypogonadism (PHG, T < 10·5 nmol/l and LH>9·4U/l) in ageing men. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS A prospective observational cohort survey of 3,369 community-dwelling men aged 40-79 years, followed up for 4·3 years. Men were classified as incident (i) PHG (eugonadal [EUG, T ≥ 10·5 nmol/l] at baseline, PHG at follow-up), persistent (p) PHG (PHG at baseline and follow-up), pEUG (EUG at baseline and follow-up) and reversed (r) PHG (PHG at baseline, EUG at follow-up). Predictors and changes in clinical features associated with the development of PHG were analysed by regression models. RESULTS Of 1,991 men comprising the analytical sample, 97·5% had pEUG, 1·1% iPHG, 1·1% pPHG and 0·3% rPHG. The incidence of PHG was 0·2%/year. Higher age (>70 years) [OR 12·48 (1·27-122·13), P = 0·030] and chronic illnesses [OR 4·24 (1·08-16·56); P = 0·038] predicted iPHG. Upon transition from EUG to PHG, erectile function, physical vigour and haemoglobin worsened significantly. Men with pPHG had decreased morning erections, sexual thoughts and haemoglobin with increased insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS Primary testicular failure in men is uncommon and predicted by old age and chronic illness. Some clinical features attributable to androgen deficiency, but not others, accompanied the T decline in men who developed biochemical PHG. Whether androgen replacement can improve sexual and/or physical function in elderly men with PHG merits further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Ahern
- Andrology Research Unit, Centre for Endocrinology & Diabetes, Institute of Human Development, Old St Mary's Building, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Agnieszka Swiecicka
- Andrology Research Unit, Centre for Endocrinology & Diabetes, Institute of Human Development, Old St Mary's Building, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Robert J A H Eendebak
- Andrology Research Unit, Centre for Endocrinology & Diabetes, Institute of Human Development, Old St Mary's Building, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Emma L Carter
- Andrology Research Unit, Centre for Endocrinology & Diabetes, Institute of Human Development, Old St Mary's Building, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Joseph D Finn
- Andrology Research Unit, Centre for Endocrinology & Diabetes, Institute of Human Development, Old St Mary's Building, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen R Pye
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Epidemiology & NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Terence W O'Neill
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Epidemiology & NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Leen Antonio
- Department of Andrology and Endocrinology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Brian Keevil
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - György Bartfai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, Albert Szent-György Medical University, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Felipe F Casanueva
- Department of Medicine, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS), CIBER de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutricion (CB06/03), Santiago de Compostela University, Instituto Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Gianni Forti
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Malmö University Hospital, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Thang S Han
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research, "Royal Holloway University of London (ICR2UL), Egham & Agham and St Peter's NHS Foundation Trust, Egham, Surrey, UK
| | - Krzysztof Kula
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Michael E J Lean
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Neil Pendleton
- School of Community Based Medicine, Hope Hospital, The University of Manchester, Salford, UK
| | - Margus Punab
- United Laboratories of Tartu University Clinics, Andrology Unit, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Martin K Rutter
- Andrology Research Unit, Centre for Endocrinology & Diabetes, Institute of Human Development, Old St Mary's Building, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Diabetes Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science, Manchester, UK
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Department of Andrology and Endocrinology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, UK
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Frederick C W Wu
- Andrology Research Unit, Centre for Endocrinology & Diabetes, Institute of Human Development, Old St Mary's Building, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Ricciuti A, Travison TG, Di Dalmazi G, Talor MV, DeVincentiis L, Manley RW, Bhasin S, Caturegli P, Basaria S. A Subset of Men With Age-Related Decline in Testosterone Have Gonadotroph Autoantibodies. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2016; 101:1535-41. [PMID: 26963952 PMCID: PMC4880156 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2016-1016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Age-related decline in serum testosterone (T) is being increasingly diagnosed. In most men, it associates with low or inappropriately normal gonadotropin levels, which suggests a hypothalamic-pituitary etiology. Autoantibodies against adenohypophyseal cells have been associated with pituitary dysfunction; however, the prevalence of pituitary autoimmunity in this age-related T decline has not been assessed. OBJECTIVES This is a proof-of-concept study with the objective of determining the prevalence of antibodies to gonadotrophs in older men with age-related low T and compare it with healthy young and older eugonadal men. STUDY DESIGN This is a cross-sectional case-control study of 182 men. Cases included 100 older men (≥65 years) with age-related low T levels; the control groups were composed of 50 young and 32 older healthy eugonadal men. Serum antibodies against the anterior pituitary gland were measured using a two-step approach: 1) single indirect immunofluorescence (ie, participant serum only) to determine the pattern of cytosolic staining; and 2) double indirect immunofluorescence (ie, participant serum plus a commercial adenohypophyseal hormone antibody) to identify the anterior pituitary cell type recognized by the patient's antibodies). RESULTS In participants with positive antipituitary antibodies, the granular cytosolic pattern (highly predictive of pituitary autoimmunity) was only seen in older men with age-related low T (4%) and none in control groups (0%, P = .001). Double indirect immunofluorescence confirmed that pituitary antibodies were exclusively directed against the gonadotrophs. CONCLUSION A subset of older men with age-related low T levels have specific antibodies against the gonadotrophs. Whether these antibodies are pathogenic and contributory to the age-related decline in T remains to be established.
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Veldhuis J, Yang R, Roelfsema F, Takahashi P. Proinflammatory Cytokine Infusion Attenuates LH's Feedforward on Testosterone Secretion: Modulation by Age. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2016; 101:539-49. [PMID: 26600270 PMCID: PMC4880122 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2015-3611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT In the experimental animal, inflammatory signals quench LH's feedforward drive of testosterone (T) secretion and appear to impair GnRH-LH output. The degree to which such suppressive effects operate in the human is not known. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that IL-2 impairs LH's feedforward drive on T and T's feedback inhibition of LH secretion in healthy men. SETTING Mayo Center for Translational Science Activities. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS A total of 35 healthy men, 17 young and 18 older. INTERVENTIONS Randomized prospective double-blind saline-controlled study of IL-2 infusion in 2 doses with concurrent 10-minute blood sampling for 24 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Deconvolution analysis of LH and T secretion. RESULTS After saline injection, older compared with young men exhibited reduced LH feedforward drive on T secretion (P < .001), and decreased T feedback inhibition of LH secretion (P < .01). After IL-2 injection, LH's feedforward onto T secretion declined markedly especially in young subjects (P < .001). Concomitantly, IL-2 potentiated T's proportional feedback on LH secretion especially in older volunteers. CONCLUSION This investigation confirms combined feedforward and feedback deficits in older relative to young men given saline and demonstrates 1) joint mechanisms by which IL-2 enforces biochemical hypogonadism, viz, combined feedforward block and feedback amplification; and 2) unequal absolute inhibition of T and LH secretion by IL-2 in young and older men. These outcomes establish that the male gonadal axis is susceptible to dual-site suppression by a prototypic inflammatory mediator. Thus, we postulate that selected ILs might also enforce male hypogonadism in chronic systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Veldhuis
- Endocrine Research Unit (J.V., R.Y.), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Translational Science Activities, and Primary Care Internal Medicine (P.T.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905; and Leiden University Medical Center (F.R.), 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rebecca Yang
- Endocrine Research Unit (J.V., R.Y.), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Translational Science Activities, and Primary Care Internal Medicine (P.T.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905; and Leiden University Medical Center (F.R.), 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ferdinand Roelfsema
- Endocrine Research Unit (J.V., R.Y.), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Translational Science Activities, and Primary Care Internal Medicine (P.T.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905; and Leiden University Medical Center (F.R.), 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Takahashi
- Endocrine Research Unit (J.V., R.Y.), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Translational Science Activities, and Primary Care Internal Medicine (P.T.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905; and Leiden University Medical Center (F.R.), 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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25
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Wang JQ, Cao WG. Morphological characterization of adult mouse Leydig cells in culture. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 469:836-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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26
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Chen H, Guo J, Ge R, Lian Q, Papadopoulos V, Zirkin BR. Steroidogenic fate of the Leydig cells that repopulate the testes of young and aged Brown Norway rats after elimination of the preexisting Leydig cells. Exp Gerontol 2015; 72:8-15. [PMID: 26335619 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2015.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The capacity of Brown Norway rat Leydig cells to produce testosterone (T) decreases with aging. In a previous study, we reported that a new generation of Leydig cells can be restored in both young and old rat testes after a single injection of ethane dimethanesulfonate (EDS), and that the abilities of the new Leydig cells in young and old rats to produce T were equivalent. Our objective herein was to compare the steroidogenic fate of the new Leydig cells over time. Young (3 month-old) and old (18 month-old) rats were injected with EDS to eliminate the existing Leydig cells. Ten weeks after EDS, Leydig cells had been restored and T production by the new Leydig cells isolated from young and old rat testes was equivalent. Thirty weeks after EDS treatment of young rats, the ability of the new Leydig cells to produce T had not diminished from 10 weeks post-EDS. In contrast, at 30 weeks post-EDS, T production by new cells in old rat testes was reduced significantly from the 10-week level. Serum T levels at 10 and 30 weeks were consistent with Leydig cell T production. Serum LH levels did not differ in any group. Thus, although the Leydig cells restored to both young and old rats after EDS initially produced T at high, equivalent levels, the cells in the old testes did not maintain this ability. These results suggest that: 1) the cells from which new populations of Leydig cells are derived may differ depending upon the age of the rat; and/or 2) factors extrinsic to the new Leydig cells in young and old testes differ, and it is these differences that are responsible for reductions in T by the newly formed Leydig cells in the testes of old rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Jingjing Guo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingquan Lian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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27
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Chen H, Jin S, Guo J, Kombairaju P, Biswal S, Zirkin BR. Knockout of the transcription factor Nrf2: Effects on testosterone production by aging mouse Leydig cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 409:113-20. [PMID: 25818884 PMCID: PMC4465452 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Aging in rodents and men is associated with reduced serum levels of testosterone and Leydig cell testosterone productions. To further investigate the mechanism by which Leydig cell testosterone production declines, the effect of knocking out Nrf2, a master regulator of phase 2 antioxidant genes, was examined. In wild-type mice, testosterone production and serum testosterone levels remained unchanged through middle age (8 months), but then were reduced significantly by old age (21-24 months). In contrast, serum testosterone levels and Leydig cell testosterone production were reduced significantly in the Nrf2-/- mice as early as middle age, and were reduced further in the aged mice. Reduced steroidogenesis in the knockout mice was associated with reduced antioxidant capacity, and increased expression of protein nitrotyrosine residues, a marker of ROS. These results support the hypothesis that, over time, increases in oxidative stress contribute to or cause the reduced testosterone production that characterizes Leydig cell aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205; The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Shiying Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Jingjing Guo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ponvijay Kombairaju
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Shyam Biswal
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205
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28
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Abstract
The fall in testosterone levels with age appears to be a real phenomenon. Declining testicular function and hypothalamic dysregulation appear to be the mechanisms explaining the fall in testosterone levels with age. The increased prevalence of obesity and chronic illness in ageing men both cause a large drop in testosterone levels independent of ageing. Age-related hypogonadism appears to be different to other 'classical' causes of hypogonadism. Testosterone levels are not unequivocally low and associated symptoms are non-specific. In frail older men with low testosterone levels, testosterone therapy appears to improve QOL and physical function. In less frail men, however, effects of testosterone therapy in the ageing male are small and/or inconsistent. There remains an urgent need for randomised clinical trials with sufficient size, duration and power to determine specific benefits and risks of testosterone therapy in older men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Ahern
- Andrology Research Unit, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Old St Mary's Building, Hathersage Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Frederick C W Wu
- Andrology Research Unit, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Old St Mary's Building, Hathersage Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
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Teerds KJ, Huhtaniemi IT. Morphological and functional maturation of Leydig cells: from rodent models to primates. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:310-28. [PMID: 25724971 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leydig cells (LC) are the sites of testicular androgen production. Development of LC occurs in the testes of most mammalian species as two distinct growth phases, i.e. as fetal and pubertal/adult populations. In primates there are indications of a third neonatal growth phase. LC androgen production begins in embryonic life and is crucial for the intrauterine masculinization of the male fetal genital tract and brain, and continues until birth after which it rapidly declines. A short post-natal phase of LC activity in primates (including human) termed 'mini-puberty' precedes the period of juvenile quiescence. The adult population of LC evolves, depending on species, in mid- to late-prepuberty upon reawakening of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, and these cells are responsible for testicular androgen production in adult life, which continues with a slight gradual decline until senescence. This review is an updated comparative analysis of the functional and morphological maturation of LC in model species with special reference to rodents and primates. METHODS Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched between December 2012 and October 2014. Studies published in languages other than English or German were excluded, as were data in abstract form only. Studies available on primates were primarily examined and compared with available data from specific animal models with emphasis on rodents. RESULTS Expression of different marker genes in rodents provides evidence that at least two distinct progenitor lineages give rise to the fetal LC (FLC) population, one arising from the coelomic epithelium and the other from specialized vascular-associated cells along the gonad-mesonephros border. There is general agreement that the formation and functioning of the FLC population in rodents is gonadotrophin-responsive but not gonadotrophin-dependent. In contrast, although there is in primates some controversy on the role of gonadotrophins in the formation of the FLC population, there is consensus about the essential role of gonadotrophins in testosterone production. Like the FLC population, adult Leydig cells (ALC) in rodents arise from stem cells, which have their origin in the fetal testis. In contrast, in primates the ALC population is thought to originate from FLC, which undergo several cycles of regression and redifferentiation before giving rise to the mature ALC population, as well as from differentiation of stem cells/precursor cells. Despite this difference in origin, both in primates and rodents the formation of the mature and functionally active ALC population is critically dependent on the pituitary gonadotrophin, LH. From studies on rodents considerable knowledge has emerged on factors that are involved besides LH in the regulation of this developmental process. Whether the same factors also play a role in the development of the mature primate LC population awaits further investigation. CONCLUSION Distinct populations of LC develop along the life span of males, including fetal, neonatal (primates) and ALC. Despite differences in the LC lineages of rodents and primates, the end product is a mature population of LC with the main function to provide androgens necessary for the maintenance of spermatogenesis and extra-gonadal androgen actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja J Teerds
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, 6709 WD, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, W12 0NN London, UK Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland
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30
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Corona G, Ratrelli G, Maggi M. The pharmacotherapy of male hypogonadism besides androgens. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2014; 16:369-87. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2015.993607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corona
- 1University of Florence, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Medical Department, Endocrinology Unit, Azienda-Usl Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Ratrelli
- 2University of Florence, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Florence, Italy; ;
| | - Mario Maggi
- 2University of Florence, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Florence, Italy; ;
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31
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Huang R, Zhu WJ, Li J, Gu YQ. The changes of stage distribution of seminiferous epithelium cycle and its correlations with Leydig cell stereological parameters in aging men. Pathol Res Pract 2014; 210:991-6. [PMID: 24951242 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the changes of stage distribution of seminiferous epithelium cycle and its correlations with Leydig cell stereological parameters in aging men. METHODS Point counting method was used to analyze the stereological parameters of Leydig cells. The stage number of seminiferous epithelium cycle was calculated in the same testicular tissue samples which were used for Leydig cell stereological analysis. RESULTS The aging group had shown more severe pathological changes as well as higher pathologic scores than the young group. Compared with the control group, the volume density (VV) and surface density (NA) of Leydig cells in the aging group were increased significantly. The stage number of seminiferous epithelium cycle in the aging group was decreased coincidently compared to the young group. Leydig cell Vv in the young group has a positive relationship with stages I, II, III, V and VI of seminiferous epithelium cycle, and Leydig cell NA and numerical density (NV) were positively related to stage IV. However, only the correlation between NV and stage II was found in the aging group. CONCLUSIONS The stage number of seminiferous epithelium cycle was decreased in aging testes. Changes in the stage distribution in aging testes were related to the Leydig cell stereological parameters which presented as a sign of morphological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Huang
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Jie Zhu
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Qun Gu
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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32
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George A, Henkel R. Phytoandrogenic properties ofEurycoma longifoliaas natural alternative to testosterone replacement therapy. Andrologia 2014; 46:708-21. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. George
- Biotropics Malaysia Berhad; Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - R. Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences; University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
- Centre for Male Reproductive Health and Biotechnology; Bellville South Africa
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Zirkin BR, Tenover JL. Aging and declining testosterone: past, present, and hopes for the future. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 33:1111-8. [PMID: 22879528 DOI: 10.2164/jandrol.112.017160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
As men age, serum testosterone (T) levels decline, whereas serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels increase somewhat or remain unchanged. Age-related reductions in T levels may be associated with alterations in body composition; energy level; muscle strength; physical, sexual, and cognitive functions; and mood. The predominant contributor to the decline in serum T levels is the decreased ability of the aging testes to make T. As in humans, the Brown Norway rat demonstrates age-related reductions in serum T levels in the setting of unchanged or modestly increased serum LH levels. In this rat model, the ability of aged Leydig cells, the terminally differentiated T-producing cells of the testis, to produce T in response to LH stimulation is significantly diminished. This review begins with a discussion of what is known of the molecular mechanisms by which T synthesis declines with Leydig cell aging. It concludes with a brief history of T replacement therapy, current guidelines, controversies related to T replacement therapy in older men, and proposed future clinical directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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