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Anand-Ivell R, Heng K, Antonio L, Bartfai G, Casanueva FF, Maggi M, O'Neill TW, Punab M, Rastrelli G, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Tournoy J, Vanderschueren D, Wu FC, Huhtaniemi IT, Ivell R. Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) as an indicator of leydig cell insufficiency (LCI) in Middle-aged and older men with hypogonadism: reference range and threshold. Aging Male 2024; 27:2346322. [PMID: 38676285 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2024.2346322] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a circulating biomarker for Leydig cell functional capacity in men, also indicating Leydig Cell Insufficiency (LCI) and potential primary hypogonadism. Using results from large cohort studies we explore sources of biological and technical variance, and establish a reference range for adult men. It is constitutively secreted with little within-individual variation and reflects testicular capacity to produce testosterone. The main INSL3 assays available indicate good concordance with low technical variance; there is no effect of ethnicity. INSL3 declines with age from 35 years at about 15% per decade. Like low calculated free testosterone, and to a lesser extent low total testosterone, reduced INSL3 is significantly associated with increasing age-related morbidity, including lower overall sexual function, reflecting LCI. Consequently, low INSL3 (≤0.4 ng/ml; ca. <2 SD from the population mean) might serve as an additional biochemical marker in the assessment of functional hypogonadism (late-onset hypogonadism, LOH) where testosterone is in the borderline low range. Excluding individuals with low LCI (INSL3 ≤ 0.4 ng/ml) leads to an age-independent (> 35 years) reference range (serum) for INSL3 in the eugonadal population of 0.4 - 2.3 ng/ml, with low INSL3 prospectively identifying individuals at risk of increased future morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kee Heng
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - Leen Antonio
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Leuven, KU, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gyorgy Bartfai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, Albert Szent-Gyorgy Medical University, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Felipe F Casanueva
- Department of Medicine, Santiago de Compostela University, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (IDIS), CIBER de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutricion (CB06/03), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology and Andrology Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Terence W O'Neill
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, The University of Manchester & NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, and Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Endocrinology and Andrology Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Leuven, KU, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederick Cw Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, UK
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
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Tenuta M, Cangiano B, Rastrelli G, Carlomagno F, Sciarra F, Sansone A, Isidori AM, Gianfrilli D, Krausz C. Iron overload disorders: Growth and gonadal dysfunction in childhood and adolescence. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024:e30995. [PMID: 38616355 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30995] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Hemochromatosis (HC) is characterized by the progressive accumulation of iron in the body, resulting in organ damage. Endocrine complications are particularly common, especially when the condition manifests in childhood or adolescence, when HC can adversely affect linear growth or pubertal development, with significant repercussions on quality of life even into adulthood. Therefore, a timely and accurate diagnosis of these disorders is mandatory, but sometimes complex for hematologists without endocrinological support. This is a narrative review focused on puberty and growth disorders during infancy and adolescence aiming to offer guidance for diagnosis, treatment, and proper follow-up. Additionally, it aims to highlight gaps in the existing literature and emphasizes the importance of collaboration among specialists, which is essential in the era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tenuta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Biagio Cangiano
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Sciarra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sansone
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Norello D, Rastrelli G, Antonio L, Bartfai G, Casanueva FF, Giwercman A, Huhtaniemi IT, O'Neill TW, Punab M, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Tournoy J, Vanderschueren D, Wu FCW, Maggi M, Peri A. Hyponatremia, hypernatremia and impairment of functional, psychological and sexual domains. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:1005-1014. [PMID: 37884780 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02218-w] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the influence of serum sodium on physical, psychologic and sexual function. METHODS This is a cross-sectional survey on 3340 community-dwelling men aged 40-79 years from a prospective cohort study in eight European countries, the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS). Participants filled-out the Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and the EMAS sexual function questionnaire. For all the analyses, serum sodium corrected for glycaemia ([Na+]G) was used. RESULTS The relationship between [Na+]G and SF-36 physical function score (F = 3.99; p = 0.01), SF-36 mental health score (F = 7.69; p < 0.001), and PASE score (F = 14.95; p < 0.001) were best described by a quadratic equation, with worse scores for [Na+]G in either the lowest or the highest ends of the range. After dividing the sample into [Na+]G < 136 mmol/L (n = 81), 136-147 mmol/L (n = 3223) and > 147 mmol/L (n = 36), linear regression analyses with linear spline functions adjusted for confounders did not confirm these relationships. Similarly, erectile dysfunction and [Na+]G, were in a quadratic relationship (F = 9.00; p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, the linear regression with spline functions denoted a significantly worsened erectile function for increases in serum [Na+]G > 147 mmol/L (B = 0.15 [0.04;0.26], p < 0.01) but no relationship with [Na+]G < 136 mmol/L. Likewise, the relationship of [Na+]G with concerns about sexual dysfunction was confirmed only for men with serum [Na+]G > 147 mmol/L. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study supporting an association between [Na+]G and sexual function. A worsening of erection and concerns about sexual function were observed for the highest values of [Na+]G, independently of other relevant factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Norello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - L Antonio
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - G Bartfai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - F F Casanueva
- Department of Medicine, CIBER de Fisiopatologıa Obesidad y Nutricion, Santiago de Compostela University, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - A Giwercman
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - I T Huhtaniemi
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - T W O'Neill
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, The University of Manchester and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - M Punab
- Andrology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, and Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - J Slowikowska-Hilczer
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - J Tournoy
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D Vanderschueren
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - F C W Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - M Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - A Peri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
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Corona G, Rastrelli G, Sparano C, Vignozzi L, Sforza A, Maggi M. Advances in the treatment of functional male hypogonadism. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2024; 19:163-177. [PMID: 38117229 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2023.2296022] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Functional hypogonadism is frequently found in obese men, particularly those with metabolic complications. Several possible therapeutic approaches could be considered. AREAS COVERED An extensive search on Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed to retrieve the available studies assessing the change of testosterone (T) and sexual function upon dieting or physical activity programs, as well as glucagon-like peptide 1 analogues. The role of lifestyle interventions associated with T replacement therapy (TRT) was also evaluated. The expert opinion provided here has been corroborated by meta-analyzing the results of the retrieved studies. EXPERT OPINION Current evidence supports the beneficial role of lifestyle modifications in increasing T and improving sexual function as a function of weight loss. While dieting programs are associated with greater effects in younger populations, physical exercise has major effects in older ones. Among the dieting programs, a very low-calorie ketogenic diet shows the best results; aerobic or endurance physical exercise perform similarly. The advantages of functional hypogonadism in lifestyle modifications are empowered by the association with TRT. Therefore, TRT may be a valuable complementary strategy to increase muscle mass and facilitate physical exercise while improving sexual symptoms, thus favoring the motivation and compliance for lifestyle interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence, Italy
| | - Clotilde Sparano
- Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Endocrinology Unit, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sforza
- Endocrinology Unit, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Endocrinology Unit, Florence, Italy
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Barbonetti A, Rastrelli G, Sparano C, Castellini C, Vignozzi L, Maggi M, Corona G. Is marijuana a foe of male sexuality? Data from a large cohort of men with sexual dysfunction. Andrology 2024; 12:9-19. [PMID: 36617843 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13382] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although it has been assumed that chronic cannabis use may have an unfavorable impact on male sexual function and its metabolic correlates, evidence from clinical studies remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between cannabis use and sexual behavior, anthropometrics and metabolic/vascular profiles in a large series of men evaluated for sexual dysfunction. METHODS A total of 4800 men (mean age 50.8 years) attending an andrology outpatient clinic for sexual dysfunction were studied. Sexual symptoms, hormonal, metabolic, and instrumental (penile color Doppler ultrasound, PCDU) parameters were evaluated according to the reported habitual use of recreational substances (no use, 1-2 joints/week, >2 joints/week, and use of illicit drugs other than cannabis). RESULTS When compared with non-users, cannabis users were younger and exhibited a lower prevalence of comorbidities as well as better PCDU parameters, despite reporting higher alcohol and tobacco consumption. After adjustment for confounders, cannabis use was associated with a greater instability in the couple's relationship and a higher frequency of masturbation. In addition, the group smoking >2 joints/week showed a significantly lower body mass index than both controls and users of substances other than cannabis. Men who reported using recreational drugs (either cannabis or other) exhibited significantly lower levels of both total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol than non-users. At the PCDU, smoking 1-2 joints/week was associated with significantly higher dynamic peak systolic velocity than both non-drug use and use of >2 joints/week. Prolactin levels were significantly higher in individuals smoking 1-2 joints/week and in those who used substances other than cannabis when compared with controls, whereas no difference in total testosterone levels was observed. DISCUSSION In men with sexual dysfunction, mild cannabis consumption may be associated with a more favorable anthropometric and lipid profile and with a better penile arterial vascular response to intracavernous prostaglandin injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arcangelo Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, - Careggi Teaching Hospital, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Clotilde Sparano
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, - Careggi Teaching Hospital, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Castellini
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, - Careggi Teaching Hospital, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, - Careggi Teaching Hospital, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Rome, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Careggi Teaching Hospital, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Santi D, Lotti F, Sparano C, Rastrelli G, Isidori AM, Pivonello R, Barbonetti A, Salonia A, Minhas S, Krausz C, Vignozzi L, Maggi M, Corona G. Does an increase in adipose tissue 'weight' affect male fertility? A systematic review and meta-analysis based on semen analysis performed using the WHO 2010 criteria. Andrology 2024; 12:123-136. [PMID: 37226894 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13460] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity negatively impact on the metabolism of sex hormones, leading to reduced testosterone serum levels. However, how the obesity could negatively impact on the overall gonadal function, particularly on male fertility, remained unclear so far. OBJECTIVE To systematically review evidences regarding the influence of body weight excess on the sperm production. METHODS A meta-analysis was conducted, searching all prospective and retrospective observational studies reporting male subjects older than 18 years old, with body weight excess from overweight to severe obesity were considered. Only studies using the V edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) manual for semen analysis interpretation were considered. No specific interventions were considered. Search was focused on studies comparing overweight/obese to normal weight subjects. RESULTS Twenty-eight studies were considered. Total sperm count and sperm progressive motility were significantly lower in overweight compared to normal weight subjects. Meta-regression analyses demonstrated that patients' age impacted on sperm parameters. Similarly, obese men showed lower sperm concentration, total sperm number, progressive and total motilities, and normal morphology lower than normal weight subjects. Reduced sperm concentration in obese men was influenced by age, smoking habit, varicocele, and total testosterone serum levels at meta-regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS The male potential fertility is reduced in subjects with increased body weight, compared to normal weight men. The higher was the increased body weight, the worst was the sperm quantity/quality. This result comprehensively included obesity among non-communicable risk factor for male infertility, shedding new lights on the negative impact of increased body weight on overall gonadal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Santi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, AziendaOspedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Lotti
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Careggi Hospital, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Clotilde Sparano
- Endocrinology Unit, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Careggi Hospital, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Centre for Rare Diseases (Endo-ERN accredited), Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia, Andrologia e Nutrizione, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- UNESCO, Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Salonia
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Urology, Imperial College NHS Healthcare, London, UK
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Careggi Hospital, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Careggi Hospital, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Sharma SD, Cook MJ, Antonio L, Gielen E, Bartfai G, Casanueva FF, Huhtaniemi IT, Maggi M, Punab M, Rastrelli G, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Tournoy J, Vanderschueren D, Wu FC, O'Neill TW. Does testosterone influence the association between sleep and frailty in men: results from the European Male Aging Study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:813. [PMID: 38057724 PMCID: PMC10702097 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04450-8] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested an association between sleep disturbance and frailty. The mechanism is unknown, although it has been suggested that hormonal factors may play a role. METHODS The aim was to determine the association between sleep duration, sleep quality and frailty, and to determine whether testosterone influenced this association. Males aged 40-79 years were recruited from eight European centres to the European Male Aging Study (EMAS). Subjects completed an interviewer-assisted questionnaire including questions regarding sleep quality and duration. Sleep quality was scored 0-20 and categorised as 0-4, 5-9, 10-14, and 15-20, with higher scores indicating poorer quality. A 39-component frailty index (FI) was constructed. Total testosterone levels were measured. The association between sleep duration, sleep quality and the FI was assessed using negative binomial regression, with adjustment for putative confounders including testosterone level. RESULTS Two thousand three hundred ninety-three participants contributed data to the analysis. The mean age was 63.3 years and mean sleep duration was 7.01 h. The mean frailty index was 0.15. Mean testosterone levels declined with decreasing sleep quality. After adjustment, compared to those with a sleep score of 0-4, the FI was 57% (95% CI 38%, 78%) higher among those with a sleep score of 15-20. After adjustment compared to those with normal sleep duration (6-9 h), those with a short (< 6 h) and long (≥ 9 h) sleep duration had a 16% (95% CI 6%, 28%) and 11% (95% CI 0%, 23%) higher FI, respectively. Adjustment for testosterone did not influence the strength of either association. CONCLUSION Frailty is associated with impaired sleep quality and sleep duration. The association cannot, however, be explained by variation in testosterone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema D Sharma
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, The Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
| | - Michael J Cook
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, The Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Leen Antonio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Louvain, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Evelien Gielen
- Centre for Metabolic Bone Diseases, Department of Geriatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Gyorgy Bartfai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, Albert Szent-Gyorgy Medical University, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Felipe F Casanueva
- Department of Medicine, CIBER de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutricion, Santiago de Compostela University, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS), Instituto Salud Carlos III, CB06/03, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, UK
| | - Mario Maggi
- Andrology Unit, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology Unit, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Louvain, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Frederick C Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Terence W O'Neill
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, The Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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8
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Heald A, Cook MJ, Antonio L, Tournoy J, Ghaffari P, Mannan F, Fachim H, Vanderschueren D, Laing I, Hackett G, Casanueva FF, Huhtaniemi IT, Maggi M, Rastrelli G, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Wu F, O'Neill TW. Number of CAG repeats and mortality in middle aged and older men. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2023; 99:559-565. [PMID: 37718889 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
DESIGN The androgen receptor (AR) mediates peripheral effects of testosterone. Previous data suggests an association between the number of CAG repeats in exon-1 of the AR gene and AR transcriptional activity. The aim of this analysis was to determine the association between the number of AR CAG repeats and all-cause mortality in men and the influence of testosterone level on the association. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS Follow-up data to 27 January 2018 were available for men aged 40-79 years recruited across six countries of the European Male Aging Study between 2003 and 2005. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to determine the association between CAG repeat number/mortality. Results were expressed as hazard ratios (HR)/95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS One thousand nine hundred and seventy-seven men were followed up. Mean baseline age was 60 ± 11.1 years. Mean duration of follow-up was 12.2 years. At follow up 25.1% of men had died. CAG repeat length ranged from 6 to 39, with the highest proportion of CAG repeat number at 21 repeats (16.4%). In a multivariable model, compared to men with 22-23 AR CAG repeats: for men with <22 and >23 AR CAG HR, 95% CI for mortality were, <22 CAG repeats 1.17 (0.93-1.49) and >23 CAG repeats 1.14 (0.88-1.47). In a post-hoc analysis, the association was significant for men in the lowest tertile of baseline testosterone (<14.2 nmol/L) with >23 CAG repeats: in the adjusted model for <22 and >23 CAG repeats, respectively, 1.49 (0.97-2.27) and 1.68 (1.06-2.67) versus 22-23 repeats. CONCLUSIONS Our European-wide cohort data overall found no association of androgen receptor CAG repeat number and mortality in men. However, post hoc analysis suggested that an association might be present in men with lower baseline testosterone concentrations, which merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Heald
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, UK
- The School of Medicine and Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Michael J Cook
- Centre for Health Informatics, Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Science, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Leen Antonio
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Gerontology and Geriatrics Unit, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Parisa Ghaffari
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, UK
| | - Fahmida Mannan
- The School of Medicine and Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Helene Fachim
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, UK
- The School of Medicine and Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ian Laing
- Department of Biochemistry, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, UK
| | | | - Felipe F Casanueva
- Department of Medicine, Santiagode Compostela University, Complejo Hospitalario Universitariode Santiago (CHUS), CIBER de Fisiopatología Obesidady Nutricion (CB06/03), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Department of Metabolism, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mario Maggi
- "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Endocrinology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Endocrinology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Fred Wu
- The School of Medicine and Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Terence W O'Neill
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford, UK
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9
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Maseroli E, Verde N, Cipriani S, Rastrelli G, Alfaroli C, Ravelli SA, Costeniero D, Scairati R, Minnetti M, Petraglia F, Auriemma RS, Nappi RE, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Low prolactin level identifies hypoactive sexual desire disorder women with a reduced inhibition profile. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:2481-2492. [PMID: 37204690 PMCID: PMC10632269 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02101-8] [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] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Data on the role of prolactin (PRL) in the physiologic range in the female sexual response are scanty. We aimed at investigating the association between PRL and sexual function as assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). We explored the presence of a cut-off level of PRL able to identify Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). METHODS 277 pre- and post-menopausal women consulting for Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) and sexually active were enrolled in an observational, retrospective study. 42 women were used as no-FSD controls. A clinical, biochemical and psychosexual evaluation was performed. The main outcome measures were: FSFI, Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised, Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire and Sexual excitation/sexual inhibition scale (SIS/SES). RESULTS Normo-PRL FSD women (n = 264) showed lower FSFI Desire score than controls (n = 42), and higher than hyper-PRL FSD women (n = 13). These differences emerged both in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal subjects. In the normo-PRL FSD group, those with PRL in the higher quintile reported higher FSFI Desire scores than those with PRL in the lowest quintile. Women with HSDD presented a lower PRL level than those without (p = 0.032). A ROC curve analysis for PRL showed an accuracy of 0.610 ± 0.044 (p = 0.014) in predicting HSDD. With a threshold of < 9.83 μg/L, sensitivity and specificity for HSDD were 63% and 56%, respectively. Subjects with PRL < 9.83 μg/L also reported lower sexual inhibition (p = 0.006) and lower cortisol levels (p = 0.003) than those with PRL > = 9.83 μg/L. CONCLUSIONS Hyper-PRL is associated with low desire; however, among normo-PRL FSD women, those with the lowest levels demonstrated a poorer desire than those with the highest levels. PRL < 9.83 μg/L predicted HSDD and a lower sexual inhibitory trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - N Verde
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - S Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - C Alfaroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - S A Ravelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - D Costeniero
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - R Scairati
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - M Minnetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - F Petraglia
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - R S Auriemma
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - R E Nappi
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy.
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10
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Corona DG, Vena W, Pizzocaro A, Rastrelli G, Sparano C, Sforza A, Vignozzi L, Maggi M. Metabolic syndrome and erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis study. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:2195-2211. [PMID: 37515706 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The clinical significance of metabolic syndrome (MetS) versus its single components in erectile dysfunction (ED) is conflicting. Thus, the purpose is to analyze the available evidence on the relationship between MetS-along with its components-and ED. METHODS All prospective and retrospective observational studies reporting information on ED and MetS were included. In addition, we here reanalyzed preclinical and clinical data obtained from a previously published animal model of MetS and from a consecutive series of more than 2697 men (mean age: 52.7 ± 12), respectively. RESULTS Data derived from this meta-analysis showed that MetS was associated with an up to fourfold increased risk of ED when either unadjusted or adjusted data were considered. Meta-regression analysis, performed using unadjusted statistics, showed that the MetS-related risk of ED was closely associated with all the MetS components. These associations were confirmed when unadjusted analyses from clinical models were considered. However, fully adjusted data showed that MetS-associated ED was more often due to morbidities included (or not) in the algorithm than to the MetS diagnostic category itself. MetS is also associated with low testosterone, but its contribution to MetS-associated ED-as derived from preclinical and clinical models-although independent, is marginal. CONCLUSIONS The results of our analysis suggest that MetS is a useless diagnostic category for studying ED. However, treating the individual MetS components is important, because they play a pivotal role in determining ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Azienda AUSL Bologna, Largo Nigrisoli 2, 40133, Bologna, Italy.
| | - W Vena
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology, IRCSS, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - A Pizzocaro
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology, IRCSS, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - C Sparano
- Endocrinology Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Sforza
- Endocrinology Unit, Azienda AUSL Bologna, Largo Nigrisoli 2, 40133, Bologna, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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11
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De Filpo G, Parenti G, Sparano C, Rastrelli G, Rapizzi E, Martinelli S, Amore F, Badii B, Paolo P, Ercolino T, Mannelli M, Maggi M, Canu L. Correction: Hemodynamic parameters in patients undergoing surgery for pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma: a retrospective study. World J Surg Oncol 2023; 21:298. [PMID: 37723531 PMCID: PMC10507927 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-03181-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina De Filpo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriele Parenti
- Endocrinologic Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Clotilde Sparano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Endocrinologic Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Rapizzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors (ENS@T) Center of Excellence, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Serena Martinelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors (ENS@T) Center of Excellence, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Francesca Amore
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Benedetta Badii
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Prosperi Paolo
- Emergency Surgery, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, 59100, Italy
| | - Tonino Ercolino
- Endocrinologic Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
- European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors (ENS@T) Center of Excellence, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Massimo Mannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors (ENS@T) Center of Excellence, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Endocrinologic Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
- European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors (ENS@T) Center of Excellence, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Letizia Canu
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
- Endocrinologic Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy.
- European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors (ENS@T) Center of Excellence, Florence, 50139, Italy.
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12
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Yannas D, Zago E, Cavallini E, Todisco T, Vignozzi L, Corona G, Maggi M, Rastrelli G. Education degree predicts cardiovascular outcomes in men suffering from erectile dysfunction. Andrology 2023; 11:1086-1095. [PMID: 36642862 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13389] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The level of education has been recognized as a cardiovascular risk factor; nevertheless, it is often neglected in cardiovascular risk prediction. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the psychobiological correlates of the level of education and if it could predict incident major adverse cardiovascular events in men consulting for erectile dysfunction. METHODS Total 3733 men (49.8 ± 13.7 years old) attending an andrology outpatient clinic for erectile dysfunction were studied. Sexual and psychological symptoms, hormonal and metabolic, as well as instrumental (penile color Doppler ultrasound) parameters were evaluated according to the education level (university, upper secondary, lower secondary, and primary degree). For a subset of 956 patients, data on incident major adverse cardiovascular events were retrospectively collected for 3.9 ± 2.4 years. RESULTS As compared with men with university degree, those with a lower education had an increased frequency of moderate-severe erectile dysfunction (odds ratio = 1.21 [0.99;1.48], 1.41 [1.14;1.73], 1.70 [1.26;2.30] for upper secondary, lower secondary, and primary school, respectively) and reduced flaccid peak systolic velocity at penile color Doppler ultrasound. Men with a lower level of education tend to suffer from metabolic syndrome (odds ratio = 1.38 [1.06;1.79], 1.73 [1.34;2.24], 1.72 [1.24;2.37] for upper secondary, lower secondary, and primary school, respectively) and were more likely to have history of previous cardiovascular events. In the longitudinal study, men with a higher level of education had a significantly lower incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events. The role of higher education as an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events was established by multivariable Cox regressions (hazard ratio = 2.14 [1.24-3.69]). DISCUSSION In erectile dysfunction subjects, lower level of education is associated with a more severely impaired erectile function with atherogenic pathogenesis and with a worse cardio-metabolic profile. In addition, a lower level of education predicts forthcoming major adverse cardiovascular events. Therefore, education level should be considered as a costless but valuable information in the assessment of cardiovascular risk in patients with erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Yannas
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit - Careggi Teaching Hospital, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Zago
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit - Careggi Teaching Hospital, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Cavallini
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit - Careggi Teaching Hospital, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Todisco
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit - Careggi Teaching Hospital, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit - Careggi Teaching Hospital, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mario Maggi
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Rome, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit - Careggi Teaching Hospital, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit - Careggi Teaching Hospital, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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13
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Corona G, Sparano C, Rastrelli G, Vignozzi L, Maggi M. Developments and challenges for new and emergent preparations for male hypogonadism treatment. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:1071-1084. [PMID: 37943011 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2276760] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The specific role of testosterone (T) replacement therapy in patients with late onset hypogonadism is still conflicting. Several available preparations have been developed to restore either fertility and normal testosterone (T) levels (secondary hypogonadism) or just T levels (primary hypogonadism). AREAS COVERED Advantages and limitations related to available new treatments will be discussed in detail. In addition, possible news related to preparations in the pipeline will be discussed. EXPERT OPINION The selection of a specific T preparation should be adequately discussed with each subject. Transdermal T preparations are those that can preserve, after a unique morning administration, the circadian rhythmicity of T secretion. Conversely, short-acting preparations (such as oral or intranasal) need two- or three-times daily administration, potentially reducing patient compliance. Long acting T preparations, such as injectable T undecanoate have the advantage of bimestrial or trimestral administration, reducing the required number of administrations. The use of non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM), a heterogeneous class of compounds selectively acting on androgen receptor targets, remains investigational due to the lack of the full spectrum of T's action and the possible risk of side effects, despite their potential use in the treatment of muscle wasting and osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Maggiore Hospital, Azienda AUSL Bologna, Bolognas, Italy
| | - Clotilde Sparano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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14
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Corona G, Rastrelli G, Bianchi N, Sparano C, Sforza A, Vignozzi L, Maggi M. Hyperprolactinemia and male sexual function: focus on erectile dysfunction and sexual desire. Int J Impot Res 2023:10.1038/s41443-023-00717-1. [PMID: 37340146 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00717-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
The present paper aims to analyze and discuss the available evidence supporting the relationship between male sexual function and elevated prolactin (PRL) levels (HPRL). Two different sources of data were analyzed. Clinical data were derived from a series of patients seeking medical care for sexual dysfunction at our Unit. Out of 418 studies, 25 papers were used with a meta-analytic approach to evaluate the overall prevalence of HPRL in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and to study the influence of HPRL and its treatment on male sexual function. Among 4215 patients (mean age 51.6 ± 13.1 years) consulting for sexual dysfunction at our Unit, 176 (4.2%) showed PRL levels above the normal range. Meta-analytic data showed that HPRL is a rare condition among patients with ED (2 [1;3]%). Either clinical and meta-analytic data confirm a stepwise negative influence of PRL on male sexual desire (S = 0.00004 [0.00003; 0.00006]; I = -0.58915 [-0.78438; -0.39392]; both p < 0.0001 from meta-regression analysis). Normalization of PRL levels is able to improve libido. The role of HPRL in ED remains inconclusive. Data from a meta-analytic approach showed that either HPRL or reduced T levels were independently associated with ED rates. The normalization of PRL levels only partially restored ED. HPRL did not significantly contribute to ED severity, in our clinical setting. In conclusion, treating HPRL can restore normal sexual desire, whereas its effect on erection is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Medical Department, Azienda-Usl Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - N Bianchi
- Endocrinology Unit, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Medical Department, Azienda-Usl Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Sparano
- Endocrinology Unit Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Sforza
- Endocrinology Unit, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Medical Department, Azienda-Usl Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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15
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Amini N, Dupont J, Lapauw L, Vercauteren L, Antonio L, O'Neill TW, Vanderschueren D, Pendleton N, Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Casanueva FF, Słowikowska-Hilczer J, Punab M, Huhtaniemi IT, Wu FCW, Verschueren S, Tournoy J, Gielen E. Sarcopenia-defining parameters, but not sarcopenia, are associated with cognitive domains in middle-aged and older European men. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023. [PMID: 37021434 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13229] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research suggests that sarcopenia is associated with lower cognitive functioning. Evidence on the longitudinal relationship between cognition and sarcopenia, according to the revised criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2), is scarce. This study aimed to investigate both cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between sarcopenia and its defining parameters (muscle strength, muscle mass and physical performance) and cognitive performance in middle-aged and older men. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of data from the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS), a multicentre cohort study of men aged 40-79 years, recruited from population registers in eight European centres. Cognitive functioning was assessed by using a battery of three neuropsychological tests, measuring fluid intelligence: Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF-Copy and ROCF-Recall), Camden Topographical Recognition Memory (CTRM) and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Sarcopenia-defining parameters appendicular lean mass (aLM), gait speed (GS), chair stand test (CST) and handgrip strength (HGS) were measured. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the criteria of the EWGSOP2. All measurements were performed at baseline and after a follow-up of 4.3 years. Cross-sectional associations between cognition, sarcopenia-defining parameters and prevalent sarcopenia (EWGSOP2) were analysed. Longitudinally, the predictive value of baseline cognition on decline in sarcopenia-defining parameters, onset of new sarcopenia and vice versa was examined. Linear and logistic regression were used and adjusted for putative confounders. RESULTS In the whole cohort (n = 3233), ROCF-Copy (β = 0.016; P < 0.05), ROCF-Recall (β = 0.010; P < 0.05), CTRM (β = 0.015; P < 0.05), DSST score (β = 0.032; P < 0.05) and fluid cognition (β = 0.036; P < 0.05) were significantly and independently associated with GS at baseline. In the Leuven + Manchester subcohorts (n = 456), ROCF-Copy (β = 1.008; P < 0.05), ROCF-Recall (β = 0.908; P < 0.05) and fluid cognition (β = 1.482; P < 0.05) were associated with HGS. ROCF-Copy (β = 0.394; P < 0.05), ROCF-Recall (β = 0.316; P < 0.05), DSST (β = 0.393; P < 0.05) and fluid cognition (β = 0.765; P < 0.05) were associated with aLM. The prevalence of sarcopenia in this population was 17.8%. No associations were detected between cognition and prevalent or incident sarcopenia. Longitudinal analysis showed that low ROCF-Copy score at baseline was associated with an increase in CST in men ≥70 years (β = -0.599; P < 0.05). In addition, a decrease in ROCF-Recall was associated with a decrease in GS, and a decrease in DSST was associated with an increase in CST (β = 0.155; P < 0.0001, β = -0.595; P < 0.001, respectively) in persons with the highest change in both cognition and muscle function. CONCLUSIONS Sarcopenia was not associated with cognitive performance in this population, whereas several components of sarcopenia were associated with domain-specific cognitive performance. Longitudinally, baseline and change in subdomains of cognition predicted change in muscle function in specific subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadjia Amini
- Geriatrics & Gerontology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jolan Dupont
- Geriatrics & Gerontology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurence Lapauw
- Geriatrics & Gerontology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Vercauteren
- Geriatrics & Gerontology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Antonio
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Terence W O'Neill
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, The University of Manchester, & NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Neil Pendleton
- Clinical Gerontology, The University of Manchester, Hope Hospital, Salford, UK
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Mario Serio 'Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Mario Serio 'Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Felipe F Casanueva
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University, Szeged, Hungary
- CIBER de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutricion (CB06/03), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela, Santiago, Spain
| | | | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Unit, United Laboratories of Tartu University Clinics, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Frederick C W Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sabine Verschueren
- Research Group for Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Geriatrics & Gerontology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evelien Gielen
- Geriatrics & Gerontology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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16
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Moro F, Scavello I, Maseroli E, Rastrelli G, Baima Poma C, Bonin C, Dassie F, Federici S, Fiengo S, Guccione L, Villani M, Gambineri A, Mioni R, Moghetti P, Moretti C, Persani L, Scambia G, Giorgino F, Vignozzi L. The physiological sonographic features of the ovary in healthy subjects: a joint systematic review and meta-analysis by the Italian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SIGO) and the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE). J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:439-456. [PMID: 36422829 PMCID: PMC9938076 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01939-8] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is a lack of uniformity in the definition of normal ovary ultrasound parameters. Our aim was to summarize and meta-analyze the evidence on the topic. Full-text English articles published through December 31, 2020 were retrieved via MEDLINE and Embase. Data available for meta-analysis included: ovarian follicular count, ovarian volume, and ovarian Pulsatility Index (PI) assessed by Doppler ultrasound. METHODS Cohort, cross-sectional, prospective studies with a single or double arm were considered eligible. Interventional studies were included when providing baseline data. Both studies on pre- and post-menopausal women were screened; however, data on menopausal women were not sufficient to perform a meta-analysis. Studies on pre-pubertal girls were considered separately. Eighty-one papers were included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS The mean ovarian volume was 6.11 [5.81-6.42] ml in healthy women in reproductive age (5.81-6.42) and 1.67 ml [1.02-2.32] in pre-pubertal girls. In reproductive age, the mean follicular count was 8.04 [7.26-8.82] when calculated in the whole ovary and 5.88 [5.20-6.56] in an ovarian section, and the mean ovarian PI was 1.86 [1.35-2.37]. Age and the frequency of the transducers partly modulated these values. In particular, the 25-30-year group showed the higher mean follicular count (9.27 [7.71-10.82]), followed by a progressive age-related reduction (5.67 [2.23-9.12] in fertile women > 35 years). A significant difference in follicular count was also found according to the transducer's upper MHz limit. CONCLUSION Our findings provide a significant input to improve the interpretation and diagnostic accuracy of ovarian ultrasound parameters in different physiological and pathological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Moro
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - I Scavello
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - C Baima Poma
- Consultorio Familiare ASL Città di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - C Bonin
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology B, Department of Women and Children's Health, AOUI Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - F Dassie
- Department of Medicine, Clinica Medica 3-Azienda Ospedaliera, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - S Federici
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - S Fiengo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ARNAS Civico Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - L Guccione
- Department of Systems' Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - M Villani
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - A Gambineri
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - R Mioni
- Department of Medicine, Clinica Medica 3-Azienda Ospedaliera, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - P Moghetti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - C Moretti
- Department of Systems' Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - L Persani
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20121, Milan, Italy
| | - G Scambia
- Istituto Di Clinica Ostetrica E Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - F Giorgino
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy.
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy.
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Rastrelli G, Vignozzi L, Corona G, Maggi M. Pharmacotherapy of male hypogonadism. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2023; 68:102323. [PMID: 36525815 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hypogonadism is frequent with a prevalence of 2% in the general population. Hypogonadism may derive from any condition able to disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis (HPT) axis at one or more levels. Hypogonadism may be classified according to the age of onset, its potential reversibility and level of the HPT axis damage. The latter categorization is useful to decide on the treatment. Damages to the hypothalamus-pituitary may benefit from either GnRH, gonadotropin or T therapy with the former carrying the advantage of stimulating spermatogenesis. Conversely, when the testis is damaged, T therapy is the only option and restoration of spermatogenesis is not possible. Therefore, the choice of therapy is primarily based on the diagnosis and patients' needs and both should be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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18
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Rastrelli G, Santi D. Not only a matter of glucose: The andrological consequences of diabetes mellitus. Andrology 2023; 11:201-203. [PMID: 36642980 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Andrology and Sexual Medicine of the Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
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19
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Cellai I, Comeglio P, Filippi S, Martinelli S, Villanelli F, Amore F, Rapizzi E, Maseroli E, Cipriani S, Raddi C, Guarnieri G, Sarchielli E, Danza G, Morelli A, Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. The regulatory effect of sex steroids on the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the rat distal vagina. J Sex Med 2023; 20:1-13. [PMID: 36897236 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdac009] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex steroids have been demonstrated as important modulators of vaginal function. The RhoA/ROCK calcium-sensitizing pathway plays a role in genital smooth muscle contractile mechanism, but its regulation has never been elucidated. AIM This study investigated the sex steroid regulation of the vaginal smooth muscle RhoA/ROCK pathway using a validated animal model. METHODS Ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and T with letrozole (T + L) and compared with intact animals. Contractility studies were performed to test the effect of the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 and the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor L-NAME. In vaginal tissues, ROCK1 immunolocalization was investigated; mRNA expression was analyzed by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction; and RhoA membrane translocation was evaluated by Western blot. Finally, rat vaginal smooth muscle cells (rvSMCs) were isolated from the distal vagina of intact and OVX animals, and quantification of the RhoA inhibitory protein RhoGDI was performed after stimulation with NO donor sodium nitroprusside, with or without administration of the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ or PRKG1 inhibitor KT5823. OUTCOMES Androgens are critical in inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway of the smooth muscle compartment in the distal vagina. RESULTS ROCK1 was immunolocalized in the smooth muscle bundles and blood vessel wall of the vagina, with weak positivity detected in the epithelium. Y-27632 induced a dose-dependent relaxation of noradrenaline precontracted vaginal strips, decreased by OVX and restored by E2, while T and T + L decreased it below the OVX level. In Western blot analysis, when compared with control, OVX significantly induced RhoA activation, as revealed by its membrane translocation, with T reverting it at a level significantly lower than in controls. This effect was not exerted by E2. Abolishing NO formation via L-NAME increased Y-27632 responsiveness in the OVX + T group; L-NAME had partial effects in controls while not modulating Y-27632 responsiveness in the OVX and OVX + E2 groups. Finally, stimulation of rvSMCs from control animals with sodium nitroprusside significantly increased RhoGDI protein expression, counteracted by ODQ and partially by KT5823 incubation; no effect was observed in rvSMCs from OVX rats. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Androgens, by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway, could positively contribute to vaginal smooth muscle relaxation, favoring sexual intercourse. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This study describes the role of androgens in maintaining vaginal well-being. The absence of a sham-operated animal group and the use of the only intact animal as control represented a limitation to the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cellai
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Serena Martinelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Fabio Villanelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Francesca Amore
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Elena Rapizzi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Elisa Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Sarah Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Chiara Raddi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Giulia Guarnieri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Giovanna Danza
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy.,INBB (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy.,INBB (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
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20
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Corona G, Vena W, Pizzocaro A, Pallotti F, Paoli D, Rastrelli G, Baldi E, Cilloni N, Gacci M, Semeraro F, Salonia A, Minhas S, Pivonello R, Sforza A, Vignozzi L, Isidori AM, Lenzi A, Maggi M, Lombardo F. Andrological effects of SARS-Cov-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:2207-2219. [PMID: 35527294 PMCID: PMC9080963 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01801-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The short- and long-term andrological effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have not been clarified. Our aim is to evaluate the available evidence regarding possible andrological consequences of COVID-19 either on seminal or hormonal parameters. The safety of the COVID-19 vaccines in terms of sperm quality was also investigated. METHODS All prospective and retrospective observational studies reporting information on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) mRNA semen and male genitalia tract detection (n = 19), as well as those reporting data on semen analysis (n = 5) and hormonal parameters (n = 11) in infected/recovered patients without any arbitrary restriction were included. RESULTS Out of 204 retrieved articles, 35 were considered, including 2092 patients and 1138 controls with a mean age of 44.1 ± 12.6 years, and mean follow-up 24.3 ± 18.9 days. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA can be localized in male genitalia tracts during the acute phase of the disease. COVID-19 can result in short-term impaired sperm and T production. Available data cannot clarify long-term andrological effects. Low T observed in the acute phase of the disease is associated with an increased risk of being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit or death. The two available studies showed that the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines does not affect sperm quality. CONCLUSIONS The results of our analysis clearly suggest that each patient recovering from COVID-19 should be monitored to rule out sperm and T abnormalities. The specific contribution of reduced T levels during the acute phase of the infection needs to be better clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - W Vena
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology, IRCSS, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - A Pizzocaro
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology, IRCSS, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - F Pallotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - D Paoli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - E Baldi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - N Cilloni
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and EMS, Maggiore Hospital Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Gacci
- Department of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Urologic Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Careggi University Hospital (AOUC), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F Semeraro
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and EMS, Maggiore Hospital Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Salonia
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - S Minhas
- Department of Urology, Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
| | - R Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- Staff of UNESCO Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development Baldi E, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - A Sforza
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - A Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - F Lombardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
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21
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Corona G, Rastrelli G, Comeglio P, Guaraldi F, Mazzatenta D, Sforza A, Vignozzi L, Maggi M. The metabolic role of prolactin: systematic review, meta-analysis and preclinical considerations. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2022; 17:533-545. [PMID: 36447418 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2022.2144829] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hyperprolactinemia has been proven to induce hypogonadism and metabolic derangements in both genders, while the consequences of prolactin (PRL) deficiency have been poorly investigated. AREAS COVERED To systematically review and analyze data from clinical studies focusing on the metabolic consequences of abnormally high prolactin levels (HPRL) and low prolactin levels (LPRL). In addition, data from preclinical studies about underlying pathophysiological mechanisms were summarized and discussed. EXPERT OPINION PRL contributes to providing the correct amount of energy to support the mother and the fetus/offspring during pregnancy and lactation, but it also has a homeostatic role. Pathological PRL elevation beyond these physiological conditions, but also its reduction, impairs metabolism and body composition in both genders, increasing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular events. Hence, hypoprolactinemia should be avoided as much as possible during treatment with dopamine agonists for prolactinomas. Patients with hypoprolactinemia, because of endogenous or iatrogenic conditions, deserve, as those with hyperprolactinemia, careful metabolic assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit1, Medical Department, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit2, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Federica Guaraldi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Diego Mazzatenta
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sforza
- Endocrinology Unit1, Medical Department, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM)4, Alma Mater Studiorum Bologna University, Bologna, Italy; Endocrinology Unit 4, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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22
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Rastrelli G, Di Stasi DV, Inglese DF, Beccaria DM, Garuti DM, Di Costanzo DD, Greco DGF, Cervi DG, Pecoriello DA, Spreafico DF, Magini DA, Todisco DT, Cipriani DS, Maseroli DE, Corona DG, Salonia PA, Lenzi PA, Maggi PM, De Donno DG, Vignozzi PL. Low testosterone levels predict clinical adverse outcomes in sars-cov-2 pneumonia patients. J Sex Med 2022. [PMCID: PMC9679755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.08.096] [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: 11/23/2022]
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23
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Pallotti F, Barbonetti A, Rastrelli G, Santi D, Corona G, Lombardo F. The impact of male factors and their correct and early diagnosis in the infertile couple's pathway: 2021 perspectives. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1807-1822. [PMID: 35349114 PMCID: PMC8961097 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01778-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The current clinical practice in reproductive medicine should pose the couple at the centre of the diagnostic-therapeutic management of infertility and requires intense collaboration between the andrologist, the gynaecologist and the embryologist. The andrologist, in particular, to adequately support the infertile couple, must undertake important biological, psychological, economical and ethical task. Thus, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted role of the andrologist in the study of male factor infertility. METHODS A comprehensive Medline, Embase and Cochrane search was performed including publications between 1969 and 2021. RESULTS Available evidence indicates that a careful medical history and physical examination, followed by semen analysis, always represent the basic starting points of the diagnostic work up in male partner of an infertile couple. Regarding treatment, gonadotropins are an effective treatment in case of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and FSH may be used in men with idiopathic infertility, while evidence supporting other hormonal and nonhormonal treatments is either limited or conflicting. In the future, pharmacogenomics of FSHR and FSHB as well as innovative compounds may be considered to develop new therapeutic strategies in the management of infertility. CONCLUSION To provide a high-level of care, the andrologist must face several critical diagnostical and therapeutical steps. Even though ART may be the final and decisive stage of this decisional network, neglecting to treat the male partner may ultimately increase the risks of negative outcome, as well as costs and psychological burden for the couple itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi Hospital-Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - D Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - G Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Azienda-Usl Bologna, 40139, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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24
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Maseroli E, Ravelli SA, Rastrelli G, Cipriani S, Vignozzi L. Are Endogenous Androgens Linked to Female Sexuality? A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis. J Sex Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.05.027] [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: 11/29/2022]
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25
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Overman MJ, Pendleton N, O'Neill TW, Bartfai G, Casanueva FF, Forti G, Rastrelli G, Giwercman A, Han TS, Huhtaniemi IT, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Lean ME, Punab M, Lee DM, Antonio L, Gielen E, Rutter MK, Vanderschueren D, Wu FC, Tournoy J. Reproductive hormone levels, androgen receptor CAG repeat length and their longitudinal relationships with decline in cognitive subdomains in men: The European Male Ageing Study. Physiol Behav 2022; 252:113825. [PMID: 35487276 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It has been proposed that endogenous sex hormone levels may present a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. However, the evidence for effects of sex steroids on cognitive ageing is conflicting. We therefore investigated associations between endogenous hormone levels, androgen receptor CAG repeat length, and cognitive domains including visuoconstructional abilities, visual memory, and processing speed in a large-scale longitudinal study of middle-aged and older men. METHODS Men aged 40-79 years from the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS) underwent cognitive assessments and measurements of hormone levels at baseline and follow-up (mean = 4.4 years, SD ± 0.3 years). Hormone levels measured included total and calculated free testosterone and estradiol, dihydrotestosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and sex hormone-binding globulin. Cognitive function was assessed using the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Copy and Recall, the Camden Topographical Recognition Memory and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Multivariate linear regressions were used to examine associations between baseline and change hormone levels, androgen receptor CAG repeat length, and cognitive decline. RESULTS Statistical analyses included 1,827 and 1,423 participants for models investigating relationships of cognition with hormone levels and CAG repeat length, respectively. In age-adjusted models, we found a significant association of higher baseline free testosterone (β=-0.001, p=0.005) and dihydrotestosterone levels (β=-0.065, p=0.003) with greater decline on Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Recall over time. However, these effects were no longer significant following adjustment for centre, health, and lifestyle factors. No relationships were observed between any other baseline hormone levels, change in hormone levels, or androgen receptor CAG repeat length with cognitive decline in the measured domains. CONCLUSIONS In this large-scale prospective study there was no evidence for an association between endogenous sex hormone levels or CAG repeat length and cognitive ageing in men. These data suggest that sex steroid levels do not affect visuospatial function, visual memory, or processing speed in middle-aged and older men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot J Overman
- Gerontology and Geriatrics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Neil Pendleton
- Clinical & Cognitive Neurosciences, Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - Terence W O'Neill
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Gyorgy Bartfai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, Albert Szent-György Medical University, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Felipe F Casanueva
- Department of Medicine, Santiago de Compostela University Spain; CIBEROBN Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Gianni Forti
- Endocrinology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Skåne University Hospital, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Thang S Han
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London UK
| | | | - Michael Ej Lean
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Unit, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - David M Lee
- Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Leen Antonio
- Department of Andrology and Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evelien Gielen
- Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martin K Rutter
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Department of Andrology and Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederick Cw Wu
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Abstract
Sexual symptoms are the most specific determinants of low testosterone (T) observed during adulthood. In this narrative review, we summarize the most important evidence supporting the positive relationships between endogenous T levels and sexual activity in the adult male, by using preclinical and clinical observations. In addition, we also report an update of our previous meta-analysis evaluating the effects of T treatment (TRT) on sexual functioning in subjects with T deficiency. Available data indicate that TRT of symptomatic hypogonadal men can improve several aspects of sexual life, including erection. However, the effect is rather modest and lower in subjects with associated metabolic conditions. The specific observed effects are similar to those derived from lifestyle intervention. Since TRT might result in body composition improvement, it is reasonable to suppose that an initial treatment with T can improve the willingness of hypogonadal subjects to perform physical exercise and to adhere to a healthier behavior. Similar data were derived from animal models. However, it should be important to recognize that lifestyle modifications should be the first step to promote weigh reduction. TRT can be combined with lifestyle interventions only in symptomatic hypogonadal subjects especially in the presence of comorbid metabolic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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27
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Rastrelli G, Cipriani S, Lotti F, Cellai I, Comeglio P, Filippi S, Boddi V, Della Camera PA, Santi R, Boni L, Nesi G, Serni S, Gacci M, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Testosterone does not affect lower urinary tract symptoms while improving markers of prostatitis in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized clinical trial. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1413-1425. [PMID: 35298833 PMCID: PMC9184417 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01776-9] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a result of prostate inflammation, frequently occurring in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Low testosterone is common in MetS. A randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate if 24 weeks of testosterone therapy (TTh) in BPH men with MetS and low testosterone improve urinary symptoms and prostate inflammation. METHODS One-hundred-twenty men with MetS waitlisted for BPH surgery were enrolled. They were categorized into normal testosterone (TT ≥ 12 nmol/L and cFT ≥ 225 pmol/L; n = 48) and testosterone deficient (TD) (TT < 12 nmol/L and/or cFT < 225 pmol/L; n = 72) then randomized to testosterone gel 2% (5 g/daily) or placebo for 24 weeks. At baseline and follow-up, questionnaires for urinary symptoms and trans-rectal ultrasound were performed. Prostate tissue was collected for molecular and histopathological analyses. RESULTS No differences in the improvement of urinary symptoms were found between TTh and placebo (OR [95% CI] 0.96 [0.39; 2.37]). In TD + TTh, increase in prostate but not adenoma volume was observed (2.64 mL [0.07; 5.20] and 1.82 mL [- 0.46; 0.41], respectively). Ultrasound markers of inflammation were improved. In a subset of 61 men, a hyper-expression of several pro-inflammatory genes was found in TD + placebo when compared with normal testosterone. TTh was able to counteract this effect. For 80 men, the inflammatory infiltrate was higher in TD + placebo than in normal testosterone (0.8 points [0.2; 1.4]) and TD + TTh men (0.9 points [0.2; 1.5]). CONCLUSIONS Twenty-four weeks of TTh in TD men with BPH and MetS improves ultrasound, molecular and histological proxies of prostate inflammation. This does not result in symptom improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Rastrelli
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Cipriani
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - F Lotti
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - I Cellai
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - P Comeglio
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - V Boddi
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - P A Della Camera
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Largo Piero Palagi, 1, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - R Santi
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Piero Palagi, 1, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - L Boni
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Nesi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Serni
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Largo Piero Palagi, 1, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - M Gacci
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Largo Piero Palagi, 1, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro, 305, 00136, Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro, 305, 00136, Rome, Italy.
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28
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Anand-Ivell R, Heng K, Severn K, Antonio L, Bartfai G, Casanueva FF, Huhtaniemi IT, Giwercman A, Maggi M, O'Neill TW, Punab M, Rastrelli G, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Tournoy J, Vanderschueren D, Wu FC, Ivell R. Association of age, hormonal, and lifestyle factors with the Leydig cell biomarker INSL3 in aging men from the EMAS (European Male Aging Study) cohort. Andrology 2022; 10:1328-1338. [PMID: 35770372 PMCID: PMC9540576 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging in men is accompanied by a broad range of symptoms, including sexual dysfunction, cognitive and musculo-skeletal decline, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension, organ degeneration/failure, and increasing neoplasia, some of which are associated with declining levels of Leydig cell-produced testosterone. High natural biological variance, together with multiple factors that can modulate circulating testosterone concentration, may influence its interpretation and clinical implications. INSL3 is a biomarker of Leydig cell function that might provide complementary information on testicular health and its downstream outcomes. OBJECTIVES To characterize INSL3 as a biomarker to assess gonadal status in aging men. METHODS & MATERIALS The large European multi-centre EMAS cohort of community-dwelling men was analysed to determine how INSL3 relates to a range of hormonal, anthropometric, and lifestyle parameters. RESULTS & DISCUSSION INSL3 declines cross-sectionally and longitudinally within individuals at approximately 15% per decade from age 40, unlike testosterone (1.9% per decade), which is partly compensated by increasing pituitary LH production. Importantly, lower INSL3 in younger men appears to persist with aging. Multiple regression analysis shows that, unlike testosterone, INSL3 is negatively dependent on LH and SHBG, and positively on FSH, suggesting a different mechanism of gonadotropic regulation. Circulating INSL3 is negatively associated with increased BMI or waist circumference, and with smoking, and unlike testosterone is not affected by weight loss in the obese. Geographic variation in mean INSL3 within Europe appears to be largely explained by differences in these parameters. The results allow the establishment of a European-wide reference range for INSL3 (95% confidence interval) adjusted for increasing age. CONCLUSION INSL3 is a constitutive biomarker of Leydig cell functional capacity, being a robust, reliably measurable peptide, not subject to the gonadotropin-dependent short-term regulation and within-individual variation of testosterone. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kee Heng
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham
| | - Katie Severn
- School of Mathematics, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Leen Antonio
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gyorgy Bartfai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, Albert Szent-Gyorgy Medical University, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Felipe F Casanueva
- Department of Medicine, Santiago de Compostela University, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS); CIBER de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutricion (CB06/03), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, UK
| | | | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Terence W O'Neill
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, The University of Manchester & NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Unit, United Laboratories of Tartu University Clinics, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederick Cw Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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29
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Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Corona G. What are the pharmacological considerations for male congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1009-1013. [PMID: 35674463 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2084690] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi Hospital - Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Careggi Hospital - Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,I.N.B.B. - Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl Bologna Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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30
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Cellai I, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Cipriani S, Maseroli E, Di Stasi V, Todisco T, Marchiani S, Tamburrino L, Villanelli F, Vezzani S, Corno C, Fambrini M, Guarnieri G, Sarchielli E, Morelli A, Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Testosterone positively regulates vagina NO-induced relaxation: an experimental study in rats. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1161-1172. [PMID: 35072927 PMCID: PMC9098587 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01743-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Female sexual response involves a complex interplay between neurophysiological mechanisms and the nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxation of clitoris and vagina. The aim of this study was to evaluate sex steroids regulation of the relaxant pathway in vagina, using a validated animal model. METHODS Subgroups of OVX Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 17β-estradiol, testosterone, or testosterone and letrozole, and compared with a group of intact animals. Masson's trichrome staining was performed for morphological evaluation of the distal vaginal wall, in vitro contractility studies investigated the effect of OVX and in vivo treatments on vaginal smooth muscle activity. RNA from vaginal tissue was analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS Immunohistochemical analysis showed that OVX induced epithelial and smooth muscle structural atrophy, testosterone and testo + letrozole increased the muscle bundles content and organization without affecting the epithelium while 17β-estradiol mediated the opposite effects. In vitro contractility studies were performed on noradrenaline pre-contracted vaginal strips from each experimental group. Acetylcholine (0.001-10 µM) stimulation induced a concentration-dependent relaxation, significantly reduced by NO-synthase inhibitor L-NAME and by guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ. OVX resulted in a decreased responsiveness to acetylcholine, restored by testosterone, with or without letrozole, but not by 17β-estradiol. OVX sensitivity to the NO-donor SNP was higher than in the control. Vardenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, enhanced SNP effect in OVX + testosterone as well as in control, as supported by RNA expression analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that testosterone improves the NO-mediated smooth muscle vaginal cells relaxation confirming its role in maintaining the integrity of muscular relaxant machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Cellai
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - S Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neurosciences, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - P Comeglio
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - S Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - V Di Stasi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - T Todisco
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - S Marchiani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - L Tamburrino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - F Villanelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - S Vezzani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - C Corno
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - M Fambrini
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - G Guarnieri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - E Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - A Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Rome, Italy.
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Cipriani S, Maseroli E, Stasi VD, Scavello I, Todisco T, Rastrelli G, Fambrini M, Sorbi F, Petraglia F, Jannini E, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Effects of testosterone treatment on clitoral haemodynamics in women with sexual dysfunction. J Sex Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.589] [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: 10/18/2022]
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Corona G, Vena W, Pizzocaro A, Giagulli VA, Francomano D, Rastrelli G, Mazziotti G, Aversa A, Isidori AM, Pivonello R, Vignozzi L, Mannucci E, Maggi M, Ferlin A. Testosterone supplementation and bone parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis study. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:911-926. [PMID: 35041193 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01702-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of testosterone (T) replacement therapy (TRT) in subjects with late onset hypogonadism is still the object of an intense debate. METHODS All observational studies and placebo-controlled or -uncontrolled randomized trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of TRT on different bone parameters were considered. RESULTS Out of 349 articles, 36 were considered, including 3103 individuals with a mean trial duration of 66.6 weeks. TRT improves areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the spine and femoral neck levels in observational studies, whereas placebo-controlled RTCs showed a positive effect of TRT only at lumber spine and when trials included only hypogonadal patients at baseline (total testosterone < 12 nM). The effects on aBMD were more evident in subjects with lower T levels at baseline and increased as a function of trial duration and a higher prevalence of diabetic subjects. Either T or estradiol increase at endpoint contributed to aBMD improvement. TRT was associated with a significant reduction of bone resorption markers in observational but not in controlled studies. CONCLUSION TRT is able to inhibit bone resorption and increase bone mass, particularly at the lumbar spine level and when the duration is long enough to allow the anabolic effect of T and estrogens on bone metabolism to take place.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - W Vena
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology, IRCSS, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - A Pizzocaro
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology, IRCSS, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - V A Giagulli
- Santa Maria Hospital, GVM Care & Research, Bari, Italy
| | - D Francomano
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Madonna Delle Grazie Hospital, Velletri, Rome, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G Mazziotti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology, IRCSS, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - A Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - A M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome-Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - R Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- UNESCO Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - E Mannucci
- Department of Diabetology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi and University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Mario Serio Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
| | - A Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Comeglio P, Cipriani S, Cellai I, Filippi S, Maseroli E, Stasi VD, Todisco T, Fambrini M, Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Testosterone positively regulates vagina NO-induced relaxation: An experimental study in rats. J Sex Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.549] [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: 11/15/2022]
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Maseroli E, Rastrelli G, Stasi VD, Cipriani S, Scavello I, Tommaso T, Gironi V, Castellini G, Ricca V, Sorbi F, Fambrini M, Petraglia F, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Physical activity and female sexual dysfunction: A lot helps, but not too much. J Sex Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.554] [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: 11/15/2022]
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Antonio L, Wu FCW, Moors H, Matheï C, Huhtaniemi IT, Rastrelli G, Dejaeger M, O’Neill TW, Pye SR, Forti G, Maggi M, Casanueva FF, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Punab M, Tournoy J, Vanderschueren D, Forti G, Petrone L, Corona G, Rastrelli G, Maggi (Florence) M, Vanderschueren D, Tournoy J, Borghs H, Antonio (Leuven) L, Kula K, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Walczak-Jedrzejowska (Łódz) R, Huhtaniemi (London) I, Giwercman (Malmö) A, Wu F, Silman A, O’Neill T, Finn J, Pye (Manchester) S, Casanueva F, Crujeiras (Santiago) AB, Bartfai G, Földesi I, Fejes (Szeged) I, Punab M, Korrovitz (Tartu) P. Erectile dysfunction predicts mortality in middle-aged and older men independent of their sex steroid status. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6568537. [PMID: 35429269 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND erectile dysfunction is associated with mortality, whereas the association between low testosterone (T) and higher mortality remains controversial. Sexual dysfunction and low T often coexist, but the relative importance of sexual symptoms versus low T in predicting mortality is not known. We studied the interrelationships between sex steroids and sexual symptoms with all-cause mortality in a large prospective cohort of European men. DESIGN survival status was assessed in 1,788 community-dwelling men, aged 40-79, who participated in the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS). Sexual symptoms were evaluated via a validated questionnaire (EMAS-SFQ). Sex steroids were measured by mass spectrometry. Cox proportional hazard models were used to study the association between hormones, sexual symptoms and mortality. RESULTS about 420 (25.3%) men died during a mean follow-up of 12.6 ± 3.1 years. Total T levels were similar in both groups, but free T was lower in those who died. Men with three sexual symptoms (erectile dysfunction, reduced morning erections and lower libido) had a higher mortality risk compared with men with none of these symptoms (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals: 1.75 (1.28-2.40, P = 0.001)). Particularly, erectile dysfunction and poor morning erections, but not lower libido, were associated with increased mortality (HR 1.40 (1.13-1.74, P = 0.002), 1.28 (1.04-1.59, P = 0.023) and 1.12 (0.90-1.39, P = 0.312), respectively). Further adjusting for total T, free T or oestradiol did not influence the observed risk. CONCLUSIONS sexual symptoms, in particular erectile dysfunction, predict all-cause mortality independently of sex steroids and can be an early warning sign of a poor health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Antonio
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederick C W Wu
- Andrology Research Unit, Centre for Endocrinology & Diabetes, Institute of Human Development, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Hannes Moors
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cathy Matheï
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Academic Center for General Practice, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marian Dejaeger
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Terence W O’Neill
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, The University of Manchester & NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen R Pye
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, The University of Manchester & NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Gianni Forti
- Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Felipe F Casanueva
- Department of Medicine, Santiago de Compostela University, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS); CIBER de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutricion (CB06/03), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Centre, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Di Stasi V, Rastrelli G, Inglese F, Beccaria M, Garuti M, Di Costanzo D, Spreafico F, Cervi G, Greco GF, Pecoriello A, Todisco T, Cipriani S, Maseroli E, Scavello I, Glingani C, Franchini M, Maggi M, De Donno G, Vignozzi L. Higher testosterone is associated with increased inflammatory markers in women with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: preliminary results from an observational study. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:639-648. [PMID: 34731444 PMCID: PMC8564592 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01682-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Objective of this study was to assess the association between testosterone (T) levels and biochemical markers in a cohort of female patients admitted for SARS-CoV-2 infection in a respiratory intensive care unit (RICU). METHODS A consecutive series of 17 women affected by SARSCoV-2 pneumonia and recovered in the RICU of the Hospital of Mantua were analyzed. Biochemical inflammatory markers as well as total testosterone (TT), calculated free T (cFT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined. RESULTS TT and cFT were significantly and positively associated with PCT, CRP, and fibrinogen as well as with a worse hospital course. We did not observe any significant association between TT and cFT with LH; conversely, both TT and cFT showed a positive correlation with cortisol. By LOWESS analysis, a linear relationship could be assumed for CRP and fibrinogen, while a threshold effect was apparent in the relationship between TT and procalcitonin, LDH and ferritin. When the TT threshold value of 1 nmol/L was used, significant associations between TT and PCT, LDH or ferritin were observed for values above this value. For LDH and ferritin, this was confirmed also in an age-adjusted model. Similar results were found for the association of cFT with the inflammatory markers with a threshold effect towards LDH and ferritin with increased LDH and ferritin levels for values above cFT 5 pmol/L. Cortisol is associated with serum inflammatory markers with similar trends observed for TT; conversely, the relationship between LH and inflammatory markers had different trends. CONCLUSION Opposite to men, in women with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, higher TT and cFT are associated with a stronger inflammatory status, probably related to adrenal cortex hyperactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Di Stasi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - F Inglese
- Intensive Care Respiratory Unit, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy
| | - M Beccaria
- Intensive Care Respiratory Unit, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy
| | - M Garuti
- Intensive Care Respiratory Unit, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy
| | - D Di Costanzo
- Intensive Care Respiratory Unit, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy
| | - F Spreafico
- Intensive Care Respiratory Unit, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy
| | - G Cervi
- Intensive Care Respiratory Unit, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy
| | - G F Greco
- Intensive Care Respiratory Unit, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy
| | - A Pecoriello
- Intensive Care Respiratory Unit, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy
| | - T Todisco
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - S Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - I Scavello
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - C Glingani
- Department of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy
| | - M Franchini
- Department of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Viale Pieraccini, 6, Florence, Italy
| | - G De Donno
- Intensive Care Respiratory Unit, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50134, Florence, Italy.
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Dejaeger M, Antonio L, Bouillon R, Moors H, Wu FCW, O'Neill TW, Huhtaniemi IT, Rastrelli G, Forti G, Maggi M, Casanueva FF, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Punab M, Gielen E, Tournoy J, Vanderschueren D. Aging Men With Insufficient Vitamin D Have a Higher Mortality Risk: No Added Value of its Free Fractions or Active Form. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e1212-e1220. [PMID: 34662423 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Low total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) has been associated with mortality. Whether vitamin D in its free form or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), provide any additional information is unclear. OBJECTIVE To determine what level of 25(OH)D is predictive for mortality and if free 25(OH)D or 1,25(OH) 2 D concentrations have any added value. METHODS This prospective cohort comprised 1915 community-dwelling men, aged 40 to 79 years. Intervention included determination of association of total and free 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH) 2 D concentrations with survival status. Vitamin D results were grouped into quintiles. For total 25(OH)D, specific cutoff values were also applied. Cox proportional hazard models were used adjusted for center, body mass index, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, season of blood sample, kidney function, and number of comorbidities. RESULTS A total of 469 (23.5%) men died during a mean follow-up of 12.3 ± 3.4 years. Compared to those with normal vitamin D values (> 30 µg/L), men with a total 25(OH)D of less than 20 µg/L had an increased mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 2.03 [95% CI, 1.39-2.96]; P < .001). Likewise, men in the lowest 3 free 25(OH)D quintiles (< 4.43 ng/L) had a higher mortality risk compared to the highest quintile (HR 2.09 [95% CI, 1.34-3.25]; P < .01). Mortality risks were similar across all 1,25(OH)2D and vitamin D binding protein quintiles. CONCLUSION Aging men with vitamin D deficiency have a 2-fold increased mortality risk. Determinations of either the free fractions of vitamin D or measurement of its active form offer no additional information on mortality risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Dejaeger
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Antonio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roger Bouillon
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hannes Moors
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederick C W Wu
- Division of Endocrinology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Terence W O'Neill
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, The University of Manchester & NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, M13 9PL Manchester, UK
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 ONN, UK
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Gianni Forti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Felipe F Casanueva
- Department of Medicine, Santiago de Compostela University, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS); CIBER de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03), Instituto Salud Carlos III, 15890 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Centre, Tartu University Hospital, 50090 Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Evelien Gielen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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De Filpo G, Cantini G, Rastrelli G, Vannini G, Ercolino T, Luconi M, Mannelli M, Maggi M, Canu L. Management and outcome of metastatic pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas: a monocentric experience. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:149-157. [PMID: 34227051 PMCID: PMC8741659 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01629-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pheochromocytoma (PHEO) and paraganglioma (PGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors releasing catecholamines. Metastatic pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PPGLs) occur in about 5-26% of cases. To date, the management of patients affected by metastatic disease is a challenge in the absence of guidelines. AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and the progression-free survival (PFS) in metastatic PPGLs. METHODS Clinical data of 20 patients referred to the Careggi University Hospital (Florence, Italy) were retrospectively collected. Follow-up ranged from 1989 to 2019. Site and size of primary tumor, biochemical activity, genetic analysis and employed therapies were considered. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 27. RESULTS Nine PHEOs (45%) and 11 PGLs (55%) were enrolled. Median age at diagnosis was 43.5 years [30-55]. Mean follow-up was 104.6 ± 89.3 months. Catecholamines were released in 70% of cases. An inherited disease was reported in 50% of patients. OS from the initial diagnosis (OSpt) and from the metastatic appearance (OSmtx) were lower in older patients (OSpt p = 0.028; OSmtx p < 0.001), abdominal PGLs (OSpt p = 0.007; OSmtx p = 0.041), larger tumors (OSpt p = 0.008; OSmtx p = 0.025) and sporadic disease (OSpt p = 0.013; OSmtx p = 0.008). CONCLUSION Our data showed that older age at the initial diagnosis, sympathetic extra-adrenal localization, larger tumors and wild-type neoplasms are related to worse prognosis. Notably, the employed therapies do not seem to influence the survival of our patients. At present, effective treatments for metastatic PPGLs are missing and a multidisciplinary approach is indispensably required.
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Affiliation(s)
- G De Filpo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - G Cantini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G Vannini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - T Ercolino
- Endocrinology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - M Luconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Mannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - L Canu
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Ivell R, Heng K, Severn K, Antonio L, Bartfai G, Casanueva FF, Huhtaniemi IT, Giwercman A, Maggi M, O’Connor DB, O’Neill TW, Punab M, Rastrelli G, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Tournoy J, Vanderschueren D, Wu FCW, Anand-Ivell R. The Leydig cell biomarker INSL3 as a predictor of age-related morbidity: Findings from the EMAS cohort. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1016107. [PMID: 36425465 PMCID: PMC9679513 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1016107] [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] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a constitutive hormone secreted in men by the mature Leydig cells of the testes. It is an accurate biomarker for Leydig cell functional capacity, reflecting their total cell number and differentiation status. OBJECTIVES To determine the ability of INSL3 to predict hypogonadism and age-related morbidity using the EMAS cohort of older community-dwelling men. MATERIALS & METHODS Circulating INSL3 was assessed in the EMAS cohort and its cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships to hypogonadism, here defined by testosterone (T) <10.5nmol/l, and a range of age-related morbidities determined by correlation and regression analysis. RESULTS & DISCUSSION While INSL3 is an accurate measure of primary hypogonadism, secondary and compensated hypogonadism also indicate reduced levels of INSL3, implying that testicular hypogonadism does not improve even when LH levels are increased, and that ageing-related hypogonadism may combine both primary and secondary features. Unadjusted, serum INSL3, like calculated free testosterone (cFT), LH, or the T/LH ratio reflects hypogonadal status and is associated with reduced sexual function, bone mineral density, and physical activity, as well as increased occurrence of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Using multiple regression analysis to adjust for a range of hormonal, anthropometric, and lifestyle factors, this relationship is lost for all morbidities, except for reduced bone mineral density, implying that INSL3 and/or its specific receptor, RXFP2, may be causally involved in promoting healthy bone metabolism. Elevated INSL3 also associates with hypertension and cardiovascular disease. When unadjusted, INSL3 in phase 1 of the EMAS study was assessed for its association with morbidity in phase 2 (mean 4.3 years later); INSL3 significantly predicts 7 out of 9 morbidity categories, behaving as well as cFT in this regard. In contrast, total T was predictive in only 3 of the 9 categories. CONCLUSION Together with its low within-individual variance, these findings suggest that assessing INSL3 in men could offer important insight into the later development of disease in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Kee Heng
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Severn
- School of Mathematics, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Leen Antonio
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gyorgy Bartfai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, Albert Szent-Gyorgy Medical University, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Felipe F. Casanueva
- Department of Medicine, Santiago de Compostela University, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS); CIBER de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutricion (CB06/03), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ilpo T. Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mario Maggi
- Andrology Unit, “Mario Serio” Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Terence W. O’Neill
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, The University of Manchester & NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital; and Institute of Clinical Medicine, and Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology Unit, “Mario Serio” Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederick C. W. Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ravinder Anand-Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Ravinder Anand-Ivell,
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Cipriani S, Todisco T, Ghiandai N, Vignozzi L, Corona G, Maggi M, Rastrelli G. Biochemical predictors of structural hypothalamus-pituitary abnormalities detected by magnetic resonance imaging in men with secondary hypogonadism. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2785-2797. [PMID: 33970435 PMCID: PMC8572185 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01586-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Organic conditions underlying secondary hypogonadism (SH) may be ascertained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hypothalamic-pituitary region that could not be systematically proposed to each patient. Based upon limited evidence, the Endocrine Society (ES) guidelines suggest total testosterone (T) < 5.2 nmol/L to identify patients eligible for MRI. The study aims to identify markers and their best threshold value predicting pathological MRI findings in men with SH. METHODS A consecutive series of 609 men seeking medical care for sexual dysfunction and with SH (total T < 10.5 nmol/L and LH ≤ 9.4 U/L) was retrospectively evaluated. An independent cohort of 50 men with SH was used as validation sample. 126 men in the exploratory sample and the whole validation sample underwent MRI. RESULTS In the exploratory sample, patients with pathological MRI findings (n = 46) had significantly lower total T, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) than men with normal MRI (n = 80). Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis showed that total T, LH, FSH and PSA are accurate in identifying men with pathologic MRI (accuracy: 0.62-0.68, all p < 0.05). The Youden index was used to detect the value with the best performance, corresponding to total T 6.1 nmol/L, LH 1.9 U/L, FSH 4.2 U/L and PSA 0.58 ng/mL. In the validation cohort, only total T ≤ 6.1 nmol/L and LH ≤ 1.9 U/L were confirmed as significant predictors of pathologic MRI. CONCLUSION In men with SH, total T ≤ 6.1 nmol/L or LH ≤ 1.9 U/L should arise the suspect of hypothalamus/pituitary structural abnormalities, deserving MRI evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - T Todisco
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - N Ghiandai
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B., Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Rome, Italy
| | - G Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl Bologna Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B., Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Rome, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Stasi VD, Rastrelli G. The Role of Sex Hormones in the Disparity of COVID-19 Outcomes Based on Gender. J Sex Med 2021; 18:1950-1954. [PMID: 34645593 PMCID: PMC8429355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Di Stasi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio" - Unit of Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence, Careggi Teaching Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio" - Unit of Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence, Careggi Teaching Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Cipriani S, Maseroli E, Di Stasi V, Scavello I, Todisco T, Rastrelli G, Fambrini M, Sorbi F, Petraglia F, Jannini EA, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Effects of testosterone treatment on clitoral haemodynamics in women with sexual dysfunction. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2765-2776. [PMID: 34118018 PMCID: PMC8572206 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01598-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the effects of 6-month systemic testosterone (T) administration on clitoral color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) parameters in women with female sexual dysfunction (FSD). METHODS 81 women with FSD were retrospectively recruited. Data on CDU parameters at baseline and after 6 months with four different treatments were available and thus further longitudinally analyzed: local non-hormonal moisturizers (NH group), n = 37; transdermal 2% T gel 300 mcg/day (T group), n = 23; local estrogens (E group), n = 12; combined therapy (T + E group), n = 9. Patients underwent physical, laboratory, and genital CDU examinations at both visits and completed different validated questionnaires, including the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). RESULTS At 6-month visit, T therapy significantly increased clitoral artery peak systolic velocity (PSV) when compared to both NH (p < 0.0001) and E (p < 0.0001) groups. A similar increase was found in the T + E group (p = 0.039 vs. E). In addition, T treatment was associated with significantly higher FSFI desire, pain, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and total scores at 6-month visit vs. baseline. Similar findings were observed in the T + E group. No significant differences in the variations of total and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glycemia, insulin and glycated hemoglobin levels were found among the four groups. No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION In women complaining for FSD, systemic T administration, either alone or combined with local estrogens, was associated with a positive effect on clitoral blood flow and a clinical improvement in sexual function, showing a good safety profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04336891; date of registration: April 7, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - V Di Stasi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - I Scavello
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - T Todisco
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - M Fambrini
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Gynecology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F Sorbi
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Gynecology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F Petraglia
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Gynecology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - E A Jannini
- Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy.
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Dupont J, Antonio L, Dedeyne L, O'Neill TW, Vanderschueren D, Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Bártfai G, Casanueva FF, Giwercman A, Słowikowska-Hilczer J, Punab M, Huhtaniemi IT, Wu FCW, Tournoy J, Koppo K, Gielen E. Inflammatory markers are associated with quality of life, physical activity, and gait speed but not sarcopenia in aged men (40-79 years). J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2021; 12:1818-1831. [PMID: 34523822 PMCID: PMC8718046 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) is one of the proposed mechanisms behind sarcopenia. However, findings regarding inflammatory markers in sarcopenic older adults are conflicting. This study aimed to determine the association between inflammatory markers, prevalent as well as incident sarcopenia, sarcopenia-defining parameters, quality of life (QoL), and physical activity in middle-aged and older men. METHODS Men aged 40-79 years (mean 59.66 ± 11.00y) were recruited from population registers in eight European centres for participation in the European Male Aging study (EMAS). Subjects were assessed at baseline (2003-2005) and again after a median follow-up of 4.29 years. In 2577 participants, associations between baseline inflammatory markers [high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), albumin] and baseline physical activity (PASE) and QoL (SF-36) were analysed. In the Leuven and Manchester cohort (n = 447), data were available on muscle mass (whole-body dual X-ray absorptiometry) and strength. In this subgroup, cross-sectional associations between baseline inflammatory markers and sarcopenia-defining parameters (handgrip strength, chair stand test, appendicular lean mass, and gait speed) and prevalent sarcopenia were examined. In a further subgroup (n = 277), associations with knee extensor strength were explored. Longitudinally, predictive value of baseline inflammation on functional decline, physical activity, QoL, and incident sarcopenia was examined. Subgroup analyses were performed in subgroups with chronic inflammation and stratified by age. Linear and logistic regressions were used, adjusted for age, body mass index, centre, and smoking. RESULTS At baseline, hs-CRP and WBC were negatively associated with PASE score (hs-CRP: β = -7.920, P < 0.001; and WBC: β = -4.552, P < 0.001) and the physical component score of SF-36 (hs-CRP: β = -1.025, P < 0.001; and WBC: β = -0.364, P < 0.001). Baseline WBC levels were negatively associated with gait speed (β = -0.013; P = 0.025), quadriceps isometric 90° (β = -5.983; P = 0.035) and isokinetic 60°/s peak torque/body weight (β = -5.532; P = 0.027). The prevalence of sarcopenia at baseline was 18.1% (n = 81). Of those without sarcopenia at baseline, 64 (18.6%) satisfied criteria for sarcopenia at follow-up. There were no significant associations between baseline inflammatory markers and either prevalent or incident sarcopenia, or change in level of sarcopenia-defining parameters between baseline and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS In middle-aged and older men, hs-CRP and WBC were negatively associated with QoL and PASE scores, while WBC was negatively associated with gait speed and knee strength. Associations with hs-CRP remained significant in all ages, whereas WBC levels were only associated with PASE, gait speed and knee strength in older adults (60-79 years). Baseline inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, WBC and albumin) did not predict functional decline, decline in physical activity, decreased QoL or incident sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolan Dupont
- Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Antonio
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lenore Dedeyne
- Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Terence W O'Neill
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, The University of Manchester, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Mario Serio 'Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Mario Serio 'Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - György Bártfai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Felipe F Casanueva
- Department of Medicine, Santiago de Compostela University, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS), Santiago, Spain.,CIBER de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutricion (CB06/03), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela, Santiago, Spain
| | | | | | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Unit, United Laboratories of Tartu University Clinics, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Frederick C W Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Koppo
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evelien Gielen
- Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Comeglio P, Sarchielli E, Filippi S, Cellai I, Guarnieri G, Morelli A, Rastrelli G, Maseroli E, Cipriani S, Mello T, Galli A, Bruno BJ, Kim K, Vangara K, Papangkorn K, Chidambaram N, Patel MV, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Treatment potential of LPCN 1144 on liver health and metabolic regulation in a non-genomic, high fat diet induced NASH rabbit model. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2175-2193. [PMID: 33586025 PMCID: PMC8421272 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01522-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Low free testosterone (T) level in men is independently associated with presence and severity of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). The histological and molecular effects of oral testosterone prodrug LPCN 1144 treatment on hepatic fibrosis and NASH features are unknown. A metabolic syndrome-induced NASH model in rabbits consuming high fat diet (HFD) has been previously used to assess treatment effects of injectable T on hepatic fibrosis and NASH features. Here we present results on LPCN 1144 in this HFD-induced, NASH preclinical model. METHODS Male rabbits were randomly assigned to five groups: regular diet (RD), HFD, HFD + 1144 vehicle (HFD + Veh), HFD + 1144 (1144), and HFD + 1144 + α-tocopherol (1144 + ALPHA). Rabbits were sacrificed after 12 weeks for liver histological, biochemical and genetic analyses. Histological scores were obtained through Giemsa (inflammation), Masson's trichrome (steatosis and ballooning), and Picrosirius Red (fibrosis) staining. RESULTS Compared to RD, HFD and HFD + Veh significantly worsened NASH features and hepatic fibrosis. Considering HFD and HFD + Veh arms, histological and biomarker features were not significantly different. Both 1144 and 1144 + ALPHA arms improved mean histological scores of NASH as compared to HFD arm. Importantly, percentage of fibrosis was improved in both 1144 (p < 0.05) and 1144 + ALPHA (p = 0.05) treatment arms vs. HFD. Both treatment arms also reduced HFD-induced inflammation and fibrosis mRNA markers. Furthermore, 1144 treatments significantly improved HFD-induced metabolic dysfunctions. CONCLUSIONS Histological and biomarker analyses demonstrate that LPCN 1144 improved HFD-induced hepatic fibrosis and NASH biochemical, biomolecular and histochemical features. These preclinical findings support a therapeutic potential of LPCN 1144 in the treatment of NASH and of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Comeglio
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - E Sarchielli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - S Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - I Cellai
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - G Guarnieri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Morelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - T Mello
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Galli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - B J Bruno
- Lipocine Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84088, USA
| | - K Kim
- Lipocine Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84088, USA
| | - K Vangara
- Lipocine Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84088, USA
| | | | | | - M V Patel
- Lipocine Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84088, USA
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy.
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Scavello I, Maseroli E, Cipriani S, Di Stasi V, Verde N, Menafra D, Scannerini S, Marchiani S, Rastrelli G, Ricca V, Sorbi F, Fambrini M, Petraglia F, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Cardiometabolic risk is unraveled by color Doppler ultrasound of the clitoral and uterine arteries in women consulting for sexual symptoms. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18899. [PMID: 34552164 PMCID: PMC8458448 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98336-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) may be a mirror of a poor cardiometabolic state. In a small pilot study enrolling 71 women with FSD, we previously demonstrated that clitoral Pulsatility Index (PI) evaluated by using color Doppler ultrasound (CDU), reflecting vascular resistance, was associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. Data on uterine CDU in this context are lacking. First, to confirm previously reported data on the direct association between clitoral PI and cardiometabolic risk factors on a larger study population of women consulting for sexual symptoms; second, to investigate eventual similar correlations between cardiometabolic risk factors and CDU parameters of the uterine artery. We also ascertained whether uterine artery PI, similarly to what had previously been observed for clitoral artery PI, was directly related to body image uneasiness and psychopathological symptoms, assessed by validated questionnaires. N = 230 women consulting our clinic for sexual symptoms were examined with clitoral CDU and blood sampling and were asked to fill out the Female Sexual Function Index, the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ) and the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT). In a subgroup of women (n = 164), we also performed transvaginal CDU with measurement of uterine artery parameters. At multivariate analysis, we found a direct association between clitoral PI and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.004), waist circumference (WC) (p = 0.004), triglycerides (p = 0.006), insulin (p = 0.029) and HOMA-IR (p = 0.009). Furthermore, a correlation between obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and a higher clitoral PI was observed (p = 0.003 and p = 0.012, respectively). Clitoral PI was also correlated with MHQ-S (p = 0.010), a scale exploring somatized anxiety symptoms, and BUT-B Positive Symptom Distress Index (p = 0.010), a measure of body image concerns. Similarly, when investigating the uterine artery, we were able to demonstrate an association between its PI and BMI (p < 0.0001), WC (p = 0.001), insulin (p = 0.006), glycated haemoglobin (p = < 0.0001), and HOMA-IR (p = 0.009). Women diagnosed with obesity and MetS showed significantly higher uterine PI values vs. those without obesity or MetS (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). Finally, uterine PI was associated with BUT-A Global Severity Index (p < 0.0001) and with several other BUT-A subdomains. Vascular resistance of clitoral and uterine arteries is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors and body image concerns in women consulting for sexual symptoms. If further confirmed in different populations, our data could suggest CDU, a common examination method, as a useful tool for an identification—and possible correction—of cardiometabolic risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Scavello
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - S Cipriani
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - V Di Stasi
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - N Verde
- Clinical Medicine and Surgery Department, Section of Endocrinology, Unit of Andrology, Reproductive Medicine and Male and Female Sexuality (FERTISEXCARES), Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - D Menafra
- Clinical Medicine and Surgery Department, Section of Endocrinology, Unit of Andrology, Reproductive Medicine and Male and Female Sexuality (FERTISEXCARES), Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - S Scannerini
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - S Marchiani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy.,Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - V Ricca
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F Sorbi
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Fambrini
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F Petraglia
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy. .,Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rastrelli
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, Florence 6 I-50139, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, Florence 6 I-50139, Italy.,I.N.B.B., Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro, 305, Rome I-00136, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, Florence 6 I-50139, Italy.,I.N.B.B., Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro, 305, Rome I-00136, Italy.,Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, Florence 6 I-50139, Italy
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Rastrelli G, Corona G, Maggi M. Both comorbidity burden and low testosterone can explain symptoms and signs of testosterone deficiency in men consulting for sexual dysfunction. Asian J Androl 2021; 22:265-273. [PMID: 31249270 PMCID: PMC7275801 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_61_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Low testosterone (T) is frequent in men with chronic illnesses. The clinical features of T deficiency (TD) overlap with those of chronic diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relative contribution of chronic disease score (CDS) and low T to the presence of TD symptoms. A consecutive series of 3862 men (aged 52.1 ± 13.1 years) consulting for sexual dysfunction were studied. Several clinical and biochemical parameters were collected, including the structured interview, ANDROTEST, for the assessment of TD symptoms. Penile color Doppler ultrasound (PCDU) was also performed. Based on the medications taken, the CDS was calculated. For a subset of 1687 men, information on mortality was collected (follow-up of 4.3 ± 2.6 years). Higher CDS was associated with lower free and total T (TT) as well as with higher ANDROTEST score. When introducing CDS and TT in multivariable models adjusted for age, severe erectile dysfunction and impaired morning erections were associated with both CDS (odds ratio and 95% confidence interaval, OR [95% CI] = 1.25 [1.13; 1.37] and 1.38 [1.29; 1.48], respectively) and low TT (OR [95% CI] = 1.11 [1.00; 1.23] and 1.13 [1.06; 1.21], respectively). Similar results were obtained for PCDU parameters. Hypoactive sexual desire was associated with low TT (OR [95% CI] = 1.21 [1.13; 1.30]), whereas it was inversely related with CDS (OR [95% CI] = 0.91 [0.84; 0.97]). When considering mortality for major cardiovascular events, TT <8 nmol l−1, but not CDS, was a significant predictor (hazard ratio [95% CI] = 5.57 [1.51; 20.63]). Chronic illnesses are associated with an overt TD. Both chronic diseases and low T can be involved in determining symptoms present in subjects complaining for sexual dysfunction. This should be considered in the diagnostic workup for TD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rastrelli
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Largo Nigrisoli 2, Bologna 40133, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence 50139, Italy.,I.N.B.B., Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, Rome 00136, Italy.,Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence 50139, Italy
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Corona G, Rastrelli G, Vignozzi L, Barbonetti A, Sforza A, Mannucci E, Maggi M. The Role of testosterone treatment in patients with metabolic disorders. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:1091-1103. [PMID: 34085587 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1938548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The specific role of testosterone [T] replacement therapy [TRT] on glycometabolic profile and body composition, particularly in patients with metabolic syndrome [MetS] and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM], is still the object of an intense debate. AREAS COVERED To discuss available evidence on the association between T and metabolic diseases and on the possible effect of T administration on metabolic disorder-associated hypogonadism. Both preclinical and clinical data have been considered. In addition, a meta-analysis of the available placebo and non-placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials [RCTs] investigating the effects of TRT in T2DM or MetS in several outcomes has been also performed. EXPERT OPINION Data derived from preclinical and clinical studies suggest that T administration, by reducing fat mass, can improve body composition and ameliorate some aspects of glucose metabolism. The effects of TRT on sexual function in patients with established metabolic derangements are inconsistent, whereas better results were observed in preclinical conditions or in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sforza
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Edoardo Mannucci
- Department of Diabetology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi and University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Maseroli E, Rastrelli G, Di Stasi V, Cipriani S, Scavello I, Todisco T, Gironi V, Castellini G, Ricca V, Sorbi F, Fambrini M, Petraglia F, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Physical Activity and Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Lot Helps, But Not Too Much. J Sex Med 2021; 18:1217-1229. [PMID: 37057426 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the relationship between physical activity (PA) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is lacking. AIM To investigate the clinical, psychological, and sexual correlates of PA in women with FSD. METHODS A non-selected series of n = 322 pre- and post-menopausal patients consulting for FSD was retrospectively studied. Regular involvement in PA and its frequency (<1 hour/week: sedentary, 1-3 hours/week: active, 4-6 hours/week: very active, >6 hours/week: extremely active) were investigated with a specific question. OUTCOMES FSDs, including HSDD (Hypoactive sexual desire disorder) and FGAD (Female genital arousal disorder), were diagnosed according to a structured and clinical interview. Participants underwent a physical examination and a clitoral Doppler ultrasound, and were asked to complete the Female Sexual Function Index, Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised, Body Uneasiness Test, and Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire. RESULTS At multivariate analysis, women engaging in PA (67.4%, n = 217) scored significantly higher in several Female Sexual Function Index domains - including desire, arousal and lubrication - and showed lower sexual distress and lower resistance of clitoral arteries, as compared to sedentary women. A significant, inverse association between PA and HSDD was observed. Mediation analysis demonstrated that the negative association between PA and HSDD was partly mediated by body image concerns (Body Uneasiness Test Global severity index), psychopathological symptoms (Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire total score) and sexual distress (Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised score). These latter 2 factors also partly mediated the association between PA and a reduced risk of FGAD, whilst a lower BMI was a full mediator in the relationship between PA and FGAD. Finally, extreme PA was associated with significantly worse scores in several psychosexual parameters (i,e, sexual satisfaction and histrionic/hysterical symptoms), even compared to a sedentary lifestyle. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Women consulting for FSD may gain benefits on desire, arousal, lubrication and sex-related distress from regular PA; however, physicians should remain alert to the downsides of excessive exercise. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS The main strength lies in the novelty of the findings. The main limitations are the cross-sectional nature, the clinical setting, the small sample size of the different PA groups, and the use of self-reported instruments for the evaluation of PA. CONCLUSION In women with FSD, PA was associated with better sexual function and clitoral vascularization, lower sexual distress and reduced odds of HSDD and FGAD; the benefits of PA on sexuality were mediated by both psychological and organic determinants; excessive PA was related with a poor overall sexual function and with a low sexual satisfaction. Maseroli E, Rastrelli G, Di Stasi V, et al. Physical Activity and Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Lot Helps, But Not Too Much. J Sex Med 2021;18:1217-1229.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Maseroli
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, , Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, , Florence, Italy
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, , Florence, Italy
| | - Vincenza Di Stasi
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, , Florence, Italy
| | - Sarah Cipriani
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, , Florence, Italy
| | - Irene Scavello
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, , Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Todisco
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, , Florence, Italy
| | - Veronica Gironi
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, , Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, , Florence, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, , Florence, Italy
| | - Flavia Sorbi
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, , Florence, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Fambrini
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, , Florence, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, , Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, , Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, , Florence, Italy
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, , Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
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Capogrosso P, Jensen CFS, Rastrelli G, Torremade J, Russo GI, Raheem AA, Frey A, Fode M, Maggi M, Reisman Y, Bettocchi C, Corona G. Male Sexual Dysfunctions in the Infertile Couple-Recommendations From the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM). Sex Med 2021; 9:100377. [PMID: 34090242 PMCID: PMC8240351 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sexual dysfunctions (SDs) have been frequently reported among male partners of infertile couples due to psychogenic, relational and/or organic issues related with the inability to conceive. Likewise, male infertility (MI) could be a consequence of sexual dysfunctions. Aim To review the evidence on the prevalence and treatment of male SDs in men of infertile couples and provide clinical recommendations on behalf of the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM). Methods The MEDLINE database was searched in September 2019 for randomized clinical trials (RCTs), meta-analyses and open-label prospective or retrospective studies investigating the presence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and/or ejaculatory dysfunctions (EjDs) and/or low sexual desire (LSD) in conjunction with infertility. Main Outcome Measure The panel provided statements on: (i) Prevalence and association between SDs and MI; (ii) Treatment of male SDs in men of infertile couples. Results ED has been reported in 9% to 62% of male partners of infertile couples, with severe impairment observed in only 1% to 3% of ED cases. Moreover, worse semen parameters have been associated with greater ED severity. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) can be safely used to treat ED among patients seeking fatherhood. Male partners of infertile couples are at higher risk of premature ejaculation (PE). Retrograde ejaculation (RE) and anejaculation are a cause of MI and can be managed with electroejaculation (EEJ) or penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) or, alternatively, with oral treatments, however the latter with limited documented success. Low sexual desire has been reported by one third of men of infertile couples. Conclusion ED could significantly affect male partners of infertile couple; PDE5is should be suggested to ensure an effective and satisfactory sexual relationship of the couple. Anejaculation and RE should be considered as a possible cause of MI and treated accordingly. Low sexual desire is frequently reported among men of infertile couple and could be a symptom of other systemic conditions or psychological distress. Capogrosso P, Jensen CFS, Rastrelli G, et al. Male Sexual Dysfunctions in the Infertile Couple–Recommendations From the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM). J Sex Med 2021;9:100377.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Capogrosso
- Department of Urology, Circolo & Fondazione Macchi Hospital, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
| | | | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - Amr Abdel Raheem
- Department of Andrology, The Institute of Urology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Anders Frey
- Department of Urology, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Odense
| | - Mikkel Fode
- Department of Urology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence
| | - Yacov Reisman
- Men's Health Clinic, Amstelland Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carlo Bettocchi
- Division of Urology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda USL, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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