[Effects of hyperprolactinemia on sexual and gonadal function in men, and the benefit of treating them with cabergoline for three months]

Physiologic levels of prolcatin play a vital role in sexual life in men. hyperprolactinemia, although rare in male individuals, can cause sexual and gonadal dysfunction which eventually inhibits all aspects of sexual behavior. In contrast to those conducted in women, there is only a limited number of trials conducted in men regarding the matter in question, and most of the clinical trials were carried out in hyperprolactinemic men with prolactinomas, while only few studies involved idiopathic hyperprolactinemic men. we conducted this trial which aimed at evaluating sexual function particularly libido and potency, seminal parameters, and related hormones in 20 subjects suffering from hyperprolactinemia, with prolactin levels at least double normal values, compared to 20 healthy men. We also investigated the benefits of treating those patients for three months with cabergoline. We found reduced libido as well as erectile dysfunction in all patients [100%], and blood analyses reported gonadal insufficiency in 5 patients [25%], asthenospermia in 11 [55%], as well as reduced sperm concentration and motility, although being within normal range, compared to control group. Treatment with cabergoline normalized prolactin levels, improved libido and potency significantly in all patients, and restored gonadal function in patients who complained from gonadal insufficiency at study entry. In conclusion, hyperprolactinemia interferes with some seminal parameters and sexual hormones. Treatment with cabergoline for three months could restore normal sexual function, as well as semen and blood parameters

[ survey on the potential risks of admixing intramuscular ampoules in Damascus]

The aim of the study is the survey intended to assess the awareness of the potential effects of admixing intramuscular ampoules on their bioavailability in Syrian clinics, hospitals and pharmacies. Questionnaires were distributed to the different health settings in Damascus, a response of 62% was obtained. Main findings show that some of the personnel involved in admixing intramuscular ampoules are unaware of any potential risks of admixing intramuscular ampoules. The study came out with recommendations, the most important of which is to avoid any extemporaneous admixtures and to further investigate the suitable formulations of desirable admixtures by professional people, to make sure that there are no risks of precipitation or deactivation due to the change in pH, drug-drug interactions, and dilution

Versus the effects of metformin and rosiglitazone on clinical symptoms and serum hormonal levels in overweight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

The aim of this research is to assess the effects of metformin and rosiglitazone on clinical symptoms and serum hormonal levels, in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS]. twenty overweight patients [BMI>25 kg/m2], with polycystic ovary syndrome, were included in this study which has been achieved in Damascus university [2006-2008]. patients were divided into two groups, [RO] included patients being treated with rosiglitazone 4mg/day, and [MO] included patients receiving metformin 850 mg twice a day. The following parameters were calculated and measured, respectively, before and after the treatment: Waist to Hip Ratio W/H Ratio, Body Mass Index [BMI], degree of hirsutism, which was determined by the Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system, Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR], hormonal serum levels. In MO group, it was found that BMI, W/H R, HOMA-IR, hormonal serum levels [except DHEA] were significantly reduced, FSH significantly increased. 66.66% of the patients suffering menstrual disturbance became with menstruation regular. Conversely, Rosiglitazone had no statistically significant effects in lowering laboratory values in RO group