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Anawalt BD. Reversibility of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: lessons from a rare disease. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2024; 12:219-221. [PMID: 38437851 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(24)00065-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Anawalt BD. TRAVERSING the Mountain of Ignorance: Testosterone and Cardiovascular Safety. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e1359-e1360. [PMID: 37738547 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
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Grossmann M, Anawalt BD. Breaking News - Testosterone Treatment and Fractures in Older Men. N Engl J Med 2024; 390:267-268. [PMID: 38231628 DOI: 10.1056/nejme2313787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mathis Grossmann
- From the Department of Medicine (Austin Health), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, and the Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg - both in VIC, Australia (M.G.); and the Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle (B.D.A.)
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- From the Department of Medicine (Austin Health), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, and the Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg - both in VIC, Australia (M.G.); and the Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle (B.D.A.)
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Anawalt BD. The TRAVERSE trial: cardiovascular safety of testosterone therapy for older men. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2023; 11:714-716. [PMID: 37660720 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00254-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Grossmann M, Jayasena CN, Anawalt BD. Approach to the Patient: The Evaluation and Management of Men ≥50 Years With Low Serum Testosterone Concentration. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:e871-e884. [PMID: 36995891 PMCID: PMC10438885 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Although testosterone replacement in men with classic hypogonadism due to an identified pathology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis is uncontroversial, the role of testosterone treatment for men with age-related declines in circulating testosterone is unclear. This is due to the lack of large, long-term testosterone therapy trials assessing definitive clinical endpoints. However, men ≥50 years of age, particularly those who have a body mass index >25 kg/m2 and multiple comorbidities, commonly present with clinical features of androgen deficiency and low serum testosterone concentrations. Clinicians are faced with the question whether to initiate testosterone therapy, a difficult dilemma that entails a benefit-risk analysis with limited evidence from clinical trials. Using a case scenario, we present a practical approach to the clinical assessment and management of such men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Channa N Jayasena
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Amory JK, Blithe DL, Ware RS, Swerdloff RS, Bremner WJ, Dart C, Liu PY, Thirumalai A, Nguyen BT, Anawalt BD, Lee MS, Page ST, Wang C. Design of an International Male Contraceptive Efficacy Trial Using a Self-Administered Daily Transdermal Gel Containing Testosterone and Segesterone Acetate (Nestorone®). Contraception 2023:110064. [PMID: 37210024 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2023.110064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Injectable male hormonal contraceptives are effective for preventing pregnancy in clinical trials; however, users may prefer to avoid medical appointments and injections. A self-administered transdermal contraceptive gel may be more acceptable for long-term contraception. Transdermal testosterone gels are widely used to treat hypogonadism and transdermal administration may have utility for male contraception; however, no efficacy data from transdermal male hormonal contraceptive gel are available. We designed and are currently conducting an international, multi-center, open-label study of self-administration of a daily combined testosterone and segesterone acetate (Nestorone®™) gel for male contraception. The transdermal approach to male contraception raises novel considerations regarding adherence with the daily gel, as well as concern about the potential transfer of the gel and the contraceptive hormones to the female partner. Enrolled couples are in committed relationships. Male partners have baseline normal spermatogenesis and are in good health; female partners are regularly menstruating and at risk for unintended pregnancy. The study's primary outcome is the rate of pregnancy in couples during the study's 52-week efficacy phase. Secondary endpoints include: the proportion of male participants suppressing sperm production and entering the efficacy phase, side effects, hormone concentrations in male participants and their female partners, sexual function and regimen acceptability. Enrollment concluded on November 1, 2022, with 462 couples and enrollment is now closed. This report outlines the strategy and design of the first study to examine the contraceptive efficacy of a self-administered male hormonal contraceptive gel. The results will be presented in future reports. IMPLICATIONS: The development of a safe, effective, reversible male contraceptive would improve contraceptive options and may decrease rates of unintended pregnancy. This manuscript outlines the study design and analysis plan for an ongoing large international trial of a novel transdermal hormone gel for male contraception. Successful completion of this and future studies of this formulation may lead to the approval of a male contraceptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K Amory
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA.
| | - Diana L Blithe
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Ronald S Swerdloff
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - William J Bremner
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Peter Y Liu
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Arthi Thirumalai
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Brian T Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Min S Lee
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie T Page
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Christina Wang
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
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Thirumalai A, Anawalt BD. Relationships between endogenous and exogenous testosterone and cardiovascular disease in men. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:1305-1322. [PMID: 36219323 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09752-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In this narrative review, we discuss the evidence about the controversy about the cardiovascular effects of endogenous and exogenous testosterone in men. Prospective cohort studies with follow-up of ~5-15 years generally indicate no association or a possible inverse relationship between serum endogenous testosterone concentrations and composite major cardiovascular events, cardiovascular deaths and overall mortality. Pharmacoepidemiological studies of large databases generally show no association between testosterone therapy and incident major cardiovascular events, and some pharmacoepidemiological studies demonstrate an association with decreased overall mortality. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials indicate that there is no increased incidence of overall major cardiovascular events with 1-3 years of testosterone therapy. These placebo-controlled trials have major limitations including small numbers of participants, short duration of testosterone therapy and follow-up, and lack of systematic adjudication of cardiovascular events. Overall, the evidence indicates that endogenous testosterone concentrations and testosterone therapy at physiological dosages confer no or minimal effects on the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes. There is insufficient evidence to make conclusions about testosterone therapy for patients at high risk of cardiovascular events (e.g., men with recent myocardial infarctions or stroke and men with recurrent idiopathic deep venous thromboses). In general, clinicians should avoid prescribing supraphysiological testosterone therapy to hypogonadal men or men with slightly low to low-normal serum testosterone concentrations and no identified disorder of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis because of the uncertain cardiovascular risks and the lack of proven health benefits. For most men with bona fide hypogonadism, benefits of testosterone therapy exceed the potential risk of adverse cardiovascular effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthi Thirumalai
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Box 356420 Department of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Box 356420 Department of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Thirumalai A, Anawalt BD. Androgenic Steroids Use and Abuse. Urol Clin North Am 2022; 49:645-663. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
The epidemiology of male hypogonadism has been understudied. Of the known causes of endogenous androgen deficiency, only Klinefelter syndrome is common with a likely population prevalence of greater than 5:10,000 men (possibly as high as 10-25:10,000). Mild traumatic injury might also be a common cause of androgen deficiency (prevalence 5-10:10,000 men), but large, long-term studies must be completed to confirm this prevalence estimation that might be too high. The classic causes of male androgen deficiency-hyperprolactinemia, pituitary macroadenoma, endogenous Cushing syndrome, and iron overload syndrome-are rare (prevalence < 10,000 men).
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthi Thirumalai
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Box 356420, 1959 Northeast Pacific Avenue, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Box 356420, 1959 Northeast Pacific Avenue, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Yeap BB, Marriott RJ, Antonio L, Raj S, Dwivedi G, Reid CM, Anawalt BD, Bhasin S, Dobs AS, Handelsman DJ, Hankey GJ, Haring R, Matsumoto AM, Norman PE, O'Neill TW, Ohlsson C, Orwoll ES, Vanderschueren D, Wittert GA, Wu FCW, Murray K. Associations of Serum Testosterone and Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin With Incident Cardiovascular Events in Middle-Aged to Older Men. Ann Intern Med 2022; 175:159-170. [PMID: 34958606 DOI: 10.7326/m21-0551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The influence of testosterone on risk for cardiovascular events in men is uncertain. Previous observational studies of sex hormones and incident cardiovascular disease in men have reported inconsistent findings, limited by cohort sizes and different selection criteria. OBJECTIVE To analyze associations of serum total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) with incident cardiovascular events in men. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING UK Biobank prospective cohort. PARTICIPANTS Community-dwelling men aged 40 to 69 years. MEASUREMENTS Testosterone and SHBG were assayed, and free testosterone was calculated. Cox proportional hazards regression was done, with outcomes of incident myocardial infarction (MI), hemorrhagic stroke (HS), ischemic stroke (IS), heart failure (HF), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and medical factors. RESULTS Of 210 700 men followed for 9 years, 8790 (4.2%) had an incident cardiovascular event. After adjustment for key variables, lower total testosterone concentrations (quintile 1 vs. quintile 5) were not associated with incident MI (fully adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.89 [95% CI, 0.80 to 1.00]), HS (HR, 0.94 [CI, 0.70 to 1.26]), IS (HR, 0.95 [CI, 0.82 to 1.10]), HF (HR, 1.15 [CI, 0.91 to 1.45]), or MACE (HR, 0.92 [CI, 0.84 to 1.00]). Men with lower calculated free testosterone values had a lower incidence of MACE (HR, 0.90 [CI, 0.84 to 0.97]). Lower SHBG concentrations were associated with higher incidence of MI (HR, 1.23 [CI, 1.09 to 1.38]) and lower incidence of IS (HR, 0.79 [CI, 0.67 to 0.94]) and HF (HR, 0.69 [CI, 0.54 to 0.89]), but not with HS (HR, 0.81 [CI, 0.57 to 1.14]) or MACE (HR, 1.01 [CI, 0.92 to 1.11]). LIMITATION Observational study; single baseline measurement of testosterone and SHBG. CONCLUSION Men with lower total testosterone concentrations were not at increased risk for MI, stroke, HF, or MACE. Calculated free testosterone may be associated with risk for MACE. Men with lower SHBG concentrations have higher risk for MI but lower risk for IS and HF, with causality to be determined. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE Western Australian Health Translation Network, Medical Research Future Fund, and Lawley Pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bu B Yeap
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, and Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia (B.B.Y.)
| | - Ross J Marriott
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia (R.J.M., K.M.)
| | - Leen Antonio
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (L.A., D.V.)
| | - Suchitra Raj
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia (S.R.)
| | - Girish Dwivedi
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, and Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia (G.D.)
| | - Christopher M Reid
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia (C.M.R.)
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington (B.D.A.)
| | - Shalender Bhasin
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (S.B.)
| | - Adrian S Dobs
- Division of Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (A.S.D.)
| | - David J Handelsman
- Anzac Research Institute, Concord Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (D.J.H.)
| | - Graeme J Hankey
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia (G.J.H., P.E.N.)
| | - Robin Haring
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and Faculty of Applied Public Health, European University of Applied Sciences, Rostock, Germany (R.H.)
| | - Alvin M Matsumoto
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, and Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington (A.M.M.)
| | - Paul E Norman
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia (G.J.H., P.E.N.)
| | - Terence W O'Neill
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, University of Manchester, and National Institute for Health Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom (T.W.O.)
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and Region Vastra Gotaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden (C.O.)
| | - Eric S Orwoll
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon (E.S.O.)
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (L.A., D.V.)
| | - Gary A Wittert
- Freemasons Centre for Men's Health and Wellbeing, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (G.A.W.)
| | - Frederick C W Wu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom (F.C.W.)
| | - Kevin Murray
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia (R.J.M., K.M.)
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Hazegh K, Anawalt BD, Dumont LJ, Kanias T. Toxic masculinity in red blood cell units? Testosterone therapy in blood donors revisited. Transfusion 2021; 61:3174-3180. [PMID: 34519056 PMCID: PMC8568643 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND FDA guidelines limit the use of blood from donors taking testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to red blood cell (RBC) concentrates, whereas plasma and platelets are discarded. The purpose of this study is to bring awareness to above-average free testosterone concentrations in RBC units from TRT donors. STUDY DESIGN We quantified the concentrations of free (bioavailable; pg/ml) and total (protein bound and free; ng/dl) testosterone in plasma (frozen within 24 h) and supernatants from 42-day stored leukocyte-reduced RBC units from 17 TRT male donors and 17 matched controls (no TRT). Total testosterone concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Free testosterone concentrations were quantified in the same samples using equilibrium dialysis/LC-MS/MS. RESULTS Plasma free and total testosterone concentrations in TRT donors were 2.9 and 1.8 times higher than that of controls. Total testosterone concentrations in RBC supernatants were about 30% of that of plasma. In contrast, free testosterone concentrations in RBC supernatants were 80%-100% of that of plasma and were significantly (p = .005) higher in TRT compared with controls (252.3 ± 245.3 vs. 103.4 ± 88.2 pg/ml). Supraphysiological free testosterone concentrations (>244 pg/ml) in RBC supernatants were observed in five TRT donors and two control donors. CONCLUSIONS RBC units from TRT donors may contain supraphysiological concentrations of free testosterone. This may be resolved by avoiding blood collections soon after testosterone dosing and by enhanced screening of TRT donors. These data establish a rationale for new studies and reexamination of the current guidelines concerning the utilization of blood components from TRT donors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bradley D. Anawalt
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Larry J. Dumont
- Vitalant Research Institute, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Tamir Kanias
- Vitalant Research Institute, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Nguyen BT, Yuen F, Farrant M, Thirumalai A, Fernando F, Amory JK, Swerdloff RS, Anawalt BD, Blithe DL, Long JE, Liu PY, Page ST, Wang C. Acceptability of the oral hormonal male contraceptive prototype, 11β-methyl-19-nortestosterone dodecylcarbonate (11β-MNTDC), in a 28-day placebo-controlled trial. Contraception 2021; 104:531-537. [PMID: 34153318 PMCID: PMC8995005 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine men's satisfaction with and the potential acceptability of 11β-methyl-19-nortestosterone dodecylcarbonate (11β-MNTDC) when used for 28 days as an experimental, once-daily, oral hormonal male contraceptive (HMC). STUDY DESIGN We surveyed participants from a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 1 clinical trial, examining their experience with and willingness to use daily oral 11β-MNTDC for male contraception. RESULTS Of 42 trial participants, 40 (30 11β-MNTDC, 10 placebo) completed baseline and end-of-treatment surveys. Based on a 28-day experience, few cited any baseline concerns about safety and drug adherence. Following treatment, nearly three-quarters (72.5%) of participants reported satisfaction with the study drug and nearly all (92.5%) would recommend the method to others. More than half of participants would be willing to pay for the study drug (62.5%) and indicated that the method exceeded initial expectations (53.9%). Nearly 90% reported that taking the pill was easy to remember and did not interfere with their daily routines. Approximately one-third of participants reported bothersome side effects (37% 11β-MNTDC vs. 20% placebo, p = 0.45). Given the option, 42% of participants would prefer a daily HMC pill over injectable regimens or a daily topical gel. CONCLUSION A majority of participants in this short-term trial of daily oral 11β-MNTDC reported satisfaction with the regimen, would recommend it to others, and would pay to use the drug as HMC despite some bothersome side effects. IMPLICATIONS Oral 11β-MNTDC would be an acceptable and preferable method among men desiring reversible hormonal male contraception (HMC). These data support further trials of novel oral HMCs such as 11β-MNTDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States.
| | - Fiona Yuen
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Maritza Farrant
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Arthi Thirumalai
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Frances Fernando
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - John K Amory
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ronald S Swerdloff
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Diana L Blithe
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jill E Long
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Peter Y Liu
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie T Page
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Christina Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
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Anawalt BD. Male Fertility After Androgenic Steroid Use: How Little We Know. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e2813-e2815. [PMID: 33861859 PMCID: PMC8208660 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Yeap BB, Marriott RJ, Antonio L, Chan YX, Raj S, Dwivedi G, Reid CM, Anawalt BD, Bhasin S, Dobs AS, Hankey GJ, Matsumoto AM, Norman PE, O'Neill TW, Ohlsson C, Orwoll ES, Vanderschueren D, Wittert GA, Wu FCW, Murray K. Serum Testosterone is Inversely and Sex Hormone-binding Globulin is Directly Associated with All-cause Mortality in Men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e625-e637. [PMID: 33059368 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Serum testosterone concentrations decline with age, while serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations increase. OBJECTIVE To analyze associations of baseline serum testosterone and SHBG concentrations, and calculated free testosterone (cFT) values, with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in men. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The UK Biobank prospective cohort study of community-dwelling men aged 40-69 years old, followed for 11 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES All-cause, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer-related mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed, adjusting for age, waist circumference, medical conditions, and other covariates. Models for testosterone included SHBG and vice versa. RESULTS In a complete case analysis of 149 436 men with 10 053 deaths (1925 CVD and 4927 cancer-related), men with lower testosterone had a higher mortality rate from any cause (lowest vs highest quintile, Q1 vs Q5, fully-adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-1.22, overall trend P < 0.001), and cancer (HR = 1.20, CI = 1.09-1.33, P < 0.001), with no association for CVD deaths. Similar results were seen for cFT. Men with lower SHBG had a lower mortality rate from any cause (Q1 vs Q5, HR = 0.68, CI = 0.63-0.73, P < 0.001), CVD (HR = 0.70, CI = 0.59-0.83, P < 0.001), and cancer (HR = 0.80, CI = 0.72-0.89, P < 0.001). A multiply imputed dataset (N = 208 425, 15 914 deaths, 3128 CVD-related and 7468 cancer-related) and analysis excluding deaths within the first 2 years (9261, 1734, and 4534 events) yielded similar results. CONCLUSIONS Lower serum testosterone is independently associated with higher all-cause and cancer-related, but not CVD-related, mortality in middle-aged to older men. Lower SHBG is independently associated with lower all-cause, CVD-related, and cancer-related mortality. Confirmation and determination of causality requires mechanistic studies and prospective trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bu B Yeap
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Ross J Marriott
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Leen Antonio
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yi X Chan
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Suchitra Raj
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Girish Dwivedi
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Shalender Bhasin
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Adrian S Dobs
- Division of Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Graeme J Hankey
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Alvin M Matsumoto
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Paul E Norman
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Terence W O'Neill
- Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Vastra Gotaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eric S Orwoll
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gary A Wittert
- Freemasons Centre for Men's Health and Wellbeing, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Frederick C W Wu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kevin Murray
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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16
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Yuen F, Thirumalai A, Pham C, Swerdloff RS, Anawalt BD, Liu PY, Amory JK, Bremner WJ, Dart C, Wu H, Hull L, Blithe DL, Long J, Wang C, Page ST. Daily Oral Administration of the Novel Androgen 11β-MNTDC Markedly Suppresses Serum Gonadotropins in Healthy Men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5715395. [PMID: 31976519 PMCID: PMC7049261 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 11β-methyl-19-nortestosterone (11β-MNT) is a modified testosterone (T) with androgenic and progestational activity. A single oral dose of the prodrug, 11β-MNT dodecylcarbonate (11β-MNTDC), was well tolerated in healthy men. METHODS We conducted a randomized, double-blind study at 2 academic medical centers. 42 healthy men (18-50 years) were randomized to receive oral placebo or 11β-MNTDC, 200 or 400 mg daily, for 28 consecutive days. Primary outcome (safety and tolerability) measures were assessed twice per week. Subjects underwent serial blood sampling over 24 hours on days 1 and 28 to assess secondary outcomes: pharmacokinetics (serum drug concentrations); pharmacodynamics of 11β-MNTDC (serum sex steroids and gonadotropins); and mood and sexual function (via validated questionnaires). RESULTS There were no serious adverse events. No participants discontinued because of an adverse event or laboratory test abnormality. 11β-MNTDC resulted in a dose-related increase in serum 11β-MNTDC and 11β-MNT concentrations sustained over 24 hours. Administration of 11β-MNTDC resulted in a marked suppression of serum gonadotropins, T, calculated free T, estradiol, and SHBG over the treatment period (P < 0.01). Adverse effects that may be related to 11β-MNTDC included weight gain, acne, headaches, fatigue, and mild mood changes, with 5 men reporting decreased libido and 3 decreased erectile/ejaculatory function. Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, weight (~2 kg), hematocrit, and hemoglobin increased and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased in both 11β-MNTDC groups. CONCLUSION Daily oral 11β-MNTDC for 28 days in healthy men markedly suppressed serum gonadotropin and T concentrations without serious adverse effects. These results warrant further evaluation of 11β-MNTDC as a potential male oral contraceptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Yuen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Arthi Thirumalai
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Cindy Pham
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Ronald S Swerdloff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Peter Y Liu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - John K Amory
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - William J Bremner
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Clint Dart
- Health Decisions, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Laura Hull
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Diana L Blithe
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jill Long
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Christina Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Christina Wang, MD, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and, The Lundquist Research Institute 1124 W. Carson St., Torrance, CA 90509. E-mail:
| | - Stephanie T Page
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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17
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Abstract
CONTEXT The lifetime prevalence of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use is estimated at 1% to 5% worldwide. AAS use occurs primarily male elite athletes and men who want a muscular appearance. The evidence for effective, safe management of AAS cessation and withdrawal is weak. DESIGN Key studies were extracted from PubMed (1990-2018) and Google Scholar with reference searches from relevant retrieved articles. RESULTS The proven adverse effects of AASs include suppression of the gonadal axis and infertility, hirsutism and defeminization in women, and erythrocytosis. Alkylated AASs that are taken orally may cause hepatopathy. There is an association between high-dosage AAS use and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Clues for AAS use include very low serum high-density cholesterol and sex hormone-binding globulin concentrations and unexplained erythrocytosis. For elite athletes, the biological passport (monitoring of blood or urinary androgen and androgen precursor concentrations after determining the athlete's baseline) is useful for detecting AAS use. For nonelite athletes, the best method to confirm AAS use is to inquire in a nonjudgmental manner. Cessation of chronic AAS use is associated with a withdrawal syndrome of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS Men who use AASs <1 year typically recover normal hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis function within 1 year after cessation. Men who have infertility due to high-dosage AAS use ≥1 year might benefit from short-term treatment with clomiphene or human chorionic gonadotropin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Bradley D. Anawalt, MD, Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Box 356420, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, Washington 98195. E-mail:
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18
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Anawalt BD, Roth MY, Ceponis J, Surampudi V, Amory JK, Swerdloff RS, Liu PY, Dart C, Bremner WJ, Sitruk-Ware R, Kumar N, Blithe DL, Page ST, Wang C. Combined nestorone-testosterone gel suppresses serum gonadotropins to concentrations associated with effective hormonal contraception in men. Andrology 2019; 7:878-887. [PMID: 30969032 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel male-based contraceptives are needed to broaden family planning choices. A progestin, Nestorone® (Nes) gel, plus a testosterone (T) gel suppresses sperm concentrations to levels associated with effective contraception in normal men. However, administration of two gels on different parts of the body daily is impractical. OBJECTIVE Compare the effectiveness of daily application of a single, combined 8.3 mg Nes-62.5 mg T gel (Nes-T) vs. 62.7 mg T gel to suppress serum FSH and LH concentrations to ≤1.0 IU/L (a threshold associated with suppression of sperm concentrations to ≤1 million and effective contraception) and to compare the pharmacokinetics of serum Nes and T concentrations between the gel groups. DESIGN We conducted a 28-day, double-blind, controlled trial of 44 healthy men randomized to daily Nes-T or T gel with measurement of hormones at baseline, treatment, and recovery and during 24-h pharmacokinetic studies on days 1 and 28 of treatment. RESULTS Of the subjects who met pre-defined inclusion criteria, 84% of the Nes-T group suppressed serum gonadotropin concentrations to ≤1.0 IU/L at days 21-28 vs. 16.7% in the T group (p < 0.001). On day 1, Nes concentrations rose significantly above baseline by 2 h and continued to rise up to 24 h after Nes-T gel application. Nes concentrations were not detectable in the T group. Serum total T concentrations rose and were significantly higher in the T gel group compared to the Nes-T group at 24 h on day 1 and days 11, 14, and 21 (p < 0.01). There were no serious adverse events in either group. About 80% of the subjects reported satisfaction with both gels. CONCLUSION Daily Nes-T gel effectively and safely suppresses serum gonadotropins and is acceptable to most men. It should be studied further in efficacy trials of hormonal male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - M Y Roth
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J Ceponis
- Institute of Endocrinology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.,Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - V Surampudi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - J K Amory
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - R S Swerdloff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - P Y Liu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - C Dart
- Health Decisions, Durham, NC, USA
| | - W J Bremner
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - R Sitruk-Ware
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - N Kumar
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - D L Blithe
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - S T Page
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - C Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
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19
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Wu S, Yuen F, Swerdloff RS, Pak Y, Thirumalai A, Liu PY, Amory JK, Bai F, Hull L, Blithe DL, Anawalt BD, Parman T, Kim K, Lee MS, Bremner WJ, Page ST, Wang C. Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Single-Dose Novel Oral Androgen 11β-Methyl-19-Nortestosterone-17β-Dodecylcarbonate in Men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:629-638. [PMID: 30252057 PMCID: PMC6334268 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-01528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Context 11β-Methyl-19-nortestosterone-17β-dodecylcarbonate (11β-MNTDC) is an orally bioavailable prodrug of 11β-methyl-19-nortestosterone (11β-MNT) with androgenic and progestational activity. Objectives (i) Quantify 11β-MNT binding to androgen and progesterone receptors. (ii) Evaluate safety, tolerability, and serum gonadotropin and testosterone suppression by 11β-MNTDC in men. Design and Setting (i) In vitro receptor binding and transactivation studies and (ii) randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled single-dose, dose-escalating phase I study at two academic medical centers. Participants and Intervention Twelve healthy male volunteers were randomized (five active, one placebo) to escalating single oral doses (100, 200, 400, and 800 mg) of 11β-MNTDC or placebo given with or without food. Main Outcome Measures (i) In vitro 11β-MNT/11β-MNTDC human receptor binding and transactivation and (ii) safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and quantification of serum gonadotropin and testosterone concentrations for 24 hours following dosing. Results 11β-MNT avidly binds and activates human androgen and progesterone receptors, but 11β-MNTDC has minimal activity. Single oral doses of 11β-MNTDC were well tolerated without serious adverse events. Administration of 11β-MNTDC with food markedly increased average 11β-MNTDC and 11β-MNT serum concentrations (P < 0.001 for all doses) compared with fasting with a significant dose-related effect on average serum drug concentrations (P < 0.0001). The 200-, 400-, and 800-mg doses significantly suppressed average serum testosterone concentrations (P < 0.05). Conclusions A single, oral dose of 11β-MNTDC up to 800 mg administered with food is safe and well tolerated in healthy men. The active drug 11β-MNT has androgenic and progestational activity, rapidly suppresses serum testosterone, and is a promising candidate for an effective once-daily oral male hormonal contraceptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Fiona Yuen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Ronald S Swerdloff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Youngju Pak
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Arthi Thirumalai
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Peter Y Liu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - John K Amory
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Feng Bai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Laura Hull
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Diana L Blithe
- Contraception Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Toufan Parman
- SRI International Biosciences Division, Menlo Park, California
| | - Kyuri Kim
- SRI International Biosciences Division, Menlo Park, California
| | - Min S Lee
- Contraception Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - William J Bremner
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stephanie T Page
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Christina Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
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20
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Narla RR, Hirano LA, Lo SHY, Anawalt BD, Phelan EA, Matsumoto AM. Suboptimal osteoporosis evaluation and treatment in older men with and without additional high-risk factors for fractures. J Investig Med 2019; 67:743-749. [PMID: 30723121 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2018-000907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We compared osteoporosis case-finding, evaluation and treatment in groups of Older Men and Older Women with age alone as a significant risk for fracture and Older Men with Higher Risk (older men additionally having previous hip fracture, corticosteroid use or androgen deprivation therapy). We studied 13,704 older men and women (≥70 years old) receiving care at a Veterans Affairs medical center from January 2000 to August 2010 whose 10-year hip fracture risk was assessed by limited FRAX score. The main outcome measures were the proportion of patients who had bone mineral density (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [DXA]) and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH D) measurements performed, and calcium/vitamin D or bisphosphonates prescribed. The proportion of men with a 10-year hip fracture risk ≥3% with age alone as a risk was 48% and 88% in men aged 75-79 and ≥80 years, respectively. Compared with Older Women, fewer Older Men underwent DXA (12% vs 63%, respectively) and 25-OH D measurements (18% vs 39%), and fewer received calcium/vitamin D (20% vs 63%) and bisphosphonate (5% vs 44%) prescriptions. In Older Men with Higher Risk category, the proportion of men with 10-year hip fracture risk ≥3% ranged from 69% to 95%. Despite a higher risk and expectation that this group would have greater case detection and screening, few Older Men with Higher risk underwent DXA screening (27%-36%) and 25-OH D measurements (23%-28%), and received fewer calcium/vitamin D (40%-50%) and bisphosphonate (13%-24%) prescriptions. Considering the known morbidity and mortality, our findings underscore the need for improved evaluation and management of osteoporosis in older men at high risk for fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Rao Narla
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lianne A Hirano
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Serena H Y Lo
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Phelan
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alvin M Matsumoto
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Abstract
In this issue of Asian Journal of Andrology (AJA), several experts have reviewed the latest data on the potential and known effects of endogenous and exogenous testosterone (T) on cardiovascular risk. In the review by Meyer and Wittert, low endogenous serum T appears to be associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality in certain populations such as Klinefelter syndrome and older men, but not in men with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.1 Whether this association is causal or whether low serum testosterone is a marker of other risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, or other systemic disease is unknown. In Yeap's review of the relationship between circulating endogenous testosterone and its major metabolites, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol, he raises the provocative hypotheses that there might be differential effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk related to endogenous testosterone and dihydrotestosterone concentrations.2 Based on the same epidemiological studies, Yeap postulates that there might be a U-shaped curve for circulating endogenous androgen concentrations such that lower and higher concentrations might confer greater risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality than midrange concentrations. Shores demonstrates in a carefully done review of studies of large prescription databases (including >200 000 men) that testosterone therapy is not associated with overall mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, or deep venous thrombosis events.3
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- Division of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Bu B Yeap
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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22
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Yuen F, Wu S, Thirumalai A, Swerdloff RS, Page ST, Liu PY, Dart C, Wu H, Blithe DL, Sitruk-Ware R, Long J, Bai F, Hull L, Bremner WJ, Anawalt BD, Wang C. Preventing secondary exposure to women from men applying a novel nestorone/testosterone contraceptive gel. Andrology 2018; 7:235-243. [PMID: 30556332 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testosterone (T)/Nestorone (NES) combination gel is a potential transdermal male contraceptive that suppresses gonadotropins and spermatogenesis. Transfer of transdermal T from men to women can be prevented by washing or covering application sites with clothing. OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that showering or wearing a shirt over gel application sites would prevent secondary exposure of T and NES to a woman after close skin contact. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve healthy male and 12 healthy female participants were recruited. Men applied T/NES 62 mg/8 mg gel to their shoulders and upper arms. Two hours after application, female partners rubbed the application site for 15 min. Exposure in the female partner was assessed under three conditions: a shirt covered the application site; the man showered prior to skin contact; or without intervention to reduce transfer. Serum T and NES concentrations were measured by LC-MS/MS in serial blood samples for 24 h after gel exposure. MAIN OUTCOMES Change in female serum T and NES levels as measured by average concentration over 24 h (Cavg ). RESULTS Median female serum T Cavg was 23.9 ng/dL (interquartile range, 19.3, 33.9) with the shirt barrier and 26.7 ng/dL (20.7, 33.9) after showering, which was higher than baseline 20.9 ng/dL (16.7, 25.0), both p < 0.03) but lower than without intervention (58.2 ng/dL [30.9, 89.1], both p < 0.01). Female serum NES Cavg and maximum concentration were below the lower limit of quantification with the shirt barrier and after showering, but increased without intervention in six of 12 women (maximum concentration <60 pg/mL). Men had lower average serum NES levels after showering (47 pg/ml [20, 94] compared to no intervention (153.3 pg/mL [51, 241], p < 0.02). CONCLUSION Secondary transfer of T and NES occurs after intensive skin contact with the gel application site. Secondary transfer is decreased by a shirt barrier or showering before contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Yuen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - S Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - A Thirumalai
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - R S Swerdloff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - S T Page
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - P Y Liu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - C Dart
- Health Decisions, Durham, NC, USA
| | - H Wu
- Health Decisions, Durham, NC, USA
| | - D L Blithe
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - R Sitruk-Ware
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Long
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - F Bai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - L Hull
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - W J Bremner
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - B D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - C Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
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Anawalt BD, Page ST. Testosterone therapy and physical function. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2018; 6:839-840. [PMID: 30366565 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(18)30202-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Stephanie T Page
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98119, USA.
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Rogol AD, Anawalt BD. Should survivors of childhood cancer or testicular cancer be screened for androgen deficiency? Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2018; 89:397-398. [PMID: 29920751 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alan D Rogol
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Durvasula R, Kelly J, Schleyer A, Anawalt BD, Somani S, Dellit TH. Standardized Review and Approval Process for High-Cost Medication Use Promotes Value-Based Care in a Large Academic Medical System. Am Health Drug Benefits 2018; 11:65-73. [PMID: 29915640 PMCID: PMC5973244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As healthcare costs rise and reimbursements decrease, healthcare organization leadership and clinical providers must collaborate to provide high-value healthcare. Medications are a key driver of the increasing cost of healthcare, largely as a result of the proliferation of expensive specialty drugs, including biologic agents. Such medications contribute significantly to the inpatient diagnosis-related group payment system, often with minimal or unproved benefit over less-expensive therapies. OBJECTIVE To describe a systematic review process to reduce non-evidence-based inpatient use of high-cost medications across a large multihospital academic health system. METHODS We created a Pharmacy & Therapeutics subcommittee consisting of clinicians, pharmacists, and an ethics representative. This committee developed a standardized process for a timely review (<48 hours) and approval of high-cost medications based on their clinical effectiveness, safety, and appropriateness. The engagement of clinical experts in the development of the consensus-based guidelines for the use of specific medications facilitated the clinicians' acceptance of the review process. RESULTS Over a 2-year period, a total of 85 patient-specific requests underwent formal review. All reviews were conducted within 48 hours. This review process has reduced the non-evidence-based use of specialty medications and has resulted in a pharmacy savings of $491,000 in fiscal year 2016, with almost 80% of the savings occurring in the last 2 quarters, because our process has matured. CONCLUSION The creation of a collaborative review process to ensure consistent, evidence-based utilization of high-cost medications provides value-based care, while minimizing unnecessary practice variation and reducing the cost of inpatient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu Durvasula
- Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle
| | - Janet Kelly
- Assistant Director of Pharmacy Services, University of Washington Medical Center
| | - Anneliese Schleyer
- Associate Professor of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
| | - Shabir Somani
- Chief Pharmacy Officer and Assistant Dean, University of Washington School of Pharmacy
| | - Timothy H Dellit
- Professor of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine
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Abstract
Because national and international sports competitions are sources of community pride and financial revenue, there have been great efforts to prevent and detect the use of performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic androgenic steroids by elite athletes. The World Anti-Doping Agency and its national affiliate anti-doping agencies have created sophisticated monitoring systems and advanced testing techniques to detect the use of banned substances including anabolic androgenic steroids by participants in international and national athletic competitions. The creation of a longitudinal monitoring program known as the biological passport is a recent, important development in the efforts to prevent and detect the use of banned performance-enhancing drugs and methods. The biological passport program consists of the measurement of urinary and blood markers of anabolic androgenic steroid use (and other banned drugs or methods) at baseline and at random times. A panel of experts reviews the longitudinal data and interprets the likelihood of the use of banned drugs and methods. These advances in anti-doping appear to be highly effective, but some athletes persist in their efforts to cheat the detection process. In addition, some members of the general public use anabolic androgenic steroids for a variety of reasons including to improve physical appearance or to enhance performance in athletics. Clinicians must depend on clinical acumen and the measurement of serum testosterone and gonadotropins to guide them in making a tentative diagnosis of anabolic androgenic steroid use. Definitive diagnosis requires that the patient disclose the use of the drugs. Because anabolic androgenic steroids are effective for improving certain aspects of physical performance, some elite athletes (and members of the general public) will continue to use these drugs. Effective efforts to curtail the use of these drugs will require decreasing the ease of access to them, continued advancements in laboratory techniques, and perhaps a shift in societal approbation for athletic performance and muscular appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Box 356420, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bu B Yeap
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
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Ahmad I, Anawalt BD. High concentrations of LH cause virilization in a postmenopausal woman. Clin Case Rep 2017; 5:225-228. [PMID: 28265377 PMCID: PMC5331285 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Some testosterone-producing adrenal tumors can be successfully treated with long-acting GnRH analogs and adrenal venous sampling can be useful to detect rare ectopic sex steroid-producing tumors or confirm bilateral adrenal androgen hyperproduction in female hyperandrogenism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iram Ahmad
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department of Medicine University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department of Medicine University of Washington Seattle Washington USA; Division of General Internal Medicine Department of Medicine University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
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Lee AP, Roth MY, Nya-Ngatchou JJ, Lin K, Walsh TJ, Page ST, Matsumoto AM, Bremner WJ, Amory JK, Anawalt BD. Testicular fine-needle aspiration for the assessment of intratesticular hormone concentrations. Asian J Androl 2016. [PMID: 26208394 PMCID: PMC4736351 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.156637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Measurement of intratesticular sex steroid concentrations in men informs both the development of male hormonal contraceptives and the understanding of male infertility. Given the challenges of using invasive techniques to measure testicular hormone physiology, our group has used a minimally-invasive fine-needle aspiration technique to measure intratesticular hormones in normal healthy men. Herein, we present a post-hoc analysis of the safety and efficacy of testicular fine-needle aspiration (FNA) completed as part of six clinical trials. From 2001 through 2011, a total of 404 procedures were conducted among 163 research volunteers, 85.9% of which were successful in obtaining sufficient fluid for the measurement of intratesticular steroid concentrations. Pain was the most common side effect, with 36.8% of procedures associated with moderate procedural pain and 4.7% with severe procedural pain. Postprocedural pain was uncommon and abated within a few days. Mild local bruising occurred with 14.9% of procedures. Two serious adverse events (0.5%) required surgical intervention. The risk of an adverse event was not associated with age, body mass index, testicular size, or the volume of fluid aspirated. Testicular FNA to obtain fluid for measurement of intratesticular steroid concentrations frequently causes mild to moderate procedural pain, but serious adverse events occur rarely. Testicular FNA has been instrumental for defining human intratesticular hormone physiology and is a minimally-invasive, safe, effective method for obtaining fluid for research on testicular physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine and Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Stephanie T Page
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98119, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- University of Washington Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195
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Reed SD, Newton KM, Larson JC, Booth-LaForce C, Woods NF, Landis CA, Tolentino E, Carpenter JS, Freeman EW, Joffe H, Anawalt BD, Guthrie KA. Daily salivary cortisol patterns in midlife women with hot flashes. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2016; 84:672-9. [PMID: 26663024 PMCID: PMC5106033 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diurnal salivary cortisol patterns in healthy adults are well established but have not been studied in midlife women with hot flashes. We hypothesized that frequent hot flashes are associated with aberrant cortisol patterns similar to sleep-deficient individuals. DESIGN Cross-sectional. PARTICIPANTS A total of 306 women, ages 40-62, randomized to a behavioural intervention for hot flashes. MEASUREMENTS Baseline comparisons of cortisol geometric means (nmol/l) from four daily time points averaged over two consecutive days plus other calculated cortisol measures were made between groups defined by baseline: (i) mean daily hot flash frequency tertile (≤5·5, N = 103; >5·5-8·8, N = 103; >8·8, N = 100) and (ii) selected characteristics. Repeated-measures linear regression models of log-transformed cortisol evaluated group differences, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS Women were 67% White and 24% African American, with 7·6 (SD 3·9) hot flashes per day. Salivary cortisol geometric means (nmol/l) among all women were as follows: 75·0 (SD 44·8) total, 8·6 (SD 5·6) wake, 10·0 (SD 7·5) wake +30 min, 3·7 (SD 3·3) early afternoon and 1·6 (SD 1·8) bedtime. Wake + 30-minute values showed an 18% median rise from wake values (interquartile range -24 to 96%), and means varied by hot flash frequency tertile, from lowest to highest: 11·4(SD 7·3), 10·3 (SD 6·5) and 8·6 (SD 7·8), respectively, P = 0·003. Beside the early afternoon value (P = 0·02), cortisol values did not vary by hot flash frequency. CONCLUSION Taken together, these findings suggest that high frequency of moderate-to-severe hot flashes may be associated with subtle abnormalities in cortisol concentrations - a pattern consistent with chronic sleep disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Reed
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - K M Newton
- Group Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J C Larson
- Data Coordinating Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - C Booth-LaForce
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - N F Woods
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - C A Landis
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - E Tolentino
- Laboratory Testing Services University of Washington Seattle WA
| | - J S Carpenter
- School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - E W Freeman
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - H Joffe
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - B D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - K A Guthrie
- Data Coordinating Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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Cooper LA, Page ST, Amory JK, Anawalt BD, Matsumoto AM. The association of obesity with sex hormone-binding globulin is stronger than the association with ageing--implications for the interpretation of total testosterone measurements. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2015; 83:828-33. [PMID: 25777143 PMCID: PMC4782930 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Total testosterone concentrations are influenced by sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations, which are decreased by obesity and increased with ageing. Therefore, we sought to understand and compare the associations of ageing and obesity with SHBG. DESIGN We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of the associations of obesity and age on SHBG and testosterone measurements in men being evaluated for hypogonadism. PATIENTS, MEASUREMENTS AND ANALYSIS A total of 3671 men who underwent laboratory testing for testosterone deficiency from the Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System from 1997 through 2007 was included. Univariate and multivariate linear regression modelling of the associations between age and body mass index (BMI) and SHBG was performed. RESULTS Obesity was associated with a significantly lower SHBG [β = -1·26 (95% CI -1·14, -1·38) nmol/l] per unit increase in BMI. In contrast, ageing was associated with a significantly increased SHBG [β = 0·46 (95% CI 0·39, 0·53) nmol/l per year] (P < 0·001 for both effects). The association of obesity with lower SHBG was two to three times larger than the association of ageing with increased SHBG in both univariate and multivariate modelling. On average, obese men (BMI >30 kg/m(2)) had significantly lower SHBG and total testosterone concentrations than nonobese men [(mean ± SD) SHBG: 36 ± 22 vs 50 ± 27 nmol/l and total testosterone: 10·5 ± 5·4 nmol/l vs 14·1 ± 7·4 nmol/l; (P < 0·001 for both comparisons)], but calculated free testosterone concentrations did not differ between obese and nonobese men. CONCLUSIONS We found that the association between obesity and lowered SHBG is greater than the association of ageing with increased SHBG. These competing effects may impact total testosterone measurements for the diagnosis of low testosterone, particularly in obese men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori A Cooper
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephanie T Page
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John K Amory
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alvin M Matsumoto
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Anawalt BD, Bremner WJ. Reproductive endocrinology: Are intramuscular testosterone injections harmful? Nat Rev Endocrinol 2015; 11:510-1. [PMID: 26149613 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2015.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Box 356420, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - William J Bremner
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Box 356420, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Grossmann M, Anawalt BD, Wu FCW. Clinical practice patterns in the assessment and management of low testosterone in men: an international survey of endocrinologists. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2015; 82:234-41. [PMID: 25154540 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To document current practices in the approach to low testosterone in older men. Given that recommendations are based on low-level evidence, we hypothesized that there would be a wide variability in clinical practice patterns. DESIGN Members of all major endocrine and andrological societies were invited to participate in a Web-based survey of the diagnostic work-up and management of a hypothetical index case of a 61-year old overweight man presenting with symptoms suggestive of androgen deficiency, without evidence of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPT) axis disease. RESULTS Nine hundred and forty-three respondents (91·2% adult endocrinologists) from Northern America (63·7%), Europe (12·7%), Oceania (8·2%), Latin America and Caribbean (7·6%), and the Middle East, Asia, or Africa (7·8%) completed the survey. Response rates among participating societies ranged from 4·1-20·0%. There was a wide variability in clinical practice patterns, especially regarding biochemical diagnosis of androgen deficiency, exclusion of HPT axis pathology, and monitoring for prostate cancer. In a man with suggestive symptoms, 42·4% of participants would offer testosterone treatment below a serum total testosterone of 10·4 nmol/l (300 ng/dl). A total of 46·0% of participants were, over the last five years, 'less inclined' to prescribe testosterone to men with nonspecific symptoms and borderline testosterone levels, compared to 'no change' (29·3%) or 'more inclined' (24·7%), P < 0·001. CONCLUSIONS This large-scale international survey shows a wide variability in the management of lowered testosterone in older men, with deviations from current clinical practice guidelines, and a temporal trend towards increasing reluctance to prescribe testosterone to men without classical hypogonadism. These findings highlight the need for better evidence to guide clinicians regarding testosterone therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Vic, Australia
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98195
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Abstract
Male subfertility is common, and it causes significant duress to couples. Although the most common cause of male subfertility is idiopathic failure of spermatogenesis, a significant percentage of male subfertility is medically treatable. Compared to reproductive specialists, endocrinologists may see a population of men that have a higher prevalence of treatable causes of subfertility including sexual disorders, endocrinopathies, obesity, drugs, and ejaculatory dysfunction. Seminal fluid analysis is the most important diagnostic study, and at least 2 samples should be analyzed. All patients with sperm concentrations < 10 million/mL due to idiopathic spermatogenic defects should be referred for genetic counseling and karyotyping; most experts also recommend that these patients be tested for Y chromosomal microdeletions. For most men with low sperm concentrations due to gonadotropin deficiency, gonadotropin therapy effectively increases spermatogenesis. The endocrinologist must recognize when to use medical therapy to stimulate spermatogenesis and when to refer for consideration of assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- University of Washington Medical Center, Department of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
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Roth MY, Nya-Ngatchou JJS, Lin K, Page ST, Anawalt BD, Matsumoto AM, Marck BT, Bremner WJ, Amory JK. Androgen synthesis in the gonadotropin-suppressed human testes can be markedly suppressed by ketoconazole. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98:1198-206. [PMID: 23348398 PMCID: PMC3590466 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2012-3527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The concentration of intratesticular testosterone (IT-T) required for human spermatogenesis is unknown because spermatogenesis can persist despite the markedly reduced IT-T concentrations observed with LH suppression. Methods to lower IT-T further are needed to determine the relationship between IT-T and spermatogenesis. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine the effect of inhibiting the synthesis and metabolism of testosterone (T) on IT-T in gonadotropin-suppressed human testes. DESIGN/SETTING/PATIENTS Forty normal men participated in a blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial at an academic center. INTERVENTION/OUTCOME MEASURES: All men were first administered the GnRH antagonist acyline to suppress LH. Forty-eight hours after acyline administration, subjects were randomly assigned to placebo, ketoconazole (to inhibit T synthesis) at 400 or 800 mg, dutasteride (to inhibit T metabolism) 2.5 mg, or anastrazole (to inhibit T metabolism) 1 mg, daily for 7 days (n = 8/group). Intratesticular steroid concentrations were measured 48 hours after acyline administration alone and again after 7 days of combination treatment. RESULTS After 7 days of combination treatment, the median IT-T (25th, 75th percentile) in the placebo group was 14 (8.0, 21.2) ng/mL. IT-T was reduced to 3.7 (2.5, 7.1) ng/mL in the ketoconazole 400 mg group and 1.7 (0.8, 4.0) ng/mL in the ketoconazole 800 mg group (P < .001 vs placebo for both comparisons). IT-T concentrations in the dutasteride and anastrazole groups were similar to placebo. CONCLUSION Combining inhibition of steroidogenesis with gonadotropin suppression lowers IT-T more than gonadotropin suppression alone. This combination might be useful to determine the minimum IT-T concentration necessary for human spermatogenesis, information essential for developing male hormonal contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Roth
- Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357138, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
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Coviello AD, Bremner WJ, Matsumoto AM, Herbst KL, Amory JK, Anawalt BD, Yan X, Brown TR, Wright WW, Zirkin BR, Jarow JP. Intratesticular Testosterone Concentrations Comparable With Serum Levels Are Not Sufficient to Maintain Normal Sperm Production in Men Receiving a Hormonal Contraceptive Regimen. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 25:931-8. [PMID: 15477366 DOI: 10.1002/j.1939-4640.2004.tb03164.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Intratesticular testosterone (ITT) is thought to play a key role in the control of spermatogenesis in man but is rarely measured. The purposes of this study were 1) to examine the relationship between intratesticular fluid and serum testosterone (T) at baseline and during treatment with a contraceptive regimen known to suppress spermatogenesis and 2) to measure intratesticular fluid androgenic bioactivity. Seven men received 6 months of T enanthate (TE) 100 mg weekly intramuscularly plus levonorgestrel (LNG) 62.5 or 31.25 microg orally daily. Testicular fluid was obtained by percutaneous aspiration at baseline and during month 6. Mean luteinizing hormone (LH) was suppressed 98% from 3.79 +/- 0.80 IU/L at baseline to 0.08 +/- 0.03 IU/L. Mean follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was suppressed 97%, from 3.29 +/- 0.67 IU/L to 0.10 +/- 0.03 IU/L. Mean serum T levels were similar before (22.8 +/- 1.9 nmol/L) and during treatment (28.7 +/- 2.0 nmol/L) (P = .12). ITT (822 +/- 136 nmol/L) was approximately 40x higher than serum T (P < .001) at baseline. ITT was suppressed 98% during treatment to 13.1 +/- 4.5 nmol/L, a level similar to baseline serum T (P = .08) but significantly lower than on-treatment serum T (P = .01). At baseline, intratesticular fluid androgenic bioactivity (583 +/- 145 nmol/L) was 70% of the ITT concentration measured by radioimmunoassay. Intratesticular androgenic bioactivity was suppressed 93% to 40 +/- 22 nmol/L (P < .01) during treatment, but was 3x higher than ITT (13.1 +/- 4.5 nmol/L). Sperm counts declined from 65 +/- 15 million/mL to 1.3 +/- 1.3 million/mL. In summary, TE plus LNG dramatically suppressed ITT (98%) and intratesticular androgenic bioactivity (93%) to levels approximating those in serum. ITT levels comparable with serum T were insufficient to support normal spermatogenesis. Intratesticular androgenic bioactivity was higher than ITT during treatment, suggesting that other androgens may be prevalent in the low-ITT environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea D Coviello
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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Roth MY, Lin K, Bay K, Amory JK, Anawalt BD, Matsumoto AM, Marck BT, Bremner WJ, Page ST. Serum insulin-like factor 3 is highly correlated with intratesticular testosterone in normal men with acute, experimental gonadotropin deficiency stimulated with low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin: a randomized, controlled trial. Fertil Steril 2012; 99:132-139. [PMID: 23040523 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the potential role for using serum biomarkers, including insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3), 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, antimüllerian hormone, and inhibin B, as correlates of intratesticular T (IT-T) concentrations in men. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING University-based medical center. PATIENT(S) Thirty-seven healthy men aged 18-50 years. INTERVENTION(S) All men received the GnRH antagonist acyline, plus very low doses of hCG (0 IU, 15 IU, 60 IU, or 125 IU) SC every other day or 7.5 g T gel daily (75 mg delivered). The IT-T concentrations obtained by percutaneous testicular aspiration with simultaneous serum protein and steroid concentrations were measured at baseline and after 10 days of treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Intratesticular and serum hormone and gonadotropin concentrations. RESULT(S) After 10 days of gonadotropin suppression, serum INSL3 decreased by more than 90% and correlated highly with IT-T concentrations. In contrast, serum inhibin B, antimüllerian hormone, and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone did not correlate with IT-T. Serum INSL3 increased with the dose of hCG administered and returned to baseline after treatment. CONCLUSION(S) Serum INSL3 correlates highly with IT-T and serum T concentrations during acute gonadotropin suppression in men. Human chorionic gonadotropin stimulates dose-dependent increases in INSL3 and IT-T in healthy men and might be a useful biomarker of IT-T concentration in some clinical settings. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT# 00839319.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Y Roth
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Kat Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Katrine Bay
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John K Amory
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Alvin M Matsumoto
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Brett T Marck
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - William J Bremner
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stephanie T Page
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Shoeb M, Merel SE, Jackson MB, Anawalt BD. "Can we just stop and talk?" patients value verbal communication about discharge care plans. J Hosp Med 2012; 7:504-7. [PMID: 22447649 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.1937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Revised: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies show that hospitalized patients often do not understand their postdischarge care plan. There are few studies about patients' preferences regarding the content of discharge care plans. OBJECTIVE To identify what patients view as essential elements of a post-hospitalization plan. DESIGN Anonymous written survey distributed on the second day of admission to internal medicine wards. SETTING An academic tertiary care hospital and an academic county hospital in Seattle, Washington. PATIENTS Two hundred English-speaking adult inpatients ≥ 18 years or their proxies. RESULTS The majority of patients (64.5%) surveyed wanted verbal discharge instructions, with only 10.5% requesting written instructions (P < 0.0001). One hundred percent of patients valued the following discharge instructions as essential: "when you need to follow-up with [primary care provider] PCP," "warning signs to call PCP," and "medicines to continue post-hospitalization." One hundred percent of patients wanted "a lot of information about my condition" and "test results," but only 39% wanted "a lot of information about my medications" (P < 0.0001). When asked to choose the most important piece of discharge instruction related to their disease, 67.5% of patients chose "lifestyle changes." One hundred percent of patients thought that personal communication between the inpatient provider and the outpatient primary care provider was "extremely important" or "essential." CONCLUSION Patients uniformly placed high value on: 1) verbal communication about discharge care plans; 2) information about lifestyle changes for improved health; and 3) personal communication between inpatient and outpatient providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Shoeb
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-6429, USA
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Abstract
CONTEXT Low testosterone levels in men have been associated with increased mortality. However, the influence of testosterone treatment on mortality in men with low testosterone levels is not known. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to examine the association between testosterone treatment and mortality in men with low testosterone levels. DESIGN This was an observational study of mortality in testosterone-treated compared with untreated men, assessed with time-varying, adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models. Effect modification by age, diabetes, and coronary heart disease was tested a priori. SETTING The study was conducted with a clinical database that included seven Northwest Veterans Affairs medical centers. PATIENTS Patients included a cohort of 1031 male veterans, aged older than 40 yr, with low total testosterone [≤250 ng/dl (8.7 nmol/liter)] and no history of prostate cancer, assessed between January 2001 and December 2002 and followed up through the end of 2005. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Total mortality in testosterone-treated compared with untreated men was measured. RESULTS Testosterone treatment was initiated in 398 men (39%) during routine clinical care. The mortality in testosterone-treated men was 10.3% compared with 20.7% in untreated men (P<0.0001) with a mortality rate of 3.4 deaths per 100 person-years for testosterone-treated men and 5.7 deaths per 100 person-years in men not treated with testosterone. After multivariable adjustment including age, body mass index, testosterone level, medical morbidity, diabetes, and coronary heart disease, testosterone treatment was associated with decreased risk of death (hazard ratio 0.61; 95% confidence interval 0.42-0.88; P = 0.008). No significant effect modification was found by age, diabetes, or coronary heart disease. CONCLUSIONS In an observational cohort of men with low testosterone levels, testosterone treatment was associated with decreased mortality compared with no testosterone treatment. These results should be interpreted cautiously because residual confounding may still be a source of bias. Large, randomized clinical trials are needed to better characterize the health effects of testosterone treatment in older men with low testosterone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly M Shores
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 South Columbian Way, S-116PES, Seattle, Washington 98108, USA.
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Anawalt BD, Hotaling JM, Walsh TJ, Matsumoto AM. Performance of total testosterone measurement to predict free testosterone for the biochemical evaluation of male hypogonadism. J Urol 2012; 187:1369-73. [PMID: 22341266 PMCID: PMC10368284 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2011.11.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Guidelines recommend serum total testosterone measurement as the initial test to evaluate male hypogonadism, reserving free testosterone assessment for men with suspected sex hormone-binding globulin abnormalities or total testosterone near the lower limit of normal. We determined the performance of total testosterone measurement as a test to identify men with normal vs low free testosterone. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined the electronic medical records of all 3,672 men evaluated for hypogonadism by a serum testosterone panel, including total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, albumin and calculated free testosterone, from January 1, 1997 through December 31, 2007 in a network that serves veterans in Washington. RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity of low total testosterone (less than 280 ng/dl) to rule out and predict low calculated free testosterone was 91.0% and 73.7%, respectively. At thresholds of less than 350 and less than 400 ng/dl the sensitivity of total testosterone for low calculated free testosterone increased to 96.8% and 98.2%, and at thresholds of less than 150 and less than 200 ng/dl specificity increased to 98.9% and 92.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Total testosterone between 280 and 350 ng/dl is not sensitive enough to reliably exclude hypogonadism. Total testosterone must exceed 350 to 400 ng/dl to reliably predict normal free testosterone. Except when levels are less than 150 ng/dl total testosterone measurement has low specificity for the biochemical diagnosis of hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington and Geriatric Research, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
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Etzel JP, Larson MF, Anawalt BD, Collins J, Dominitz JA. Assessment and management of low bone density in inflammatory bowel disease and performance of professional society guidelines. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011; 17:2122-9. [PMID: 21910174 DOI: 10.1002/ibd.21601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2010] [Accepted: 11/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients have increased prevalence of osteoporosis, leading to guideline recommendations for bone mineral density (BMD) testing. The study aim was to identify predictors of BMD testing and treatment and assess guideline effectiveness to identify IBD patients with osteoporosis. METHODS Records of all IBD patients at seven medical facilities were reviewed for clinical data and BMD testing from January 1996 through October 2006. RESULTS A total of 2035 patients had 317 bone density tests performed. Osteopenia was found in 48% of patients, osteoporosis in 26%. Among patients meeting guideline criteria for BMD testing and ≥1 year of follow-up, 23.3% underwent testing. The strongest predictors of testing were menopause (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 3.02) and receiving care at a tertiary center (AHR 2.56). Testing rates were low in patients with age ≥60 years, ulcerative colitis, and a history of inpatient IBD treatment. Osteoporotic patients received calcium/vitamin D and bisphosphonates in 59% and 75% of cases, respectively. Osteoporotic males had a 37% rate of hypogonadism. Guideline criteria do not distinguish patients with osteoporosis. The criteria had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 84%, 23%, 27%, and 81% for osteoporosis in the tested population, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Osteoporosis is highly prevalent in the IBD population, but BMD testing and osteoporosis treatments are underutilized. Male hypogonadism is common in osteoporotic IBD patients. Guidelines do not identify IBD patients with osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Etzel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Roth MY, Page ST, Lin K, Anawalt BD, Matsumoto AM, Marck B, Bremner WJ, Amory JK. The effect of gonadotropin withdrawal and stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin on intratesticular androstenedione and DHEA in normal men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011; 96:1175-81. [PMID: 21289266 PMCID: PMC3070251 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-2518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Concentrations of intratesticular (IT) testosterone (T) are known to be 100-200 times those of serum T; however, the IT concentrations of T's precursors, their testicular to serum gradients, gonadotropin dependence, and response to stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have not been studied in detail. We hypothesized that serum and IT androstenedione (ADD) and IT dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) would be significantly suppressed by the administration of a GnRH antagonist and increased when stimulated by hCG, without a similar suppression of serum DHEA. METHODS We suppressed gonadotropins in 23 normal men with the GnRH antagonist acyline and randomly assigned them to one of four doses of hCG, 0, 15, 60, or 125 IU sc every other day for 10 d. Blood and IT fluid for the measurement of serum and IT hormones were obtained at baseline and after 10 d of treatment. RESULTS Baseline IT ADD [median (25th, 75th percentile)] was 629 (308, 860) nmol/liter, and IT DHEA was 564 (411, 879) nmol/liter, which were 175 and 27 times higher than their respective serum concentrations. IT ADD and IT DHEA were suppressed by 98 and 82%, respectively, by acyline and significantly increased with hCG administration. Likewise, serum ADD was suppressed by 50%, but serum DHEA was unchanged. DISCUSSION ADD and DHEA are highly concentrated within the human testes compared with serum. Serum and IT ADD and IT DHEA are markedly suppressed with GnRH administration and stimulated by hCG, but serum DHEA is not, suggesting that most circulating DHEA is not of testicular origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Roth
- Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 91895, USA.
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Roth MY, Page ST, Lin K, Anawalt BD, Matsumoto AM, Snyder CN, Marck BT, Bremner WJ, Amory JK. Dose-dependent increase in intratesticular testosterone by very low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin in normal men with experimental gonadotropin deficiency. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010; 95:3806-13. [PMID: 20484472 PMCID: PMC2913032 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE In men with infertility secondary to gonadotropin deficiency, treatment with relatively high dosages of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulates intratesticular testosterone (IT-T) biosynthesis and spermatogenesis. Previously we found that lower dosages of hCG stimulated IT-T to normal. However, the minimal dose of hCG needed to stimulate IT-T and the dose-response relationship between very low doses of hCG and IT-T and serum testosterone in normal men is unknown. DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS, AND INTERVENTION We induced experimental gonadotropin deficiency in 37 normal men with the GnRH antagonist acyline and randomized them to receive one of four low doses of hCG: 0, 15, 60, or 125 IU sc every other day or 7.5 g daily testosterone gel for 10 d. Testicular fluid was obtained by percutaneous aspiration for steroid measurements at baseline and after 10 d of treatment and correlated with contemporaneous serum hormone measurements. RESULTS Median (25th, 75th percentile) baseline IT-T was 2508 nmol/liter (1753, 3502 nmol/liter). IT-T concentrations increased in a dose-dependent manner with very low-dosage hCG administration from 77 nmol/liter (40, 122 nmol/liter) to 923 nmol/liter (894, 1017 nmol/liter) in the 0- and 125-IU groups, respectively (P<0.001). Moreover, serum hCG was significantly correlated with both IT-T and serum testosterone (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Doses of hCG far lower than those used clinically increase IT-T concentrations in a dose-dependent manner in normal men with experimental gonadotropin deficiency. Assessment of IT-T provides a valuable tool to investigate the hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis in man.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Roth
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357138, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
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Roth MY, Lin K, Amory JK, Matsumoto AM, Anawalt BD, Snyder CN, Kalhorn TF, Bremner WJ, Page ST. Serum LH correlates highly with intratesticular steroid levels in normal men. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 31:138-45. [PMID: 19779211 DOI: 10.2164/jandrol.109.008391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroids are essential for spermatogenesis; however, normal intratesticular concentrations of these hormones in man have not been extensively studied. To improve our understanding of intratesticular hormone concentrations, we performed bilateral testicular aspirations in a group of normal men, determined sex steroid concentrations within each testis, and compared these levels to serum hormone concentrations. Ten healthy human subjects aged 20-49 underwent bilateral testicular aspirations. Intratesticular hormone concentrations of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Intratesticular testosterone concentrations ranged from 119 to 1251 ng/mL, with a mean of 635 +/- 368 ng/mL. Intratesticular estradiol ranged from 0.41 to 3.9 ng/mL, with a mean of 2.4 +/- 1.3 ng/mL. Intratesticular DHT ranged from 1.1 to 7.9 ng/mL, with a mean of 3.5 +/- 3.2 ng/mL. Intratesticular testosterone and estradiol concentrations correlated highly with serum luteinizing hormone (LH; r = 0.87 and r = 0.70 respectively, P < .01). Intratesticular testosterone correlated highly with serum testosterone. Moreover, a significant correlation between the right and left testes was observed for testosterone (r = 0.82, P = .003), but not for estradiol or DHT. Intratesticular hormone concentrations can be safely assessed by testicular aspiration. Intratesticular testosterone and estradiol correlate highly with serum LH concentrations, and variation in serum LH accounts for most of the variation in intratesticular testosterone among men. In addition, intratesticular testosterone is highly correlated between testes in a given individual. Direct measurement of intratesticular testosterone will improve our understanding of the relationship between intratesticular sex steroids and spermatogenesis, and may have implications for the development of male hormonal contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Y Roth
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 91895, USA.
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