Pro-Osteogenic Effect of the Nutraceutical BlastiMin Complex® in Women with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia: An Open Intervention Clinical Trial.

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that affects millions of patients worldwide and is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased risk of fractures. Notably, natural molecules can increase BMD and exert pro-osteogenic effects. Noteworthily, the nutraceutical BlastiMin Complex® (Mivell, Italy, European Patent Application EP4205733A1) can induce differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in osteoblasts and can exert in vitro pro-osteogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, the purpose of this study was to verify the effects of BlastiMin Complex® on bone turnover markers (BTMs) and BMD in patients with senile and postmenopausal osteopenia or osteoporosis. The efficacy of BlastiMin Complex® on BTMs in serum was evaluated through biochemical assays. BMD values were analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (R.E.M.S.) techniques, and the SNPs with a role in osteoporosis development were evaluated by PCR. Clinical data obtained after 12 months of treatment showed an increase in bone turnover index, a decrease in C-reactive protein levels, and a remarkable increase in P1NP levels, indicating the induction of osteoblast proliferation and activity in the cohort of 100% female patients recruited for the study. These findings show that the nutraceutical BlastiMin Complex® could be used as an adjuvant in combination with synthetic drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis pathology.

The Combination of Natural Molecules Naringenin, Hesperetin, Curcumin, Polydatin and Quercetin Synergistically Decreases SEMA3E Expression Levels and DPPIV Activity in In Vitro Models of Insulin Resistance.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a disease characterized by a prolonged hyperglycemic condition caused by insulin resistance mechanisms in muscle and liver, reduced insulin production by pancreatic ß cells, and a chronic inflammatory state with increased levels of the pro-inflammatory marker semaphorin 3E. Phytochemicals present in several foods have been used to complement oral hypoglycemic drugs for the management of T2DM. Notably, dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of T2DM. Our study aimed to investigate, in in vitro models of insulin resistance, the ability of the flavanones naringenin and hesperetin, used alone and in combination with the anti-inflammatory natural molecules curcumin, polydatin, and quercetin, to counteract the insulin resistance and pro-inflammatory molecular mechanisms that are involved in T2DM development. Our results show for the first time that the combination of naringenin, hesperetin, curcumin, polydatin, and quercetin (that mirror the nutraceutical formulation GliceFen®, Mivell, Italy) synergistically decreases expression levels of the pro-inflammatory gene SEMA3E in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells and synergistically decreases DPPIV activity in insulin-resistant Hep3B cells, indicating that the combination of these five phytochemicals is able to inhibit pro-inflammatory and insulin resistance molecular mechanisms and could represent an effective innovative complementary approach to T2DM pharmacological treatment.

Acromegaly and male sexual health.

Acromegaly is a rare pathology characterized by chronic hypersecretion of Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) that causes somatic, metabolic, and systemic changes. The somatotropic axis acts physiologically favoring gonadal function, but when GH is produced in excess it has deleterious effects on many aspects of male sexuality. It is widely demonstrated, in fact, that acromegaly induces hypogonadism through different mechanisms, both through direct mass effect on gonadotropic cells and through increased plasma levels of prolactin. Moreover, hypogonadism is also one of the factors linking acromegaly to erectile dysfunction (ED), but also metabolic complications of acromegaly and, probably, GH itself contribute to the genesis of this disorder. There are few data in the literature on the impact of the disease on fertility and testicular volume. Finally, knowledge of the role of GH hypersecretion on the occurrence of prostatic diseases such as benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostatic cancer appears to be of fundamental clinical importance in the long-term management of these patients.

Structural Analysis of Social Behavior: Using Cluster Analysis to Examine Intrapsychic Personality Traits Associated With Depression in Women With Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate personality traits associated with depression in breast cancer women (BCW). METHODS: Sample: 236 BCW recently diagnosed (early stages). Tests: SASB-Structural-Analysis of Social-Behavior; IPAT-CDQ-Depression. Statistical analysis: cluster K-Means analysis to explore SASB personality-traits considering the 8 SASB clusters (Cl); CDQ scores dichotomized by 50th percentile cutoff (high/low); Pearson's chi square test to compare CDQ levels and SASB traits. RESULTS: Cluster analysis results supported two distinguishable SASB personality traits (for all SASB Cl-Scales P < .001) classified as "Love and Autonomy" (62.2%) and "Control and Hate" (37.8%). Patients with Love/Autonomy traits are spontaneous, accept their deepest feelings and desire to be close to other people (Cl1, Cl2, Cl3, Cl4). They show a medium value of self-control and a low tendency to self-abusive and self-critical behaviors (Cl5, Cl6). They pay attention to themselves and to their needs at emotional and physical levels also if may be occasionally engaged in self-destructive behaviors (Cl7, Cl8). Women with Control/Hate traits are not spontaneous and do not always express emotions (C1, Cl2, Cl3, Cl4) and flexibility in their relationship with others (Cl5, Cl6). In stressful situations, they may ignore the option of choices for self-growth and neglect their needs and those of others (Cl7, Cl8). BCWs with Control/Hate traits scored higher in depression (P <.001) than those with the Love/Autonomy profile. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals should be aware of these personality traits and their association with depression to identify the psychologically most vulnerable BCW and improve the care they provide them. The psychotherapeutic intervention should be planned to face on the personality problems.

Metabolic Syndrome and Male Fertility: Beyond Heart Consequences of a Complex Cardiometabolic Endocrinopathy.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a highly prevalent condition among adult males, affecting up to 41% of men in Europe. It is characterized by the association of obesity, hypertension, and atherogenic dyslipidemia, which lead to premature morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Male infertility is another common condition which accounts for about 50% of cases of couple infertility worldwide. Interestingly, male infertility and MetS shares several risk factors (e.g., smoking, ageing, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption), leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and increased oxidative stress (OS), and resulting in endothelial dysfunction and altered semen quality. Thus, the present narrative review aims to discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms which link male infertility and MetS and to investigate the latest available evidence on the reproductive consequences of MetS.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines and microRNAs in male infertility.

BACKGROUND: Male infertility is a problem that affects 10-15% of men of reproductive age. In particular, gametogenesis is a complex process in which inflammation may play a central role through the secretion of cytokines and the expression of microRNAs. We assessed the potential role of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1α) and microRNAs (miR-146a-5p, miR-34a-5p and miR-23a-3p) in the seminal plasma of infertile men compared to controls, evaluating their correlation with seminal and biochemical parameters. METHODS AND RESULTS: Expression of cytokines and microRNAs was analyzed by ELISA and q-PCR. Our data shows that IL-1α was significantly increased in the azoospermic group compared to controls, TNF-α mRNA was more expressed in the oligozoospermic group than controls. There were no significant differences in miRNAs expression among the three groups. The correlations between sperm parameters and inflammatory markers were evaluated, however no significance was highlighted. CONCLUSIONS: The determination of each inflammatory marker separately in the seminal plasma of subfertile men, despite some significant differences, does not have a diagnostic value in male infertility even if an assay of selective pro-inflammatory cytokines and microRNAs in the semen may improve the diagnosis of male infertility.

Hyperhomocysteinemia: Focus on Endothelial Damage as a Cause of Erectile Dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to maintain and/or achieve a satisfactory erection. This condition can be influenced by the presence of atherosclerosis, a systemic pathology of the vessels that also affects the cavernous arteries and which can cause an alteration of blood flow at penile level. Among the cardiovascular risk factors affecting the genesis of atherosclerosis, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcys) plays a central role, which is associated with oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. This review focuses on the biological processes that lead to homocysteine-induced endothelial damage and discusses the consequences of HHcys on male sexual function.

Seminal plasma miRNAs in Klinefelter syndrome and in obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia.

MicroRNAs are small, non-coding, single-strand oligonucleotides which regulate gene expression. There is little evidence in the literature about their role in azoospermia and no studies have investigated their presence in the seminal plasma of men with Klinefelter syndrome. This retrospective study investigated if there were any differences in microRNA expression (miR-509-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-34b-3p, miR-34c-5p) in the seminal plasma of patients with obstructive azoospermia, non-obstructive azoospermia and Klinefelter syndrome. Hormone levels were also investigated to identify any correlations with microRNA expression. We analysed 200 subjects (40 Klinefelter syndrome, 60 non-obstructive azoospermia with a normal karyotype, 60 obstructive azoospermia and 40 who were normozoospermic). All subjects underwent semen examination. Total RNA was obtained from seminal plasma and microRNA expression was analysed by RT-qPCR. There was a significant reduction in the expression of all investigated miRNAs in the seminal plasma of all patient categories in comparison with controls. There was a weak negative correlation between FSH values and miR-509-5p expression in non-obstructive azoospermic patients (r = - 0.391; p = 0.014). We hypothesize that in non-obstructive azoospermia and Klinefelter syndrome patients, the downregulation of microRNAs may be caused by damage to the germ cells and aberrant spermatogenesis. In our opinion the identification of seminal plasma microRNAs deriving almost exclusively from the testes could be essential for the development of specific biomarkers for male infertility. The expression of such microRNAs, in combination with hormone values, could comprise testicular markers of abnormal spermatogenesis and failed mature sperm production.

Bone Metabolism in SARS-CoV-2 Disease: Possible Osteoimmunology and Gender Implications.

Even though inflammatory conditions are known to exert adverse effects on bone metabolism, there are no published data regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent fracture risk. We present a brief review of the molecular mechanisms linking inflammatory diseases to increased fracture risk/osteoporosis and of the therapeutic strategies that can prevent bone resorption in patients with inflammatory disease, focusing on the RANK-RANKL system. We also make some considerations on gender differences in infection response and on their implications for survival and for the consequences of COVID-19. Several inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α, stimulate osteoclast activity, favoring bone resorption through the RANK-RANKL system. Data from the previous SARS-CoV outbreak suggest that the present disease also has the potential to act directly on bone resorption units, although confirmation is clearly needed. Even though the available data are limited, the RANK-RANKL system may provide the best therapeutic target to prevent bone resorption after COVID-19 disease. Vitamin D supplementation in case of deficiency could definitely be beneficial for bone metabolism, as well as for the immune system. Supplementation of vitamin D in case of deficiency could be further advantageous. In COVID-19 patients, it would be useful to measure the bone metabolism markers and vitamin D. Targeting the RANK-RANKL system should be a priority, and denosumab could represent a safe and effective choice. In the near future, every effort should be made to investigate the fracture risk after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The Masturbation Erection Index (MEI): validation of a new psychometric tool, derived from the six-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-6) and from the Erection Hardness Score (EHS), for measuring erectile function during masturbation.

OBJECTIVES: To validate a psychometric instrument, the Masturbation Erection Index (MEI) able to evaluate erectile function (EF) during masturbation. In fact, although the evaluation of EF during masturbation is pivotal in evaluating erectile dysfunction (ED), to date no specific psychometric tools have been developed to measure it both in the routine clinical practice and in the experimental setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 560 men attending our andrological outpatient clinic for the first time, 99 (17.7%) had ED. As a control group, we enrolled 102 sexually healthy men. All the men were requested to complete both the six-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-6) and the MEI. The MEI was used together with a standardised tool, the Erection Hardness Score (EHS). The MEI was validated in terms of content validity. Test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach's α. The comparability between the MEI and IIEF-6 in measuring EF was tested by Bland-Altman analysis. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) between the two questionnaires was also determined. RESULTS: Internal consistency of the MEI was >0.93. Test-retest reliability was 0.982 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.975-0.987). Bland-Altman analysis showed a good level of agreement between the IIEF-6 and MEI in the whole ED population, with stronger agreement in the organic-ED subpopulation. The estimated area under the curve of the MEI was 0.983 (P < 0.001; 95% CI 0.954-0.996), with a score of ≤27 as the optimal threshold to discriminate between the presence and absence of ED during self-induced masturbation. The CCC, Pearson ρ and bias correction factor (Cb) were 0.951 (95% CI 0.936-0.962), 0.968, and 0.982, respectively. CONCLUSION: The MEI showed good internal consistency and a good level of agreement with the IIEF-6. Hence, the MEI fulfills the major psychometric requirements for measuring EF during masturbation.

Personality (at Intrapsychic and Interpersonal Level) Associated With Quality of Life in Patients With Cancer (Lung and Colon).

The objective of this study was to determine the association of quality of life (QoL) and intrapsychic and interpersonal behaviors (Structural Analysis of Social Behavior [SASB]) of patients with cancer (lung: n = 88; age 62.8 ± 10.1; colon: n = 56; age 60.1 ± 11.4). Personality described by SASB clusters (Cls): SASB-Questionnaire; QoL tests: FACT_G and QLQ-C30. Patients with lung cancer (n = 88; age 62.8 ± 10.1) and colon cancer (n = 56; age 60.1 ± 11.4; all stages of severity). Multiple regression analyses. Multiple linear regression: dependent variable: FACT_G; covariates: physical functioning, cognitive functioning, SASB-Cl3-50°, SASB-Cl6-50°. Analysis of variance and t test confirm validity of the model (P < .001). SASB-Cl3 with FACT_G (P = .034); SASB-Cl6 with FACT_G (P = .002); age with FACT_G (P = .018); physical functioning with FACT_G (P < .001); cognitive functioning with FACT_G (P < .001). Personality traits such as self-critical and oppressive behaviors, low capacity for self-esteem, physical and cognitive functioning, and age (a higher age determines a better QoL) strongly determine QoL in patients with lung and colon cancer. This may suggest areas of therapeutic intervention.

Gut: A key player in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes?

The gut regulates glucose and energy homeostasis; thus, the presence of ingested nutrients into the gut activates sensing mechanisms that affect both glucose homeostasis and regulate food intake. Increasing evidence suggest that gut may also play a key role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes which may be related to both the intestinal microbiological profile and patterns of gut hormones secretion. Intestinal microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms but its composition and function may be adversely affected in type 2 diabetes. The intestinal microbiota may be responsible of the secretion of molecules that may impair insulin secretion/action. At the same time, intestinal milieu regulates the secretion of hormones such as GLP-1, GIP, ghrelin, gastrin, somatostatin, CCK, serotonin, peptide YY, GLP-2, all of which importantly influence metabolism in general and in particular glucose metabolism. Thus, the aim of this paper is to review the current evidence on the role of the gut in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, taking into account both hormonal and microbiological aspects.

Adrenal disorders: Is there Any role for vitamin D?

An emerging branch of research is examining the linkage between Vitamin D and nonskeletal disorders, including endocrine diseases. In this regard, a still little studied aspect concerns the involvement of vitamin D in adrenal gland disorders. Adrenal gland disorders, which might be theoretically affected by vitamin D unbalance, include adrenal insufficiency, Cushing's syndrome, adrenocortical tumors and hyperaldosteronism. In this review, we provide an updated document, which tries to collect and discuss the limited evidence to be found in the literature about the relationship between vitamin D and adrenal disorders. We conclude that there is insufficient evidence proving a causal relationship between vitamin D levels and adrenal disorders. Evidence coming from cross-sectional clinical studies can hardly clarify what comes first between vitamin D unbalance and adrenal disease. On the other hand, longitudinal studies monitoring the levels of vitamin D in patients with adrenal disorders or, conversely, the possible development of adrenal pathologies in subjects affected by impaired vitamin D levels would be able to elucidate this still unclear issue.

Does vitamin D play a role in autoimmune endocrine disorders? A proof of concept.

In the last few years, more attention has been given to the "non-calcemic" effect of vitamin D. Several observational studies and meta-analyses demonstrated an association between circulating levels of vitamin D and outcome of many common diseases, including endocrine diseases, chronic diseases, cancer progression, and autoimmune diseases. In particular, cells of the immune system (B cells, T cells, and antigen presenting cells), due to the expression of 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), are able to synthesize the active metabolite of vitamin D, which shows immunomodulatory properties. Moreover, the expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in these cells suggests a local action of vitamin D in the immune response. These findings are supported by the correlation between the polymorphisms of the VDR or the CYP27B1 gene and the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. Currently, the optimal plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration that is necessary to prevent or treat autoimmune diseases is still under debate. However, experimental studies in humans have suggested beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation in reducing the severity of disease activity. In this review, we summarize the evidence regarding the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of autoimmune endocrine diseases, including type 1 diabetes mellitus, Addison's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease and autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes. Furthermore, we discuss the supplementation with vitamin D to prevent or treat autoimmune diseases.

Current evidence on vitamin D deficiency and kidney transplant: What's new?

Kidney transplant is the treatment of choice for end-stage chronic kidney disease. Kidneys generate 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol) from 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol) for circulation in the blood to regulate calcium levels. Transplant patients with low calcidiol levels have an increased risk of metabolic and endocrine problems, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, poor graft survival, bone disorders, cancer, and mortality rate. The recommended calcidiol level after transplant is at least 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L), which could require 1000-3000 IU/d vitamin D3 to achieve. Vitamin D3 supplementation studies have found improved endothelial function and acute rejection episodes. However, since kidney function may still be impaired, raising calcidiol levels may not lead to normal calcitriol levels. Thus, supplementation with calcitriol or an analog, alfacalcidiol, is often employed. Some beneficial effects found include possible improved bone health and reduced risk of chronic allograft nephropathy and cancer.

Vitamin D and chronic diseases: the current state of the art.

The objective was to provide the current state of the art regarding the role of vitamin D in chronic diseases (osteoporosis, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, dementia, autism, type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, male and female fertility). The document was drawn up by panelists that provided their contribution according to their own scientific expertise. Each scientific expert supplied a first draft manuscript on a specific aspect of the document's topic that was subjected to voting by all experts as "yes" (agreement with the content and/or wording) or "no" (disagreement). The adopted rule was that statements supported by ≥75 % of votes would be immediately accepted, while those with <25 % would be rejected outright. Others would be subjected to further discussion and subsequent voting, where ≥67 % support or, in an eventual third round, a majority of ≥50 % would be needed. This document finds that the current evidence support a role for vitamin D in bone health but not in other health conditions. However, subjects with vitamin D deficiency have been found to be at high risk of developing chronic diseases. Therefore, although at the present time there is not sufficient evidence to recommend vitamin D supplementation as treatment of chronic diseases, the treatment of vitamin D deficiency should be desiderable in order to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.

Adrenocortical tumors and insulin resistance: What is the first step?

The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the onset of adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) are still largely unknown. Recently, more attention has been paid to the role of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system on general tumor development and progression. Increased levels of insulin, IGF-1 and IGF-2 are associated with tumor cell growth and increased risk of cancer promotion and progression in patients with type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia may play a role in adrenal tumor growth through the activation of insulin and IGF-1 receptors. Interestingly, apparently non-functioning ACTs are often associated with a high prevalence of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. However, it is unclear if ACT develops from a primary insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia or if insulin resistance is only secondary to the slight cortisol hypersecretion by ACT. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the relationship between hyperinsulinemia and adrenocortical tumors.

DYSREGULATION OF THE HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY-ADRENAL AXIS INCREASES CENTRAL BODY FAT ACCUMULATION IN MALES AFFECTED BY DIABETES MELLITUS AND LATE-ONSET HYPOGONADISM.

OBJECTIVE: Functional hypercortisolism (FH) is a condition which occurs in some clinical states, such as major depression, eating disorders, numerous psychiatric conditions, and diabetes mellitus (DM) and which exerts several negative systemic effects. No data exist on the potentially harmful role of FH on body composition. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the influence of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation on body composition in men affected by DM-associated late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). METHODS: Fourteen subjects affected by FH (FH-LOH) and 18 subjects not affected (N-LOH) were studied. Clinical, hormonal, and body composition measures were considered. RESULTS: The 2 groups had comparable age and weight. FH-LOH patients had lower levels of total (2 ± 0.27 ng/mL versus 2.31 ± 0.26 ng/mL; P = .003) and free (39.5 ± 6.44 pg/mL versus 46.8 ± 7.23 pg/mL; P = .005) (median, 38.7 [interquartile range, 36.1 to 41.3] pg/mL versus median, 46.1 [interquartile range, 40.4 to 52.7] pg/mL) testosterone compared to N-LOH patients. Abdominal fat amount was greater in FH-LOH than in N-LOH patients, even after adjustment for total testosterone. None of the bivariate correlations between body composition measures and hormonal variables were significant in N-LOH. Conversely, in FH-LOH, cortisol area under the curve (AUC) was found to be positively and significantly correlated with trunk (r = 0.933; P<.001) and abdominal fat (r = 0.852; P<.001) and negatively with lean leg (r = -0.607; P = .021). All of these associations were further confirmed upon linear regression analysis in FH-LOH (respectively, unstandardized ß = 10.988 [P<.001]; ß = 1.156 [P<.001]; ß = -7.675 [P = .021]). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed AUC cortisol as a predictor of trunk and abdominal fat in FH-LOH. CONCLUSION: Dysregulation of the HPA axis in LOH-associated DM seems to be involved in abdominal fat accumulation.

Testosterone treatment is not associated with increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events: results from the Registry of Hypogonadism in Men (RHYME).

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess cardiovascular (CV) safety of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in a large, diverse cohort of European men with hypogonadism (HG). METHODS: The Registry of Hypogonadism in Men (RHYME) was designed as a multi-national, longitudinal disease registry of men diagnosed with hypogonadism (HG) at 25 clinical sites in six European countries. Data collection included a complete medical history, physical examination, blood sampling and patient questionnaires at multiple study visits over 2-3 years. Independent adjudication was performed on all mortalities and CV outcomes. RESULTS: Of 999 patients enrolled with clinically diagnosed HG, 750 (75%) initiated some form of TRT. Registry participants, including both treated and untreated patients, contributed 23 900 person-months (99.6% of the targeted) follow-up time. A total of 55 reported CV events occurred in 41 patients. Overall, five patients died of CV-related causes (3 on TRT, 2 untreated) and none of the deaths were adjudicated as treatment-related. The overall CV incidence rate was 1522 per 100 000 person-years. CV event rates for men receiving TRT were not statistically different from untreated men (P=.70). Regardless of treatment assignment, CV event rates were higher in older men and in those with increased CV risk factors or a prior history of CV events. CONCLUSIONS: Age and prior CV history, not TRT use, were predictors of new-onset CV events in this multi-national, prospective hypogonadism registry.

Influence of androgen receptor CAG polymorphism on sexual function recovery after testosterone therapy in late-onset hypogonadism.

INTRODUCTION: Androgen receptor (AR) CAG polymorphism has been found to influence sexual function. However, no study has evaluated its potential to condition sexual function recovery after testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in a large cohort of hypogonadic subjects. AIM: To evaluate the role of this polymorphism in sexual function improvement after TRT in late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). METHODS: Seventy-three men affected by LOH were retrospectively considered. Evaluations were performed before TRT started (time 0) and before the sixth undecanoate testosterone injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire (erectile function [EF], orgasmic function [OF], sexual desire [SD], intercourse satisfaction [IS], overall satisfaction [OS], and total IIEF-15 score); total and free testosterone and estradiol; AR gene CAG repeat number. RESULTS: TRT induced a significant increase in total and free testosterone and estradiol. All IIEF domains significantly improved after TRT. AR CAG repeats negatively and significantly correlated with all the variations (Δ-) of sexual function domains, except for Δ-OS. Conversely, Δ-total testosterone was found to be positively and significantly correlated with sexual function domain variations, except for Δ-IS and Δ-OS. Δ-estradiol did not correlate significantly with any of the variations of sexual function domains. After inclusion in generalized linear models, the number of AR gene CAG triplets was found to be independently and negatively associated with Δ-EF, Δ-SD, Δ-IS, and Δ-Total IIEF-15 score, whereas Δ-total testosterone was independently and positively associated with Δ-EF, Δ-OF, Δ-SD, and Δ-Total IIEF-15 score. However, after including time 0 total testosterone in the model, AR gene CAG triplets remained independently and negatively associated only with Δ-EF and Δ-Total IIEF-15 score, whereas Δ-total testosterone was independently and positively associated only with Δ-EF. CONCLUSIONS: Longer length of AR gene CAG repeat tract seems to lower TRT-induced improvement of sexual function in LOH.