Vitamin D3 application and factors of its activity in the adrenal cortex of andropausal rats: A functionally-histological study.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Vitamin D supplementation in aging subjects manifests a positive effect on various health-related parameters. We performed a functionally-histological analysis of the adrenal cortex regarding the factors of vitamin D activity and corticosterone output after vitamin D3 application in a rat model of the andropause. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Middle-aged Wistar rats were divided into sham operated (SO; n=8), orchidectomized (Orx; n=8) and vitamin D3-treated orchidectomized (Orx+vit. D; n=8) groups. Vitamin D3 (5 µg/kg b.m.) was administered subcutaneously for three weeks, while the SO and Orx groups received the vehicle alone. Set objectives were achieved using histochemistry/immunohistochemistry, stereology, ultrastructural and biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Orchidectomy (Orx) decreased the adrenal cortex-related volume densities of vascular (p<0,0001), vitamin D receptor (VDR; p<0,0166), cytochrome P450 oxidase 2R1 (CYP 2R1; p<0,0001) and cytochrome P450 oxidase 24 (CYP 24; p<0,0001) depots, but increased the volume density of cytochrome P450 27B1 (CYP 27B1; p<0,0001) depots. In Orx+vit. D rats, increase of the adrenal cortex-related volume densities of collagen (p<0,0001), VDR (p<0,0001) and CYP 2R1 (p<0,0001) depots as well as the lipid-droplet diameter (p<0,0001) in adrenocortical outer zona fasciculata cells was observed, while a decrease of volume densities of the vascular (p<0,0001), CYP 27B1 (p<0,0001) and CYP 24 (p<0,0001) depots was registered, all versus Orx group. Plasma level of ACTH was decreased (p=0,0155) and serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and corticosterone were increased (p<0,0001 and p=0,0187, respectively), all after the same treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Increased corticosterone output after vitamin D3 application to andropausal rats appears not to be related to increased availability of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and decreased degradation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in adrenal tissue, but rather involves the central regulatory mechanisms.

Improvement in Testosterone Production by Acorus gramineus for the Alleviation of Andropause Symptoms.

Acorus gramineus has a number of beneficial effects, including protective effects against age-related disorders. In this study, the effects of A. gramineus on testosterone production and andropause symptoms were evaluated. We first treated TM3 mouse Leydig cells, responsible for testosterone production, with A. gramineus aqueous extract at different concentrations. In TM3 cells, the testosterone concentration increased in a concentration-dependent manner compared with those in the control. In addition, at 400 µg/mL extract, the mRNA expression level of the steroidogenic enzyme CYP11A1 was increased. Subsequently, 23-week-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats exhibiting an age-related reduction in serum testosterone (approximately 80% lower than that in 7-week-old SD rats) were administered A. gramineus aqueous extract for 8 weeks. Serum total testosterone and free testosterone levels were higher and serum estradiol, prostate-specific antigen levels, and total cholesterol levels were lower in the AG50 group (A. gramineus aqueous extract 50 mg/kg of body weight/day) than in the OLD (control group). The AG50 group also showed significant elevations in sperm count, grip strength, and mRNA expression of StAR, CYP11A1, 17ß-HSD, and CYP17A1 compared with those in the OLD group. In conclusion, A. gramineus aqueous extract facilitated steroidogenesis in Leydig cells, elevated testosterone levels, lowered serum estradiol and total cholesterol levels, and increased muscle strength and sperm count, thus alleviating the symptoms of andropause. These findings suggest that A. gramineus aqueous extract is a potentially effective therapeutic agent against various symptoms associated with andropause.

The severity of andropause symptoms and its relationship with social well-being among retired male nurses: a preliminary cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Andropause is a syndrome that occurs due to decreased androgen levels in men. Various aspects of health, such as social well-being, can affect andropause status during men's retirement. This study aimed to determine the severity of andropause symptoms and its relationship with social well-being among retired male nurses. METHODS: This preliminary cross-sectional study was conducted on 284 retired male nurses in Ardabil (northwest of Iran). The participants were selected through the census sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic information form, the Male Andropause Symptoms Self-Assessment Questionnaire (MASSQ), and the Social Well-Being Scale (SWBS). Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22.0). RESULTS: The study found that the overall mean scores of the severity of andropause symptoms and social well-being among retired male nurses were 57.24 ± 12.62 (range = 35-91) and 94.54 ± 12.77 (range = 75-123), respectively. The highest and lowest mean scores between dimensions of social well-being were related to social contribution (20.26 ± 2.47) and social acceptance (15.26 ± 2.77), respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that subscales of social well-being, age, marital status, and spouse's menopause were predictors of the severity of andropause symptoms among retired male nurses. The selected predictors accounted for 53.1% of the total variance in severity of andropause symptoms (F = 36.613, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results showed a moderate to severe prevalence of andropause among retired male nurses and a significant association between andropause and social well-being. The study suggests further research to examine sexual orientation and other factors that may affect andropause in retired male nurses.

Andropausa! O que é isso? | Coisa de Homem

Andropausa é o assunto do Coisa de Homem dessa semana. O tema não é motivo para pânico, mas é sempre bom manter o sinal de alerta aceso quando o assunto é saúde.

Clinical outcome of testosterone supplementation assessed by andropausal male symptom scores in type 2 diabetes testosterone-deficient patients receiving testosterone compared to those not receiving testosterone: A nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study aimed to explore the proportion of andropause in male patients with type 2 diabetes using an aging male symptoms scale and assess the clinical outcome of testosterone supplementation in patients with deficient testosterone levels at a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Male patients with diabetes and total serum testosterone levels (≤12 nmol/L) were included in the study. Patients with testosterone supplementation, the standard of care among testosterone-deficient male patients, were included in the study (n = 35). Those not exposed to testosterone supplementation were considered controls (n = 35) and reassessed over 14 weeks for aging male symptom scores (AMS). RESULTS: The prevalence of andropause among the participants was 11% (117/1057). Data was analyzed as per protocol analysis. Exposure group had a frequency of 25.80%, and 19.35% in moderate and severe symptoms of AMS scores. Non-exposure group had frequency of 26.66% and 23.34% in moderate and severe symptoms of AMS scores. A significant mean difference (t = -2.93, P-value <0.05) was noted between exposure and non-exposure to testosterone supplementation. CONCLUSION: Results concluded that andropause is prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes and low testosterone levels. Testosterone therapy affects aging andropausal symptoms such as the feeling of general well-being, joint pain and muscular ache, sleep problems, anxiety, and libido among patients with type 2 diabetes.

The Prevalence of Andropause and Its Relationship With Sexual Quality of Life Among Older Iranian Men.

Available evidence indicates insufficient knowledge about the status of andropause and sexual quality of life among Iranian older men. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of andropause and its relationship with sexual quality among older adults. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted among 576 older people referred to urban health centers in Mashhad, Iran. The eligible samples were selected through the cluster sampling method. To collect data, the male andropause symptoms' self-assessment questionnaire and the sexual quality of life-male were used. Forty-seven of the respondents (n = 271) were diagnosed with a "moderate" level of andropause. A strong negative correlation was identified between the sexual quality of life and the severity of andropause (r = -.366, p < .001). Sexual quality of life and andropause was also affected by age, marital status, health status, and exercise. Thirty-six percent of the changes in the quality of sexual life of older men were influenced by the independent variables (adjusted R2 = .36; R2 = .40; R = .63). The findings indicated that andropause has highly prevailed among the participants. There was a meaningful association between andropause and sexual quality of life among older men. Further studies are recommended to investigate sexual orientation qualitatively and to discover other factors influencing andropause among adult men.

Effect of Tetragonia tetragonoides (Pall.) Kuntze Extract on Andropause Symptoms.

Testosterone and free testosterone levels decrease in men as they age, consequently inducing andropause symptoms, such as weight gain, fatigue, and depression. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the reducing effect of New Zealand spinach (NZS) on these androgenic symptoms by orally administering its extract to 26-week-old rats for four weeks. Biochemical blood testing was conducted, and the andropause symptoms-related indicators and muscular endurance levels were examined. In the NZS extract-treated rats, the decrease in muscle mass was suppressed, and immobility time was reduced in the forced swim test. In addition, the grip force and muscular endurance of the forelimbs were significantly increased compared to the control group; therefore, NZS extract exhibits a positive effect on the maintenance of muscle mass and improves muscular endurance. The representative male hormones, testosterone and progesterone, in the NZS extract-treated group were 1.84 times and 2.48 times higher than those in the control groups, respectively. Moreover, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, which affect lipid metabolism, were significantly reduced in the NZS extract-treated group. Overall, NZS extract shows potential for further development as a functional food material for improving muscle strength and relieving andropause symptoms.

Current Management and Controversies Surrounding Andropause.

Andropause is a condition surrounded by controversies, whether it be through its diagnosis or management. As we learn more about the pathophysiology of hypogonadism, our perspectives on the risks and benefits of testosterone therapy have shifted. We attempt to discuss the most modern and relevant points of controversy currently affecting the field. Throughout this review, we discuss the art of diagnosing hypogonadism as well as the association or lack thereof between testosterone replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, thrombosis, antiaging effects, exogenous steroid abuse, and diabetes mellitus.

Menopause, wellbeing and health: A care pathway from the European Menopause and Andropause Society.

This care pathway from the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) provides an updated pathway for monitoring and guidance of women at midlife, focusing on those approaching the end of the reproductive life-cycle, going through the menopausal transition and beyond. The care pathway is written by professionals involved in women's health and provides a stepwise individualized approach, stratified according to needs, symptoms and reproductive stage. Furthermore, the pathway provides details on screening for chronic diseases related to menopause and ageing. Treatment options for climacteric symptoms range from menopausal hormone therapy to non-hormonal alternatives and lifestyle modifications. Therapy should be tailored to personal needs and wishes. The pathway aims to offer a holistic, balanced approach for monitoring middle-aged women, aiming to control health problems effectively and ensure healthy ageing.

Genistein regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis without activation of MEK 1/2 signalling pathway in an animal model of the andropause.

Soy isoflavone genistein interplays with numerous physiological or pathophysiological processes during ageing. However, its protective role and underlying mechanisms of action in the regulation of calcium (Ca2+) and phosphate (Pi) homeostasis in an animal model of the andropause are yet to be fully clarified. Wistar male rats (16-month-old) were divided into sham-operated, orchidectomized, orchidectomized estradiol-treated (0.625 mg/kg b.m./day) and orchidectomized genistein-treated (30 mg/kg b.m./day) groups. Treatments were administered subcutaneously for 3 weeks, while the controls received vehicle alone. Estradiol treatment increased the expression level of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R), and activated mitogen - activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK 1/2) signaling pathway in the kidneys. Genistein application induced a prominent gene and protein expression of Klotho and downregulated the expression of FGFR and PTH1R in the kidney of andropausal rats. Activation of protein kinase B (Akt) signalling pathway was observed, while MEK 1/2 signaling pathway wasn't altered after genistein treatment. The increase of 25 (OH) vitamin D in the serum and decrease in Ca2+ urine content was observed after genistein application. Our findings strongly suggest genistein as a potent biocompound with beneficial effects on the regulation of Ca2+ and Pi homeostasis, especially during aging process when the balance of mineral metabolism is impaired. These novel data provide closer insights into the physiological roles of genistein in the regulation of mineral homeostasis.

O ambiente inflamatório e os acometimentos de saúde em pessoas em idades relacionadas à menopausa e à andropausa / The inflammatory environment and health involvments in persons in ages related to menopause and andropause

Introdução: O aumento da expectativa de vida da população faz com que as pessoas passem a viver por mais tempo com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT). Dentre as mulheres, as fases da vida que mais se destacam pelos acometimentos em saúde são aquelas relacionadas à menopausa; além do risco aumentado para o desenvolvimento da síndrome metabólica (SM), há destaque para os transtornos mentais comuns (TMC) e as doenças articulares (DA). Já entre os homens, uma vez que a andropausa não é tão claramente identificada como a menopausa, acaba-se atribuindo essa ocorrência à idade e às baixas concentrações séricas de testosterona. Todavia, em ambos os sexos, um processo de inflamação sistêmica crônica e de baixo grau (ISBG) tem sido apontado como um importante fator associado ao desenvolvimento e agravo de todas as condições acima mencionadas. A ISBG decorre de alterações próprias do envelhecimento no sistema imune (SI), particularmente a imunossenescência, mas também por outros fatores externos ao SI, em especial as modificações na gordura corporal e no ambiente intestinal. Nesse contexto, estudar a relação e fatores associados a essas condições permite o delineamento de estratégias de intervenção em saúde. Objetivos: Investigar, em pessoas a partir 40 anos de idade, a prevalência e as associações entre desfechos em saúde relacionados a DCNT, incluindo fatores relacionados à ISBG. Métodos: O presente estudo, que consistiu na elaboração de três manuscritos, foi desenvolvido a partir de dados do Inquérito de Saúde de São Paulo de 2015, um estudo transversal, de base populacional e com amostra representativa dos moradores da área urbana do município de São Paulo. No primeiro manuscrito, foi investigada a associação entre a presença de TMC, DA, Índice de massa corporal (IMC) e outras doenças crônicas. As análises incluíram também dados sociodemográficos (idade, escolaridade, raça/etnia); essas associações foram testadas por modelos de regressão logística múltipla. No segundo manuscrito foram testadas as associações entre TMC e DA com o potencial inflamatório da dieta (identificado a partir do cálculo do Índice Inflamatório da Dieta), o nível de atividade física (utilizando o International Physical Activity Questionnaire- IPAq) classificado conforme recomendação da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), a presença de outras doenças crônicas e o IMC. As análises também incluíram variáveis sociodemográficas (faixa etária, escolaridade, raça/etnia). O terceiro manuscrito consistiu em uma subamostra não representativa do banco de dados do estudo ISA, com participantes que tiveram a composição corporal avaliada por DEXA (raios-x de dupla energia), de onde se obteve a massa magra apendicular e o total de gordura corporal. Foi também avaliada a força de preensão manual, que determina a qualidade do músculo esquelético. Foi realizada a dosagem de marcadores inflamatórios (TNF-α) e de permeabilidade intestinal (LPS, zonulina e iFABP). Ainda, esses participantes tiveram realizadas as dosagens de HDL-c plasmático, glicemia de jejum e triacilglicerol, além das medidas de pressão arterial. Esses parâmetros foram utilizados para a classificação da síndrome metabólica (SM). As associações, mediações e direções entre essas variáveis foram testadas a partir de modelos generalizados de equações estruturais. Principais Resultados: Manuscrito 1. A prevalência de TMC entre as mulheres investigadas no estudo esteve entre 26,9% e 38,0%, a de DA ficou entre 18,7% e 31,1%. Foram encontradas associações entre TMC e DA (OR = 1,998; p<0,001), idade entre 56 e 60 anos (OR= 0,542; p=0,018), e a presença de três diagnósticos de outras doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (OR= 2,696; p= 0,027). Manuscrito 2. Avaliando simultaneamente as associações entre TCM, DA, potencial inflamatório da dieta, e o nível de atividade física, observou-se que as associações entre TMC, DA e número de diagnósticos de outras doenças crônicas foram mantidas, e o maior tercil do escore do índice inflamatório da dieta se mostrou positivamente associado a presença de TCM (OR=2,240; p=0,006). O nível de atividade física não apresentou significância, porém permaneceu ajustando os modelos. Manuscrito 3. A síndrome metabólica foi identificada em 45,8% dos participantes, e associações diretas foram observadas entre TNF-α e massa gorda corporal, e entre a permeabilidade intestinal e a massa muscular apendicular. Conclusões: Os resultados aqui apresentados confirmaram uma associação significativa entre transtornos mentais e aspectos inflamatórios, representados pela presença de doenças articulares e outras doenças crônicas, além do potencial inflamatório da dieta. A atividade física mostrou uma associação marginal protetora em relação à inflamação sistêmica e consequentemente aos transtornos mentais. Finalmente, componentes da composição corporal, massa gorda e massa magra apendicular, se mostraram diretamente associados a marcadores inflamatórios e a presença de síndrome metabólica.

Background: The increase in population life expectancy allows individuals to live longer time periods with noncommunicable diseases (NCD). Among women, the life phases that stand out the most by the health compliment are those related to menopause, with emphasis to the common mental disorders (CMD), and the joint diseases (JD), and an increased risk for the metabolic syndrome presentation. Among men, once andropause is not as clearly identified as menopause, the occurrence of these conditions is attributed to age and to the low level of circulating testosterone. The called low-grade systemic inflammation (LGSI) has been pointed as an important factor associated to the development and worsening of all the mentioned conditions. The LGSI results from the immune system (IS) proper alterations, but also from factor aside IS, especially the body fat and gut environment changes. In this context, investigating the relations and factors associated to those conditions allows designing health intervention strategies. Aims: To investigate, in persons aged 40+ years old, the prevalence and associations between CMD related outcomes, with emphasis on the factors associated to the LGSI. Methods: The present study, which is constituted of three manuscript elaboration, was developed from data of the 205 Health Survey of São Paulo, a population-based cross-sectional study, with representative sample of urban residents of the city of São Paulo. In the first manuscript, associations of CMD, JD, and other chronic conditions, and body mass index (BMI), were investigated. The analysis also included sociodemographic data (age, schooling, race/ethnicity); these associations were testes by multiple logistic regression models. In the second manuscript, associations were tested between CMD and JD, with the inflammatory potential of the diet (identified from the Dietary Inflammatory Index calculation), the leisure physical activity level [classified according to WHO (World Health Organization) proposition using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire- IPAq], the presence of other chronic conditions and BMI. Analysis also included sociodemographic variables (age intervals, schooling, race/ethnicity). Third manuscript consisted of a sub-sample, which was not representative of the Health Survey of São Paulo, with participants who had their body composition evaluated by DXA (dual energy x-ray), from which appendicular muscle mass and total body fat were obtained. Also, handgrip strength, that determinate skeletal muscle quality, was evaluated. Inflammatory (TNF-α) and gut permeability (LPS, zonulin and iFABP) were evaluated. Yet, these participants had plasmatic HDL-c, fasting blood glucose and triacylglycerol, and arterial blood pressure evaluated. These parameters were used for the metabolic syndrome (MS) classification. Associations, mediations, and directions among those variables were tested by Generalized Structural Equation Models. Main results: Manuscript 1. The prevalence of CMD among investigated women was found between 26.9% and 38.0%, and from 18.7% to 31.1% for JD. Associations were found between CMD and DA (OR= 1.998; p<0.0001), age from 56 to 60 years old (OR= 0.542; p=0,018), and the presence of the diagnostics of three chronic conditions other than JD (OR= 2.696; p=0.027). Manuscript 2. Simultaneously evaluating the associations between CMD, JD, and dietary inflammatory potential, physical activity level, and the number of other chronic conditions diagnosis, and the higher dietary inflammatory index score presented positively associated to the presence of CMD (OR= 2.240; p=0.006). Physical activity level did not present significant associations, but it adjusted the models. Manuscript 3. Metabolic Syndrome was identified in 45.8% of the participants, and direct associations were observed between TNF-α and body fat mass, and from gut permeability and the appendicular muscle mass. Conclusions: The here presented results confirm a significant association between common mental disorders and inflammatory aspects, represented by the presence of joint diseases and other chronic conditions, and also the dietary inflammatory potential. Physical activity presented marginal protective association in relation to systemic inflammation, and consequently to common mental disorders. Finally, body composition components, body fat and appendicular muscle mass, were directly associated to inflammatory markers and to the presence of metabolic syndrome.

Influence of Work on Andropause and Menopause: A Systematic Review.

Aging is associated with gender-specific hormonal changes that progressively lead to gonadal insufficiency, a condition which characterizes a minority of men and all women. Work-related factors, such as stress and pollutant exposure, affect gonadal function and can interfere with reproduction in both genders. A systematic review of the PubMed, SCOPUS and EMBASE databases was conducted, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement to investigate the effect of occupational factors on andropause and menopause. A total of 26 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria: 9 studies evaluated the effects of work on andropause symptoms, 8 studies examined its effects on age at menopause onset, and 9 studies addressed its effects on menopausal symptoms. Work-related factors, such as psychological stress, physical effort, and sleep disorders, showed a significant correlation with andropause manifestations, whereas age at menopause and severity of menopausal symptoms were both influenced by factors such as pesticide exposure, high job strain, and repetitive work. Since work accompanies men and women for most of their lives, it is essential to identify and prevent the risk factors that may affect reproductive health.

El climaterio como etapa fisiológica crucial en la prevención de la enfermedad cardiovascular / The climacteric as a crucial physiological stage in the prevention of cardiovascular disease

El climaterio es una etapa fisiológica que permite al médico reconocer tempranamente los riesgos de patologías y la gran oportunidad de revertirlas. Este trabajo examinará la evidencia actual de la terapia hormonal en la prevención primaria de la enfermedad cardiovascular en mujeres, así como la importancia que igualmente tienen la indemnidad de los ovarios, el peso normal, el uso correcto de antibióticos, la preservación de la microbiota intestinal, las dietas antioxidantes, los estilos de vida saludables y el obligatorio abandono del hábito de fumar.

Global consensus recommendations on menopause in the workplace: A European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) position statement.

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, there are 657 million women aged 45-59 and around half contribute to the labor force during their menopausal years. There is a diversity of experience of menopause in the workplace. It is shaped not only by menopausal symptoms and context but also by the workplace environment. It affects quality of life, engagement, performance, motivation and relations with employers. AIM: To provide recommendations for employers, managers, healthcare professionals and women to make the workplace environment more menopause supportive, and to improve women's wellbeing and their ability to remain in work. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature review and consensus of expert opinion. SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIONS: Workplace health and wellbeing frameworks and policies should incorporate menopausal health as part of the wider context of gender and age equality and reproductive and post-reproductive health. Workplaces should create an open, inclusive and supportive culture regarding menopause, involving, if available, occupational health professionals and human resource managers working together. Women should not be discriminated against, marginalized or dismissed because of menopausal symptoms. Health and allied health professionals should recognize that, for some women, menopausal symptoms can adversely affect the ability to work, which can lead to reduction of working hours, underemployment or unemployment, and consequently financial insecurity in later life.

Soy isoflavone-caused shunting of the corticosteroidogenesis pathways in andropausal subjects: Top-down impulse for the optimal supplementation design.

In a series of our previous works, we revealed the beneficial effects of applied soy isoflavones (genistein or daidzein) on the wide context of corticosteroidogenesis in vivo, in a rat model of the andropause. Soy isoflavones decreased the circulating levels of pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone, inhibited aldosterone secretion, as well as corticosterone production and secretion, but stimulated dehydroepiandrosterone secretion, all in andropausal rats. In vitro studies indicate that the mechanism underlying these hormonal changes relies on inhibition of the pituitary tyrosine kinase and adrenocortical 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes by soy isoflavones. Although the clinical studies are in their infancy, the opinion is that genistein and daidzein have therapeutic potential for the safe treatment of ageing-caused androgen deprivation and glucocorticoid excess with related metabolic/hemodynamic issues in males. Our accumulated experience and knowledge in the field of biomedical effects of plant polyphenols have provided a platform for potential recommending the agenda to organize and accelerate experimental research aimed at producing the optimal supplementation. We hypothesize that an in vivo approach should first be exploited in the sequence of investigative steps, followed by in vitro studies and synchronously conducted molecular docking analyses. In vivo research, besides establishing the margin of exposure safety or adjustment of the correct polyphenol dose, enables identification and quantification of the metabolites of applied polyphenols in the blood. Subsequent in vitro exploitation of the metabolites and related docking analyses provide clarification of the molecular mechanisms of action of applied polyphenols. Chemical modification of the polyphenol structure or coupling it with nanoparticles might be the next step in optimizing the design of supplementation. Selected, intact or chemically-modified polyphenol molecules should be included in preclinical studies on a more closely-related species, while clinical studies would finally assess the safety and effectiveness of a polyphenol-based remedial strategy. The final supplement represents a product of an appropriate technological process, conducted in accordance with the recommendations derived from the preceding research.

Andropause symptoms and sickness absence in Japanese male workers: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between andropause symptoms and sickness absence in Japanese male workers over 2 years. METHODS: A baseline survey asking about andropause symptoms, along with blood sampling for testosterone level, was conducted in June 2009. A total of 418 men (mean age = 52.4 years, SD = 8.6) participated and were followed through 2011. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for sickness absence were calculated using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 31 of 35 participants who took sickness absences had physical illnesses. A higher andropause symptom score was associated with an increased risk of sickness absence. Testosterone deficiency (<350 ng/dL) was not associated with sickness absence. Among the subscales of andropause symptoms, the somatic symptom score was positively associated with sickness absence, whereas testosterone deficiency combined with high sexual symptoms was not associated with sickness absence. Results were similar when limited to sickness absence because of physical illness. No significant interaction between andropause symptoms and testosterone deficiency was found. CONCLUSIONS: Non-specific andropause symptoms unrelated to testosterone deficiency were positively associated with sickness absence.

The adrenal cortex after estradiol or daidzein application in a rat model of the andropause: Structural and hormonal study.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Daidzein application may represent an effective and less harmful alternative to indicated, classical estrogenization of ageing men. The aim of this study was to perform structural and hormonal analysis of the adrenal cortex, after estradiol or daidzein supplementation in a rat model of the andropause. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Middle-aged Wistar rats were divided into sham operated (SO; n = 8), orchidectomized (Orx; n = 8), estradiol treated orchidectomized (Orx + E; n = 8) and daidzein treated orchidectomized (Orx + D; n = 8) groups. Estradiol (0.625 mg/kg b.m./day) or daidzein (30 mg/kg b.m./day) were administered subcutaneously for three weeks, while the SO and Orx groups received the vehicle alone. Set objectives were achieved using stereology, histochemistry/immunohistochemistry, immunoassays and ultrastructural analysis. RESULTS: Both estradiol and daidzein treatment significantly increased volumes of the zona glomerulosa cell and nuclei, but decreased circulating aldosterone levels. Estradiol markedly increased volumes of the zona fasciculata cell and nuclei in parallel with significant decrease of the adrenal tissue level of corticosterone, while daidzein significantly decreased both the adrenal and circulating levels of corticosterone. Serum DHEA level and volumes of the zona reticularis cell and nuclei significantly increased upon estradiol treatment, whereas daidzein even stronger increased the circulating level of DHEA. Shunting of the corticosteroidogenesis pathways towards adrenal androgens production, after the treatments, corresponded to the ultrastructural findings and zonal capillary network rearrangements. CONCLUSIONS: Given the coherence of its effects and relative safety, daidzein could be the remedy of choice for the treatment of ageing-caused androgen deprivation and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperfunction/related metabolic issues in males.

The andro-accelerator hypothesis.

Testosterone levels are known to decline with advancing age. However, there are frequent reports of inappropriate social behaviour involving middle-aged men, suggestive of hyperandrogenic state. The andro-accelerator hypothesis seeks to explain this phenomenon. This states that external stimuli, both asexual and sexual in nature, can increase or accelerate testosterone production, by stimulating the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis, and resetting this axis at a higher level. This article discusses the concepts of andro-conditioning due to endocrine disruptor stimuli or endocrine disruptor social content, explores the clinical and public health relevance of the andro-accelerator hypothesis, and calls for a focus on addressing androgen imbalance, achieving "androequanimity", rather than treating andropause as a disease.

European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) and International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) position statement on managing the menopause after gynecological cancer: focus on menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, it is estimated that about 1.3 million new gynecological cancer cases are diagnosed each year. For 2018, the predicted annual totals were cervix uteri 569,847, corpus uteri 382,069, ovary 295,414, vulva 44,235 and va​gina 17,600. Treatments include hysterectomy with or without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These can result in loss of ovarian function and, in women under the age of 45, early menopause. AIM: The aim of this position statement is to set out an individualized approach to the management, with or without menopausal hormone therapy, of menopausal symptoms and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women with gynecological cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature review and consensus of expert opinion. SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIONS: The limited data suggest that women with low-grade, early-stage endometrial cancer may consider systemic or topical estrogens. However, menopausal hormone therapy may stimulate tumor growth in patients with more advanced disease, and non-hormonal approaches are recommended. Uterine sarcomas may be hormone dependent, and therefore estrogen and progesterone receptor testing should be undertaken to guide decisions as to whether menopausal hormone therapy or non-hormonal strategies should be used. The limited evidence available suggests that menopausal hormone therapy, either systemic or topical, does not appear to be associated with harm and does not decrease overall or disease-free survival in women with non-serous epithelial ovarian cancer and germ cell tumors. Caution is required with both systemic and topical menopausal hormone therapy in women with serous and granulosa cell tumors because of their hormone dependence, and non-hormonal options are recommended as initial therapy. There is no evidence to contraindicate the use of systemic or topical menopausal hormone therapy by women with cervical, vaginal or vulvar cancer, as these tumors are not considered to be hormone dependent.