RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Lifestyle modifications (i.e., physical activity [PA] and lower dietary intake) often are not sufficient to improve testosterone (TE) levels and promote weight loss in men with metabolic hypogonadism. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a nutraceutical formulation containing myoinositol, alpha lipoic acid, folic acid and SelectSIEVE® as add-on treatment to lifestyle modifications in improving obesity-related subclinical hypogonadism. METHODS: Body composition, insulin resistance, testicular and erectile function were investigated in 15 males (age=39.5±14.5 years; Body Mass Index [BMI]=30.2±3.8 kg/m2, with subclinical hypogonadism (TE levels <14 and normal luteinizing hormone [LH]). After a run-in three months unsupervised PA period (T
Assuntos
Disfunção Erétil , Eunuquismo , Hipogonadismo , Resistência à Insulina , Masculino , Humanos , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Testosterona/uso terapêutico , Disfunção Erétil/tratamento farmacológico , Projetos Piloto , Hipogonadismo/tratamento farmacológico , Obesidade/complicações , Hormônio Luteinizante/uso terapêutico , Eunuquismo/tratamento farmacológico , Suplementos NutricionaisRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Selenium (Se) is an essential component of selenoenzymes, which have catalytic and antioxidant functions. A low Se status has been reported in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) who benefit from Se supplementation. The role of Se in male reproduction is still a matter of debate. Although Se and selenoenzymes ensure sperm viability and protect against increased oxidative stress, only a few studies have assessed the effects of the administration of Se alone on sperm parameters, providing contrasting results. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of oral Se supplementation on conventional sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation (SDF) in patients with AT of reproductive age with normal thyroid function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Only patients with AT and normal thyroid function were selected for this study. All included patients underwent oral Se supplementation at the dose of 83 µg once daily (Syrel®, IBSA) for six months. Sperm conventional parameters, SDF, and thyroid function were assessed before and at the end of the treatment. RESULTS: Twenty AT patients with normal weight were enrolled. After Se supplementation, they showed a higher sperm concentration, a higher percentage of sperm with progressive motility, and a higher percentage with normal morphology. They also had lower semen leukocyte concentration, and a lower percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation compared with pre-treatment values. Free-thyroxine serum levels increased significantly, whereas free triiodothyronine showed an upward trend. The thyroid-stimulating hormone did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: Se supplementation may represent a possible non-hormonal therapeutic choice for the treatment of male infertility, although further studies are needed to confirm this evidence. The possible thyroid hormone dependency of these findings needs to be clarified.