Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Maria Santa Rocca, Giovanni Minervini, Cinzia Vinanzi, Alberto Bottacin, Federica Lia, Carlo Foresta, Maria Pennuto, Alberto Ferlin
Summary: This study evaluated the frequency and type of androgen receptor (AR) gene variants in a large cohort of infertile males. The study found that patients with AR gene variants had lower sperm count, higher testosterone concentration, and higher androgen sensitivity index compared to patients without variants. Two novel potentially pathogenic AR variants were identified. Based on these findings, AR sequencing is suggested as a routine genetic test in cases of idiopathic oligozoospermia with high testosterone levels.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yi Zhao, Xue-Nan Li, Hao Zhang, Jia-Gen Cui, Jia-Xin Wang, Ming-Shan Chen, Jin-Long Li
Summary: Male infertility is a significant concern due to the decline in sperm quality worldwide. Phthalates, particularly DEHP or its metabolite MEHP, have negative effects on male reproductive development and function, leading to reduced fertility. Lycopene, a natural antioxidant, has the potential to be used as a therapeutic option for male infertility. This research demonstrates that DEHP reduces testosterone production in Leydig cells and impairs secretory function in Sertoli cells, resulting in impaired spermatogenesis. Additionally, MEHP causes mitochondrial and oxidative damage, posing a serious threat to spermatogenesis. However, LYC supplementation reverses these changes. Mechanistically, DEHP disrupts the T/AR signaling pathway, contributing to male infertility. Overall, this study highlights the critical role of the T/AR signal transduction in male fertility and provides promising insights into the protective role of LYC in phthalate-induced male reproductive disorders.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Rachael A. Muscatello, Emma Rafatjoo, Karan K. Mirpuri, Ahra Kim, Simon Vandekar, Blythe A. Corbett
Summary: This study investigated the differences in testosterone levels between adolescents with ASD and TD, and found significantly elevated testosterone concentrations in the ASD group compared to the same-aged TD group.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Di Zhang, Jingjing Fan, Hui Liu, Guobin Qiu, Sheng Cui
Summary: The study reveals that testosterone enhances taurine synthesis by interacting with androgen receptor and binding to cysteine sulfinate decarboxylase (CSAD) promoter zone. Estrogen has no significant effects on liver CSAD expression or taurine synthesis in male mice, indicating gender differences in the effects of sex steroids on taurine synthesis in the liver.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-GASTROINTESTINAL AND LIVER PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Cristina Aguirre-Portoles, Riley Payne, Aspen Trautz, J. Kevin Foskett, Christopher A. Natale, John T. Seykora, Todd W. Ridky
Summary: Testosterone signaling through ZIP9 mediates some of the sex differences in melanoma, and drugs that target AR can be repurposed to block ZIP9 and inhibit melanoma in males.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Takashi Yazawa, Hiroyuki Inaba, Yoshitaka Imamichi, Toshio Sekiguchi, Junsuke Uwada, Mohammad Sayful Islam, Makoto Orisaka, Daisuke Mikami, Takanori Ida, Takahiro Sato, Yoshimichi Miyashiro, Satoru Takahashi, Md. Rafiqul Islam Khan, Nobuo Suzuki, Akihiro Umezawa, Takeshi Kitano
Summary: This study compared the presence and production of DHT and 11KDHT in Japanese eels and humans. The results suggest that in teleosts, DHT and 11KDHT may be important 5 alpha-reduced androgens produced in the gonads, while in healthy humans, DHT is the only major 5 alpha-reduced androgens.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Kajal Khodamoradi, Alexandra Dullea, Katherine Campbell, Christian Ramsoomair, Roei Golan, Ranjith Ramasamy
Summary: This study aimed to measure androgen receptor (AR) signaling levels in corpus cavernosal tissue of males with different serum testosterone (T) levels. The results showed no significant difference in VEGF expression above a serum T level of 200 ng/dl. Therefore, there may be a saturation level of approximately 200 ng/dl that fully saturates tissue androgen receptors and results in optimal male function.
EUROPEAN UROLOGY FOCUS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Amani A. Mahbub, Akhmed Aslam, Mohamed E. Elzubier, Mohamed El-Boshy, Abdelghany H. Abdelghany, Jawwad Ahmad, Shakir Idris, Riyad Almaimani, Aiman Alsaegh, Mahmoud Zaki El-Readi, Mohammed A. Baghdadi, Bassem Refaat
Summary: The study found that the individual use of E2 and P4 can inhibit the development of colorectal cancer, showing good anti-tumor effects in male mice and cell experiments. The combination of the two shows a stronger anti-cancer effect.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Alessandra Buonacquisto, Anna Chiara Conflitti, Francesco Pallotti, Antonella Anzuini, Serena Bianchini, Luisa Caponecchia, Anna Carraro, Maria Rosa Ciardi, Fabiana Faja, Cristina Fiori, Daniele Gianfrilli, Andrea Lenzi, Miriam Lichtner, Claudio Maria Mastroianni, Patrizia Pasculli, Flavio Rizzo, Pietro Salacone, Annalisa Sebastianelli, Francesco Lombardo, Donatella Paoli
Summary: Male patients are more prone to develop severe forms of COVID-19. Genetic predisposition, including CAG repeat polymorphism, low testosterone levels, and reduced androgen receptor activity, may play a role in this susceptibility. Disease severity is associated with an increase in CAG repeat number and lower testosterone levels.
Review
Cell Biology
Irshad Ahmad, Annie E. Newell-Fugate
Summary: This review focuses on the effects of androgens on mitochondrial structure and function, including biogenesis, fusion/fission, mitophagy, bioenergetics, and reactive oxygen species production. Although there have been numerous studies on the effects of androgens in these areas of mitochondrial function, the precise mechanisms by which androgens cause these effects remain unclear. Future research should focus on the direct effects of androgens on mitochondrial function.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Andrology
Kajal Khodamoradi, Katherine Campbell, Himanshu Arora, Ranjith Ramasamy
Summary: A study found that the expression of androgen receptor and some related proteins in penile tissue samples significantly decreased when serum testosterone levels were below 300 ng/dL. This suggests a potential correlation between serum testosterone concentration and androgen receptor signaling and supports the existence of a saturation value between 200 and 300 ng/dL.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
E. Delli Paoli, S. Di Chiano, D. Paoli, A. Lenzi, F. Lombardo, F. Pallotti
Summary: Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a disorder characterized by peripheral androgen resistance due to androgen receptor mutations in individuals with a 46 XY karyotype. The severity of hormone resistance determines the wide variety of phenotypes. A multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, surgeons, and psychologists is recommended for the management of AIS, to provide support in gender identity choices and appropriate therapeutic decisions.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vanlal Rempuia, Guruswami Gurusubramanian, Vikas Kumar Roy
Summary: Adipokines, such as visfatin, regulate gonadal function and development in various species. This study investigates the developmental expression and role of visfatin in the testicular activity during infancy in mice. The results show that visfatin is developmentally regulated in the testis and is involved in testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis.
JOURNAL OF STEROID BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Mark C. Markowski, Hao Wang, Rana Sullivan, Irina Rifkind, Victoria Sinibaldi, Michael T. Schweizer, Benjamin A. Teply, Nduku Ngomba, Wei Fu, Michael A. Carducci, Channing J. Paller, Catherine H. Marshall, Mario A. Eisenberger, Jun Luo, Emmanuel S. Antonarakis, Samuel R. Denmeade
Summary: The study shows that cyclic high-dose testosterone injections have clinical activity in mCRPC patients, but responses may differ based on prior AR-targeted therapy. Rechallenge with AR-targeted therapy following BAT did not improve outcomes in AR-V7 positive patients.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Prattana Tanyapanyachon, Paweena Dana, Nutthanit Thumsongsiri, Walailuk Chonniyom, Nattika Saengkrit
Summary: In this study, flutamide-loaded nanostructure lipid carrier (FLT-NLC) was synthesized and its biological effects were demonstrated using an in vitro blood-testis barrier model. FLT-NLC showed high encapsulation efficiency and a slower release profile compared to flutamide solution. It significantly affected the mRNA expression of blood-testis barrier proteins and has potential as a nonsurgical contraception for male animals.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Katarina Kmetova, Jozef Conka, Jakub Janko, Julia Illes, Olga Ulicna, Peter Celec
Summary: This study analyzed the association between plasma extracellular DNA and glucose metabolism in healthy mice. The findings suggest that low levels of extracellular DNA are associated with higher fasting glucose and lower glucose tolerance. These unexpected associations provide potential therapeutic targets for prediabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Review
Immunology
Michal Pastorek, Martin Dubrava, Peter Celec
Summary: Despite ongoing vaccination, COVID-19 remains a global healthcare problem due to the lack of effective targeted therapy. Severe cases of COVID-19 involve uncontrolled activation of the innate immune system, resulting in cytokine deregulation, release of damage-associated molecular patterns, and a high occurrence of thrombotic events. These pathomechanisms are associated with neutrophil function and dysfunction, specifically the excessive formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). This review aims to summarize potential inducers of NETs formation in severe COVID-19 and discuss potential treatment options targeting NETs formation or removal.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
L'ubica Janovicova, Katarina Kmet'ova, Nikola Pribulova, Jakub Janko, Barbora Gromova, Roman Gardlik, Peter Celec
Summary: This study investigated the impact of high endogenous DNase activity on an animal model of acute liver failure. It was found that mice with higher DNase activity had lower mortality after 48 hours. The study also suggested that vesicles or DNA-binding proteins may play a role in protecting ecDNA from nucleases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Veronika Kovacova, Radoslav Omelka, Vladimira Mondockova, Piotr Londzin, Jozef Conka, Veronika Meliskova, Joanna Folwarczna, Peter Celec, Monika Martiniakova
Summary: Short-term animal experiments and association studies have suggested that cola intake may have a negative impact on bone mineral density (BMD). This study investigated the effects of long-term cola consumption on femoral bone microstructure in adult mice. The results showed that cola intake did not significantly affect trabecular and cortical bone parameters, although slight deterioration was observed. Cola consumption also slightly worsened bone mechanical properties, but it was not statistically significant. Long-term cola intake did not cause evident pathological changes, possibly due to a balanced diet and physical activity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lucia Mihalovicova, Veronika Kunstekova, David Milacek, Jakub Janko, Michal Pastorek, Barbora Konecna, Radana Gurecka, Zuzana Rausova, Olga Ulicna, Peter Celec, Katarina Sebekova
Summary: The study investigates the impact of maternal gestational diabetes (GDM) on the metabolic status of offspring. GDM was induced in CD1 mice consuming a fast-food diet (FFD) before mating. Offspring from dams consuming standard chow or FFD served as controls. Results showed that male GDM offspring exhibited growth retardation and lower kidney weight. GDM offspring, regardless of sex, had the lowest IL-1 alpha levels, while other inflammatory markers showed inconsistent changes. Offspring from dams consuming FFD had higher liver triacylglycerols content.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maria Fussiova, Peter Svec, Julia Horakova, Petr Sedlacek, Peter Rohon, Peter Celec, Ivana Bod'ova, Jaroslava Adamcakova, Tomas Sykora, Veronika Dobsinska, Miroslava Pozdechova, Dominika Doczyova, Santia Vargova, Alexandra Kolenova
Summary: This study compared the course of HVOD in children before and after the implementation of new EBMT criteria. The use of EBMT criteria resulted in a higher recognition rate of anicteric disease, lower serum bilirubin levels at diagnosis, shorter treatment duration, decreased mortality, and shorter hospitalization.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kristina Licha, Michal Pastorek, Gabriela Repiska, Peter Celec, Barbora Konecna
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the presence of ecDNA in sEVs isolated from fresh human plasma by ultracentrifugation and density gradient. It was found that approximately 60-75% of DNA is on the surface of sEVs, while a part of the DNA is localized inside the sEVs. Furthermore, both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA were present in plasma EVs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Lubica Janovicova, Katarina Kmetova, Lubomira Tothova, Barbora Vlkova, Peter Celec
Summary: Urinary DNA is studied as a non-invasive marker to monitor kidney health and urinary tract tumors. The concentration of urinary DNA, especially mitochondrial DNA, reflects kidney damage in renal diseases. Sample processing affects urinary DNA concentrations, with centrifugation at 1600 g decreasing DNA concentration by 66% in high DNA samples. Additional centrifugation at 16000 g does not significantly decrease DNA concentration in the supernatant. Deoxyribonuclease treatment reduces total and nuclear DNA, but most urinary mitochondrial DNA is protected. Understanding the biology of urinary DNA is important for clinical interpretation.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR PROBES
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Barbora Gromova, Barbora Konecna, Maria Suchonova, Slavomir Pasztor, Peter Celec, Lubomira Tothova, Michal Lichvar, Jaroslav Budis, Jan Radvanszky, Diana Rusnakova, Tomas Szemes, Zdenko Machala, Roman Gardlik
Summary: This study analyzed the impact of plasma-activated water (PAW) on oxidative status and gut microbiota diversity in healthy mice and mice with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The results showed that PAW increased oxidative stress markers in the colon tissue, especially in IBD mice. Interestingly, PAW increased microbial diversity in a healthy gut but decreased it in an inflamed gut. The findings suggest that PAW may not have therapeutic potential in treating IBD.
PLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Katarina Krivosikova, Nadja Supcikova, Alexandra Gaal Kovalcikova, Jakub Janko, Michal Pastorek, Peter Celec, Ludmila Podracka, Lubomira Tothova
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the role of NET-associated markers in children with UTI and the role of NETs formation in a mouse model of UTI. The results showed that children with UTI had significantly higher urinary NETs markers including ecDNA, MPO, and cathelicidin, which were positively correlated with leukocyturia. The experimental model also revealed that mice with diminished NETs formation had a higher bacterial load in the bladder and kidneys, suggesting that NETs may play a direct role in preventing pyelonephritis and other UTI complications.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Peter Lesko, Barbora Vlkova, Katarina Kalavska, Valentina De Angelis, Vera Novotna, Jana Obertova, Zuzana Orszaghova, Patrik Palacka, Katarina Rejlekova, Zuzana Sycova-Mila, Boris Kollarik, Ramadan Aziri, Daniel Pindak, Jozef Mardiak, Michal Chovanec, Peter Celec, Michal Mego
Summary: This study aims to analyze the association between plasma vitamin D and clinico-pathological findings and prognosis in patients with germ-cell tumors (GCTs). The results showed that low plasma vitamin D levels were associated with an unfavorable response to therapy and disease recurrence. However, it is still unknown whether low vitamin D has a causative role in the disease and whether its supplementation affects the outcome.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Michal Chovanec, Katarina Kalavska, Jana Obertova, Patrik Palacka, Katarina Rejlekova, Zuzana Sycova-Mila, Zuzana Orszaghova, Peter Lesko, Valentina De Angelis, Lucia Vasilkova, Daniela Svetlovska, Beata Mladosievicova, Jozef Mardiak, Michal Pastorek, Barbora Vlkova, Peter Celec, Michal Mego
Summary: This study found that disruption of the intestinal barrier may contribute to cognitive impairment in survivors of testicular germ cell tumors through the gut-blood-brain axis. Higher levels of plasma sCD14 were associated with worse cognitive function in these patients. These findings provide new insights into understanding and addressing cognitive impairment in survivors of testicular germ cell tumors.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michaela Mihal'ova, Nadja Supcikova, Alexandra Gaal Kovalcikova, Jan Breza Jr, L'ubomira Tothova, Peter Celec, Jan Breza Sr
Summary: Extracellular DNA (ecDNA) in the plasma and urine of urinary tract infection (UTI) patients was studied to understand its dynamics. The study found that urinary ecDNA levels decreased significantly during hospitalization and remained low during follow-up. Plasma ecDNA levels did not change, but plasma DNase activity increased during follow-up. C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin levels in plasma and urine were positively correlated with ecDNA, and urinary ecDNA levels were also correlated with urinary bacterial burden in a mouse UTI model.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kristina Macakova, Petra Psenkova, Nadja Supcikova, Barbora Vlkova, Peter Celec, Jozef Zahumensky
Summary: Infection with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy and vaccination against COVID-19 do not appear to cause major disturbances in the balance between free radical production and antioxidant activity in the placenta, as indicated by biomarkers of oxidative damage and antioxidant capacity. There were no significant differences in extracellular DNA (ecDNA) levels or deoxyribonuclease activity in the umbilical cord plasma among the study groups. These findings suggest that the risk of oxidative stress in the placenta is not significantly affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.
Article
Pediatrics
Katarina Sebekova, Radana Gurecka, Melinda Csongova, Ivana Koborova, Peter Celec
Summary: Cardiometabolic risk factors in young age are linked to a higher risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease later in life. Atherogenic dyslipidemia is closely associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome in young individuals. It is uncertain whether cardiometabolic risk factors are related to the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP = log (TAG/HDL-C) in lean individuals with low atherogenic risk. Both AIP and markers of cardiometabolic risk are continuous variables, leading us to hypothesize that their association would be linear before the onset of obesity and atherogenic dyslipidemia.
