Effects of running a marathon on irisin concentration in men aged over 50.

Our aim was to verify whether running a marathon is associated with changes in irisin concentration in healthy, endurance-trained men. In an observational study, we assessed baseline biochemical and fitness parameters of 28 middle-aged runners (mean ± SD age, BMI, VO2max: 58 ± 8 years; 24.5 ± 3 kg/m2; 51.1 ± 1.7 ml/kg/min). We evaluated irisin before, immediately after, and 7 days after the marathon. Irisin concentration decreased from a baseline value of 639 ± 427 to 461 ± 255 ng/ml immediately after the marathon (p < 0.05). After 7 days, it was still significantly lower than before the race, at 432 ± 146 ng/ml (p < 0.05). We found no correlations between irisin concentration and the training history of the studied subjects. We conclude that a long-distance run may have a negative impact on irisin release in men. This effect was not correlated with the training history of runners.

The Central Effects of Androgenic-anabolic Steroid Use.

: Millions of men use androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) to stimulate muscle growth and improve physical appearance. Although 1 out of 3 people who uses androgenic-anabolic steroids develops a steroid use disorder, the effects of the drugs on the central nervous system and the psyche are still not well understood. Although most addictive substances improve mood immediately after administration, AAS exert less pronounced euphoric effects. Instead, they are primarily taken for the delayed gratification of increased muscle mass. Withdrawal from AAS may lead to a range of somatic and psychiatric symptoms, and, in many cases, comprehensive treatment supervised by an endocrinologist and a psychiatrist is required.

The quality of semen among a sample of young, healthy men from Lower Silesia (AndroLS).

INTRODUCTION: Contrary to other parts of the continent, little information is available regarding semen quality among subjects from central and eastern Europe. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated semen profiles among a sample of men from an industrialised region of Poland. We directly invited 5000 healthy inhabitants of the region (aged 18-35 years; with unchecked fecundity) to participate in the study. Among the 500 who were eligible and willing to participate, we acquired detailed information and semen and blood samples from 177 subjects. RESULTS: Semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count were, respectively, (mean ± SD): 3.1 ± 1.5 ml, 60 ± 44 x 106/ml and 170 ± 137 x 106/ml. Percentage of normal forms was 14.7 ± 6.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the relatively low sperm motility (mean ± SD: 54 ± 16%) and vitality (mean ± SD: 60 ± 15%) values, these variables require special attention during routine evaluations. The WHO 2010 criteria for these two parameters were met in only 60% and 66% of the samples, respectively. Further studies on men with different educational levels, social environments, or living conditions are needed to confirm our results.

Trends in the prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in the leading private health-care provider in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting a significant percent of the population, especially women. It may have serious and long-lasting consequences. The etiology of AT is multifactorial and it arises from an interplas between environmental and genetic factors. Tendencies in AT prevalence and incidence are unclear. In Poland there are no national registers covering the data on AT prevalence. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the investigation was to assess changes in diagnosing AT in the largest chain of outpatient medical centers in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We compared freqnancy at which AT and hypothyroidism diagnoses were made during endocrinology consultations in the period 2006-2013. The data was extracted from the database of LUXMED (part of BUPA). RESULTS: Within 8 years, the prevalence of newly diagnosed AT dropped from 10.4% to 4.8% (p < 0.001) alongside with a decrease in the prevalence of newly diagnosed hypothyroidism from 17.8% to 7.7% (p < 0.00001). AT was widespread in young women aged 20-39. There were relatively more cases in the southern areas of Poland. CONCLUSIONS: The analyzed data does not support a hypothesis indicating a growing incidence of AT in the last years. Detailed epidemiological studies would be helpful in designing screening strategies for patients with this common disorder.

Associations between physical activity and semen quality in young healthy men.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the level of everyday physical activity is associated with semen quality in young men. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Universities, clubs, and societies. PATIENT(S): Young healthy men (aged 18-35 years) with unknown fertility (n = 177). INTERVENTIONS(S): Collection of data on medical history, lifestyle factors (physical activity, nutrition, addictions), and environmental threats (exposure of gonads to cellular phones, laptops). Collection of semen samples. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Semen parameters. RESULT(S): Men who were physically more active (3rd and 4th quartiles) had a higher percentage of immotile sperm than less active subjects (1st and 2nd quartiles). The mean (95% confidence interval) percentages were, respectively: 53% (38%-69%) and 51% (41%-61%) versus 38% (28%-49%) and 39% (29%-48%). Other semen parameters were unrelated to physical effort. CONCLUSION(S): Physical activity might be associated with an altered percentage of immotile sperm in young, lean, educated men who have not fathered children.

The Impact of Intense Exercise on Semen Quality.

With expanding knowledge on the health benefits of exercise, there is an increasing demand for information on the andrological consequences of participating in sports. These consequences are especially important in the context of infertility problems worldwide. The so-called "male factor" is reported in up to 50% of couples having trouble with conception. The answer to the question, "Is physical activity good for male reproductive health?" is not straightforward. A number of studies have suggested that significant changes in semen parameters may occur due to sports training of certain types, intensities, and durations. The changes to these parameters vary in scope, direction, and magnitude. Findings in recreational athletes have also differed from those in professional athletes. This review of the current literature suggests that intense physical activity may affect the semen concentration, as well as the number of motile and morphologically normal spermatozoa. Training at higher intensities and with increased loads seems to be associated with more profound changes in semen quality. In recreational athletes, exercise has either a positive or neutral effect on semen parameters. Due to many limitations (e.g., global sperm count trends, concerns about the quality control of sperm evaluations, and new standards for semen analysis), comparisons among historical data and their interpretation are difficult.

The impact of freediving on psychomotor performance and blood catecholamine concentration.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of breath-hold diving on divers' psychomotor performance and blood adrenaline, noradrenaline and lactate concentrations. Four male divers took part in the experiment. During the study the divers' choice reaction time as well as plasma concentration of adrenaline, noradrenaline and lactate were measured. The measurements were carried out before immersion (before a warm-up), three minutes after the dive, and 60 minutes after the dive. A reduction in the reaction time to audiovisual stimuli was found in three divers, three minutes after the dive. Diver 4, who broke his personal best record, had a longer choice reaction time at three minutes after the dive. The adrenaline concentration was lowered in Diver 1 and Diver 2, at three minutes after the dive. The adrenaline level in Diver 3 was relatively steady at all test measurements. In Diver 4, who broke his personal best, a twofold increase in adrenaline concentration was noted at three minutes after the dive. All examined divers revealed an increase in noradrenaline blood level at three minutes after the dive. The results of the study are of great practical value since disturbed reactions during freediving can put the diver at the risk of serious barotraumas.

Treatment with statins and testosterone levels in men.

INTRODUCTION: Statins belong to the most commonly used medicines worldwide. They affect cholesterol synthesis and thus they may suppress steroidogenesis. Our aim was to evaluate whether the use of statins is associated with the concentration of sex hormones.Material and methods/Results: In a population sample of men (n = 237) we found that subjects receiving statins had significantly lower concentrations of: total testosterone (14.9 vs. 16.35 nmol/L, p = 0.008 after correction for body mass), free testosterone (32 vs. 39 pmol/L, p = 0.004), calculated free testosterone (0.32 vs. 0.36 nmol/L, p < 0.001) and bioavailable testosterone (6.10 vs. 7.56 nmol/L, p < 0.001) than age-matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the use of statins may have an impact on the diagnosis of age-related testosterone deficiency in men.

Associations between the lower esophageal sphincter function and the level of physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very frequent and multifactorial disease. It has been found that GERD is associated with obesity, smoking, esophagitis, diet and lifestyle. Physical activity is among the factors involved in the occurrence of GERD. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the associations between the different parameters of lower esophageal pressure (LES) and the level of everyday physical activity in patients with GERD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors examined 100 consecutive patients who underwent manometry and pH-metry because of symptoms suggesting GERD. Physical activity was assessed by means of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). In accordance with IPAQ categorical scoring, the authors divided the studied subjects into 3 groups according to their level of physical activity. The investigation comprised 59 men and 41 women, with the mean age 49 ± 14 years. RESULTS: The authors analyzed the relationships between the LES parameters (pressure, total LES length and HPZ length) and physical activity. The authors did not find any significant correlations between the studied parameters and the amount of physical activity. The authors also did not observe any association between the LES pressure and the level of physical activity. The subgroups distinguished on the basis of LESP did not differ as to the amount of everyday physical activity as well. CONCLUSIONS: Although most data indicates that intense exercise exacerbates GERD symptoms, the authors did not find any associations between LES parameters and physical activity. In view of the present results maintaining the recommended level of everyday physical activity does not interfere with the mechanisms of GERD.

Polymorphic variants of neurotransmitter receptor genes may affect sexual function in aging males: data from the HALS study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Human behavior is influenced by a number of brain neurotransmitters. Central dopamine, serotonin and melanocortin systems have special importance for male sexual function. We searched for associations between male aging symptoms and polymorphic sites of serotonin (5-HTR1B), melanocortin (MC4R) and dopamine (DRD2, DRD4) receptors. METHODS: In a population-based sample, genotyping of 5-HTR1B (polymorphism: G861C), MC4R (polymorphisms: C-2745T, Val103Ile), DRD2 (polymorphism: C313T) and DRD4 (polymorphism: 48-bp VNTR) was performed in 387 healthy men. The Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale was used to evaluate specific ailments of aging men. We analyzed answers to questions from the AMS scale. Five points of the questionnaire addressed sexual symptoms of the aging male: feeling of passing one's peak, decrease in beard growth, decrease in ability/frequency to perform sexually, decrease in the number of morning erections, and decrease in sexual desire/libido (lacking pleasure in sex, lacking desire for sexual intercourse). Relations between reported symptoms and variants of the polymorphic sites of the studied genes were assessed. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounding factors (education, arterial hypertension, physical activity, weight, waist circumference) an association between the sexual dimension of AMS and genetic variants of 5-HTR1B G861C (p = 0.04) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Variability of neurotransmitter receptor genes may be associated with sexual symptoms of aging in men.

DRD2 C313T and DRD4 48-bp VNTR polymorphisms and physical activity of healthy men in Lower Silesia, Poland (HALS study).

BACKGROUND: Both animal and human studies have proved that the dopaminergic system of the brain controls many aspects of behavior, e.g. motivation, addiction, motor movement, locomotion. It has been hypothesized that dopamine signalling may regulate spontaneous physical activity as well. AIM: Literature data suggests that an intact function of dopamine receptors (DRD2-DRD4) inhibits physical activity. This study searched for associations between a propensity to be active (or sedentary) and genetic variants of DRD2 and DRD4. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Invitations to participate in the study were sent to 900 randomly selected, adult men living in Lower Silesia, Poland. Genotyping of DRD2 C313T and DRD4 48-bp VNTR polymorphisms of enrolled subjects (371 (DRD2 C313T) and 397 (DRD4 48-bp VNTR)) was performed. Level of physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS: No associations were found between level of physical activity (low, moderate, high) and the two polymorphisms: DRD2 C313T (p = 0.49) and DRD4 48-bp VNTR (p = 0.31). Studied subjects did not differ as to the number of hours spent sitting either. CONCLUSION: The results exclude the presence of significant relationships between polymorphic variants of the dopamine receptors genes and the level of physical activity in men.

Effect of breath-hold diving (freediving) on serum androgen levels -- a preliminary report.

INTRODUCTION: Breath-hold diving (freediving) is a discipline that makes considerable demands on sportsmen, which can amount to extreme distress. It is also known that psychological and physical strain affects hormonal milieus. We wanted to assess the impact of a stressful event (such as breath-hold diving) on the androgen status of men. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated serum gonadotropins and androgen concentrations in four divers before diving, immediately post, and 60 minutes after diving. RESULTS: We found that neither gonadotropins nor total testosterone, free testosterone, calculated free testosterone or bioavailable testosterone concentrations changed significantly during diving practice. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the acute distress associated with breath-hold diving does not impact upon gonadotropins or androgen concentrations.

Psychological stress and the function of male gonads.

Stress is generally a natural phenomenon that affects behaviour, physiological processes, and neuroendocrine, neurochemical, neurological and immune responses. Many somatic and mental disorders are thought to result from chronic stress. Stress-induced gonadal dysfunction is not restricted to humans, but is observed in all higher animals. Stress-induced gonadal dysfunction comprises disturbances of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and of spermatogenesis. Various stressors induce changes in the secretion of neurotransmitters and hormones, such as CRH, ADH, beta-endorphins, somatostatin, VIP, PRL, GH, TSH, dopamine, serotonin, neuropeptide Y, melatonin, ACTH, glucocorticosteroids, catecholamines and androgens. In acute stress, testicular function is principally modified by cytokines and fluctuating concentrations of gonadotropins, while in chronic stress, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and disruption of spermatogenesis of varying severity, including spermatogenetic arrest, are observed. In spite of the decades-long interest in the relationships between psychological stress and the function of male gonads, many questions in this area remain unanswered.

Occupational exposure to impulse noise associated with shooting.

Shooting training is associated with exposure to a considerable amount of unique noise. We wanted to evaluate noise exposure during such training. Our observations especially apply to professional sport shooters, but they are also valid for shooting coaches/instructors. We collected acoustic signals in 10-, 25- and 50-m as well as open-air shooting ranges. The recorded material was analysed with orthogonal, adaptive parameterization by Shur. The mean duration of a single acoustic signal was 250-800 ms with the C-weighted sound peak pressure level of 138.2-165.2 dB. Shooters may be exposed to as many as 600-1350 acoustic impulses during a training unit. The actual load for the hearing organ of a professional shooter or a shooting coach is ~200 000 acoustic stimuli in a year-long training macrocycle. Orthogonal, adaptive parameterization by Shur makes safe scheduling of shooters' training possible.

Melanocortin-4 receptor gene polymorphism and the level of physical activity in men (HALS Study).

Melanocortin plays an important role in the energy balance in humans. Actions of melanocortin are exerted through activation of five receptors among which the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is especially abundant within the central nervous system (CNS). It has been proved that genetic variations of the MC4R gene are associated with the energy intake. Recent data has suggested that MC4R gene polymorphism might influence physical activity/energy expenditure as well. Our aim was to search for associations between MC4R polymorphisms and the level of physical activity. We genotyped MC4R in a population-based cohort of 311 men. The level of physical activity was determined with use of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. We have found that physical effort expressed as log METs-min/week (corrected for age, BMI and educational status) was 6.61 in men declaring low, 7.56-moderate and 8.96-high level of physical activity. We have not found any associations between the C-2745T MC4R polymorphism and the level of physical activity (P = 0.53). There were no interactions between the level of physical activity and the C-2745T polymorphisms either (P = 0.47). We conclude that the C-2745T genetic polymorphism of the MC4R gene does not influence the level of physical activity in healthy, adult men.

Inhibin B and FSH as markers of Sertoli cell function in impaired spermatogenesis.

INTRODUCTION: The relationships between inhibin B, FSH and sperm count have never been fully elucidated. Our aim was to search for associations between serum concentrations of inhibin B/FSH and the impairment of spermatogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In an observational study, we compared sperm count, serum levels of inhibin B and FSH in men with oligozoospermia (n = 46) and in normozoospermic, fertile controls (n = 38). RESULTS: Concentration of FSH was 10.27 ± 11.24 IU/L in the oligozoospermic and 3.84 ± 2.76 IU/L in the normospermic group (p 〈 0.01). Although the concentration of inhibin B was higher in the oligozoospermic group (424 ± 443 v. 297 ± 219 pg/mL), the difference was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that there is a tendency toward increased serum inhibin B levels in subjects with altered sperm count and increased serum FSH.

Transsexualism--diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.

Gender identity disorder (GID, transsexualism) is a multidisciplinary problem of an unclear aetiology. Although the diagnosis of GID is generally established by psychiatrists, the diagnostic team always includes an endocrinologist, who is responsible for hormonal therapy. Hormonal therapy is the first step in the sex reassignment procedure and requires careful monitoring in the initial phase and in later years of treatment. In this paper we review the latest aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of transsexualism and the most common complications of hormonal intervention.

[Transsexualism--diagnostic and therapeutic aspects]. / Transseksualizm--aspekty diagnostyczne i terapeutyczne.

Gender identity disorder (GID, transsexualism) is a multidisciplinary problem of an unclear aetiology. Although the diagnosis of GID is generally established by psychiatrists, the diagnostic team always includes an endocrinologist, who is responsible for hormonal therapy. Hormonal therapy is the first step in the sex reassignment procedure and requires careful monitoring in the initial phase and in later years of treatment. In this paper we review the latest aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of transsexualism and the most common complications of hormonal intervention.

[Growth hormone and IGF-1 as doping agents in competitive sport]. / Growth hormone and IGF-1 as doping agents in competitive sport.

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are often used by athletes as doping agents. It is estimated that up to 25% of sportsmen using anabolic-androgenic steroids also take GH. Available data do not confirm the influence of GH or IGF-1 preparations on physical performance improvement. However, there is some evidences for many adverse effects in athletes using this form of doping. Blood tests to detect growth hormone abuse are available since several years. Surprisingly, no one has been proven to use illegal doping agents influencing GH/IGF-1 axis.

[Use of testosterone and anabolic androgenic steroids in sport]. / Zastosowanie testosteronu i steroidów androgenno-anabolicsznych w sporcie.

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and testosterone are the most frequently detected prohibited doping agents in sport. Professional competitors have been taking them since the fifties of the 20th century, they are used at present mainly by sport amateurs. Anabolic Androgenic Steroids are very often used in combination with other doping agents (erythropoietin, growth hormone, thyroxin). Apart from desirable for athletes anabolic and anticatabolic properties AAS have many side effects. In extreme cases doping with AAS can be life-threatening.