Search Results (1,146)

Objective: To determine the prevalence of mood and eating disorders, chronotype, and social jetlag in a cohort of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methods: A total of 70 patients, 35 with PCOS and 35 healthy controls, aged between 18 and 40 years, were included in the study. PCOS was diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria. Five different questionnaires, namely the “Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ)”, “Social Jetlag Status (SJL)”, “Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ)”, “Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)”, and “Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)”, were administered to patients with and without PCOS, and the “total questionnaire scores” of both groups were compared. Results: In addition to BMI (p = 0.004), serum insulin (p < 0.001), HOMAIR (p < 0.001), total testosterone (p = 0.006), DHEAS (p = 0.004), and LH (p < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in women with PCOS than in the controls. BAI (p = 0.006), BDI (p = 0.007), and NEQ (p = 0.013) scores of participants with PCOS were significantly higher than those in the control group, while MEQ scores were significantly lower than those in the control group (p = 0.005). When categorized according to the total test scores, the number of individuals with moderate and severe anxiety was significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (p = 0.030). Morningness was significantly lower in the PCOS group than in the control group, whereas eveningness was higher than that in the control group (p = 0.013). There was no difference between the PCOS and control groups in terms of the number of individuals with SJL ≥ 2 h and night eating disorders. The NEQ score was positively correlated with BAI, BMI, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Both the BDI and BAI scores were positively correlated with BMI, HOMA-IR, and total testosterone levels. Conclusions: PCOS can lead to mood, appetite, and circadian rhythm issues through variations in chronotype. PCOS-related endocrine, metabolic, and adiposity factors influence mood, eating habits, and chronotype disorders. Full article

Chronic stress (CS) is known to induce testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis. Fruit of Momordica charantia (FMC) has antioxidant capacity to protect tissue damage, but its effect on sexual activity and testicular damage caused by CS has never been documented. This study aimed to investigate the impact of FMC extract against testicular damage and sexual dysfunction in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) rats. Rats were divided into four groups and pretreated with vehicle or FMC (40 and 80 mg/kg) before CUS induction for 56 days. Sexual behaviors, serum hormones, and sperm quality were analyzed. Testes were collected to determine daily sperm production (DSP), malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and expressions of cleaved apoptotic proteins. Testicular DNA fragmentation, as revealed by TUNEL and morphometric analysis, was observed. FMC improved sexual activity, increased testosterone levels, and sperm count with improvements in DSP, testicular morphometrics, and MDA levels. Moreover, TUNEL-positive cells and expression of caspase 3 in the testis were decreased in FMC rats. FMC has antioxidant potential and could protect against male sexual dysfunction and testicular damage caused by stress-related apoptosis. It is a potential extract to be developed as a supplement in preventing CS-male subfertility. However, future studies about the optimal dose and clinical trials are required. Full article

In southern white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum simum), pant calls are well-studied contact vocalisations, whereas the function of frequently emitted snorts remains unclear. We conducted playback experiments with 15 rhinoceroses at three European zoos. The first experiment tested responses to conspecific versus heterospecific snorts, comparing pulsed and non-pulsed acoustic structures. The second experiment contrasted conspecific snorts with conspecific pants from males differing in age and faecal testosterone metabolite (fTM) levels. Behavioural responses—including body orientation, approach toward loudspeaker, locomotion, and vocalisations—were analysed. Snorts, regardless of sender species or pulsation, elicited uniformly low-intensity responses, suggesting limited communicative function. In contrast, pants evoked significantly stronger responses depending on sex and group setting. While males showed increased locomotion, females vocalised more, reflecting the species’ social dynamics. Individuals tested alone displayed overall heightened vigilance and vocal activity compared to those tested in pairs, emphasising the role of social context. No evidence was found for discrimination between pant calls differing in fTM levels. Our findings reinforce the communicative relevance of pants in conveying social cues while indicating that snorts may either lack species-specific acoustic markers or not be socially salient. Playback experiments thus appear as valuable tools for assessing acoustic communication in zoo-housed mammals. Full article

Accumulating evidence indicates that bisphenol A (BPA) analogs, including bisphenol B (BPB) and bisphenol S (BPS), disrupt testicular function and contribute to male reproductive dysfunction (MRD). However, whether BPA analogs are involved in MRD among middle-aged men remains inconclusive. Therefore, we selected cryptorchidism, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and testicular tumors as representative MRD conditions in middle-aged individuals, aiming to explore the molecular mechanisms that may be disrupted by bisphenols (BPs). By using GeneCards, STRING and Cytoscape, TP53, AKT1, and MYC were pinpointed as core targets associated with MRD. Enrichment analysis suggested that BPs may induce MRD by disrupting steroidogenesis. UPLC-MS/MS analysis showed that both BPB and BPS exhibit specific accumulation in the testes. Following 20-day exposure to 0.3 or 0.6 mg/kg body weight/day BPB or BPS, testosterone levels and the expression of hub genes were decreased. The molecular docking results demonstrated that both BPB and BPS can directly bind to members of the cytochrome P450 family, potentially interfering with sex hormone biosynthesis. Our study identified the targets and mechanisms through which BPB and BPS induce MRD in middle-aged males, thereby providing insights for the safety assessment of BPs. Full article

Age-related impaired wounds often become infected with bacteria, leading to substantial mortality and morbidity in the elderly. The decline in androgen levels with increasing age is believed to exacerbate inflammation during wound infections. Despite its well-documented anti-inflammatory activities in wound repair, little is known about the effect of age-related androgen deprivation on bacterial phagocytosis in impaired chronic wounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age-related testosterone deprivation on the phagocytic functions of THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages to eliminate Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in vitro. Host–pathogen interaction experiments were conducted to quantify the macrophage-mediated clearance of two common wound-associated bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, under in vitro environments that model testosterone levels representative of those found in elderly males, healthy young adults and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Testosterone and its metabolite 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) significantly dampened the macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of both MRSA and P. aeruginosa in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Blockade of the androgen receptor (AR) using enzalutamide confirmed that testosterone mediates bacterial clearance through binding to the AR. Blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT through stimulation of macrophages with the 5-α-reductase inhibitor finasteride reversed the testosterone-mediated effects on bacterial clearance, which confirmed that testosterone could potentially dampen the innate phagocytic responses in macrophages through conversion to DHT. Novel findings in this study suggest that the selective manipulation of the AR and/or blockade of testosterone–DHT conversion may provide effective therapeutic treatments to combat wound infections in the elderly. Full article

The androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway is the primary driver of prostate cancer initiation and progression, including the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Because current AR-targeted therapies inevitably encounter drug resistance, novel strategies to suppress AR signaling are urgently needed. Natural products represent a rich and structurally diverse source of bioactive compounds capable of targeting AR at multiple regulatory levels. This review overviews the interactions between natural products and the AR signaling axis through distinct mechanisms, including inhibition of testosterone production and 5α-reductase activity, direct antagonism of AR, and induction of AR degradation. In addition, several compounds disrupt AR nuclear translocation, downregulate AR splice variants, or suppress AR signaling indirectly through epigenetic regulation, microRNA modulation, or interference with co-regulator networks. Preclinical studies provide compelling evidence that these agents can effectively interrupt AR signaling, thereby suppressing prostate cancer growth. However, challenges remain, particularly the limited pharmacokinetic characterization, lack of in vivo validation, and scarcity of clinical studies. Future research should focus on improving bioavailability, exploring synergistic combinations with existing therapies, and advancing well-designed in vivo and clinical investigations. Collectively, these efforts may establish natural products as lead compounds to modulate AR signaling for prostate cancer prevention and treatment. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of thymoquinone (TMQ) on metabolic, hormonal, and ovarian dysfunctions in a letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat model and compare its efficacy with metformin, which is widely recognized as the first-line pharmacological treatment for PCOS. Methods: Thirty-two female Wistar Albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups: control (I), PCOS (II), PCOS + metformin (III), and PCOS + Thymoquinone (IV). PCOS was induced using 1 mg/kg/day letrozole for 21 days, followed by treatment with either metformin (500 mg/kg/day) or thymoquinone (50 mg/kg/day) for 30 days. Metabolic (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid profile), hormonal (estrone, estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione), and histopathological parameters were assessed. Results: PCOS induction resulted in significant metabolic, hormonal, and ovarian dysfunctions. Final body weight was significantly higher in PCOS (309.0 ± 7.5 g) vs. control (275.3 ± 8.2 g, p < 0.001), but reduced by metformin (294.0 ± 7.4 g, p < 0.01) and thymoquinone (305.7 ± 7.5 g, p < 0.01). Glucose levels were significantly elevated in PCOS (341.8 ± 16.8 mg/dL) vs. control (260.0 ± 15.8 mg/dL, p < 0.01), while metformin (290.2 ± 19.7 mg/dL, p < 0.05) and thymoquinone (320.3 ± 13.7 mg/dL, p < 0.05) reduced glucose levels. Insulin and HOMA-IR were significantly increased in PCOS (p < 0.001), but reduced by both treatments (p < 0.01). Lipid profile improvements were observed, with significant reductions in TG and LDL-C and increases in HDL-C in both treatment groups (p < 0.05–0.01). PCOS induced hyperandrogenism, with increased testosterone and androstenedione (p < 0.05), and a decreased E2/E1 ratio (p < 0.001), which were significantly improved by metformin and thymoquinone (p < 0.01). Ovarian histopathology showed increased cystic and atretic follicles and reduced corpus luteum in PCOS (p < 0.05–0.01), which were significantly improved by both treatments. Conclusions: TMQ exerts metabolic, hormonal, and ovarian protective effects comparable to metformin, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic alternative for PCOS management. Given that metformin is already established as a first-line pharmacological therapy, our findings suggest that TMQ may provide a promising complementary or alternative approach. Further clinical studies are warranted to evaluate its safety and efficacy in human PCOS patients. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma (CD) supplementation on muscle strength and recovery in individuals with and without resistance training experience. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 48 male participants, including 24 resistance-trained and 24 untrained individuals. Participants were stratified by training status and randomly assigned to either the CD or placebo (PLAC) group. All subjects completed a standardized resistance training program three times per week for eight weeks. The CD group received 5 g of CD extract twice daily, while the PLAC group consumed a matched placebo. Assessments included one-repetition maximum (1RM) for bench press and squat, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and repetitions to failure (RTF). Blood biomarkers including serum testosterone, cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and creatine kinase (CK) were also measured. Results: No significant differences in dietary energy intake or macro-nutrient composition were observed based on two 5-day dietary records collected before baseline testing and at the end of the intervention. Among untrained individuals, the CD group showed significantly greater improvements in 1RM bench press and squat compared with the PLAC group (p < 0.05), with MVIC and RTF also significantly increased (p < 0.01). Serum cortisol levels were reduced (p < 0.05), and significant improvements were observed in testosterone, CRP, and CK (p < 0.01). In trained individuals, CD supplementation led to significant increases in 1RM squat and MVIC (p < 0.05), along with improvements in testosterone and cortisol levels (p < 0.05) and marked reductions in CRP and CK (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Daily supplementation with 5 g of CD extract for eight consecutive weeks significantly enhanced muscle strength and endurance in males with different training backgrounds and facilitated post-exercise recovery by modulating hormonal responses and reducing stress levels and inflammation. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting the application of CD in sports nutrition. Full article

This study aims to demonstrate whether immunization against inhibin could alters testicular echotexture (TE), hemodynamics (resistance and pulstalilty index [RI and PI], testicular blood flow volume [TBFV]), and semen picture. Senile male camels were immunized actively against inhibin alpha subunit (immunized males; n = 5; subcutaneous route; 1 mL) or non immunized (control males; n = 5). The injection was four times with four weeks intervals. Semen was collected by electroejaculator once per week. Blood sampling, ultrasonography, and hormonal assaying was performed once per week. The levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and nitric oxide (NO) were calculated. Regarding control camels, the FSH levels were elevated (p < 0.01) in immunized males weeks 6–9 in August. Both E2 and NO were increased in the same group at weeks 7–11 with the highest level in week 10 for E2 (17.01 ± 0.11 pg/mL) in September and in week 9 for NO (44.66 ± 0.15 µmol/L). The Doppler indices RI and PI were declined (p < 0.01) in immunized camels in weeks 7–11, while the TBFV was elevated (p < 0.01). A marked elevation (p < 0.05) in testicular volume was noticed in the immunized group with a decline in the TE in week 9. The sperm cell concentration and viability were elevated (p < 0.01) in the immunized group. In conclusion, the active immunization against inhibin in senile camels shows a positive effect via improvement of testicular hemodynamics, flow volume, testicular volume, FSH, E2, NO, and sperm cell concentration with viability %, and alterations in both Doppler indices with the TE. Full article

Cannabis is one of the most studied psychoactive substances due to its increasing prevalence and evolving legal status. Of particular concern is the rising consumption among young individuals, where excessive use may disrupt reproductive processes and pose long-term health risks to offspring. This narrative review examines the effects of cannabis use on male and female reproductive health, including its impact on male fertility, the female reproductive system, placental function, and prenatal and postnatal outcomes, as well as fetal development. A nonsystematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases in November 2024. After screening titles and abstracts and the full-text analysis, 64 studies were included in this narrative review. In men, cannabinoids can interfere with spermatogenesis, reduce sperm motility and quality, and lower testosterone levels, as demonstrated in clinical and experimental studies. In women, cannabinoid-induced disorders include negative effects on ovarian follicle maturation, ovulation, placental function, and prenatal development. Prenatal exposure to cannabis is associated with the risk of reduced birth weight, birth defects, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or lactation problems due to the penetration of cannabis metabolites into breast milk. The findings highlight the potential negative effects of cannabis on reproductive health and fetal development. Given these risks, individuals attempting to conceive, and pregnant women should be advised against cannabis use. Greater awareness is needed among healthcare professionals and the public regarding the reproductive risks associated with cannabis consumption. While the evidence on teratogenic effects is not always conclusive, caution should be exercised, and further research is essential to deepen the understanding of these effects. Full article

Sex and gender disparities have emerged as critical determinants of COVID-19 outcomes, with males exhibiting higher hospitalization and mortality rates than females. Sex steroids such as estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone have been proposed as modulators of these differences, given their known roles in inflammation, immune function, and vascular health. However, the precise hormonal mechanisms underlying COVID-19 severity, particularly among individuals with comorbid hypertension—a major risk factor for adverse outcomes—remain unclear. In this study, we investigated circulating levels of key sex hormones and their neuroactive metabolites in 116 hypertensive COVID-19 patients enrolled through an urban academic emergency department. Our findings revealed distinct sex-based hormonal profiles and associations with disease severity. Males exhibited higher serum estradiol and testosterone levels, while progesterone levels were significantly higher in postmenopausal females. Notably, hospitalized patients showed elevated estradiol and progesterone levels compared to non-hospitalized individuals, whereas ICU-admitted patients had significantly lower concentrations of all three hormones. A unique exception was ICU-admitted postmenopausal females, who exhibited increased serum testosterone levels relative to non-ICU females. Additionally, in males, elevated 3α-diol was associated with hospitalization and ICU admission, while lower allopregnanolone and estradiol levels correlated with hypoxia in males and females, respectively. These results highlight a dynamic, sex-specific hormonal response to COVID-19 progression in hypertensive individuals, suggesting early upregulation and late depletion of protective sex steroids. Understanding these patterns may improve clinical risk stratification and inform the development of sex-targeted therapeutic interventions for COVID-19 and related inflammatory conditions. Full article

Objectives: This study analysed the recovery process after an official soccer match by monitoring changes in markers of muscle damage and oxidative stress, and endocrine, neuromuscular, and perceptual responses. Methods: This repeated-measures observational study included thirteen male amateur soccer players. Blood biomarkers, neuromuscular performance in countermovement jump, and perceived wellness were measured at four time-points: the morning of the match-day, immediately post-, and 24 h and 48 h post-match. Results: Except for CK, which remained elevated at 48 h post-match, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, uric acid, testosterone, cortisol, and testosterone to cortisol ratio returned to baseline between 24 h and 48 h post-match (p < 0.05). Jump height was significantly decreased at 24 h and 48 h post-match, while peak rate of force development and other countermovement jump time-based metrics (i.e., time to take off, time to peak force, reactive strength index modified, flight time to contraction time ratio) were impaired immediately after the match and recovered earlier (p < 0.05). Peak values for perceived fatigue and delayed onset muscle soreness were observed immediately post- and at 24 h post-match, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: While certain physiological, neuromuscular, and perceptual changes may return to baseline levels within 24 h or 48 h post-match, amateur soccer players still manifest exercise-induced muscle damage symptoms and can be considered fatigued after a 48 h recovery period. Full article

Background: Oligoasthenozoospermia (OA) is a common cause of male infertility. Modified Liuwei Dihuang Decoction (MLWDH) is an improved version of Liuwei Dihuang Decoction (LWDH), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, which has demonstrated significant therapeutic effects against OA. This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of MLWDH against OA and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: The constituents of MLWDH were identified via UPLC-HRMS and compound databases (TCMSP, HERB). Network pharmacology analysis was conducted to predict potential therapeutic targets and associated signaling pathways. In vivo, a CP-induced mouse model of OA was established to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of MWDH by assessing testicular and epididymal indices, sperm quality, histopathological changes and serum hormone levels. Oxidative stress markers, including MDA, SOD, GSH and NO, were measured using commercial assay kits. The underlying molecular mechanisms, particularly those related to oxidative stress and inflammation (PI3K, Akt, Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, NQO1, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6), were further elucidated by RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Results: A total of 345 major bioactive compounds were identified in MLWDH. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses indicated that MLWDH exerts its effects primarily through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. MLWDH administration in vivo significantly improved sperm count, motility, and morphology, while also increasing serum levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH. Moreover, MLWDH significantly mitigated oxidative damage, as evidenced by decreased MDA concentrations and elevated levels of GSH, NO and SOD. Mechanistic investigations further substantiated that MLWDH enhanced PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 signaling while inhibiting NF-κB signaling in OA mice. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that MLWDH ameliorates OA in a preclinical mouse model by improving sperm quality and testicular function, potentially via activation of the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway and the inhibition of NF-κB signaling, thereby alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Full article

Background/Objectives: The impact of COVID-19 on male reproductive health remains unclear, with existing studies reporting conflicting results. This study aimed to evaluate longitudinal changes in sperm parameters, functional tests, and key markers related to the inflammasome complex in men diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods: In this experimental study, semen and blood samples were collected from 34 men at one- and three-months following COVID-19 diagnosis. Assessments included sperm parameters, chromatin damage, protamine deficiency, residual histones, and key inflammasome pathway markers (NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1) in sperm samples. Additionally, blood levels of LH, testosterone, interleukin-6, and TNF-ɑ were measured. Results: While semen volume, sperm count, concentration, total motility, and DNA damage showed no significant changes, notable improvements were observed in sperm vitality, rapid motility, chromatin integrity, protamine content, and residual histones at three months compared to one-month post-diagnosis. Serum levels of LH, testosterone, and interleukin-6 remained stable, whereas TNF-ɑ levels significantly decreased after three months. Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in NLRP3 protein expression after three months, while ASC and caspase-1 levels showed no significant changes. Conclusions: These results suggest a gradual recovery in sperm function over time after COVID-19 infection, highlighting possible implications for male reproductive health. Further studies with larger populations are necessary to better understand the underlying mechanisms and long-term effects of COVID-19 on male fertility. Full article

Male infertility is a growing global concern with increasing prevalence in both developing and developed nations. While many associations between environmental factors and male infertility have been explored, the relationship between sleep deprivation and male infertility remains underexplored. This narrative review examines the reported effects of sleep deprivation on the Hypothalamic––Gonadal (HPG) axis, Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) axis, oxidative stress, and testicular function, and their consequential effects on male infertility. Disruption of the HPG axis results in altered follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, leading to fluctuation in testosterone levels, negatively affecting spermatogenesis and other critical reproductive processes. Activation of the HPA axis, often due to stress, elevates cortisol levels, which, in turn, suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), impairing reproductive function. Reactive oxidative species (ROS) accumulate in periods of oxidative stress and have been shown to damage sperm and reduce their quality. The blood–testis barrier (BTB) is disrupted in states of sleep deprivation, leading to decreased sperm quality. A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to assess peer-reviewed studies from 1990 to 2024, revealing a complex interplay between sleep deprivation and male reproductive dysfunction. While existing studies support a link between sleep disturbances and hormonal dysregulation, further research is needed to establish causal relationships and identify potential therapeutic interventions. Addressing sleep deprivation may represent a modifiable factor in improving male fertility outcomes. Full article