To Study Serum Testosterone Levels in Metabolic Syndrome

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (Metabolic syndrome)is a complex disorder with high socioeconomic cost that isconsidered a worldwide epidemic. Current research aimed tostudy serum testosterone levels in metabolic syndrome.Material and methods: The present study was ProspectiveObservational study carried out at CSS Hospital, SubhartiMedical College Meerut U.P. 100 patients of metabolicsyndrome were included in the study who fulfilled the IDFcriteria of metabolic syndrome these patients underwentgenral examination, anthropometry,systemic examination,bmi was calculated, different investigation (Fasting LipidProfile, Serum Testosterone Levels,HBA1C, blood sugarlevels). Descriptive analysis of the collected data was done.Correlation of serum testosterone with various componentsof metabolic syndrome was studied using SPSS software tocalculate the level of significanceResults: This study confirmed the high prevalence of lowtestosterone levels in male patients with metabolic syndrome.The total number of patients who had BMI of more than 35 kg/m2, were 18 and all those had low levels of testosterone whichis significant (p value<0.001). The total number of patientswho had triglyceride level of >150, were 80 and all those hadlow levels of testosterone which is significant (p value<0.001).The total number of patients with low testosterone levels inwhom HbA1C was more than 7.5%, were 68. Patients withnormal level of testosterone were 32 in whom HbA1C was6.5-7.5% which is significant (p value<0.001).Conclusion: This study confirmed the high prevalence of lowtestosterone levels in male patients with metabolic syndrome.Multiple associations and predictors of low testosterone levelswere identified by evaluating different demographic, clinicaland other variables.

Testicular histological evaluation and serum testosterone concentrations of bulls after chemical castration with calcium chloride / Avaliação histológica e das concentrações séricas de testosterona de touros após a castração química com cloreto de cálcio

Orchiectomized bulls have advantages in the meat quality and ease of handling. Chemical castration is an option for surgical castration and the sclerosing agents can be administered into the testicular or epididymis parenchyma. These agents have a lower incidence of complications than surgery, especially when associated with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), which has anti-inflammatory action and increases the absorption of other drugs. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of a single intratesticular injection of calcium chloride solution associated with DMSO for the chemical sterilization of bulls. Twenty-four young adult bulls were utilized, distributed into 3 groups (G20, G30 and G40, n = 8/group), according to the calcium chloride concentration (20, 30 and 40%), in 10mL volume. Serum concentrations of testosterone, body weight, testicular volume and ecotexture, clinical signs and behavior and were evaluated for 45 days. Thus, the animals were orchiectomized and testicles were assessed histologically. There were no changes in body weight, decreased serum testosterone concentrations (except G30), signs of scrotal sensitivity or changes in behavior over the period. However, there was significant increase in testicular volume, especially on the 2nd and 3rd day after treatment, with values returning to the value initials at 15 days. Testicular adherence and firm consistency were observed during orchiectomy. Ultrasound examination revealed a loss of integrity of the median raphe, with cavity formation and an alteration of the testicular echotexture. In the histological evaluation, coagulation necrosis of seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells was observed, mainly in the medial portion in all groups. Some animals presented total absence of tubular formations in all the studied groups, being the effects of greater intensity in the G40. Additionally, pronounced edema was noted in all groups, especially in G40. Inflammatory infiltrate, fibroplasia and neovascularization were found to be predominantly discrete. Based on the conditions used in this study, we conclude that calcium chloride associated with DMSO can be used as a method of chemical sterilization in bovines.(AU)

Bovinos orquiectomizados apresentam vantagens na qualidade da carne e facilidade no manejo. A quimioesterilização é uma opção à castração cirúrgica e os agentes esclerosantes podem ser administrados no parênquima testicular ou epidídimo. Estes produtos possuem menor incidência de complicações, comparados a cirurgia, especialmente quando associados ao dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO), que apresenta ação anti-inflamatória e aumenta a absorção de outros fármacos. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de uma única injeção intratesticular de solução de cloreto de cálcio associado com 0,5% de DMSO para a esterilização química de bovinos. Vinte e quatro touros adultos jovens foram utilizados, distribuídos em 3 grupos (G20, G30 e G40, n = 8/grupo) de acordo com a concentração de cloreto de cálcio (20, 30 e 40%), em um volume de 10mL. Foram avaliadas as concentrações séricas de testosterona, peso corporal, volume e ecotextura testicular, sinais clínicos e comportamento por 45 dias. A seguir, os animais foram submetidos à orquiectomia e os testículos avaliados histologicamente. Não foram observadas alterações do peso corporal, diminuição das concentrações de testosterona sérica (exceto no G30), sinais de sensibilidade escrotal ou alterações no comportamento no período avaliado. Porém, houve aumento significativo do volume testicular, especialmente nos 2º e 3º dia após o tratamento, com valores retornando aos iniciais aos 15 dias. Aderência e consistência firme dos testículos foram achados observados durante a orquiectomia. O exame ultrassonográfico revelou perda de integridade da rafe mediana, com formação de cavidades e alteração da ecotextura testicular. Na avaliação histológica, verificou-se necrose de coagulação de túbulos seminíferos e células intersticiais acentuada, principalmente, na porção medial em todos os grupos, sendo que em alguns animais havia ausência total das formações tubulares em todos os grupos estudados, sendo os efeitos de maior intensidade no G40. Além disso, edema foi acentuado em todos os grupos, principalmente em G40. Infiltrado inflamatório, fibroplasia e neovascularização foram achados predominantemente discretos. Com base nas condições utilizadas neste estudo, conclui-se que o cloreto de cálcio associado com o DMSO pode ser utilizado como um método de esterilização química em bovinos.(AU)

Demographic And Hormonal Profile Of Acne In Adolescence And Post Adolescence.

Background: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases affecting majority of the teens and reaching its pinnacle during adulthood. In some severe cases, it leads to pronounced skin deformity which adversely dampen the self-esteem of the affected which can eventually lead to depression and even suicides. Usually this disease invariably diminishes in twenties but in some cases, it might even persist in thirties, forties and beyond. Majority of females suffer from mild to moderate acne at some stage of life. Androgens cause enlargement and overstimulation of the sebaceous glands in people with acne and this leads to overproduction of sebum coupled with sluggish exfoliation process leads to blocked pores and development of acne, so the present study conducted with objectives to compare hormonal levels of serum testosterone, LH, FSH among patients with and without Acne and to compare the hormonal levels in different categories of acne among study participants.

Relationship between obesity and serum testosterone level in 1 166 adult males / 重庆医学

Objective To explore the relationship between obesity and serum testosterone level among community adult males.Methods The stratified cluster sampling method was adopted to extract 1 166 male residents aged 20 years old and over in Zunyi City and conduct the questionnaire survey and physical examination.Fasting venous blood samples were collected for detecting the serum total testosterone(TT),sex hormone binding globulin(SHBG) and luteinizing hormone(LH).Then free testosterone index(cFT),free testosterone index(FTI) and testosterone secreting index(TSI) were calculated.Results The average levels of serum TT,SHBG,cFT,FTI,TSI and LH in 1 166 adult males were(16.83±4.90)nmol/L,(42.15 ± 20.21)nmol/L,(0.31 ±0.10)nmol/L,(0.46 ± 0.19) IU/L,(3.40 ± 2.04) IU/L and(6.77 ± 5.14) IU/L respectively;the Pearson correlation analysis showed that WHtR,BMI and WC were negatively correlated with TT,SHBG,TSI and LH,and were positively correlated with FTI,WHtR was negatively correlated with cFT,BMI and WC were negatively correlated with LH,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The multivariate linear regression analysis shown that WHtR was negatively correlated with TT,SHBG,TSI and LH;and was positively correlated with FTI,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.01).Conclusion Adult male central obesity may be associated with the decrease of serum TT,SHBG,TSI and LH levels,and increase of FTI level.

Cynomorium songaricum improves sperm count and motility and serum testosterone level and promotes proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia in oligoasthenospermia rats / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To investigate the effects of cynomorium songaricum (CS) decoction on the testis weight, serum testosterone level, and sperm parameters of rats with oligoasthenospermia (OAS), explore its action mechanism of improving the proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonial cells, and provide some experimental and theoretical evidence for the development of new Chinese drugs for OAS.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty 8-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups of equal number: blank control, model control, high-dose CS, medium-dose CS, and low-dose CS. OAS models were established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide and, a month later, treated intragastrically with normal saline or CS at 2, 1, and 0.5 g per kg of the body weight per day, all for 4 weeks. Then, the testes of the animals were harvested to obtain the testicular weight, sperm concentration and motility, and the level of serum testosterone (T), detect the expressions of the transcription factor 1 (Oct4), Thy-1 cell surface antigen (Thy1), promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF), KIT proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (C-kit) and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the testis tissue of the rats in the low-dose CS group by real-time PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The testis weights in the blank control, model control, high-dose CS, medium-dose CS, and low-dose CS groups were (1.52±0.06), (1.55±0.06), (1.43±0.30), (1.35±0.40) and (1.34±0.04) g, respectively, not significantly different in the blank and model controls from those in the CS groups (P>0.05). The visual field sperm count per 10 HP was significantly increased in the high-, medium-, and low-dose CS groups (202±20, 196±5 and 216±25) as compared with the blank and model controls (200±15 and 134±30) (P<0.05). The mRNA expressions of the Oct4, Thy1, PLZF and GDNF genes were remarkably higher in the low-dose CS group than in the controls (P<0.05), but that of the C-kit gene showed no significant difference from the latter (P>0.05). The visual field sperm motility per 10 HP was markedly increased in the blank control (［52.1±5.5］%), model control (［38.1±2.5］%), high-dose CS (［59.1±9.5］%), medium-dose CS (［58.7±9.5］%), and low-dose CS (［49.6±1.0］%) groups, and so was the level of serum testosterone (［190±87.5］, ［82.5±25.8］, ［229±75.6］, ［331±86.7］ and ［185±82.4］ mmol/L), both remarkably higher in the CS groups than in the model controls (P<0.05) but with no statistically significant difference between the CS groups and the blank controls (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CS can significantly improve sperm concentration, sperm motility and serum T level in OAS rats, probably by inducing the expression of GDNF in the rat Sertoli cells, promoting the proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonial cells, and enhancing spermatogenesis.</p>

Effect of small dose of diuretics combined with Dahuang zhechong pill on testosterone, Cystatin C, leptin and β2 microglobulin in serum in patients with chronic renal failure / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To explore effect of small dose of diuretics combined with Dahuangzhechong pill on testosterone, Cystatin C(CysC), leptin and β2 microglobulin(β2-MG) in serum in patients with chronic renal failure.Methods 69 cases of kidney disease patients were collected and divided into two groups.Testosterone, Cystatin C, leptin and β2 microglobulin in serum were compared before and after the treatment.The control group was given hydrochlorothiazide tablets, treatment group was given Dahuangzhechong pill based on the control group.All patients were treated for 3 months. Results After treatment, levels of testosterone elevated (P <0.05), CysC, leptin and β2 microglobulin decreased (P <0.05) in the two groups compared with before treatment;Compared with the control group , level of testosterone was higher (P<0.05), levels of CysC ,leptin and β2-MG were lower (P<0.05).Conclusion Low dose diuretics combined with Dahuang Zhechong pill has good effect in treatment of chronic renal failure curative.The mechanism may be related to elevate serum testosterone levels and reduce serum CysC , leptin and β2-MG level in patients.

Clinical Effect Study on Bailing Capsules in the Treatment of 68 Cases of Diabetic Impotence / 中国药师

Objective:To study the clinical effect of Bailing capsules in the treatment of diabetic impotence. Methods: Totally 136 cases of diabetic impotence were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group with 68 cases each. The obser-vation group was treated with Bailing capsules and the control group was with tadalafil tablets. The effect of the two groups was com-pared, and the changes in IIEF-5 score, serum testosterone ( T) and zinc ( Zn2+) before and after the treatment were studied as well. Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was 83. 82% while that of the control group was 67. 65%, and the difference was statistically significant (P0. 05), while IIEF-5 score was increased significantly (P0.05), while the serum testosterone (T) and IIEF-5 score were increased significantly in the observation group (P <0. 05). After the treatment, the symptoms in the two groups were both improved with increased IIEF-5 score, T and Zn2+, and the ob-servation group was with more obvious improvement. Conclusion:The effect of Bailing capsules in the treatment of diabetic impotence is promising, which is worthy of further study.

Assessment of Hypogonadism with Reference to Clinical Features and Serum Testosterone Levels in Asian-Indian Male Type 2 Diabetics.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of hypogonadism in Asian-Indian males with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with reference to clinical feature and total serum testosterone levels. Material and methods: In the cross-sectional study of 50 diabetics of 30-76 years age group preferably without chronic illness, total testosterone, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Overt hypogonadism was defined as the presence of clinical symptoms of hypogonadism and low testosterone level (total testosterone <8 nmol/l). Borderline hypogonadism was defined as the presence of symptoms and total testosterone of 8-12 nmol/l. Results: A low serum testosterone level was common in diabetic men and a significant proportion of these men had symptoms of hypogonadism. Overt hypogonadism was seen in 30% of men with total testosterone levels <8 nmol/l and borderline hypogonadism was found in 28% of men with total testosterone levels 8-12 nmol/l. Total serum testosterone levels significantly and negatively correlated with both BMI (r = –0.334, p < 0.05) and WC (r = –0.443, p < 0.001), with the association being stronger for WC. HbA1C also significantly and negatively correlated with serum testosterone levels (r = –0.503, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Testosterone levels are frequently low in men with T2DM and the majority of these men have symptoms of hypogonadism, even in the younger age group (early-onset hypogonadism). Obesity and BMI are also associated with low testosterone levels in Asian-Indian diabetic men.

Testosterona plasmática, ¿es un predictor de estadio en cáncer de próstata / Serum testosterone as a predictor of staging in prostate cancer

El cáncer de próstata (CaP) es una patología frecuente. Luego del tratamiento quirúrgico, la histopatología demuestra que hasta 30 por ciento de los pacientes tiene un tumor no confinado a la próstata que requerirá un tratamiento complementario. Algunos informes sugieren una asociación entre CaP avanzado y niveles plasmáticos bajos de testosterona. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la asociación entre niveles de testosterona sérica y etapa patológica del CaP. Pacientes y método: Estudio prospectivo, no randomizado. Se incluyen todos los pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía radical entre noviembre 2007 y septiembre 2009. Previo a la cirugía de CaP se etapifican y estudian los pacientes, se determina el nivel plasmático de testosterona total y se mide su índice de masa corporal (IMC).Resultados: Durante el período estudiado se operaron 93 pacientes, con una edad promedio de 65,08 años (rango: 41 a 75 años). El IMC promedio fue 28 (19 a 40). El PSA promedio fue de 8,20 ng/ml (rango:1,15 a 52ng/ml) y 25/93 (26 por ciento) pacientes tenían un tacto rectal sospechoso de cáncer. El score de Gleason promedio de la pieza operatoria fue de 6,1 (rango: 4 a 9). La testosterona sérica total promedio fue de 380ng/dl (66 a 720ng/dl). El 65,6 por ciento (61/93) de los pacientes tenía una etapa patológica pT2a, pT2b o pT2c y el 34,4 por ciento (32/93) un estadio patológico T3ao T3b. La testosterona total plasmática promedio fue de 391ng/dl (145 a 720ng/dl), 362ng/dl (66 a 542ng/dl) en las etapas T2 y T3, respectivamente. No se encontró una relación significativa entre niveles bajos de testosterona plasmática total y la etapa patológica. Conclusiones: Con los datos obtenidos no fue posible demostrar una relación entre la testosterona plasmática total y la etapa patológica en CaP. Tampoco se encontró asociación entre la testosterona plasmática total y el IMC.

Prostate cancer (PC) is a frequent condition. Following surgical treatment, biopsy shows extra-prostate tumor involvement in up to 30 percent of the patients. There are reports suggesting an association between advanced PC and low total serum testosterone (TST) levels. The goal of this study was to evaluate the association between TST levels and pathologic staging in PC. Patients and method: This is a prospective non-randomized study. All patients submitted to radical prostatectomy between November 2007 and September 2009, are included. Before surgery, all patients were staged; TST levels and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Results: During the study period, 93 patients underwent surgery. The average age was 65.08 years (41/75).Average BMI was 28 (19-40). Average PSA was 8.20 ng/ml (1.15-52 ng/ml). Digital rectal examination was abnormal in 26 percent (25/93). Average Gleason score of the surgical specimen was 6.1 (4-9). Average TST was 380 ng/dl (66-720 ng/dl). Pathologic stage was pT2a, pT2b or pT2c in 65.6 percent (61/93) whereas 34.4 percent (32/93) were pT3a or pT3b stage. Average TS was 391 ng/dl (145-720 ng/dl) for T2 stage and 362 ng/dl (66-542 ng/ dl) for stage T3. No significant relationship was found between low levels of TST and pathologic staging. Conclusions: This study showed no relationship between TST and pathologic staging in PC. Likewise, there was no association between TST levels and BMI.

Importância da metodologia na dosagem de testosterona sérica: comparação entre um imunoensaio direto e um método fundamentado em cromatografia líquida de alta performance e espectrometria de massa em tandem (HPLC/MS-MS) / The importance of methodology in serum testosterone measurement: comparison between a direct immunoassay and a method based on high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS-MS)

A dosagem de testosterona sérica, total ou fração livre, é metodologia de alto valor diagnóstico e encontra-se disponível na maioria dos laboratórios clínicos. Esta disponibilidade foi possível pelo desenvolvimento de metodologias simples e diretas, adaptáveis a plataformas de dosagem automatizada. Uma série de publicações recentes tem alertado quanto às limitações destas metodologias, em especial em amostras com baixas concentrações, como mulheres e crianças. Neste trabalho serão apresentados os resultados do emprego de uma metodologia de referência, fundamentada em cromatografia líquida de alta performance e espectrometria de massa em tandem (HPLC/MS-MS), e sua comparação com uma dosagem de rotina (ensaio eletroquimioluminescente - ECLIA). Os métodos são comparados tanto na dosagem de testosterona total (n = 213) quanto na determinação de testosterona livre calculada com base na determinação da testosterona total e da proteína carregadora de hormônios sexuais (SHBG) (n = 135). Os valores obtidos com o ECLIA são significativamente mais elevados, sendo a dispersão mais nítida em soros com baixas concentrações. Tal fenômeno fica mais claro quando apresentado na forma de gráficos de Bland-Altman. Neste trabalho são discutidas as dificuldades de implementação de uma metodologia de referência, como a apresentada, e a convivência com as metodologias de rotina, bem como a literatura recente sobre o assunto.

Serum testosterone in its total or free form, is a highly valuable diagnostic test and is available in the great majority of clinical laboratories. This reality was possible due to the development of simple and direct assays, adaptable to large automatic systems. Recent publications have called attention to the limitations of these simplified methodologies, mainly in samples with low concentration, as women and children. In this paper we present results obtained using a reference method based on high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS-MS) and its comparison with those obtained with a commercial routine immunoassay (electrochemiluminescent assay, ECLIA). Methods were compared in total testosterone measurement (n = 213), as well as in free testosterone evaluation based on calculation inclu-ding sex hormone-binding protein (SHBG) levels (n = 135). Values obtained with ECLIA were significantly higher, with more marked dispersion in low concentration. This phenomenon is clearer when presented as a Bland-Altman plot. Difficulties in the implementation of reference methods as the one presented are discussed, as well as the necessity of caution in the interpretation of values obtained with routine assays, a matter of several publications in recent literature.

Effect of letrozole on ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome / 第三军医大学学报

Objective To study the effect of letrozole (LE) on ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods One hundred and sixty-four patients with PCOS were divided into LE treatment group (n=68) and chloramiphene (CC) treatment group (n=96).Growth rate of follicles,serum hormone level,endometrial thickness,and cervix mucus were observed before and after treatment.Results The growth rate of follicles was 1.67 and 1.78 mm/d,respectively,in LE and CC treatment groups (P=0.14).The serum T level on the day of LH peak was 2.1?1.9 and 2.0?1.7ng/dL,respectively,in LE and CC treatment groups (P=0.93).The serum testosterone (T) level on day of LH peak and on day 3 of menses was 2.1?1.9 and 1.4?1.5 ng/d,respectively,in LE and CC treatment groups (P=0.09).The serum E2 level on day of LH peak was 89.0?59.5 and 108.1?46.0 pg/ml,respectively,in LE and CC treatment groups (P=0.13).The endometrial thickness was 11.3?1.6 and 9.7?1.4 mm,respectively,in LE and CC treatment groups (P=0.07).The score of cervix mucus was 11.0?1.1 and 8.3?3.1,respectively,in LE and CC treatment groups (P=0.003).Conclusion Letrozole can effectively induce ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome,and does not increase serum T level.

Experimental Studies on Antiaging Effects of Seal Kidney / 中国海洋药物

Objective Antiaging effects of seal kidney on aged male rats have been studies. Methods: Reproduction system of male rat was damaged by CYP. After ig. seal kidney 30 days, the content of serum T, serum MDA and the activity of SOD were determined. The changes of histology of the testis were observed by microscope with the method of paraffin embedding and H-E staining. Results The contents of serum T not only in normal rat but also in reproduction system damaged rat were markedly enhanced. The function condition of leydig's cells in the testis was improved. The formation and development of spermatozoon were increased. The activity of serum SOD was remarkably raised , while the content of serum MDA was strikingly reduced. Conclusion Seal kidney has the notable antiaging effects.

Can Low Serum Testosterone Affect Erectile Capacity in Patients with Erectile Dysfuntion / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: To identify a possible relation between erectile capacity and serum testosterone concentrations in men with normal testicles and erectile dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 206 patients with erectile dysfunction who had no anatomic defect in their sex organs and no vascular risk factors or history of operation or trauma. The protocol included assay of serum testosterone in the morning and duplex ultrasonography after pharmacologic induction of erection using prostaglandin E1. The subjects were assigned to three groups according to their serum testosterone concentration: low (700 ng/dL). Some clinical factors, the result of duplex flow study, and pharmacologic erection test findings were compared. RESULTS: The residual spontaneous erectile rigidity of the three groups was 43.5% in the low, 46.5% in the normal, and 37.6% in the high group (p>0.05). The mean penile rigidities after injection of PGE1 in the low, normal, and high testosterone groups were 73.8%, 78.1%, and 81.9%, respectively (p>0.05). The differences in peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistance index (RI), which are indicators of penile hemodynamics, did not reach statistical significance between these groups. However, the average age of the low-testosterone group was significantly greater than the averages of the other two groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant relation between serum testosterone concentration and erectile capacity in patients with erectile dysfunction who had normal testicles. Our data imply a serum testosterone threshold for penile erection which is much lower than the normal laboratory range.

Effects of administering Tu-Chung extract on the gonadal and adrenal system in rats during exercise / 体力科学

This study examined the secretion capacity of the gonadal and adrenal cortex systems and the morphology of the adrenal cortex in male rats treated with Tu-chung (Eucommia ulmoides O<SUB>LIV</SUB>) extract, the main component of Tu-chung extract, geniposide, or both agents during exercise load testing.<BR>Twenty-four 4-week-old male Wistar rats were used. The rats were divided into four groups : those treated with Tu-chung extract and geniposide (n=7), those treated with Tu-chung extract (n=6), those treated with geniposide (n=7) and a control group treated with distilled water. The dose of each agent was 0.1 ml/100g body weight. The agents were administered orally for 25 days. For the exercise load test, a treadmill for small animals was used, with a tilting angle set at 0. Exercise load testing was performed for 30 min (2-min warm up and 28-min running) daily for 25 days. The running speed was 20 m/min for the first 5 days, and then increased by 5 m/min every 5 days.<BR>The following results were obtained.<BR>1. The relative weight of the adrenal gland (gland weight/100 g body weight) in the group treated with Tu-chung extract and geniposide was significantly higher than that in the group treated with geniposide or the control group (p<0.01) . The relative weight of the adrenal gland in the group treated with Tu-chung extract was significantly higher than that in the group treated with geniposide or the control group (p<0.01, p<0.001) . Furthermore, the relative gland weight in the group treated with geniposide was significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.05) .<BR>2. In the group treated with Tu-chung extract and geniposide, the group treated with Tu-chung extract and the group treated with geniposide, the relative gland weight of the testis (testis weight/100g body weight) was significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.001) . However, there were no significant differences among the three groups.<BR>3. The 24-h urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroid (17-KS) in the group treated with Tu-chung extract and geniposide was significantly higher than that in the group treated with Tu-chung extract, the group treated with geniposide or the control group (p<0.01, p<0.01, p<0.001) . In the group treated with geniposide, the 24-h urinary excretion of 17-KS was significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.05) .<BR>4. In the three groups treated with Tu-chung extract and/or geniposide, serum testosterone levels were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.001, p0.05, p<0.05) .<BR>5. Concerning the morphology of the adrenal cortex, the thickness of the reticular layer of the adrenal cortex was most markedly increased in the group treated with Tu-chung extract and geniposide, followed in order by the group treated with Tu-chung extract, the group treated with geniposide and the control group.<BR>Administration of Tu-chung extract and the main component of Tu-chung extract, geniposide, during exercise load testing significantly increased the weights of the adrenal gland and testis, and promoted testosterone secretion in the adrenal cortex reticular layer and testis.<BR>These findings suggest that geniposide plays an important role in the pharmacological action of Tu-chung.

Effects of Swimming Training and Use of Chinese Medicine Compound for Invigorating Qi and Tonifying the Kidney on Testicular Ultrastructure of Rats / 中国运动医学杂志

In order to probe into the peripheral mechanism of exercise-induced low level of serum testosterone and to explore an effective Chinese medicine compound for ameliorating this serious situation, a rat model of intensive swimming training was conducted, and the ultrastructure of testis in rats and the effects of Chinese medicine compound on this were studied with morphometry. Results showed that the volume of lipid droplets in rat testicular Leydig cells decreased after long term endurance training,which may be one of the causes of exercise-induced low level of serum testosterone; however, the administration of traditional Chinese medicine compound for invigorating qi and tonifying the kidney could improve the transportation of cholesterol and recovery of the testosterone level in serum.