Inhibition of the retinal orexin receptors affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis through retinal pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in male Wistar rats.

Orexins A and B (OXA and OXB) and their receptors are expressed in the retina of both human and rodents and play a vital role in regulating signal transmission circuits in the retina. There is an anatomical-physiological relationship between the retinal ganglion cells and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) through glutamate as a neurotransmitter and retinal pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) as a co-transmitter. SCN is the main brain center for regulating the circadian rhythm, which governs the reproductive axis. The impact of retinal orexin receptors on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis has not been investigated. Retinal OX1R or/and OX2R in adult male rats by 3 µl of SB-334867 (1 µg) or/and 3 µl of JNJ-10397049 (2 µg) were antagonized via intravitreal injection (IVI). Four time-periods were considered (3, 6, 12, and 24 h) for the controls without any treatment, SB-334867, JNJ-10397049, and SB-334867 + JNJ-10397049 groups. Antagonizing retinal OX1R or/and OX2R resulted in a significant elevation of retinal PACAP expression compared to control animals. In addition, expression of GnRH increased non-significantly in the hypothalamus over the 6 h of the study, and the serum concentration of LH decreased significantly in the SB-334867 group after 3 h of injection. Furthermore, testosterone serum levels declined significantly, especially within 3 h of injection; serum levels of progesterone were also exposed to a significant rise at least within 3 h of injection. However, the retinal PACAP expression changes were mediated by OX1R more effectively than by OX2R. In this study, we report the retinal orexins and their receptors as light-independent factors by which the retina affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

Sexual experiences of cancer survivors: A qualitative study in Jordan.

BACKGROUND: In Jordan, cancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiac disease. The impact of cancer on sexual relationships is a taboo subject and hence, such issues are underreported research among Jordanian people examining unmet needs. AIM: To examine the experiences and preferences of Jordanian cancer survivors related to communication regarding their sexual needs. METHODS: Qualitative study conducted between May and June 2020 using semi-structured face-to-face interviews using the snow-balling approach for recruitment. Participants were recruited until data saturation was obtained and data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS: Analysis of participants' interview data identified three main categories: 1) The psychological impact of cancer of sexual relationships; 2) Physician support; 3) Variations in sexual life and sexual experiences. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that there is a substantial psychological impact of cancer on sexual relationships among Arab Jordanian cancer survivors. Feeling powerless, being labelled as 'sexually disabled', and lack of communication with physicians were emphasized by participants as a barrier to discuss sexual needs with their physicians. Lack of physicians support negatively impact Jordanian cancer survivors sexual experience and led to increased their sense of powerlessness and loss of control over sexual relationships. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Overall, the study indicated a crucial need for physicians to encourage patients to disclose their sexual experience to help them maintain their sexual and mental health while in the fight against cancer. The physicians, nurses and allied health professionals should be engaged in the conversation with patients by taking an active role in the discussion. Additionally, the family and partners of the patients should also be approached and engaged by health professionals in the discussion to address their needs or sexual issues.

Reporting The Effects of Exposure to Monosodium Glutamate on The Regulatory Peptides of The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer that is used as a food additive (E621) in many parts of the world, especially in East Asian countries. However, in recent studies, it has been used as a neurotoxin because MSG is reported to cause neural degeneration in the hypothalamic arcuate of neonatal animals. The results of several studies show the negative effects of MSG injections on different parts of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, in addition to its ability to inhibit secretion many reproductive neuropeptides, neurotrophic factors, and hormones, all of which play vital roles in the regulation of reproductive function. Oral administration or injection of large quantities of MSG into newborn animals results in a decrease in or overabundance of the production of many regulatory peptides of the male and female reproductive systems. In this review, we summarize the results of the most important studies that have examined the effect of oral consumption or injection of MSG on regulatory peptides of the HPG axis.