Total osteocalcin levels are independently associated with worse testicular function and a higher degree of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activation in Klinefelter syndrome.

PURPOSE: The role of osteocalcin (OCN) in pubertal development, male hypogonadism, and the effect of testosterone (Te) replacement therapy (TRT) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the total OCN (tOCN) concentrations in male patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS), a model of adult hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. METHODS: This retrospective longitudinal study investigated 254 male patients with KS (47,XXY) between 2007 and 2021 at an academic referral center, categorized as (1) prepubertal, (2) pubertal, and (3) adults. All prepubertal patients were Te-naïve. Adult patients were subcategorized as (1) eugonadal, (2) hypogonadal, and (3) receiving TRT. We also analyzed 18 adult patients with available tOCN levels before and 3 months after TRT commencement. RESULTS: The tOCN levels varied throughout the lifespan according to pubertal status, were highest in eugonadal and significantly lower in TRT subjects, correlated with both LH (p = 0.017) and FSH levels (p = 0.004) in adults, and significantly declined after 3 months of TRT (p = 0.006) in the adult KS cohort. HPG-axis hormones levels demonstrated no correlation in prepubertal boys. Adjustment for age and body mass index confirmed previous results and revealed significant inverse correlations with total Te (p = 0.004), calculated free Te (p = 0.016), the Te/LH (p = 0.010), and calculated free Te/LH ratios (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: In KS, a model of male hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, tOCN levels were not associated with gonadal function during normal prepuberty and pubertal development but were associated with worse testicular function and a higher degree of HPG stimulation in adults. TRT acutely reduced tOCN levels in adults.

Tall stature and gigantism in transition age: clinical and genetic aspects-a literature review and recommendations.

PURPOSE: Tall stature is defined as height greater than the threshold of more than 2 standard deviations above the average population height for age, sex, and ethnicity. Many studies have described the main aspects of this condition during puberty, but an analysis of the characteristics that the physician should consider in the differential diagnosis of gigantism-tall stature secondary to a pituitary tumour-during the transition age (15-25 years) is still lacking. METHODS: A comprehensive search of English-language original articles was conducted in the MEDLINE database (December 2021-March 2022). We selected all studies regarding epidemiology, genetic aspects, and the diagnosis of tall stature and gigantism during the transition age. RESULTS: Generally, referrals for tall stature are not as frequent as expected because most cases are familial and are usually unreported by parents and patients to endocrinologists. For this reason, lacking such experience of tall stature, familiarity with many rarer overgrowth syndromes is essential. In the transition age, it is important but challenging to distinguish adolescents with high constitutional stature from those with gigantism. Pituitary gigantism is a rare disease in the transition age, but its systemic complications are very relevant for future health. Endocrine evaluation is crucial for identifying conditions that require hormonal treatment so that they can be treated early to improve the quality of life and prevent comorbidities of individual patient in this age range. CONCLUSION: The aim of our review is to provide a practical clinical approach to recognise adolescents, potentially affected by gigantism, as early as possible.

Predicting postoperative hypocortisolism in patients with non-aldosterone-producing adrenocortical adenoma: a retrospective single-centre study.

BACKGROUND: Limited information exists on postoperative hypocortisolism and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis recovery in patients with adrenal incidentaloma following unilateral adrenalectomy. We evaluated frequency of postoperative hypocortisolism and predictors for recovery in non-aldosterone-producing adrenocortical adenoma patients after unilateral adrenalectomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 32 adrenal incidentaloma patients originally included in the ITACA trial (NCT04127552) with confirmed non-aldosterone-producing adrenocortical adenoma undergoing unilateral adrenalectomy from September 2019 to April 2023 was conducted. Preoperative assessments included adrenal MRI, anthropometrics, evaluation of comorbidities, adrenal function assessed via ACTH, urinary free cortisol, and 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test. ACTH and serum cortisol or Short Synacthen test were performed within 6 days, 6 weeks, 6 months, and a year after surgery. RESULTS: Six days postoperative, 18.8% of patients had normal adrenal function. Among those with postoperative hypocortisolism, 53.8% recovered by 6 weeks. Patients with earlier adrenal recovery (6 weeks) had lower preoperative 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (median 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test 76.2 [61.8-111.0] nmol/L vs 260.0 [113.0-288.5] nmol/L, p < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed preoperative 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test negatively related with baseline ACTH levels (r = - 0.376; p = 0.041) and negatively associated with the 6-week baseline (r = - 0.395, p = 0.034) and 30-min cortisol levels during Short Synacthen test (r = - 0.534, p = 0.023). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated preoperative 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test as the only biochemical predictor for 6-week adrenal recovery: ROC curve identified a 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test threshold of 131 nmol/L predicting 6-week recovery with 89.5% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity (AUC 0.87; 95% CI 66.9-98.7, p < 0.001). Other preoperative assessments (tumor size, ACTH levels and anthropometrics) were not associated with postoperative hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis function, but the presence of diabetes was associated with a lower probability of recovery (OR = 24.55, p = 0.036). ACTH levels increased postoperatively in all patients but did not predict hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test cortisol value and presence of diabetes are the only relevant predictor of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis recovery in patients with non-aldosterone- producing adrenocortical adenoma undergoing surgery, regardless other clinical and biochemical variables. Notably, pre- and postoperative ACTH levels did not predict hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis recovery. These findings point towards the potential for saving resources by optimizing their allocation during follow-up assessments for patients with non-aldosterone-producing adrenocortical adenoma undergoing unilateral adrenalectomy.

Ketogenic nutritional therapy (KeNuT)-a multi-step dietary model with meal replacements for the management of obesity and its related metabolic disorders: a consensus statement from the working group of the Club of the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE)-diet therapies in endocrinology and metabolism.

PURPOSE: The ketogenic nutritional therapy (KeNuT) is an effective dietary treatment for patients with obesity and obesity-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and some type of cancers. However, to date an official document on the correct prescription of the ketogenic diet, validated by authoritative societies in nutrition or endocrine sciences, is missing. It is important to emphasize that the ketogenic nutritional therapy requires proper medical supervision for patient selection, due to the complex biochemical implications of ketosis and the need for a strict therapeutic compliance, and an experienced nutritionist for proper personalization of the whole nutritional protocol. METHODS: This practical guide provides an update of main clinical indications and contraindications of ketogenic nutritional therapy with meal replacements and its mechanisms of action. In addition, the various phases of the protocol involving meal replacements, its monitoring, clinical management and potential side effects, are also discussed. CONCLUSION: This practical guide will help the healthcare provider to acquire the necessary skills to provide a comprehensive care of patients with overweight, obesity and obesity-related diseases, using a multistep ketogenic dietary treatment, recognized by the Club of the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE)-Diet Therapies in Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Gender-related differences in patients with carcinoid syndrome: new insights from an Italian multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) and related carcinoid syndrome (CaS) has increased markedly in recent decades, and women appear to be more at risk than men. As per other tumors, gender may be relevant in influencing the clinical and prognostic characteristics of NEN-associated CS. However, specific data on carcinoid syndrome (CaS) are still lacking. PURPOSE: To evaluate gender differences in clinical presentation and outcome of CaS. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 144 CaS patients from 20 Italian high-volume centers was conducted. Clinical presentation, tumor characteristics, therapies, and outcomes (progression-free survival, PFS, overall survival, OS) were correlated to gender. RESULTS: Ninety (62.5%) CaS patients were male. There was no gender difference in the site of primary tumor, tumor grade and clinical stage, as well as in treatments. Men were more frequently smokers (37.2%) and alcohol drinkers (17.8%) than women (9.5%, p = 0.002, and 3.7%, p = 0.004, respectively). Concerning clinical presentation, women showed higher median number of symptoms (p = 0.0007), more frequent abdominal pain, tachycardia, and psychiatric disorders than men (53.3% vs 70.4%, p = 0.044; 6.7% vs 31.5%, p = 0.001; 50.9% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.003, respectively). Lymph node metastases at diagnosis were more frequent in men than in women (80% vs 64.8%; p = 0.04), but no differences in terms of PFS (p = 0.51) and OS (p = 0.64) were found between gender. CONCLUSIONS: In this Italian cohort, CaS was slightly more frequent in males than females. Gender-related differences emerged in the clinical presentation of CaS, as well as gender-specific risk factors for CaS development. A gender-driven clinical management of these patients should be advisable.

Glucocorticoids and cognitive function: a walkthrough in endogenous and exogenous alterations.

PURPOSE: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis exerts many actions on the central nervous system (CNS) aside from stress regulation. Glucocorticoids (GCs) play an important role in affecting several cognitive functions through the effects on both glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptors (MR). In this review, we aim to unravel the spectrum of cognitive dysfunction secondary to derangement of circulating levels of endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoids. METHODS: All relevant human prospective and retrospective studies published up to 2022 in PubMed reporting information on HPA disorders, GCs, and cognition were included. RESULTS: Cognitive impairment is commonly found in GC-related disorders. The main brain areas affected are the hippocampus and pre-frontal cortex, with memory being the most affected domain. Disease duration, circadian rhythm disruption, circulating GCs levels, and unbalanced MR/GR activation are all risk factors for cognitive decline in these patients, albeit with conflicting data among different conditions. Lack of normalization of cognitive dysfunction after treatment is potentially attributable to GC-dependent structural brain alterations, which can persist even after long-term remission. CONCLUSION: The recognition of cognitive deficits in patients with GC-related disorders is challenging, often delayed, or mistaken. Prompt recognition and treatment of underlying disease may be important to avoid a long-lasting impact on GC-sensitive areas of the brain. However, the resolution of hormonal imbalance is not always followed by complete recovery, suggesting irreversible adverse effects on the CNS, for which there are no specific treatments. Further studies are needed to find the mechanisms involved, which may eventually be targeted for treatment strategies.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms in the context of inherited tumor syndromes: a reappraisal focused on targeted therapies.

PURPOSE: Neuroendocrine neoplasms can occur as part of inherited disorders, usually in the form of well-differentiated, slow-growing tumors (NET). The main predisposing syndromes include: multiple endocrine neoplasias type 1 (MEN1), associated with a large spectrum of gastroenteropancreatic and thoracic NETs, and type 4 (MEN4), associated with a wide tumour spectrum similar to that of MEN1; von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL), tuberous sclerosis (TSC), and neurofibromatosis 1 (NF-1), associated with pancreatic NETs. In the present review, we propose a reappraisal of the genetic basis and clinical features of gastroenteropancreatic and thoracic NETs in the setting of inherited syndromes with a special focus on molecularly targeted therapies for these lesions. METHODS: Literature search was systematically performed through online databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), and Scopus using multiple keywords' combinations up to June 2022. RESULTS: Somatostatin analogues (SSAs) remain the mainstay of systemic treatment for NETs, and radiolabelled SSAs can be used for peptide-receptor radionuclide therapy for somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-positive NETs. Apart of these SSTR-targeted therapies, other targeted agents have been approved for NETs: the mTOR inhibitor everolimus for lung, gastroenteropatic and unknown origin NET, and sunitinib, an antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for pancreatic NET. Novel targeted therapies with other antiangiogenic agents and immunotherapies have been also under evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Major advances in the understanding of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of NET development in the context of inherited endocrine disorders have led to the recognition of molecular targetable alterations, providing a rationale for the implementation of treatments and development of novel targeted therapies.

The Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS), along with ten other Italian Scientific Societies, guidelines on the diagnosis and management of erectile dysfunction.

PURPOSE: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most prevalent male sexual dysfunctions. ED has been in the past mistakenly considered a purely psycho-sexological symptom by patients and doctors. However, an ever-growing body of evidence supporting the role of several organic factors in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ED has been recognized. METHODS: The Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) commissioned an expert task force involving several other National Societies to provide an updated guideline on the diagnosis and management of ED. Derived recommendations were based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: Several evidence-based statements were released providing the necessary up-to-date guidance in the context of ED with organic and psychosexual comorbidities. Many of them were related to incorrect lifestyle habits suggesting how to associate pharmacotherapies and counseling, in a couple-centered approach. Having the oral therapy with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors as the gold standard along with several other medical and surgical therapies, new therapeutic or controversial options were also discussed. CONCLUSIONS: These are the first guidelines based on a multidisciplinary approach that involves the most important Societies related to the field of sexual medicine. This fruitful discussion allowed for a general agreement on several recommendations and suggestions to be reached, which can support all stakeholders in improving couple sexual satisfaction and overall general health.

Sellar and parasellar lesions in the transition age: a retrospective Italian multi-centre study.

BACKGROUND: Sellar/parasellar lesions have been studied in the adult and paediatric age range, but during the transition age their epidemiology, clinical manifestations, management and treatment outcomes have been poorly investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An Italian multicentre cohort study, in which hospital records of patients with diagnosis of sellar/parasellar lesions during the transition age and young adulthood (15-25 years), were reviewed in terms of prevalence, clinical and hormonal features at diagnosis, and outcomes where available. Both pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (pituitary tumours, Group A) and non-endocrine lesions (Group B) were included. RESULTS: Among Group A (n = 170, 46.5% macroadenomas), the most frequent were prolactin and GH-secreting tumours, with a female predominance. Among Group B (n = 28), germinomas and Rathke cells cysts were the most common. In Group A, the most frequent hormonal deficiency was gonadal dysfunction. Galactorrhoea and amenorrhoea were relatively common in female patients with prolactinomas. Pre-surgical diabetes insipidus was only seen in Group B, in which also hormone deficiencies were more frequent and numerous. Larger lesions were more likely to be seen in Group B. Patients in Group B were more frequently male, younger, and leaner than those of Group A, whereas at last follow-up they showed more obesity and dyslipidaemia. In our cohort, the percentage of patients with at least one pituitary deficiency increased slightly after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The management of sellar/parasellar lesions is challenging in the transition age, requiring an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. Hormone and metabolic disorders can occur many years after treatment, therefore long-term follow-up is mandatory.

Adult- and late-onset male hypogonadism: the clinical practice guidelines of the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) and the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE).

PURPOSE: To provide the evidence-based recommendations on the role of testosterone (T) on age-related symptoms and signs remains. METHODS: The Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) and the and the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE) commissioned an expert task force to provide an updated guideline on adult-onset male hypogonadism. Derived recommendations were based on Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: Clinical diagnosis of adult-onset hypogonadism should be based on a combination of clinical and biochemical parameters. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) should be offered to all symptomatic subjects with hypogonadism after the exclusion of possible contraindications. T gels and the long-acting injectable T are currently available preparations showing the best efficacy/safety profile. TRT can improve all aspects of sexual function, although its effect is limited in more complicated patients. Body composition (reducing fat mass and increasing lean mass) is improved after TRT, either in subjects with or without metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. Conversely, the role of TRT in improving glycometabolic control is more conflicting. TRT can result in increasing bone mineral density, particularly at lumbar site, but no information on fracture risk is available. Limited data support the use of TRT for improving other outcomes, including mood frailty and mobility. CONCLUSIONS: TRT can improve sexual function and body composition particularly in less complicated adult and in aging subjects with hypogonadism. When hypogonadism is adequately diagnosed, T appropriately prescribed and subjects correctly followed up, no short-term increased risk of adverse events is observed. Longer and larger studies are advisable to better clarify TRT long-term efficacy/safety profile.

Health-related quality of life in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms: a two-wave longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: Scientific knowledge on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) is still limited and longitudinal assessment of HRQoL over the time in NEN patients are scarce. The current study aimed to assess the role of clinical severity and heterogeneity of NEN, as well as resilience, in the HRQoL of NEN patients over the course of a year. METHODS: 39 consecutive NEN patients (25 men and 14 women) aged from 29 to 73 years participated in a longitudinal Italian multicentric study. The main outcome measure concerned the severity and heterogeneity of NEN, HRQoL, and resilience. RESULTS: Over the course of a year, higher levels of the global health (GH) were associated to the absence of distant metastases, while the presence of metastases with higher levels of fatigue, diarrhea, and financial difficulties. Higher levels of resilience are still associated with better GH and lower levels of fatigue, diarrhea, and financial difficulties, but no longer with constipation. Furthermore, patients with gastroenteropancreatic NEN still have higher scores on constipation, but not on GH, fatigue, diarrhea, and financial difficulties. Patients with hereditary NEN continue to have greater GH than those with a sporadic NEN and lower fatigue, diarrhea, and financial difficulties. CONCLUSION: These findings showed that the effects of severity and clinical heterogeneity of the NEN on HRQoL may change over time. This evidence should lead clinicians to monitor the HRQoL of NEN patients throughout the course of the disease and psychologists to implement evidence-based resilience interventions.

Testosterone supplementation and bone parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis study.

BACKGROUND: The role of testosterone (T) replacement therapy (TRT) in subjects with late onset hypogonadism is still the object of an intense debate. METHODS: All observational studies and placebo-controlled or -uncontrolled randomized trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of TRT on different bone parameters were considered. RESULTS: Out of 349 articles, 36 were considered, including 3103 individuals with a mean trial duration of 66.6 weeks. TRT improves areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the spine and femoral neck levels in observational studies, whereas placebo-controlled RTCs showed a positive effect of TRT only at lumber spine and when trials included only hypogonadal patients at baseline (total testosterone < 12 nM). The effects on aBMD were more evident in subjects with lower T levels at baseline and increased as a function of trial duration and a higher prevalence of diabetic subjects. Either T or estradiol increase at endpoint contributed to aBMD improvement. TRT was associated with a significant reduction of bone resorption markers in observational but not in controlled studies. CONCLUSION: TRT is able to inhibit bone resorption and increase bone mass, particularly at the lumbar spine level and when the duration is long enough to allow the anabolic effect of T and estrogens on bone metabolism to take place.

Andrological effects of SARS-Cov-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The short- and long-term andrological effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have not been clarified. Our aim is to evaluate the available evidence regarding possible andrological consequences of COVID-19 either on seminal or hormonal parameters. The safety of the COVID-19 vaccines in terms of sperm quality was also investigated. METHODS: All prospective and retrospective observational studies reporting information on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) mRNA semen and male genitalia tract detection (n = 19), as well as those reporting data on semen analysis (n = 5) and hormonal parameters (n = 11) in infected/recovered patients without any arbitrary restriction were included. RESULTS: Out of 204 retrieved articles, 35 were considered, including 2092 patients and 1138 controls with a mean age of 44.1 ± 12.6 years, and mean follow-up 24.3 ± 18.9 days. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA can be localized in male genitalia tracts during the acute phase of the disease. COVID-19 can result in short-term impaired sperm and T production. Available data cannot clarify long-term andrological effects. Low T observed in the acute phase of the disease is associated with an increased risk of being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit or death. The two available studies showed that the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines does not affect sperm quality. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our analysis clearly suggest that each patient recovering from COVID-19 should be monitored to rule out sperm and T abnormalities. The specific contribution of reduced T levels during the acute phase of the infection needs to be better clarified.

Risk factors for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs): a three-centric case-control study.

PURPOSE: Risk factors for sporadic GEP-NENs are still not well defined. To identify the main clinical risk factors represents the aim of this study performed by three Italian referral centers for NENs. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case-control study including 148 consecutive sporadic GEP-NENs and 210 age- and sex-matched controls. We collected data on clinical features, cancer family history and other potential risk factors. RESULTS: Mean age was 58.3 ± 15.8 years; 50% males, primary site was pancreas (50.7%), followed by ileum (22.3%). The 62.8% and 29.1% of cases were G1 and G2, respectively; the 40% had locally advanced or metastatic disease at diagnosis. Independent risk factors for GEP-NENs were: family history of non-neuroendocrine GEP cancer (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.31-3.55, p = 0.003), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.39-4.51, p = 0.002) and obesity (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.18-2.99, p = 0.007). In the T2DM subjects, metformin use was a protective factor (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.08-0.93, p = 0.049). T2DM was also associated with a more advanced (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.05-5.46, p = 0.035) and progressive disease (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.08-5.34, p = 0.03). Stratifying cases by primary site, independent risk factors for pancreatic NENs were T2DM (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.28-5.15, p = 0.008) and obesity (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.11-3.52, p = 0.020), while for intestinal NENs family history of non-neuroendocrine GEP cancer (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.38-4.38, p = 0.003) and obesity (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.08-3.33, p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: This study reinforces a role for family history of non-neuroendocrine GEP cancer, T2DM and obesity as independent risk factors for GEP-NENs and suggests a role of metformin as a protective factor in T2DM subjects. If confirmed, these findings could have a significant impact on prevention strategies for GEP-NENs.

Serum concentrations of dihydrotestosterone are associated with symptoms of hypogonadism in biochemically eugonadal men.

PURPOSE: Symptoms of hypogonadism are often reported by subjects with normal serum testosterone (T) levels. We aimed to assess the association between clinical symptoms in andrological outpatients and sex steroids levels. METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional cohort study in an Academic clinic and research unit. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF, EF domain) and Aging Males Symptoms scale (AMS) questionnaires were completed by 635 and 574 men, respectively (mean age: 47.3 ± 13.9 and 47.4 ± 13.8 years, p = 0.829), free of interfering medications with complaints possibly related to hypogonadism. RESULTS: Serum total/free T as well as dihydro-T (DHT) was associated with IIEF-EF and AMS scores in the overall population using univariate analyses. Multivariate approaches revealed DHT concentrations in subjects with normal T levels (n = 416, Total T > 12 nmol/L) to be significant predictors of AMS scores. A 0.1 nmol/l serum DHT increase within the eugonadal range was associated with a 4.67% decrease in odds of having worse symptoms (p = 0.011). In men with biochemical hypogonadism (Total T < 12 nmol/L), total and free T rather than DHT were associated with AMS results. This association was not found for IIEF-EF scores. Indirect effects of age and BMI were seen for relations with hormone concentrations but not questionnaire scores. CONCLUSION: DHT can be associated with symptoms of hypogonadism in biochemically eugonadal men. Serum DHT measurement might be helpful once the diagnosis of hypogonadism has been ruled out but should not be routinely included in the primary diagnostic process.

Bilateral testicular masses and adrenal insufficiency: is congenital adrenal hyperplasia the only possible diagnosis? First two cases of TARTS described in Addison-only X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and a brief review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TARTs) are benign masses deemed to originate from pluripotent testicular steroidogenic cells that grow under chronic ACTH stimulation. These lesions, occasionally misdiagnosed as Leydig cell tumors (LCTs), are typically described in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is an inherited disorder of beta-oxidation with accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in various tissues, and a rare cause of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI). TARTs have never been associated with X-ALD. CASE 1 DESCRIPTION: A 19-year old male, who had previously undergone bilateral enucleation of presumed LCTs, was referred to our unit. Follow-up scans showed persistent bilateral lesions compatible with TARTs. Biochemical exams revealed PAI but excluded CAH. A serum VLCFAs panel was consistent with X-ALD, with gene testing confirming the diagnosis. Histological revision of the previously resected testicular lesions was compatible with TARTs. Start of glucocorticoid replacement therapy was associated with a reduction of testicular masses. CASE 2 DESCRIPTION: A 26-year old X-ALD male was diagnosed with bilateral testicular lesions compatible with TARTs. These lesions increased after ACTH elevation following switch to modified-release hydrocortisone. Clinical and sonographic findings allowed for a "watchful-waiting" approach, avoiding unnecessary surgery. CONCLUSION: These are the first cases reported of TARTs in patients with X-ALD-associated PAI. Testicular lesions in patients with an early onset of ACTH elevation, regardless of the cause, should always be thoughtfully investigated, as they may reveal themselves as TARTs. We suggest that all patients affected from chronic ACTH elevation of a young age of onset should undergo testicular ultrasound in order to evaluate the presence of these lesions. GRT in these patients might also help preserving fertility.

Management of premature ejaculation: a clinical guideline from the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS).

Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most prevalent male sexual dysfunction, and the most recently defined. PE is often mistakenly considered a purely psychosexological symptom by patients: the lacking awareness in regards to the pathophysiology and treatments often lead to resignation from the patients' side, making PE the most underdiagnosed sexual complaint. However, an ever-growing body of evidence supporting several organic factors has been developed in the last decades and several definitions have been suggested to encompass all defining features of PE. In the present document by the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS), we propose 33 recommendations concerning the definition, pathophysiology, treatment and management of PE aimed to improve patient care. These evidence-based clinical guidelines provide the necessary up-to-date guidance in the context of PE secondary to organic and psychosexological conditions, such as prostate inflammation, endocrine disorders, and other sexual dysfunctions, and suggest how to associate pharmacotherapies and cognitive-behavioral therapy in a couple-centered approach. New therapeutic options, as well as combination and off-label treatments, are also described.

People smoke for nicotine, but lose sexual and reproductive health for tar: a narrative review on the effect of cigarette smoking on male sexuality and reproduction.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the impact of smoking habits on cardiovascular (CV) as well as on male sexual and reproductive function and to provide updated evidence on the role of electronic cigarettes (e-Cig) on the same topics. METHODS: A comprehensive Medline, Embase, and Cochrane search was performed including the following words: smoking, CV system, CV risk, erectile dysfunction (ED), and male fertility. Publications from January 1, 1969 up to February 29, 2020 were included. RESULTS: Smoking has a tremendous negative impact on CV mortality and morbidity. Current smoking behavior is also negatively associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) and impaired sperm parameters. E-Cig can release significantly lower concentrations of harmful substances when compared to regular combustible cigarettes. Whether or not the latter can result in positive CV, sexual, and fertility outcomes is still under study. Preliminary studies showed that exposure to e-Cig leads to lower vascular damage when compared to the traditional cigarette use. However, data on the long-term effects of e-Cig are lacking. Similarly, preliminary data, obtained in animal models, have suggested a milder effect of e-Cig on erectile function and sperm parameters. CONCLUSION: Available evidence showed that e-Cig are much less dangerous when compared to the traditional tobacco use. However, it should be recognized that the risk related to e-Cig is still higher when compared to that observed in non-smoking patients. Hence, e-Cig should be considered as a potential tool, in the logic of harm reduction, to reduce the CV, sexual and fertility risk in patients refractory to the fundamental, healthy choice to definitively quit smoking.

Predictors of malignancy in high-risk indeterminate (TIR3B) cytopathology thyroid nodules.

PURPOSE: The classification of indeterminate cytopathology at thyroid fine-needle-aspiration (FNA) has been updated to reduce the number of unnecessary surgery; the 2014 Italian classification introduced the low-risk (TIR3A) and high-risk (TIR3B) subcategories. Aim of this study was to identify the ultrasonographic (US), clinical and cytological predictors of malignancy among TIR3B nodules from a single institution. METHODS: A prospective observational study including 1844 patients who underwent thyroid FNA from June 2014 to January 2019. Ultrasonographic, clinical and cytological features were recorded. All TIR3B diagnoses were referred to surgery. According to final histology, patients were divided into thyroid cancer (TC) or benign nodules. Chi-square test, or Fisher exact test when appropriate, were used to compare groups and logistic regression analyses were used to determine independent predictors of malignancy. RESULTS: Of 1844 FNAs, 96 (5.2%) were TIR3B. Histology report was available in 65. Among them, 25 (38.5%) were TC. Predictors of TC were nodule size < 20 mm [Odds Ratio (OR) = 5.88, 95% CI 1.91-18.11, p = 0.002], absence or weak intralesional flow [OR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.09-0.77, p = 0.015], microcalcifications [OR = 6.5, 95% CI 1.90-21.93, p = 0.003] at US; nuclear inclusions [OR = 25.3, 95% CI 1.34-476.07, p = 0.031] and chromatin clearing [OR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.27-10.99, p = 0.017] at cytopathology. Patients aged < 55 years had a significantly higher risk of TC [OR = 9.7, 95% CI 2.79-34.07, p < 0.001]. In multivariate analysis, age < 55 and nodule size < 20 mm resulted as independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Patients < 55 years receiving a diagnosis TIR3B on nodules < 20 mm, with microcalcifications, showing specific nuclear atypia at cytopathology are more likely to have TC. Combining US, cytological and clinical features could help determining which patients with a TIR3B diagnosis should be referred to surgery.

Towards the tailoring of glucocorticoid replacement in adrenal insufficiency: the Italian Society of Endocrinology Expert Opinion.

CONTEXT: Glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy in patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) is life saving. After over 50 years of conventional GC treatment, novel formulations are now entering routine clinical practice. METHODS: Given the spectrum of medications currently available and new insights into the understanding of AI, the authors reviewed relevant medical literature with emphasis on original studies, prospective observational data and randomized controlled trials performed in the past 35 years. The Expert Opinion of a panel of selected endocrinologists was sought to answer specific clinical questions. The objective was to provide an evidence-supported guide, for the use of GC in various settings from university hospitals to outpatient clinics, that offers specific advice tailored to the individual patient. RESULTS: The Panel reviewed available GC replacement therapies, comprising short-acting, intermediate and long-acting oral formulations, subcutaneous formulations and the novel modified-release hydrocortisone. Advantages and disadvantages of these formulations were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: In the Panel's opinion, achieving the optimal GC timing and dosing is needed to improve the outcome of AI. No-single formulation offers the best option for every patients. Recent data suggest that more emphasis should be given to the timing of intake. Tailoring of GS should be attempted in all patients-by experts-on a case-by-case basis. The Panel identified specific subgroups of AI patients that could be help by this process. Long-term studies are needed to confirm the short-term benefits associated with the modified-release GCs. The impact of GC tailoring has yet to be proven in terms of hospitalization rate, morbidity and mortality.