Effect of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive functions of Egyptian males following recovery: A cross sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to assess the sexual and the reproductive functions in males post COVID-19 infection in Beni-Suef Governorate. METHODS: One hundred men were recruited in the current study. All participants were assessed by the Arabic validated version of the International Index of the Erectile Function 5 (ArIIEF-5), semen analysis, and Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale (HADS). Finally, morning testosterone serum level was measured. RESULTS: There were significant decreases in the sperm total motility, the ArIIEF-5 score, and serum total testosterone in the post COVID-19 patients after 3 months when compared to the controls. However, there were significant increases in the sperm total motility, the ArIIEF-5 score, and serum total testosterone in the post COVID-19 patients after 6 months group when compared to the post COVID-19 patients after 3 months group. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the HADS score in the post COVID-19 patients after 3 months when compared to the controls. In contrast, there was a significant decrease in the HADS score in the post COVID-19 patients after 6 months when compared to the post COVID-19 patients after 3 months. CONCLUSION: Our study had shown temporary impairment of sexual and reproductive functions in post COVID-19 convalescent males especially after 6 months from the onset of the infection.

Galectin-1 (Gal-1) and Galectin-3 (Gal-3) levels in seminal plasma and serum in azoospermic patients versus fertile men: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Galectin-1 (Gal-1) and galectin-3 (Gal-3) are expressed by many immune cells and receive considerable attention in the context of immunity. We aimed to compare between seminal plasma and serum levels of Gal-1 and Gal-3 in azoospermic patients and fertile men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the andrology outpatient clinic from January (2022) to September (2022). A total of 90 participants were enrolled and divided into two equal groups: azoospermic and normal group. Semen analysis was done for all participants. Hormonal profile including FSH, LH, serum prolactin, total testosterone and estradiol was performed as well as assessment of serum and seminal levels of Gal-1 and Gal-3 by ELISA commercial kits. Finally, scrotal Duplex was done in standing and supine position. RESULTS: Serum and seminal levels of Gal-1 and Gal-3 were statistically significant higher in azoospermic patients compared with normal individuals (p < 0.001 for all). In addition, in healthy individuals there were statistically significant positive correlations between serum levels of Gal-1 and age, FSH, LH levels (r = 0.296, p = 0.005; r = 0.333, p = < 0.001; r = 0.312, p = 0.003, respectively) and serum levels of Gal-2 and FSH and LH (r = 0.436, p < 0.001; r = 0.350, p < 0.001, respectively), whereas serum Gal-3 showed a borderline positive correlation with age (r = 0.2, p = 0.059). Additionally, statistically significant positive correlations between seminal levels of Gal-1 and Gal-3 and free testosterone in healthy individuals were reported (r = 0.205, p = 0.053; r = 0.219, p = 0.038, respectively). On the other hand, there were negative correlations between serum and seminal levels of Gal-1 and Gal-3, total and progressive sperm motility, sperm count and abnormal sperm forms in healthy individuals (r = -0.382, p < 0.001; r = -0.405, p < 0.001; r = -0.376, p < 0.001; r = -0.364, p < 0.001) (r = -0.394, p < 0.001; r = -0.467, p < 0.001; r = -0.413, p < 0.001; r = -0.433, p < 0.001); (r = -0.372, p < 0.001; r = -0.377, p < 0.001; r = -0.317, p = 0.002; r = -0.311, p = 0.003)(r = -0.445, p < 0.001; r = -0.498, p < 0.001; r = -0.453, p < 0.001; r = -0.463, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, statistically significant positive correlations between serum levels of Gal-1 and Gal-3 and age in azoospermic patients were reported (r = 0.511, p < 0.001; r = 0.390, p = 0.008, respectively). On the other hand, there were negative correlations between seminal Gal-1 and estradiol (E2) and seminal Gal-3 and FSH and LH in azoospermic patients (r= -0.318, p = 0.033; r = -0.322, p = 0.031; r = -0.477, p < 0.001, respectively). Also, negative correlations between serum Gal-3 and total and free testosterone in azoospermic patients were detected (r = -0.396, p = 0.007; r = -0.375, p = 0.011, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated serum and seminal levels of Gal-1 and Gal-3 have detrimental effects on spermatogenesis. Furthermore, the current study demonstrated potential regulatory effects of reproductive hormones on Gal-1 and Gal-3. Thus, future studies are needed to confirm such findings.

Tribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with late-onset hypogonadism: A placebo-controlled study.

Aging is associated with a series of morphological and functional modifications that leads to reduced physiological efficiency and atrophy of various organs and systems. Tribulus terrestris induces its effect in fertility and sexual functions through the steroidal saponins, particularly the dominant saponins protodioscin. We aimed in this study to evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of Tribulus terrestris in aging males with partial androgen deficiency who suffered from erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms. A total of 70 randomized aging patients with erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms were recruited from June 2017 to March 2018 from our andrology outpatient clinic. Thirty-five patients (group A) received Tribulus terrestris three times daily for 3 months and the other 35 patients (group B) received placebo. The mean of aspartate transaminase was elevated in group A after 3 months of receiving Tribulus terrestris (26.5 (before), 27.8 (after), respectively, p = 0.03). Moreover, there were significant elevations in the means of both total testosterone together with the score of the validated Arabic index of erectile function (5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function) (2.2, 10.7 (before), 2.7, 16.1 (after), p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Finally, the mean of the total prostate-specific antigen was elevated in this group (1.4 (before), 1.7 (before), p = 0.007, respectively). Interestingly, there were no worsening of the lower urinary tract symptoms in group A as there was no change in the mean score of the international prostate symptom score, which was used to assess these symptoms before and after treatment (mean 14.4 (before), 14.6 (after), p = 0.67, respectively). In sum, this study replicates the findings of previous reports about the robust effect of this herbal medicine in elevating the testosterone level and improving the sexual function of patients who suffered from erectile dysfunction with partial androgen deficiency.