Hipogonadismo masculino secundario a macroprolactinoma / Men with hypogonadism secondary to macroprolactinoma / Hipogonadismo masculino secundário a macroprolactinoma

Los prolactinomas son los tumores funcionantes de hipófisis más frecuentes. Se clasifican según su tamaño en microprolactinomas (menores a 1 cm) y macroprolactinomas (mayor o igual a 1 cm). Estos últimos tienen mayor frecuencia en hombres y en general se diagnostican más tardíamente, cuando aparecen síntomas compresivos. La hiperprolactinemia interfiere con la secreción pulsátil de la hormona liberadora de gonadotropinas (GnRH), lo que genera la inhibición de secreción de hormona luteinizante (LH) y de hormona foliculoestimulante (FSH), y en consecuencia produce hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico. El presente artículo reporta un caso clínico de un paciente de 26 años, de sexo masculino, en el que se realiza el diagnóstico de hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico secundario a un macroprolactinoma, en el contexto de una pubertad detenida.

Prolactinomas are the most common functioning pituitary tumors. According to size, they are classified into microprolactinomas (smaller than 1 cm) and macroprolactinomas (larger than or equal to 1 cm). The latter are more frequent among men and in general of late diagnosis upon compressive symptoms. Hyperprolactinemia interferes with the pulsatile secretion of the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH)) what results in inhibition of the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), what consequently produces hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. The study reports the clinical case of a 26-year-old male who was diagnosed with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism secondary to macroprolactinoma, within the context of detained puberty.

Os prolactinomas são os tumores hipofisários funcionantes mais comuns. São classificados de acordo com seu tamanho em microprolactinomas (menos de 1 cm) e macroprolactinomas (maior ou igual a 1 cm). Estas últimas são mais frequentes em homens e geralmente são diagnosticadas mais tarde, quando aparecem sintomas compressivos. A hiperprolactinemia interfere na secreção pulsátil do hormônio liberador de gonadotropina (GnRH), levando à inibição da secreção do hormônio luteinizante (LH) e do hormônio folículo-estimulante (FSH) e, consequentemente, hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico. Este artigo relata o caso clínico de um paciente do sexo masculino de 26 anos, no qual é feito o diagnóstico de hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico secundário a um macroprolactinoma, no contexto de puberdade interrompida.

Effects of aging and the body mass index on male sex hormones: a cross-sectional study in 701 Brazilian men / Efeitos do envelhecimento e do índice de massa corporal sobre os hormônios sexuais masculinos: um estudo transversal em 701 homens brasileiros

Background: Some studies indicated that body mass index (BMI) is inversely proportional to serum testosterone concentrations in men. Purposes: This study aimed to analyze the effects of aging and obesity on total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), bioavailable testosterone (BT), luteinizing hormone (LH), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to assess the clinical and laboratory profiles of 701 patients treated at a private urology clinic in Ponta Grossa, Brazil, from January 2016 to December 2018. Results: Patients' age ranged from 16 to 88 years (mean, 56.9 ± 13.62 years). Age did not significantly influence serum TT concentrations, except compared to patients aged >70 years. However, changes were observed in FT and BT (p < 0.05). The mean SHBG increased with age (p < 0.05). A tendency toward LH elevation was observed in older patients, but it was not statistically significant. An inverse proportional relationship between TT, FT, and BT and the testosterone deficiency rate (TT < 300 ng/dL) was observed within BMI groups (p < 0.05). The testosterone deficiency rate was 21.5% in individuals with normal BMI, 29% in overweight individuals, and 37% in obese individuals. Conclusions: Aging affected the testosterone concentrations in men and became increasingly evident using FT and BT instead of TT. SHBG increased with age. Obesity was associated with a decrease in TT, FT, and BT but also increased the rate of hypogonadism. (AU)

Fundamentos: Alguns estudos indicam que o índice de massa corporal (IMC) é inversamente proporcional à con-centração de testosterona sérica em homens. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo é analisar o efeito do envelhe-cimento e da obesidade na testosterona biodisponível total e livre, bem como nos níveis de hormônio luteinizante e globulina ligadora de hormônio sexual. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal abordando o perfil clínico e laboratorial de 701 pacientes atendidos em uma clínica privada de urologia em Ponta Grossa, Brasil, de janei-ro de 2016 a dezembro de 2018. Resultados: A idade dos pacientes variou de 16 a 88 anos (média de 56,9 ± 13,62 anos). A idade não influenciou significativamente as concentrações séricas de testosterona total, exceto quando comparada a pacientes com mais de 70 anos. No entanto, foi observada diferença na testosterona livre e biodisponível (p <0,05). A média de globulina de ligação aos hormônios sexuais aumentou com a idade (p <0,05). Embora uma tendência à elevação da luteinização tenha sido observada em pacientes mais idosos, ela não foi significativa. Relação inversa entre testosterona total, livre e biodisponível e taxa de deficiência de testosterona (testosterona total <300 ng / dL) foi observada dentro dos grupos de índice de massa corporal (p <0,05). A taxa de deficiência de testosterona em indivíduos com índice de massa corporal normal foi de 21,5%, indivíduos com sobre-peso foi de 29% e em indivíduos com obesidade foi de 37%. Conclusões: O envelhecimento afetou a concentração de testosterona em homens, mais evidente ao avaliar testosterona livre e biodisponível em vez de testosterona total. A globulina de ligação aos hormônios sexuais aumentou com a idade. A obesidade foi associada à redução da testosterona total, livre e biodisponível e ao aumento da taxa de hipogonadismo. (AU)

Nueva variante del gen STAG3 causante de insuficiencia ovárica prematura / New STAG3 gene variant as a cause of premature ovarian insufficiency

RESUMEN Objetivos: describir un caso de falla ovárica secundaria a una variante patogénica homocigota en el gen STAG3 no reportada previamente. Materiales y métodos: paciente de 16 años con amenorrea primaria y ausencia de características sexuales secundarias, en quien se documentó hipotiroidismo autoinmune, pobre desarrollo genital y cintilla gonadal, por lo cual se realizó secuenciación de exorna clínico. Se identificó una variante homocigota patogénica previamente no reportada en el gen STAG3, el cual ha sido relacionado con insuficiencia ovárica prematura (IOP). Conclusiones: en este caso, la realización de exorna clínico fue determinante para identificar una alteración del gen STAG, probablemente asociada a la IOP y el pronóstico a largo plazo de la paciente. Se establece una nueva variante patogénica c.2773delT; p.Ser925Profs*6 del gen STAG3 asociada a la IOP.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To describe a case of ovarian failure secondary to a homozygous pathogenic variant in the STAG3 gene not previously reported. Material and methods: A 16-year-old patient with primary amenorrhea and absence of secondary sexual characteristics, with documented autoimmune hypothyroidism, poor genital and gonadal streak development which prompted the performance of clinical exorne sequencing. A homozygous pathogenic variant not previously reported in the STAG3 gene, which has been associated with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), was identified. Conclusions: In this case, clinical exorne sequencing was key for identifying a STAG gene abnormality, probably associated with POI and long term prognosis for the patient. A new pathogenic variant c.2773delT; p.Ser925Profs*6 of the STAG3 gene associated with POI was established.

Is serum PSA a predictor of male hypogonadism? Testing the hypothesis

ABSTRACT Objective: Male hypogonadism (MH) is common among infertile men. Besides testosterone, limited MH biomarkers are available, while researchers have suggested the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to help diagnose MH. Hence, we sought to evaluate the potential use of PSA to predict MH among relatively young men with infertility in Nigeria. Materials and methods: The study included 707 male partners (35-44 years) in infertile couples seeking infertility evaluation at a third-level care center in Nigeria. MH was diagnosed using standard guidelines. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and regression analyses explored the potential of serum free PSA (fPSA) and total PSA (tPSA) in predicting MH and MH-related clinical features. Results: In all, 29.7% of the patients had MH (MH+ve). The MH+ve group had lower mean values of fPSA and tPSA than the group without MH (MH-ve). The best fPSA threshold of < 0.25 μg/L compared with the best tPSA threshold of < 0.74 μg/L had higher accuracy (area under the curve [AUC] 0.908 versus 0.866, respectively), sensitivity (87% versus 83%, respectively), and specificity (42% versus 37%, respectively) for MH diagnosis. After adjustment for confounders, fPSA level ≤ 0.25 μg/L was more likely to predict MH-related decreased libido (odds ratio [OR] 2.728, p<0.001) and erectile dysfunction (OR 3.925, p<0.001) compared with tPSA ≤ 0.74 μg/L in the MH+ve group. Conclusion: For MH diagnosis, fPSA and tPSA had good sensitivity but very poor specificity, although fPSA had better potential for MH diagnosis and association with MH-related clinical features than tPSA. Hence, fPSA could complement other biomarkers for MH diagnosis in men 35-44 years, although we recommend further studies to confirm these findings.

Ginecomastia: aspectos generales y etiológicos / Gynecomastia: general and etiological aspects

La ginecomastia es el crecimiento mamario benigno en el varón. Etiológicamente se clasifica en fisiológica y patológica. La ginecomastia fisiológica se presenta frecuentemente en ciertos periodos de la vida, como la época neonatal, puberal y senil. La patológica se asocia a múltiples factores, incluyendo los hormonales, los de origen tumoral, y al uso de ciertos medicamentos, entre otros; sin embargo, en muchos pacientes no se consigue identificar nunca la causa. La historia clínica y el examen físico son los pilares fundamentales que permiten orientar hacia la etiología, con el apoyo de pruebas de laboratorio e imagenología que permitan descartar una enfermedad clínica subyacente. En los casos moderados o severos, la cirugía es el tratamiento de elección. El objetivo del presente manuscrito es discutir algunos puntos de interés acerca de los aspectos más importantes relacionados con la ginecomastia, incluyendo la fisiopatología, la clínica y el diagnóstico, además de presentar las principales causas asociadas a esta condición. Por último, se describen los tipos de tratamiento disponibles para estos pacientes

Gynecomastia is the benign breast enlargement in males. Etiologically it is classified as physiological and pathological. Physiological gynecomastia is more frequently observed in newborns, adolescents, and in older men. Pathological gynecomastia is associated with multiple factors, including hormonal and of tumor origin, and to the use of certain medications, among other factors; however, in many patients the underlying cause may never be identified. Anamnesis and physical examination are the fundamental pillars that will guide towards the etiology, with the support of laboratory and imaging tests to rule out an underlying disease. In moderate or severe cases, surgery is the treatment of choice. The aim of this article is to discuss some key points about the most important aspects related to gynecomastia, including pathophysiology, symptoms and diagnosis, in addition to presenting the main causes associated with this condition. Finally, the types of treatment available for these patients are described

Role of testosterone to estradiol ratio in predicting the efficacy of recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin and testosterone treatment in male hypogonadism

ABSTRACT Objective: We aimed to investigate the role of testosterone to estradiol ratio in predicting the effectiveness of human chorionic gonadotropin and testosterone treatments in male hypogonadism. Materials and methods: Thirty-six male patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism were included in the study. Seventeen (47.2%) patients received weekly recombinant human choriogonadotropin alpha (hCG) treatment (group-1) and 19 (52.8%) received testosterone replacement therapy (T treatment) every 21 days (group-2). Under these treatments, adequate frequency of morning erection (≥3/week), testosterone to estradiol ratio (T/E), and testicular volume changes were analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 28.5 ± 8.7 years. When the frequency of morning erection (≥3/week) was specified as adequate, the cut-off value for effective T/E ratio was found to be 12.0 (sensitivity 93.8%, specificity 90.0%). There was no significant difference between the treatment groups in terms of total testosterone levels, T/E ratio, or frequency of morning erections (≥3/week) (p > 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of median left-right testicular volume in favor of group-1 (p < 0,05). Conclusion: In patients with hypogonadism who are under treatment, elevated estradiol-induced erectile dysfunction symptoms may persist even if serum testosterone levels are normal. Testosterone to estradiol ratio can be used as a predictive value in the effective treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with hCG and T.

Efectos de los opioides en endocrinología / Opioids effects in endocrinology

El uso de opioides ha aumentado en forma significativa en las últimas décadas, lo que nos ha permitido conocer sus diversos efectos en el sistema endocrino. Estos efectos están sub diagnosticados, en parte porque los síntomas se confunden con los de la misma enfermedad que lleva al uso de opioides y porque no los buscamos de forma dirigida. El hipogonadismo y la insuficiencia suprarrenal son sus efectos más establecidos, sin embargo, otros efectos como los provocados en el tejido óseo requieren de especial atención. La evaluación de los ejes gonadotropo, adrenal y de la salud ósea debe tenerse en consideración en los usuarios crónicos de opioides, particularmente frente a la presencia de síntomas. La suspensión o reducción del uso de opioides es el primer tratamiento del compromiso endocrinológico.

The use of opioids has increased significantly in recent decades, which has allowed us to understand its effects on the endocrine system. These effects are underdiagnosed, the symptoms are confused with those of the same disease that leads to the use of opioids and we do not look for them in a targeted way. Hypogonadism and adrenal insufficiency are its most established effects, however, other effects such as the ones caused on bone tissue require special attention. Evaluation of gonadotropic and adrenal axes as well as bone health should be taken into consideration in chronic opioid users, particularly in the presence of symptoms. Stopping or reducing opioid use is the first treatment for endocrine compromise.

Tratamiento con testosterona en el hipogonadismo de inicio tardío / Late-Onset Hypogonadism Treatment with Testosterone

RESUMEN Introducción: El uso de la terapia de reemplazo con testosterona en hombres mayores se ha incrementado en los últimos años, lo que ha generado múltiples controversias aún no resueltas acerca de sus beneficios y riesgos potenciales, sobre todo los relacionados con el desarrollo o agravamiento de la enfermedad prostática o cardiovascular. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica con el objetivo de ofrecer un estado de la cuestión que ayude a los médicos a tomar decisiones al considerar el tratamiento con testosterona en pacientes con hipogonadismo de inicio tardío. La búsqueda de información se realizó en las bases de datos Google Académico, Medline y Pubmed. Conclusiones: El tratamiento con testosterona en el hipogonadismo de inicio tardío es seguro, racional y basado en evidencia, pero no se recomienda ofrecerlo a todos los hombres mayores con niveles bajos de testosterona sérica. Se aconseja en aquellos con síntomas manifiestos de deficiencia androgénica, sin cáncer de próstata activo, de mama o hígado, hematocrito elevado, hiperplasia prostática benigna con síntomas obstructivos graves, nódulo o induración prostática no evaluada, antígeno prostático específico > 4 ng/mL (o > 3 ng/mL en pacientes con alto riesgo), apnea obstructiva del sueño severa no tratada, deseos de fertilidad a corto plazo, insuficiencia cardiaca no controlada, infarto agudo de miocardio o accidente cerebrovascular en los últimos SEIS meses o trombofilia. Se recomienda realizar monitoreo trimestral durante el primer año y luego según cada caso, que incluya evaluación de la respuesta clínica, de condiciones que pueden agravarse con el tratamiento y de parámetros de laboratorio(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of testosterone replacement therapy in older men has increased in recent years, which has generated multiple controversies not yet resolved about its benefits and potential risks, especially those related to the development or worsening of the prostate or cardiovascular disease. Methods: A literature review was conducted with the aim of offering a state of the art that helps clinicians make decisions when considering testosterone treatment in patients with late-onset hypogonadism. The information search was carried out with the Google Scholar, Medline and Pubmed search engines. Conclusions: Testosterone treatment in late-onset hypogonadism is safe, rational, and evidence-based, but it is not recommended to offer it to all older men with low serum testosterone levels. It is advised in those with overt symptoms of androgen deficiency, without active prostate, breast or liver cancer, elevated hematocrit, benign prostatic hyperplasia with severe obstructive symptoms, untested prostate nodule or induration, prostate specific antigen > 4 ng / mL (or > 3 ng / mL in high-risk patients), severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea, short-term fertility wishes, uncontrolled heart failure, acute myocardial infarction or stroke in the last SIX months, or thrombophilia. It is recommended to carry out quarterly monitoring during the first year and then according to each case, which includes evaluation of the clinical response, of conditions that can be aggravated by treatment, and of laboratory parameters(AU)

Prader-Willi syndrome: endocrine manifestations and management

ABSTRACT Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder caused by the absence of gene expression in the 15q11.2-q13 paternal chromosome. Patients with PWS develop hypothalamic dysfunction that can lead to various endocrine changes such as: obesity, growth hormone deficiency, hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency and low bone mineral density. In addition, individuals with PWS have increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review summarizes and updates the current knowledge about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of endocrine manifestations associated with Prader Willi syndrome, especially diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency, management and monitoring of adverse effects; diagnosis of central adrenal insufficiency and management in stressful situations; screening for central hypothyroidism; research and treatment of hypogonadism; prevention and treatment of disorders of glucose metabolism. Careful attention to the endocrine aspects of PWS contributes significantly to the health of these individuals. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(3):223-34

Disgenesia gonadal pura 46 XX, una causa infrecuente de hipogonadismo: presentación de un caso / Pure gonadal dysgenesis 46 XX, an ucommon cause of hypogonadism: case presentation

El término disgenesia gonadal pura hace referencia a mujeres fenotípicas con infantilismo sexual, amenorrea primaria, hábito eunucoide y un cariotipo 46, XX o 46, XY sin anomalías cromosómicas. Puede asociarse a complicaciones como osteoporosis y síndrome metabólico, elevando el riesgo cardiovascular. Se presenta una paciente femenina de 16 años y 8 meses de edad que acude a consulta de endocrinología por presentar amenorrea primaria.

The term pure gonadal dysgenesis refers to phenotypic women with sexual infantilism, primary amenorrhea an d the eunucoid habit and a 46, XX or 46, XY karyotype without chromosomal abnormalities. It can be associated with complications such as osteoporosis and metabolic syndrome, increasing cardiovascular risk. We present a female patient of 16 years and 8 months of age who attended endocrinology clinic for presenting primary amenorrea.

Efectos endocrinológicos tardíos del tratamiento oncológico en supervivientes de meduloblastoma / Endocrinological late effects of oncologic treatment on survivors of medulloblastoma

INTRODUCCIÓN: La radioterapia, quimioterapia y la cirugía empleada en el tratamiento de los tumores cerebrales tienen efectos en el eje hipotálamo-hipofisario y pueden resultar en disfunción endocrina hasta en el 96% de los casos. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo en pacientes diagnos ticados de meduloblastoma sometidos a tratamiento con quimio y radioterapia en los últimos 20 años en un hospital terciario. Se analizan variables edad, sexo, peso, talla, índice de masa corporal (IMC) al final del seguimiento, estadio de maduración sexual, niveles séricos de TSH y T4 libre, ACTH/cortisol e IGF-1, FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterona, perfil lipídico (colesterol total) y prueba de función dinámica de hormona de crecimiento. RESULTADOS: Muestra total de 23 pacientes. El déficit de hormona de crecimiento es la secuela más frecuente (82 %) seguido de disfunción ti roidea (44,8%) y disfunción puberal (24,1%). Solo se diagnosticó un caso de diabetes insípida y 2 casos de déficit de corticotrofina. CONCLUSIONES: El seguimiento a largo plazo de los supervivientes de meduloblastoma tratados con quimio y radioterapia revela una prevalencia muy alta de disfun ción endocrina, particularmente de deficiencia de hormona del crecimiento y de hipotiroidismo. Creemos oportuna la monitorización y el seguimiento a largo plazo de estos pacientes con el fin de garantizar un manejo terapéutico adecuado de aquellas disfunciones tratables.

INTRODUCTION: Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery used to treat brain tumors have effects on the hy pothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and can result in endocrine dysfunction in up to 96% of cases. PATIENTS Y METHOD: Retrospective and descriptive study in patients diagnosed with medulloblasto ma who underwent treatment with chemo and radiotherapy in the last 20 years in a tertiary hospital. The variables analyzed were age, sex, weight, height, body mass index (BMI) at the end of follow-up, sexual maturity stage, serum levels of TSH and free T4, ACTH/cortisol and IGF-1, FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone, lipid profile (total cholesterol), and growth hormone dynamic function test. RESULTS: Total sample of 23 patients. Growth hormone deficiency is the most frequent sequelae (82%) fo llowed by thyroid dysfunction (44.8%), and disorders of puberty (24.1%). Only one case of diabetes insipidus and two cases of corticotropin deficiency were diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow- up of medulloblastoma survivors treated with chemo and radiotherapy reveals a very high prevalence of endocrine dysfunction, especially growth hormone deficiency and hypothyroidism. We believe that monitoring and long-term follow-up of these patients is necessary in order to ensure adequate therapeutic management of those treatable dysfunctions.

Intervalo de referencia de testosterona en hombres adultos jóvenes del municipio Plaza de la Revolución / Testosterone´s reference interval in young adult men from Plaza de la Revolución municipality

RESUMEN Introducción: El hipogonadismo masculino puede provocar una reducción importante de la calidad de vida. La determinación de testosterona total constituye la opción inicial para el diagnóstico bioquímico del hipogonadismo. Objetivo: Determinar el intervalo de referencia de testosterona total para la población masculina en edad reproductiva del municipio Plaza de la Revolución. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal y descriptivo, en una muestra representativa (n= 143) de la población masculina entre 20 y 40 años de edad, del municipio Plaza de la Revolución. Para el reclutamiento de la muestra se utilizó un método directo. El intervalo de referencia se estableció mediante un método no paramétrico. Se realizó interrogatorio, examen físico, complementarios bioquímicos (glucemia, colesterol, triglicéridos, HDL-c, LDL-c), y hormonales (testosterona total, PRL, FSH y LH). Resultados: El promedio de edad fue de 29,7 años. El índice de masa corporal osciló entre 18,95 y 29,88 kg/m2 (valor medio 24,15). Las medias de las circunferencias de cintura y cadera fueron de 86,62 cm y 99,77 cm respectivamente. El intervalo de referencia de testosterona total calculado para la población masculina del municipio Plaza de la Revolución, fue de 7,69 a 40,52 nmol/L. La mediana para la testosterona total fue de 19,10 nmol/L. Conclusiones: El intervalo de referencia de testosterona total calculado para la población masculina adulta (20 - 40 años) del municipio Plaza de la Revolución difiere del reportado por el fabricante del kit diagnóstico y puede resultar de utilidad en la práctica clínica(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Male hypogonadism may cause a significant reduction in the quality of life. The determination of total testosterone constitutes the initial option for the biochemical diagnosis of hypogonadism. Objective: To determine the reference interval of total testosterone for the male population in reproductive age of Plaza de la Revolución municipality. Methods: It was conducted a cross-sectional and descriptive study in a representative sample (n=143) of the male population from 20 to 40 years old of Plaza de la Revolución municipality. For the recruitment of the sample it was used a direct method. The reference interval was established through a non-parametric method. There were conducted interrogations, physical examination, complementary biochemical (blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-c, LDL-c), and hormonal tests (total testosterone, PRL, FSH and LH). Results: The average age was 29.7 years. The body mass index ranged between 18.95 and 29.88 kg/m2 (mean value of 24.15). The means of the waist and hip circumferences were 86.62 and 99.77 cm, respectively. The reference interval of total testosterone calculated for the male population of Plaza de la Revolución municipality was of 7.69 to 40.52 nmol/L. The mean for total testosterone was 19.10 nmol/L. Conclusions: The reference interval of total testosterone calculated for the adult male population (20 - 40 years old) of Plaza de la Revolución municipality differs from that reported by the manufacturer of the diagnostic kit and it can be useful in clinical practice(AU)

Testosterona e doença cardiovascular: do tratamento ao uso abusivo / Testosterone and cardiovascular disease: from treatment to abuse

A testosterona, hormônio masculino com efeitos androgênicos e anabólicos, também exerce efeito sobre o leito vascular. Este hormônio promove vasodilatação através da liberação de óxido nítrico e modulação dos canais de cálcio que impacta a função endotelial. Em pacientes com doença arterial coronariana (DAC) e insuficiência cardíaca (IC), reduções nas concentrações de testosterona total (<300 ng/dL) estão relacionadas com maior mortalidade e severidade dessas doenças. Em pacientes com DAC, a reposição de testosterona (RT) tem relação com melhora do tônus vascular coronário e melhora do limiar de isquemia. Em pacientes com IC, os efeitos parecem estar mais relacionados à melhora da capacidade funcional, aumento na distância percorrida em testes funcionais, maior VO2máx, menor razão VE/VCO2, e melhora adicional da sensibilidade barorreflexa. No entanto, embora os efeitos da testosterona sobre o aumento de massa muscular e força muscular estejam bem estabelecidos na literatura, os efeitos dessa substância no sistema cardiovascular precisam ser elucidados. O aumento das concentrações de antígeno prostático específico da próstata tem sido constantemente discutido quando a RT é proposta no tratamento de pacientes com doenças cardiovasculares. Por se tratar de um hormônio com grande potencial anabólico, os efeitos do uso de quantidades suprafisiológicas de testosterona e seus análogos sobre as alterações cardiovasculares em jovens atletas têm sido estudados. Portanto, o objetivo dessa revisão é abordar os efeitos benéficos da RT em homens com hipogonadismo com DAC e IC, e mostrar os riscos relacionados com a prática indiscriminada do uso de anabolizantes em jovens sem deficiência de testosterona

Testosterone, the male hormone with androgenic and anabolic effects, also has an effect on the vascular bed. This hormone promotes vasodilation by releasing nitric oxide and calcium channel modulation that impacts endothelial function. In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF), reductions in total testosterone concentrations (<300 ng/dL) are related to higher mortality and severity of these diseases. In patients with CAD, testosterone replacement (TR) is related to improved coronary vascular tone and improved ischemia threshold. In HF patients, the effects seem be more related to improved functional capacity, increased distance covered in functional tests, higher VO2max, lower LV/VCO2 ratio, and further improvement of baroreflex sensitivity. However, although the effects of testosterone on muscle mass gain and muscle strength are well established in the literature, the effects of testosterone on the cardiovascular system need to be elucidated. Increased prostate-specific prostate antigen concentrations have been constantly discussed when TR is proposed in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. Because it is a hormone with great anabolic potential, the effects of supraphysiological amounts of testosterone and its analogues on cardiovascular disorders in young athletes have been studied. Therefore, the objective of this review is to address the beneficial effects of TR in men with hypogonadism with CAD and HF, and to show the risks related to anabolic steroids abuse in young people without testosterone deficiency

Human chorionic gonadotropin monotherapy for the treatment of hypogonadal symptoms in men with total testosterone > 300 ng/dL

ABSTRACT Purpose The 2018 American Urological Association guidelines on the Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency recommended that 300 ng/dL be used as the threshold for prescribing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). However, it is not uncommon for men to present with signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency, despite having testosterone levels greater than 300 ng/dL. There exists scant literature regarding the use of hCG monotherapy for the treatment of hypogonadism in men not interested in fertility. We sought to evaluate serum testosterone response and duration of therapy of hCG monotherapy for men with symptoms of hypogonadism, but total testosterone levels > 300 ng/dL. Materials and Methods We performed a multi-institutional retrospective case series of men receiving hCG monotherapy for symptomatic hypogonadism. We evaluated patient age, treatment indication, hCG dosage, past medical history, physical exam findings and serum testosterone and gonadotropins before and after therapy. Descriptive analysis was performed and Mann Whitney U Test was utilized for statistical analysis. Results Of the 20 men included in the study, treatment indications included low libido (45%), lack of energy (50%), and erectile dysfunction (45%). Mean testosterone improved by 49.9% from a baseline of 362 ng/dL (SD 158) to 519.8 ng/dL (SD 265.6), (p=0.006). Median duration of therapy was 8 months (SD 5 months). Fifty percent of patients reported symptom improvement. Conclusions Treatment of hypogonadal symptoms with hCG for men who have a baseline testosterone level > 300 ng/dL appears to be safe and efficacious with no adverse events.

Terapia com testosterona / Testosterone Therapy

Descoberta e sintetizada na Alemanha na década de 1930, a testosterona foi utilizada em vários experimentos, além da reposição no hipogonadismo clinicamente diagnosticado. Seu uso aumentou nos anos 1970, principalmente na pesquisa clínica como contraceptivo masculino. Nos anos 1990, novas formulações foram disponibilizadas, mas emergiram dúvidas sobre a segurança da reposição, ensejando mais ensaios clínicos. Nas duas últimas décadas, sociedades médicas desenvolveram diretrizes, instituindo parâmetros de tratamento (níveis hormonais, resultados sintomáticos, monitoramento da segurança) e regulamentando a prescrição de testosterona. Recente publicação apresentou e discutiu as abordagens referentes à terapia com testosterona para homens, conforme atuais condutas adotadas por médicos dos Estados Unidos e da Europa. Na Europa, a motivação para a prescrição de testosterona está embasada no argumento de que a terapia de reposição beneficia o paciente, o que é apoiado por diretrizes. Nos Estados Unidos, o cenário varia: num extremo, reposição de testosterona sem testes prévios nem monitoramento terapêutico e pouca supervisão; no outro, testes laboratoriais extensivos e prescrição limitada. Duas diretrizes (da American Urological Association e da Endocrine Society) orientam sobre o uso adequado, mas não há controle formal. Apesar das diferenças entre o cenário europeu e o norte-americano, há semelhanças importantes: recomendações de diretrizes para que apenas homens com testosterona baixa e sinais/sintomas associados sejam candidatos ao tratamento, comprovação de eficácia clínica e segurança das terapias para serem aprovadas, práticas baseadas em evidências e opiniões de especialistas, melhora da qualidade de vida e longevidade, por meio de modelos financeiramente viáveis.