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The NLRP3 inflammasome: molecular activation and regulation in spermatogenesis and male infertility; a systematic review. Basic Clin Androl 2022; 32:8. [PMID: 35637440 PMCID: PMC9150048 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-022-00157-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infertility related to varicocele, infections, metabolic dysfunctions, oxidative stress and environmental toxicants is also associated with inflammatory processes that ultimately lead to the activation of the inflammasome pathway (IP). IP is classically activated by DAMPs, MAMPs or LAMPs, which stand for Damage-, Microbe- or Lifestyle-Associated Molecular Patterns, respectively. The most important player in IP activation is the NLRP3 (NOD[Nuclear oligomerization domain]-, LRR[Leucine rich repeat]- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) which functions as an intracellular sensor of D/M/L-AMPs resulting in activation of caspase-1, promotion of apoptosis, pyroptosis and generation of inflammatory cytokines. This review addresses the question of whether IP activation might be associated with male infertility situations. Results & conclusions We conducted a systematic review of articles published in the Google Scholar, and PubMed databases through October 2021. It turns out that inflammasome activation and its consequences including cytokine storms, apoptosis and pyroptosis could be associated with the reduced sperm count as well as the structural and functional sperm defects recorded in several situations associated with male infertility suggesting that anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies could be possibly considered to restore male fertility in future research.
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Male Sexual Dysfunction and Infertility in Spinal Cord Injury Patients: State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12060873. [PMID: 35743658 PMCID: PMC9225464 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12060873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a relevant medical and social problem. According to the World Health Organization, the commonly estimated worldwide annual incidence of SCI is 40 to 80 cases per million population. After the SCI experience, most men present with sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction (ED) and ejaculatory dysfunction), fertility problems (such as impaired spermatogenesis, abnormalities in sperm viability, motility, and morphology), and systemic disorders such as genitourinary infection and endocrine imbalances. The best options available for managing the ejaculatory disorders in patients suffering from SCI are penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) and electroejaculation (EEJ). Furthermore, the treatment of ED in SCI patients consists of medical therapies including phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), intracavernosal injections (ICI), vacuum erection devices (VEDs), and surgical as penile prosthesis (PP). This review provides a snapshot of the current evidence for the mechanisms of sexual dysfunction and infertility in SCI patients, discusses the best management strategies for these conditions, and offers our perspective on the direction of future research.
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Liu YS, Zhang YX, Wang XB, Wu QJ, Liu FH, Pan BC, Zhao YH. Associations between Meat and Vegetable Intake, Cooking Methods, and Asthenozoospermia: A Hospital-Based Case–Control Study in China. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14091956. [PMID: 35565922 PMCID: PMC9104795 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The role of meat and vegetable intake in the development of asthenozoospermia has been controversial, and the role of cooking methods for meat and vegetables in the association has yet to be determined. The present study aimed to illuminate the relationship between the consumption and cooking methods of meat and vegetables and the risk of asthenozoospermia. Methods: In this hospital-based case–control study, we enrolled 552 patients with asthenozoospermia and 585 healthy controls. Dietary information was assessed using a validated self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Asthenozoospermia was diagnosed according to the fifth edition of the WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. Results: Participants in the highest tertile of total meat and unprocessed meat intake had a 44% and 39% lower risk of asthenozoospermia than those in the lowest tertile (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.87 and OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.93), respectively. Participants with the highest processed meat consumption showed higher risk (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.06). Raw vegetable consumption was negatively associated with the risk of asthenozoospermia (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.98). The stir-frying cooking method for meat was associated with increased risk of asthenozoospermia (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.46). Conclusions: Intake of total meat, unprocessed meat, and raw vegetable may reduce asthenozoospermia risk, while higher consumption of processed meat may increase the risk. Cooking methods may play a role in these associations. These findings need to be confirmed in large and prospective cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Shu Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China; (Y.-S.L.); (Q.-J.W.); (F.-H.L.)
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Yi-Xiao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China;
| | - Xiao-Bin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China;
| | - Qi-Jun Wu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China; (Y.-S.L.); (Q.-J.W.); (F.-H.L.)
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Fang-Hua Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China; (Y.-S.L.); (Q.-J.W.); (F.-H.L.)
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Bo-Chen Pan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China;
- Correspondence: (B.-C.P.); (Y.-H.Z.); Tel.: +86-24-96615 (B.-C.P. & Y.-H.Z.)
| | - Yu-Hong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China; (Y.-S.L.); (Q.-J.W.); (F.-H.L.)
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
- Correspondence: (B.-C.P.); (Y.-H.Z.); Tel.: +86-24-96615 (B.-C.P. & Y.-H.Z.)
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Barone B, Napolitano L, Abate M, Cirillo L, Reccia P, Passaro F, Turco C, Morra S, Mastrangelo F, Scarpato A, Amicuzi U, Morgera V, Romano L, Calace FP, Pandolfo SD, De Luca L, Aveta A, Sicignano E, Trivellato M, Spena G, D’Alterio C, Fusco GM, Vitale R, Arcaniolo D, Crocetto F. The Role of Testosterone in the Elderly: What Do We Know? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3535. [DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Testosterone is the most important hormone in male health. Aging is characterized by testosterone deficiency due to decreasing testosterone levels associated with low testicular production, genetic factors, adiposity, and illness. Low testosterone levels in men are associated with sexual dysfunction (low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction), reduced skeletal muscle mass and strength, decreased bone mineral density, increased cardiovascular risk and alterations of the glycometabolic profile. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) shows several therapeutic effects while maintaining a good safety profile in hypogonadal men. TRT restores normal levels of serum testosterone in men, increasing libido and energy level and producing beneficial effects on bone density, strength and muscle as well as yielding cardioprotective effects. Nevertheless, TRT could be contraindicated in men with untreated prostate cancer, although poor findings are reported in the literature. In addition, different potential side effects, such as polycythemia, cardiac events and obstructive sleep apnea, should be monitored. The aim of our review is to provide an updated background regarding the pros and cons of TRT, evaluating its role and its clinical applicability in different domains.
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The Role of Testosterone in the Elderly: What Do We Know? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073535. [PMID: PMID: 35408895 PMCID: PMC8998588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Testosterone is the most important hormone in male health. Aging is characterized by testosterone deficiency due to decreasing testosterone levels associated with low testicular production, genetic factors, adiposity, and illness. Low testosterone levels in men are associated with sexual dysfunction (low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction), reduced skeletal muscle mass and strength, decreased bone mineral density, increased cardiovascular risk and alterations of the glycometabolic profile. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) shows several therapeutic effects while maintaining a good safety profile in hypogonadal men. TRT restores normal levels of serum testosterone in men, increasing libido and energy level and producing beneficial effects on bone density, strength and muscle as well as yielding cardioprotective effects. Nevertheless, TRT could be contraindicated in men with untreated prostate cancer, although poor findings are reported in the literature. In addition, different potential side effects, such as polycythemia, cardiac events and obstructive sleep apnea, should be monitored. The aim of our review is to provide an updated background regarding the pros and cons of TRT, evaluating its role and its clinical applicability in different domains.
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Martins G, Verdeal JCR, Tostes H, da Silva ARO, Tessarollo B, Rocha NN, Rocco PRM, Silva PL. Testosterone Therapy and Diaphragm Performance in a Male Patient with COVID-19: A Case Report. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020535. [PMID: 35204624 PMCID: PMC8871258 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Low levels of testosterone may lead to reduced diaphragm excursion and inspiratory time during COVID-19 infection. We report the case of a 38-year-old man with a positive result on a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2, admitted to the intensive care unit with acute respiratory failure. After several days on mechanical ventilation and use of rescue therapies, during the weaning phase, the patient presented dyspnea associated with low diaphragm performance (diaphragm thickness fraction, amplitude, and the excursion-time index during inspiration were 37%, 1.7 cm, and 2.6 cm/s, respectively) by ultrasonography and reduced testosterone levels (total testosterone, bioavailable testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were 9.3 ng/dL, 5.8 ng/dL, and 10.5 nmol/L, respectively). Testosterone was administered three times 2 weeks apart (testosterone undecanoate 1000 mg/4 mL intramuscularly). Diaphragm performance improved significantly (diaphragm thickness fraction, amplitude, and the excursion-time index during inspiration were 70%, 2.4 cm, and 3.0 cm/s, respectively) 45 and 75 days after the first dose of testosterone. No adverse events were observed, although monitoring was required after testosterone administration. Testosterone replacement therapy led to good diaphragm performance in a male patient with COVID-19. This should be interpreted with caution due to the exploratory nature of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Martins
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, Brazil; (G.M.); (N.N.R.); (P.R.M.R.)
- Barra D’Or, Rio de Janeiro 22775-002, Brazil; (J.C.R.V.); (H.T.); (A.R.O.d.S.); (B.T.)
| | | | - Helio Tostes
- Barra D’Or, Rio de Janeiro 22775-002, Brazil; (J.C.R.V.); (H.T.); (A.R.O.d.S.); (B.T.)
| | | | - Bernardo Tessarollo
- Barra D’Or, Rio de Janeiro 22775-002, Brazil; (J.C.R.V.); (H.T.); (A.R.O.d.S.); (B.T.)
| | - Nazareth Novaes Rocha
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, Brazil; (G.M.); (N.N.R.); (P.R.M.R.)
- Department of Physiology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Patricia Rieken Macedo Rocco
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, Brazil; (G.M.); (N.N.R.); (P.R.M.R.)
| | - Pedro Leme Silva
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, Brazil; (G.M.); (N.N.R.); (P.R.M.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Crocetto F, Buonerba L, Scafuri L, Caputo V, Barone B, Sciarra A, Verde A, Calogero A, Buonerba C, Lorenzo GD. COVID-19 and prostate cancer: a complex scenario with multiple facets. Future Sci OA 2021; 8:FSO. [PMID: 34898669 PMCID: PMC8621215 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2021-0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Felice Crocetto
- Department of Neurosciences, Human Reproduction & Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Luciana Buonerba
- Oncology Unit, Hospital 'Andrea Tortora', ASL Salerno, Pagani, Italy
| | - Luca Scafuri
- Oncology Unit, Hospital 'Andrea Tortora', ASL Salerno, Pagani, Italy.,Associazione O.R.A., Somma Vesuviana, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Caputo
- Department of Neurosciences, Human Reproduction & Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Biagio Barone
- Department of Neurosciences, Human Reproduction & Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Antonella Sciarra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, NA, Italy
| | | | - Armando Calogero
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Carlo Buonerba
- Oncology Unit, Hospital 'Andrea Tortora', ASL Salerno, Pagani, Italy.,Associazione O.R.A., Somma Vesuviana, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Lorenzo
- Oncology Unit, Hospital 'Andrea Tortora', ASL Salerno, Pagani, Italy.,Associazione O.R.A., Somma Vesuviana, Naples, Italy.,Department of Medicine & Health Science, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
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