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Serum Testosterone (serum + testosterone)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences84%
Life Sciences15%
Distribution within Medical Sciences
Urology33%
Andrology21%
10 Other Subdomains46%

Terms modified by Serum Testosterone

  • serum testosterone concentration
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  • serum testosterone level
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    Selected Abstracts

    SERUM TESTOSTERONE IS ASSOCIATED WITH AGGRESSIVE PROSTATE CANCER IN OLDER MEN: RESULTS FROM THE BALTIMORE LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF AGING

    BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2010
    Abraham Morgentaler
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]

    Relationship between Serum Testosterone, Dominance and Mating Success in Père David's Deer Stags

    ETHOLOGY, Issue 9 2004
    Li Chunwang
    We conducted an experiment in the Beijing Milu Park to study the social behavior of male Père David's deer, and related social behavior to social position and serum testosterone level of the stags during rut. We classified the stags into three rank classes according to their rutting behavior: ,harem master', ,challenger' and ,bachelor'. We monitored the behaviors of four ,harem masters', five ,challengers' and five ,bachelors', and analyzed serum testosterone levels in blood samples of those 14 stags using radioimmunoassay. We defined the effectiveness value, E = A/T, to assess the effectiveness of herding or mating attempts made by stags (,T' represents the frequency of herding or mating attempts made by a stag and ,A' represents the frequency of herding or mating attempts accepted by hinds). We found that: (1) the ,harem masters' and the ,challengers' displayed more frequent rut and locomotive behaviors but fewer ingestion behaviors than the ,bachelors'; (2) serum testosterone levels in the ,harem masters' and the ,challengers' were higher than that in the ,bachelors'; (3) effectiveness value of herding attempts differed significantly between the three types of stags, being highest in the ,harem masters' and the lowest in the ,bachelors'; and (4) effectiveness value of mating attempts was significantly greater for the ,harem masters' than for the ,challengers'. We conclude that: (1) reproductive behavior of the Père David's deer stags is strongly associated with social rank; (2) social roles of Père David's deer stags during the rut are related to the testosterone secretion; and (3) rank class affects the mating opportunity of the stags. [source]

    Greater growth hormone and insulin response in women than in men during repeated bouts of sprint exercise

    ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2009
    M. Esbjörnsson
    Abstract Aim:, In a previous study, sprint training has been shown to increase muscle cross-sectional area in women but not in men [Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 74 (1996) 375]. We hypothesized that sprint exercise induces a different hormonal response in women than in men. Such a difference may contribute to explaining the observed gender difference in training response. Method:, Metabolic and hormonal response to three 30-s sprints with 20-min rest between the sprints was studied in 18 physically active men and women. Results:, Accumulation of blood lactate [interaction term gender (g) × time (t): P = 0.022], and plasma ammonia (g × t: P < 0.001) after sprint exercise was greater in men. Serum insulin increased after sprint exercise more so in women than in men (g × t: P = 0.020), while plasma glucose increased in men, but not in women (g × t: P < 0.001). Serum growth hormone (GH) increased in both women and men reaching similar peak levels, but with different time courses. In women the peak serum GH level was observed after sprint 1, whereas in men the peak was observed after sprint 3 (g × t; P < 0.001). Serum testosterone tended to decrease in men and increase in women (g × t: P = 0.065). Serum cortisol increased approx. 10,15% after sprint exercise, independent of gender (time: P = 0.005). Conclusion:, Women elicited a greater response of serum GH and insulin to sprint exercise. This may contribute to explaining the earlier observed muscle hypertrophy in women in response to sprint training. [source]

    True corrected seminal fructose level: a better marker of the function of seminal vesicles in infertile men

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 5 2001
    Gustavo F. Gonzales
    This study was designed to determine if the value obtained after multiplying motile sperm concentration by seminal fructose concentration, named ,true corrected fructose', correlates with sperm motility in asthenozoospermic men. Forty-two male partners in infertile couples were studied. Men were treated with 100 mg daily of clomiphene citrate for 5 days. Blood and semen samples were collected before treatment and 24 h after the end of treatment. Serum testosterone, seminal fructose and sperm motility were measured in each subject. Corrected fructose (log. sperm concentration multiplied by seminal fructose), and true corrected fructose (log. motile sperm concentration multiplied by seminal fructose) values were calculated. Prevalence of asthenozoospermia was 42.85% (18 of 42). Prevalence of hypofunction of the seminal vesicles was 9.5% using seminal fructose as a marker; 40.5% using seminal corrected fructose as a marker and 47.6% using true corrected fructose as a marker of seminal vesicle function. Regression analysis showed a better coefficient of determination between true corrected fructose and motile sperm concentration (R2=0.20, p < 0.001) than with corrected fructose (R2=0.05, p < 0.1) or fructose concentration (R2=0.006, p < 0.5). Asthenozoospermia was observed in 22.7% of subjects with normal function of the seminal vesicles, and in 65% of men with low values of true corrected fructose (z=6.02, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that sperm motility grade 3 improved after treatment with clomiphene if true corrected fructose increased (p < 0.002). In those men whose seminal vesicle function improved after clomiphene treatment, a reduction in the prevalence of asthenozoospermia from 50 to 28.6% (z=3.10, p < 0.002) was observed whereas in those whose seminal vesicles did not respond to clomiphene the prevalence of asthenozoospermia was not reduced (z=1.05; p: NS). In conclusion, true corrected fructose measurement relates with sperm motility in cases of asthenozoospermia. Asthenozoospermia improves with clomiphene treatment if seminal vesicle function improves after treatment. [source]

    Chronic telogen effluvium or early androgenetic alopecia?

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 11 2004
    Rodney Sinclair MBBS
    A 16-year-old girl presented with a 12-month history of generalized hair shedding from the scalp. The onset of shedding coincided with the development of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and iron deficiency. At the time of initial presentation, the Hashimoto's thyroiditis had been treated with Neo-Mercazole and she was euthyroid. Her iron stores were low, with a ferritin level of 13 µg/L. As she was vegetarian, oral iron replacement therapy was commenced without further investigation. On follow-up 6 months later, her iron stores were normal (ferritin, 36 µg/L), but the hair shedding had continued. On examination, there was a positive hair pull test from both the vertex of the scalp and the occipital scalp. There was mild bitemporal recession, but no widening of the central part, and she appeared to have a full, thick head of hair (Fig. 1). Additional investigations at that time revealed normal thyroid function and negative antinuclear antibody (ANA) and syphilis serology. She was on no medication other than Neo-Mercazole. Serum testosterone, dihydroepiandosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were normal. Two 4-mm punch biopsies were taken from the vertex of the scalp; one was sectioned horizontally and the other vertically. The vertical section was unremarkable. On the horizontal section, there were 32 hair follicles in total, 30 of which were terminal hairs and two of which were vellus hairs. One hair was in telogen. The ratio of terminal to vellus hairs was 15 : 1. Figure 1. Initial presentation A diagnosis of chronic telogen effluvium was made. The condition was explained to the patient and she was reassured that chronic telogen effluvium is not a progressive condition and does not lead to baldness. No treatment was recommended. At follow-up 12 months later, the hair loss had obviously progressed and the patient was assessed as having Ludwig Stage 1 androgenetic alopecia with widening of the central part (Fig. 2). Repeat blood tests showed normal iron studies, thyroid function, and hormone parameters. Three 4-mm punch biopsies were taken from the vertex of the scalp and all were sectioned horizontally. The terminal to vellus hair ratios were 1 : 1, 2.6 : 1, and 1.9 : 1. A diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia was made and she was commenced on oral spironolactone, 200 mg/day. Figure 2. Presentation after 12 months [source]

    Difference in non-weight-bearing effects on bone mineral density between trunk and peripheral fat mass in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

    JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2010
    Yumi Yanazume
    Abstract Aim:, To investigate the difference in non-weight-bearing effects on bone mineral density (BMD) between trunk and peripheral fat mass in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods:, Subjects were 123 amenorrheic PCOS women with right side dominance. Age, height, body weight, and body mass index were recorded. Trunk, peripheral (extremities), trunk,leg fat ratio as an index of body fat distribution, left arm (non-weight-bearing site) lean mass and BMD were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum testosterone and estradiol levels were measured. Relationships of BMD with trunk, peripheral fat mass, and sex hormones levels were investigated. Results:, Trunk fat mass amount was 9.8 ± 6.7 kg and was lower than the peripheral fat mass amount (12.2 ± 4.4 kg, P < 0.01). On Pearson's correlation test, trunk fat mass and left arm lean mass were positively correlated with arm BMD (r = 0.359, P < 0.001 and r = 0.501, P < 0.0001, respectively), while peripheral fat mass and serum testosterone levels were not correlated with BMD (r = 0.083 and 0.114, respectively, NS). On multiple regression analysis, trunk fat mass was positively correlated with BMD (t -value = 3.465; P < 0.001), independent of age and height. However, this relationship disappeared after additionally adjusting for left arm lean mass. Conclusion:, Trunk fat mass, despite the smaller amount, is more associated with arm BMD than peripheral fat mass is through its non-weight-bearing effects. [source]

    Individual variations of serum testosterone in patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy

    BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2009
    Juan Morote
    OBJECTIVE To analyse individual variations in serum testosterone level, the cumulative rate of ,breakthrough' increases over castrate levels, and to evaluate whether the increases can be predicted. PATIENTS AND METHODS Serum testosterone levels were determined every 6 months over 3 years in 73 consecutive patients with prostate cancer who were medically castrated, prospectively enrolled in a single tertiary academic centre. Patients recruited for this study were being treated with a 3-monthly depot of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist over 6,48 months. Serum testosterone was measured using a chemiluminescent assay with a lower sensitivity level of 15 ng/dL and interassay coefficient of variation of 25% at low testosterone concentrations. RESULTS Individual variations could not be explained by the interassay variation coefficient in 26% of the patients. The rate of breakthrough increases >50 ng/dL increased from 12.3% at the first determination to 24.7% at the third, then remaining stable. The rate of breakthrough increases of 20,50 ng/dL increased from 27.4% at the first determination to 31.5% at the second, and then remained stable. A first determination of <20 ng/dL provided an 11.4% probability for future increases of >50 ng/dL, with a 5.7% probability if two consecutive determinations were <20 ng/dL and a null probability when three consecutive determinations were <20 ng/dL. CONCLUSIONS Individual variations in serum testosterone level cannot be explained by the coefficient of variation of the assay in a quarter of patients who are medically castrated. Breakthrough increases over castrate levels increase over time and those of >50 ng/dL can be predicted from the previous levels. [source]

    Serum testosterone and bioavailable testosterone correlate with age and body size in hypogonadal men treated with testosterone undecanoate (1000 mg IM , Nebido®)

    CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
    Robert Moisey
    Summary Objective, To investigate the loading regimen for intramuscular (IM) testosterone undecanoate (Nebido®) to determine whether testosterone and bioavailable testosterone levels achieved correlate with age or body size of subjects studied. Design, Retrospective observational study of testosterone naïve patients and patients previously treated with an alternative testosterone therapy. Patients, 51 hypogonadal men (35, 68·6% secondary hypogonadism). 8 (16%) had not previously received testosterone therapy. Measurements, Patients received an IM injection of Nebido (1000 mg) at baseline and a second injection after 6 weeks. Serum was assayed at baseline and 18 weeks after commencing Nebido for total testosterone (TT) and SHBG. Bioavailable testosterone was calculated (cBioT) using TT and SHBG. Measurements were taken for weight, body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA). Results, Baseline TT (mean 11·5 nmol/l, range 0·3,54·8) increased by 50% after commencing Nebido (17·2 nmol/l (5·4,32·8), P = 0·0001). 75% of subjects had a TT within the reference range (8·0,25·0 nmol/l). Subjects with primary hypogonadism had a higher 18-week TT [20·9 nmol/l (9·8,32·8) vs. 15·5 (5·4,32·6), P = 0·02] and SHBG [39·2 nmol/l (11,82) vs. 25·7 (9·0,60·0), P = 0·003] although the cBioT was not significantly different [4·9 nmol/l (2·9,7·3) vs. 4·2 (2·0,7·9), P = 0·12]. The 18-week TT positively correlated with age (R = 0·36, P = 0·01) and negatively correlated with weight (R = ,0·38, P = 0·006), BMI (R = ,0·42, P = 0·002) and BSA (R =,0·38, P = 0·007). Similarly cBioT correlated with age (R = 0·28, P = 0·04), weight (R = ,0·29, P = 0·03), BMI (R = ,0·30, P = 0·03) and BSA (R = ,0·27, P = 0·05). Age (t = 2·04, P = 0·05) and baseline testosterone (t = ,9·26, P < 0·0001) were independent variables of the increase in TT at 18 weeks. Conclusion, This starting regimen is simple and provides the majority of men with a TT within the reference range. Age and baseline TT are independent variables of the increase in TT with IM testosterone undecanoate. At week 18 age and body size correlated with the cBioT and TT and this may then be used to estimate dosing frequency for this therapy. [source]

    Letrozole normalizes serum testosterone in severely obese men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

    DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 3 2005
    H. De Boer
    Background:, Morbid obesity is associated with increased estradiol production as a result of aromatase-dependent conversion of testosterone to estradiol. The elevated serum estradiol levels may inhibit pituitary LH secretion to such extent that hypogonadotropic hypogonadism can result. Normalization of the disturbed estradiol-testosterone balance may be beneficial to reverse the adverse effects of hypogonadism. Aim:, To examine whether aromatase inhibition with Letrozole can normalize serum testosterone levels in severely obese men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Patients and Methods:, Ten severely obese men, mean age 48.2 ± 2.3 (s.e.) years and body mass index 42.1 ± 2.6 kg/m2, were treated with Letrozole for 6 weeks in doses ranging from 7.5 to 17.5 mg per week. Results:, Six weeks of treatment decreased serum estradiol from 120 ± 20 to 70 ± 9 pmol/l (p = 0.006). None of the subjects developed an estradiol level of less than 40 pmol/l. LH increased from 4.5 ± 0.8 to 14.8 ± 2.3 U/l (p < 0.001). Total testosterone rose from 7.5 ± 1.0 to 23.8 ± 3.0 nmol/l (p < 0.001) without a concomitant change in sex hormone-binding globulin level. Those treated with Letrozole 17.5 mg per week had an excessive LH response. Conclusion:, Short-term Letrozole treatment normalized serum testosterone levels in all obese men. The clinical significance of this intervention remains to be established in controlled, long-term studies. [source]

    Recent trends in the treatment of testosterone deficiency syndrome

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 11 2007
    Bum Sik Hong
    Abstract: Testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is defined as a clinical and biochemical syndrome associated with advancing age and is characterized by typical symptoms and deficiency in serum testosterone levels. TDS is a result of the interaction of hypothalamo-pituitary and testicular factors. Now, treatment of TDS with testosterone is still controversial due to a lack of large, controlled clinical trials on efficacy. The risks of treatment with testosterone appear to be minimal, although long-term studies on the safety of testosterone therapy are lacking. The aim of the therapy is to establish a physiological concentration of serum testosterone in order to correct the androgen deficiency, relieve its symptoms and prevent long-term sequelae. All of the available products, despite their varying pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles, are able to reach this goal. Newer testosterone patches seem not to cause severe skin irritation. Testosterone gels minimize the skin irritation while providing flexibility in dosing and a low discontinuation rate. Oral testosterone undecanoate (TU) is free of liver toxicity. Recent formulation of oral TU markedly increased shelf-live, a major drawback in the older preparation. Producing swings in testosterone levels rising rapidly to the supraphysiological range is not the case with the new injectable long-acting preparation of TU. To be able to rapidly react and stop treatment in cases where side-effects and contraindications are detected, the short-acting transdermal and oral delivery modes have certain advantages. However, there is no evidence that the use of an injectable long-acting TU in men with TDS has limitations in clinical application for this reason. The use of dehydroepiandrosterone is still controversial because of a lack of well designed long-term trials, although some recent studies suggest positive effects on various body systems. Only a few studies have been carried out to investigate the effect of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in TDS with some positive results on various body systems. [source]

    Role of transcription factors Ad4bp/SF-1 and DAX-1 in steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in human testicular development and idiopathic azoospermia

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 6 2006
    YOSHIYUKI KOJIMA
    Background:, Ad4bp/SF-1 and DAX-1 are orphan members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of transcription factors. In order to obtain better understandings of human testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, we examined the expression levels of both factors in human normal and idiopathic azoospermic testes and investigated their physical meaning. Methods:, First, we examined the expression level of Ad4bp/SF-1 and DAX-1 by quantitative reverse transcription,polymerase chain reaction (RT,PCR), immunohistochemistry and western blotting analysis using eight normal human testicular tissues from infants to adults. Second, we performed quantitative RT,PCR using testicular biopsy samples obtained from 22 idiopathic azoospermic patients to examine the expression of Ad4bp/SF-1 and DAX-1, and analysed the correlation between the expression levels of both factors and the serum hormone levels or histological evaluation to study their potential correlation with steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis on idiopathic azoospermia. Results:, The expression levels of both factors in the normal testes increased with testicular development. Ad4bp/SF-1 was abundantly expressed in Leydig cell, whereas DAX-1 was expressed in Sertoli cells. The expression level of Ad4bp/SF-1 in idiopathic azoospermic patients testes positively correlated with serum testosterone (P < 0.05). The average expression levels of DAX-1 mRNA for patients with maturation arrest (0.39 ± 0.19) and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (0.13 ± 0.08) were lower than that with hypospermatogenesis (1.60 ± 1.32) and normal spermatogenesis (1.30 ± 1.41). Conclusion:, Ad4bp/SF-1 is important for the maintenance of steroidogenesis in the human testis. DAX-1 plays a critical role in spermatogenesis in the human testis, and Sertoli cell-only syndrome and maturation arrest may result from abnormal Sertoli cell function that disrupts the normal progression of spermatogenesis. [source]

    Necessity of re-evaluation of estramustine phosphate sodium (EMP) as a treatment option for first-line monotherapy in advanced prostate cancer

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 2 2001
    Tadaichi Kitamura
    Abstract Estramustine phosphate sodium (EMP) was first introduced in the early 1970s for the treatment of prostate cancer, when EMP was supposed to have the dual effect of estrogenic activity and cytotoxicity. For the following decades, it was used mainly in hormone-refractory cases, with a conventional dosage of 4,9 capsules/day, which showed a 30,35% objective response rate. However, a very limited number of cases have been reported that used EMP as a first-line monotherapy in the conventional dosage. One study showed a response rate of 82%, which is at least as effective as conventional estrogen (diethylstilbestrol; DES) monotherapy. Nevertheless, EMP was almost abandoned for the treatment of prostate cancer because of severe adverse side-effects, especially in the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract. Recently, two facts have become evident. First, EMP interferes with cellular microtubule dynamics but does not show alkylating effects. Second, EMP is able to produce a complex with calcium when dairy products are taken concomitantly with EMP, resulting in a decrease in the absorption rate of EMP from the gut. Many clinical trials have been undertaken without warning against concomitant dairy product intake since the introduction of EMP. This fact will jeopardize almost all the clinical trials performed before 1990. It is considered that response rates have been underestimated and better results could have been obtained because side-effects decrease dose-dependently. Low-dose EMP monotherapy (2 capsules/day) has been performed infrequently in previously untreated advanced prostate cancer. The only large trial by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer in 1984 was biased in selecting patients. Nevertheless, the response rate of EMP is comparable to that of DES. In this study, the adverse side-effects of EMP were less than that of DES. Recently, a study was conducted at the University of Tokyo of 11 patients with advanced prostate cancer on low-dose EMP as first-line monotherapy. The study found that the mean serum prostate-specific antigen level decreased to within the normal range by day 50; mean serum testosterone, leutinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone reduced to undetectable levels by day 20; and mean serum estradiol increased to a very high level within 1 week. These data implicate that low-dose EMP can suppress quickly and adequately the pituitary,gonadal axis, although the antitumor effect has not as yet been elucidated. For these reasons, it is necessary to re-evaluate low-dose EMP monotherapy in previously untreated advanced prostate cancer. [source]

    Serum Testosterone Levels in Males with Alzheimer's Disease

    JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 2 2004
    C. Pennanen
    Abstract This study aimed to investigate whether there are differences in serum testosterone levels between male patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitively normal male controls. Testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured from 14 patients with mild to moderate AD and 16 age-matched control males. The AD patients had higher levels of serum total (P = 0.02) and free testosterone (P < 0.001), and higher free androgen index (FAI) (P = 0.02) compared to controls. No differences were found for the SHBG levels. These data provide no support for hypotheses of (disproportionally) decreased levels of serum testosterone in AD. These data also show that all cognitively normal controls had an FAI below the normal range. [source]

    The mRNA expression of P450 aromatase, gonadotropin ,-subunits and FTZ-F1 in the orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus Coioides) during 17,-methyltestosterone-induced precocious sex change

    MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 6 2007
    Weimin Zhang
    Abstract The orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides is a protogynous hermaphroditic fish, but the physiological basis of its sex change remains largely unknown. In the present study, the 2-year-old orange-spotted grouper was induced to change sex precociously by oral administration of 17,-methyltestosterone (MT, 50 mg/Kg diet, twice a day at daily ration of 5% bodyweight) for 60 days. The serum testosterone levels were significantly elevated after MT treatment for 20 and 40 days as compared to control, but the levels of serum estradiol (E2) remained unchanged. The expression of P450aromA in the gonad significantly decreased after MT treatment for 20, 40, and 60 days. Accordingly, the enzyme activity of gonadal aromatase was also lower. The expression of FSH, subunit in the pituitary was significantly decreased after MT treatment for 20 days, but returned to the control levels after 40 and 60 days; however, the expression of LH, subunit was not altered significantly by MT treatment. The expression of FTZ-F1 in the gonad also decreased significantly in response to MT treatment for 40 and 60 days, but its expression in the pituitary was not altered significantly. Interestingly, when tested in vitro on ovarian fragments, MT had no direct effect on the expression of P450aromA and FTZ-F1 as well as the activity of gonadal aromatase, suggesting that the inhibition of gonadal P450aromatase and FTZ-F1 by MT may be mediated at upper levels of the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis. Taken together, these results indicated that FSH, P450aromA, FTZ-F1, and serum testosterone are associated with the MT-induced sex change of the orange-spotted grouper, but the cause,effect relationship between these factors and sex change in this species remains to be characterized. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 665,673, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    Effects of FSH receptor deletion on epididymal tubules and sperm morphology, numbers, and motility

    MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2005
    Amit Grover
    Abstract Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) interacts with its cognate receptor (R) on Sertoli cells within the testis and plays an important role in the maintenance of spermatogenesis. Male FSH-R knockout (FORKO) mice show fewer Sertoli cells and many that are structurally abnormal and as a consequence fewer germ cells. Lower levels of serum testosterone (T) and androgen binding protein (ABP) also occur, along with reduced fertility. To assess the effects of FSH-R depletion as an outcome of testicular abnormalities, sperm from the cauda epididymidis were counted and examined ultrastructurally. As reduced fertility may also reflect changes to the epididymis, the secondary responses of the epididymis to lower T and ABP levels were also examined by comparing differences in sizes of epididymal tubules in various regions of FORKO and wild type (WT) mice. Sperm motility was evaluated in FORKO mice and compared to that of WT mice by computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Quantitatively, the data revealed that epithelial areas of the caput and corpus epididymidis were significantly smaller in FORKO mice compared to WT mice. Cauda epididymal sperm counts in FORKO mice were also much lower than in WT mice. This resulted in changes to 9 out of 14 sperm motility parameters, related mostly to velocity measures, which were significantly lower in the FORKO mice. The greatest change was observed relative to the percent static sperm, which was elevated by 20% in FORKO mice compared to controls. EM analyses revealed major changes to the structure of the heads and tails of cauda luminal sperm in FORKO mice. Taken together these data suggest a key role for the FSH receptor in maintaining Sertoli cells to sustain normal sperm numbers and proper shapes of their heads and tails. In addition, the shrinkage in epididymal epithelial areas observed in FORKO mice likely reflect direct and/or indirect changes in the functions of these cells and their role in promoting sperm motility, which is noticeably altered in FORKO mice. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    Altered expression of cytokines and sex steroid receptors in the reproductive tract of cysticercotic male mice

    PARASITE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2010
    M. RODRÍGUEZ-DORANTES
    Summary Infection with Taenia crassiceps cysticerci in male mice produces an increase in serum oestradiol levels, whereas serum testosterone is abolished. Concomitantly, complete atrophy of the reproductive tract of infected male mice is observed. The present study was undertaken to determine the expression pattern of cytokines involved in steroidogenesis and sex steroid receptors in the reproductive tissues of normal and infected male mice, and relating this expression pattern to whole parasite counts, serum sex steroid levels and pathology of the reproductive tract in infected male mice. The expression of IL-4, IFN-, and TNF-, in testes and seminal vesicles was markedly increased in infected mice; however, IL-10 and IL-1, expression was importantly decreased in the same organs. IL-2 expression in reproductive tissues was not affected by infection. The infection markedly induced the expression of androgen receptor, in both reproductive organs tested, while subtypes of oestrogen receptors were decreased in both tissues. [source]

    Resistance exercise-induced increases in putative anabolic hormones do not enhance muscle protein synthesis or intracellular signalling in young men

    THE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 21 2009
    Daniel W. D. West
    We aimed to determine whether exercise-induced elevations in systemic concentration of testosterone, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) enhanced post-exercise myofibrillar protein synthesis (MPS) and phosphorylation of signalling proteins important in regulating mRNA translation. Eight young men (20 ± 1.1 years, BMI = 26 ± 3.5 kg m,2) completed two exercise protocols designed to maintain basal hormone concentrations (low hormone, LH) or elicit increases in endogenous hormones (high hormone, HH). In the LH protocol, participants performed a bout of unilateral resistance exercise with the elbow flexors. The HH protocol consisted of the same elbow flexor exercise with the contralateral arm followed immediately by high-volume leg resistance exercise. Participants consumed 25 g of protein after arm exercise to maximize MPS. Muscle biopsies and blood samples were taken as appropriate. There were no changes in serum testosterone, GH or IGF-1 after the LH protocol, whereas there were marked elevations after HH (testosterone, P < 0.001; GH, P < 0.001; IGF-1, P < 0.05). Exercise stimulated a rise in MPS in the biceps brachii (rest = 0.040 ± 0.007, LH = 0.071 ± 0.008, HH = 0.064 ± 0.014% h,1; P < 0.05) with no effect of elevated hormones (P= 0.72). Phosphorylation of the 70 kDa S6 protein kinase (p70S6K) also increased post-exercise (P < 0.05) with no differences between conditions. We conclude that the transient increases in endogenous purportedly anabolic hormones do not enhance fed-state anabolic signalling or MPS following resistance exercise. Local mechanisms are likely to be of predominant importance for the post-exercise increase in MPS. [source]

    Clomiphene Citrate and Testosterone Gel Replacement Therapy for Male Hypogonadism: Efficacy and Treatment Cost

    THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 1pt1 2010
    Frederick Taylor MD
    ABSTRACT Introduction., The efficacy of oral clomiphene citrate (CC) in the treatment of male hypogonadism and male infertility (MI) with low serum testosterone and normal gonadotropin levels has been reported. Aim., The aim of this article is to evaluate CC and testosterone gel replacement therapy (TGRT) with regard to biochemical and clinical efficacy and cost. Main Outcome Measures., The main outcome measures were change in serum testosterone with CC and TGRT therapy, and change in the androgen deficiency in aging male (ADAM) questionnaire scores with CC therapy. Methods., Men receiving CC or TGRT with either Androgel® 1% or Testim® 1% for hypogonadism (defined as testosterone < 300 ng/mL) or MI were included. Serum values were collected 1,2 months after treatment initiation and semi-annually thereafter. Retrospective data collection was performed via chart review. Subjective follow up of patients receiving CC was performed via telephone interview using the ADAM questionnaire. Results., A hundred and four men (65 CC and 39 TGRT) were identified who began CC (50 mg every other day) or TGRT (5 g). Average age (years) was 42(CC) vs. 57 (TGRT). Average follow up was 23 months (CC, range 8,40 months) vs. 46 months (TGRT, range 6,149 months). Average posttreatment testosterone was 573 ng/dL in the CC group and 553 ng/dL in the TGRT group (P value < 0.001). The monthly cost of Testim® 1% (5 gm daily) is $270, Androgel® 1% (5 gm daily) is $265, and CC (50 mg every other day) is $83. Among CC patients, the average pretreatment ADAM score was 4.9 vs. 2.1 at follow up (P < 0.05). Average pretreatment ADAM sexual function domain score was 0.76 vs. 0.23 at follow up (P < 0.05). There were no adverse events reported. Conclusion., CC represents a treatment option for men with hypogonadism, demonstrating biochemical and clinical efficacy with few side effects and lower cost as compared with TGRT. Taylor F, and Levine L. Clomiphene citrate and testosterone gel replacement therapy for male hypogonadism: Efficacy and treatment cost. J Sex Med 2010;7:269,276. [source]

    Evaluation of the Association between Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Erectile Dysfunction, Considering its Multiple Risk Factors

    THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 11 2008
    Ernani Luis Rhoden MD
    ABSTRACT Aim., To investigate the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED), while considering multiple risk factors for ED, including an anthropometric evaluation of central obesity. Methods., A cross-sectional study was carried out with 192 consecutive male subjects (,40 years old). Conditions clearly associated with ED, other than obesity and age, were considered exclusion criteria. Men were evaluated routinely for clinical history, received a physical examination, and were subjected to blood analysis for fasting serum glucose, lipid profile, and serum testosterone. Patients with previous known history of diabetes mellitus or hypertension were excluded. Anthropometric measures taken included body mass index (general obesity) and waist circumference, waist-hip index, and sagittal abdominal diameter (visceral obesity). Analyses were performed using bivariate and multivariate models (multiple logistic regression). Age, education, alcohol consumption, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, fasting blood glucose level, dyslipidemia, hypogonadism, general obesity, and visceral obesity were taken into account as potential confounding factors. Main Outcome Measures., All men completed the International Index of Erectile Function and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Results., IPSS scores were low, intermediate, and high in 89 (46.4%), 76 (39.6%), and 27 (14.1%) men, respectively. Overall IPSS scores were significantly associated with ED (P = 0.002). In addition, an association between the severity of ED and LUTS was observed (P = 0.008). The mean quality of life assessment in the IPSS revealed a statistically significant difference between individuals with varying degrees of ED (P = 0.008). The logistic regression analyses showed that IPSS scores and ED remained independently associated even after the control for confounding factors (odds ratio = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02,1.13, P = 0.01). Conclusion., This study suggests that LUTS are independently associated with ED, taking into account various risk factors for ED, including visceral obesity. Rhoden EL, Riedner CE, Fornari A, Fuchs SC, and Ribeiro EP. Evaluation of the association between lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction, considering its multiple risk factors. J Sex Med 2008;5:2662,2668. [source]

    Serum prostate-specific antigen levels reflect the androgen milieu in patients with localized prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy: Tumor malignant potential and androgen milieu,,

    THE PROSTATE, Issue 13 2010
    Itsuhiro Takizawa
    Abstract BACKGROUND Although androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has a marked impact on the androgen milieu in vivo and outcomes of prostate cancer (PCa), it remains unclear which parameters reflect the androgen milieu during ADT or whether the milieu is associated with PCa aggressiveness. METHODS Seventy-two patients with localized PCa were prospectively studied based on their blood samples before and after ADT for 6 months. Serum androgens and related values were measured. RESULTS Before ADT, there was no correlation between the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and androgen levels. After ADT, the serum PSA levels were correlated with each level of serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), and 3alpha-diol G (P,<,0.010 in all). Before ADT, patients with Gleason score of ,8 were likely to have lower serum testosterone levels than those with Gleason score of ,6 (P,=,0.058). After ADT, conversely, the testosterone levels in patients with Gleason score of ,8 appeared to be higher than in those with Gleason score of ,6 (P,=,0.060). The serum DHEA-S level was correlated with Gleason score before and after ADT (P,=,0.050 and P,=,0.040, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The serum PSA levels well reflect the androgen milieu in localized PCa patients receiving ADT, which can be explained by the Saturation Model and disease control. The androgen milieu in men with high Gleason score PCa is probably less affected by conventional ADT than that in men with low score cancer, which was suggested to be associated with adrenal androgen levels. Prostate 70: 1395,1401, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    Androgen receptor CAG repeat length is not associated with the risk of incident symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: Results from the prostate cancer prevention trial

    THE PROSTATE, Issue 6 2010
    Alan R. Kristal
    Abstract BACKGROUND To examine whether androgen receptor (AR) CAG repeat length was associated with the risk of incident benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS A nested case-control study of 416 BPH cases and 527 controls drawn from Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial placebo-arm participants who were free of BPH at baseline. BPH was assessed over 7 years and was defined as receipt of medical or surgical treatment, two scores > 14 on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), or two increases in IPSS , 5 with at least one score , 12. RESULTS Compared to men with AR repeat length , 19, the covariate-adjusted odds ratios [95% CI] were 1.07 [0.73, 1.57] and 0.90 [0.55, 1.45]) for repeat length 20,24 and ,25, respectively. There was a weak association of AR repeat length with baseline serum testosterone (T) (Spearman r = 0.09, p < 0.02); however, control for or stratification by T did not change study results. Further, results did not differ when stratified by body mass index or baseline concentration of 3,-diol glucoronide, and were similar for all BPH definitions. CONCLUSIONS There were no associations of AR CAG repeat length and BPH risk. Knowledge of AR CAG repeat length provides no clinical useful information for the prevention of symptomatic BPH. Prostate 70: 584,590, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    Long-term ofloxacin testicular toxicity: an experimental study

    ANDROLOGIA, Issue 2 2010
    M. A. EL-Harouny
    Summary The aim of this study was to assess the long-term toxic effect of ofloxacin on the testes and epididymides of 72 adult male albino rats. The rats were divided into group A and group B. Group A, which received ofloxacin for 14 days, was subdivided into two subgroups; LD-14 received low dose 72 mg KBW,1 daily and HD-14 received high dose 216 mg KBW,1 daily. Group B, which received ofloxacin for 28 days, was subdivided into two subgroups; LD-28 received 72 mg KBW,1 and HD-28 received 216 mg KBW,1 daily. Two matched control groups were followed up for 14 and 28 days respectively. The animals were evaluated for body weight, testicular weight, relative testicular weight, serum testosterone (T), epididymal sperm analysis (sperm count, motility, morphology, curvilinear velocity, linear velocity and linearity index) and testicular histopathology. The adverse effects of ofloxacin were correlated with increased treatment duration and/or dose. It is concluded that long-term ofloxacin has a direct detrimental effect on the testicles of albino rats at the studied doses and durations. [source]

    Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia

    ANDROLOGIA, Issue 1 2010
    T. K. Biswas
    Summary The safety and spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit (PS) were evaluated in oligospermic patients. Initially, 60 infertile male patients were assessed and those having total sperm counts below 20 million ml,1 semen were considered oligospermic and enrolled in the study (n = 35). PS capsule (100 mg) was administered twice daily after major meals for 90 days. Total semenogram and serum testosterone, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were estimated before and at the end of the treatment. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker for oxidative stress, content of semen and biochemical parameters for safety were also evaluated. Twenty-eight patients who completed the treatment showed significant (P < 0.001) improvement in spermia (+37.6%), total sperm count (+61.4%), motility (12.4,17.4% after different time intervals), normal sperm count (+18.9%) with concomitant decrease in pus and epithelial cell count compared with baseline value. Significant decrease of semen MDA content (,18.7%) was observed. Moreover, serum testosterone (+23.5%; P < 0.001) and FSH (+9.4%; P < 0.05) levels significantly increased. HPLC chromatogram revealed inclusion of PS constituents in semen. Unaltered hepatic and renal profiles of patients indicated that PS was safe at the given dose. The present findings provide further evidence of the spermatogenic nature of Shilajit, as attributed in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly when administered as PS. [source]

    Prostate cancer: a newly discovered route for testosterone to reach the prostate

    ANDROLOGIA, Issue 5 2009
    Treatment by super-selective intraprostatic androgen deprivation
    Summary The prostate, an androgen-regulated exocrine gland, is an integral part of the male reproductive system which has an essential function in sperm survival and motility in its long hostile route to meet and fertilise the egg in the Fallopian tube. Testosterone is known to be the key, obligatory regulator of the prostate that promotes the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). Yet, the pathophysiological mechanism of PCa remains unclear and its causal relation to serum testosterone has not been established. Here, we report on the discovery of a previously unrecognized route of flow of free testosterone (FT), at a concentration of 130 times the physiological levels, reaching the prostate via the testicular and prostate venous drainage systems, bypassing the systemic circulation. This condition results from the malfunction of the vertically oriented testicular venous drainage system in humans, a phenomenon with a prevalence that increases rapidly with age, which causes deviation of the testicular venous flow from its normal route. Early results of an interventional radiological procedure, super-selective intraprostatic androgen deprivation therapy are discussed. This treatment has resulted in decrease in prostate volume, and serum PSA, with disappearance of cancerous cells on repeat biopsies in five of six patients. Some of the unresolved biological enigmatic questions associated with PCa are discussed. We conclude that pathological flow of FT from the testes directly to the prostate in an extremely high concentration via the testicular-prostate venous drainage systems was identified may explain the mechanism for the development of PCa. We suggest a time-window for eradication of localised, androgen-sensitive, PCa cells. We anticipate that this treatment may retard, stop or even reverse the development of the disease. A mechanism for the evolution of PCa is discussed. [source]

    Serum leptin correlates in infertile oligozoospermic males

    ANDROLOGIA, Issue 5 2007
    S. Hanafy
    Summary Leptin is an adipocyte-secreted protein that participates in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Eighty men were investigated; fertile normozoospermia as a control (n = 30) and infertile oligozoospermia (n = 50). The patients underwent estimation of body weight (kg), height (cm), calculation of body mass index (BMI), semen analysis, serum leptin and testosterone hormones. Mean body weight was significantly higher in infertile oligozoospermia compared with controls. Mean height, BMI and serum testosterone levels showed nonsignificant differences between the two groups. Infertile oligozoospermia had significantly higher mean serum leptin level than controls (mean ± SD; 6.88 ± 8.65, 16.3 ± 13.98 ng ml,1, P < 0.01). Serum leptin demonstrated significant positive correlation with age, body weight, BMI and significant inverse correlation with serum testosterone. It had nonsignificant correlation with the height and sperm concentration. These results are suggestive of a link between the adipocyte derived hormone, leptin and male reproduction. [source]

    Basal serum testosterone as an indicator of response to clomiphene treatment in human epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate

    ANDROLOGIA, Issue 5 2002
    Dr. G. F. GonzalesArticle first published online: 13 AUG 200
    Summary. The present study was designed to determine the response of human epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate function after a 5-day course of clomiphene citrate in men attending an infertility service. In 45 men, the secretions of the epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate were assessed by measurements of seminal ,-glucosidase, fructose and acid phosphatase, respectively. Subjects were classified as normal or abnormal: abnormal men were defined as those who either had history of a sexually transmitted disease (STD), leukocytosper-mia, hypoandrogenism, or a low response of Leydig cells to clomiphene stimulation; and normal subjects were those who did not have these conditions. Mean serum testosterone luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were significantly increased after the short course with clomiphene citrate. After clomiphene citrate stimulation, the men in the normal group showed significantly increased marker levels of the seminal vesicles (P <0.02) and prostate (P <0.05), but not of the epididymis (P: NS). Men classified as abnormal showed no response according to the markers of the seminal vesicles and epididymis. Men with history of STD and abnormal basal values of acid phosphatase did not respond to the treatment. Men with history of STD but normal basal values of seminal acid phosphatase increased significantly in their levels of seminal acid phosphatase after clomiphene stimulation (P <0.02). Multivariate analysis showed that the basal serum testosterone level was the only variable in predicting the probability of response to the clomiphene in terms of true-corrected seminal fructose, seminal acid phosphatase and seminal ,-glucosidase levels. In fact, a high response of the seminal vesicles was observed in men with the highest basal serum testosterone levels (0.45 *** 0.17; coefficient of regression *** standard error; P <0.018). However, a high response in terms of seminal acid phosphatase (P <0.004) or ,-glucosidase (P <0.037) was observed in men with low basal serum testosterone levels. In conclusion, in the normal men, true-corrected fructose and acid phosphatase but not ,-glucosidase in semen increased after duplicate androgen stimulation. An absence of response was observed in cases with history of STD/leukocytospermia or hypoandrogenism. [source]

    Serum sex hormones and the 20-year risk of lower urinary tract symptoms in community-dwelling older men

    BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 11 2010
    Michael D. Trifiro
    Study Type , Prognosis (inception cohort) Level of Evidence 2b OBJECTIVE To evaluate serum sex steroid hormone concentrations and long-term risk of subsequent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a cohort of community-dwelling older men. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Between 1984 and 1987, serum sex hormone concentrations were measured in participants in the Rancho Bernardo Study, a prospective, community-based study. In 2006, the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA-SI) was mailed to surviving male participants. Logistic regression was used to examine associations of baseline hormone concentrations with AUA-SI. RESULTS Among 158 surviving men with complete data and no history of prostate cancer, the mean (sd) age at serum sex steroid assessment was 58 (6.6) years with a mean (sd) follow-up of 20.3 (0.6) years. In age-adjusted logistic regression, there was a significant inverse association of testosterone : dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with LUTS (P = 0.05). Also, men with higher concentrations of bioavailable testosterone had a 56% decreased risk of LUTS compared with those with hypogonadal concentrations, although the association was not statistically significant (odds ratios 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.14,1.40) or distributed evenly among quartiles. There were no significant associations of total testosterone, oestradiol (E2), testosterone : E2, DHT, or dehydroepiandrosterone with LUTS or with any measured hormones and urinary bother. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort, men with higher mid-life levels of testosterone : DHT and bioavailable testosterone had a decreased 20-year risk of LUTS. These data support other studies reporting inverse associations of serum testosterone with LUTS. Clinical trials of testosterone therapy should include LUTS and clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia as outcomes. [source]

    Individual variations of serum testosterone in patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy

    BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2009
    Juan Morote
    OBJECTIVE To analyse individual variations in serum testosterone level, the cumulative rate of ,breakthrough' increases over castrate levels, and to evaluate whether the increases can be predicted. PATIENTS AND METHODS Serum testosterone levels were determined every 6 months over 3 years in 73 consecutive patients with prostate cancer who were medically castrated, prospectively enrolled in a single tertiary academic centre. Patients recruited for this study were being treated with a 3-monthly depot of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist over 6,48 months. Serum testosterone was measured using a chemiluminescent assay with a lower sensitivity level of 15 ng/dL and interassay coefficient of variation of 25% at low testosterone concentrations. RESULTS Individual variations could not be explained by the interassay variation coefficient in 26% of the patients. The rate of breakthrough increases >50 ng/dL increased from 12.3% at the first determination to 24.7% at the third, then remaining stable. The rate of breakthrough increases of 20,50 ng/dL increased from 27.4% at the first determination to 31.5% at the second, and then remained stable. A first determination of <20 ng/dL provided an 11.4% probability for future increases of >50 ng/dL, with a 5.7% probability if two consecutive determinations were <20 ng/dL and a null probability when three consecutive determinations were <20 ng/dL. CONCLUSIONS Individual variations in serum testosterone level cannot be explained by the coefficient of variation of the assay in a quarter of patients who are medically castrated. Breakthrough increases over castrate levels increase over time and those of >50 ng/dL can be predicted from the previous levels. [source]

    Locally advanced prostate cancer,biochemical results from a prospective phase II study of intermittent androgen suppression for men with evidence of prostate-specific antigen recurrence after radiotherapy

    CANCER, Issue 5 2007
    Nicholas Bruchovsky MD
    Abstract BACKGROUND. Biochemical results from a prospective Phase II trial of intermittent androgen suppression for recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy were analyzed for correlations to the onset of hormone-refractory disease. METHODS. Patients with histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate and a rising serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level after external beam irradiation of the prostate were treated intermittently with a 36-week course of cyproterone acetate and leuprolide acetate. Then, patients were stratified according to their serum PSA range at the start of each cycle and were followed with further biochemical testing until disease progression was evident. RESULTS. The mean PSA reduction was 95.2% irrespective of stratification group. A baseline serum PSA level <10 ,g/L and a serum PSA nadir ,0.2 ,g/L were associated with the longest time off treatment. The overall mean nadir PSA value in the progression group at 1.40 ± 0.19 ,g/L was 2.6-fold greater than the value of 0.55 ± 0.88 ,g/L in the no-progression group (P = .0002). Recovery of serum testosterone to a level of ,7.5 nmol/L was observed in 75%, 50%, 40%, and 30% of men in Cycles 1 to 4, respectively, and was sufficient to normalize the level of hemoglobin in each cycle, which dropped by an average of 10.8 g/L during treatment (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS. The length of the off-treatment interval during cyclic androgen withdrawal therapy was related inversely to baseline and nadir levels of serum PSA. Nadir PSA was a powerful predictor of early progression to androgen independence. Cancer 2007 © 2007 American Cancer Society. [source]

    Adiponectin levels are high in children with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 5 2009
    Thomas MK Völkl
    Abstract Objective: It has been shown that adiponectin serves as an insulin-sensitizing adipokine. Serum concentrations of adiponectin are low in children with obesity, and increase with fat mass loss, indicating that adiponectin can serve as a biomarker. Since the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increased in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), our study aimed to evaluate serum levels of adiponectin in a cohort of CAH children and adolescents, and their associations with clinical parameters such as chronological age (CA), body mass index (BMI), Tanner stage (TS), medication and metabolic control. Patients and methods: We studied 51 patients, aged between 5.6 and 19.6 years (median 11.8; 30 females, 21 males), cross-sectionally. All patients had genetically confirmed CAH and received standard steroid substitution therapy. Adiponectin was measured by an enzyme linked immunoassay. Since BMI SDS of the CAH cohort were significantly higher compared to the reference population, we built matched pairs with healthy Caucasian subjects from a normal representative cohort for sex, Tanner stage, chronologic age and BMI. Results: Adiponectin concentrations were significantly higher in CAH patients (median 11 ,g/L) compared to the matched controls (6.7 ,g/L, p < 0.0001). Correlation analyses in CAH patients revealed a significant inverse relationship between adiponectin and CA, TS, BMI, serum DHEAS and serum testosterone, but no correlation with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone dosage. Conclusion: Currently, the importance of the elevated adiponectin concentrations in CAH children for risk assessment is not clear. However, our data imply that besides adequate metabolic control of glucocorticoid substitution, a long-term follow-up of other metabolic markers of insulin resistance should be conducted in CAH patients. [source]