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Nitrate-rich beetroot juice (NRBRJ) can potentially enhance exercise performance and improve cardiovascular function, leading to an increased use of NRBRJ over the years. However, the combined effects of NRBRJ supplementation and exercise on cardiovascular function remain unclear. Therefore, this study compared cardiovascular function responses to submaximal exercise with either placebo (PLA) or NRBRJ supplementation in healthy men. Twelve healthy men (aged 25.2 ± 2.3 years) completed the 30-min submaximal cycle ergometer exercise trials corresponding to 70% maximal heart rate (HRmax) with either PLA or NRBRJ supplementation in a random order. The mean exercise load, heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were measured during exercise. The brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were measured before and after exercise. NRBRJ supplementation was more effective than PLA in increasing the mean exercise load and decreasing DBP and MAP during submaximal exercise. Furthermore, baPWV decreased in the NRBRJ trial and was considerably lower after exercise in the NRBRJ-supplemented group than in the PLA-supplemented group. FMD significantly increased in the PLA and NRBRJ trials; however, NRBRJ supplementation demonstrated a significantly higher FMD before and after exercise than PLA supplementation. In conclusion, acute NRBRJ supplementation and exercise were more effective than PLA supplementation and exercise in improving aerobic exercise capacity and cardiovascular function in healthy men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Serum testosterone measurements in clinical practice mostly utilize "direct" (non-extraction) immunoassays which have method-specific bias due to steroid cross-reactivity and nonspecific matrix artifacts. Although more accurate, sensitive, and specific liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) dominates in clinical research, the within-person variability of serum testosterone in healthy men using LCMS measurement is not reported. Design Longitudinal multi-sampling observational study of men in excellent health over 3 months. Methods Elite healthy men (n = 325) over 40 years of age in excellent, asymptomatic health provided 9 blood samples over 3 months with serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2), and estrone (E1) measured by validated LCMS with conventional biochemical and anthropometric variables. Results Quantitative estimates of within-person variability within day and between day, week, month, and quarter were stable other than an increase due to fasting. The androgen biomarkers most sensitive to age and testosterone among widely used biochemical and anthropometric variables in middle-aged and older men were identified. Conclusions This study provides estimates of variability in serum testosterone and the best androgen biomarkers that may prove useful for future studies of androgen action in male ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the cutaneous microbiota/microbiome of the male genital is relevant not only to understand "normality" for this biotope but also to correctly interpret the results obtained from patients with infectious-inflammatory diseases or postoperative infectious-inflammatory complications of penile skin. The study aimed to generalize and critically analyze data on microbial contamination of various areas of the penile skin by conducting a systematic review of publications. The search led to the selection of eight articles published in 2011 ­– 2023 that investigated the microbiota / microbiome features of the penile skin in health and some diseases. Thus, in sexually active healthy men, the penile skin microbiota / microbiome partly reflects the vaginal microbiome of sexual partners. After unprotected sexual contact, the frequency of detection and the number of Lactobacillus increase in the penile skin microbiota. In general, Corynebacteriaceae dominate on the penile skin, while Prevotellaceae, nc Clostridiales, Porphyromonadaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Veillonellaceae, Anaerococcus are less frequently recorded. Circumcision has a significant effect on the bacterial diversity of the penile skin. Although data regarding the penile skin microbiota/microbiome in various diseases are scarce, certain interactions have been noted. Thus, in healthy sexually active male partners of women with bacterial vaginosis, the number of bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis increases and Corynebacterium decreases. In HIV-positive men, Staphylococcus, Faecalibacterium, Strenotrophominas, Jonquetella, Ruminococcus, Roseburia, Pseudochrobactrum and Lamia predominate on the penis skin. It is also noted that circumcision reduces the risk of HPV and HIV infections. Knowledge of not only the bacterial, but also fungal diversity of the penile skin microbiota is of great clinical importance, because conditionally pathogenic yeast-like fungi under certain conditions can cause a few diseases. Thus, this review analyses the microbial composition of penile skin in normal and some diseases, revealing a great gap in current knowledge of penile skin microbial assemblages. Studies are needed to better understand the microbial composition of normal penile skin and its impact on the results of reconstructive and plastic surgeries using penile skin.

Chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of samples recovered from dried blood spots obtained during a year-long stay at the Vostok Antarctic station within the 65th Russian Antarctic Expedition identified 6798 peptides with the maximum level of confidence, from which it became possible to identify 1239 different proteins. The names of proteins whose concentration changed by the 4th and 12th months of stay at the station were determined, and common proteins typical for periods of research were identified. Both period-specific and common reliable changes in the concentration of blood proteins that formed by the 4th and 12th month of stay at the station were determined by bioinformatics methods. Signaling pathways and methods of adaptation of the body when exposed to extreme conditions are discussed based on proteomics data. The data obtained suggest that the implementation of professional activities under conditions of prolonged hypobaric hypoxia, isolation, and hypokinesia at the Vostok station in Antarctica is accompanied by changes in the blood proteome, affecting primarily the processes of maintaining chemical-energy homeostasis at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and systemic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is evidence that reduced sleep duration increases hunger, appetite, and food intake, leading to metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, the impact of sleep timing, irrespective of its duration and on the regulation of hunger and appetite, is less clear. We aimed to evaluate the impact of sleep loss during the late vs. early part of the night on the regulation of hunger, appetite, and desire for food. Methods: Fifteen normal-weight ([mean ± SEM] body-mass index: 23.3 ± 0.4 kg/m2) healthy men were studied in a randomized, balanced, crossover design, including two conditions of sleep loss, i.e., 4 h sleep during the first night-half ('late-night sleep loss'), 4 h sleep during the second night-half ('early-night sleep loss'), and a control condition with 8h sleep ('regular sleep'), respectively. Feelings of hunger and appetite were assessed through visual analogue scales, and plasma ghrelin and leptin were measured from blood samples taken before, during, and after night-time sleep. Results: Ghrelin and feelings of hunger and appetite, as well as the desire for food, were increased after 'late-night sleep loss', but not 'early-night sleep loss', whereas leptin remained unaffected by the timing of sleep loss. Conclusions: Our data indicate that timing of sleep restriction modulates the effects of acute sleep loss on ghrelin and appetite regulation in healthy men. 'Late-night sleep loss' might be a risk factor for metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Thereby, our findings highlight the metabolic relevance of chronobiological sleep timing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of molecular biomarkers that can be used to quantitatively link dietary intake to phenotypic traits in humans is a key theme in modern nutritional research. Although dairy products (with and without fermentation) represent a major food group, the identification of markers of their intake lags behind that of other food groups. Here, we report the results from an analysis of the metabolites in postprandial serum and urine samples from a randomized crossover study with 14 healthy men who ingested acidified milk, yogurt, and a non-dairy meal. Our study confirms the potential of lactose and its metabolites as markers of lactose-containing dairy foods and the dependence of their combined profiles on the fermentation status of the consumed products. Furthermore, indole-3-lactic acid and 3-phenyllactic acid are two products of fermentation whose postprandial behaviour strongly discriminates yogurt from milk intake. Our study also provides evidence of the ability of milk fermentation to increase the acute delivery of free amino acids to humans. Notably, 3,5-dimethyloctan-2-one also proves to be a specific marker for milk and yogurt consumption, as well as for cheese consumption (previously published data). These molecules deserve future characterisation in human interventional and observational studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The goal of this study was to use a validated assay to measure hair cortisol levels in healthy persons. Materials and Methods: For quantitative detection of hair-cortisol, a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach was established and validated. Hair samples were incubated in methanol for 16 hr at 52°C, after which the clear supernatant was sonicated and transfer to a clean tube, where it was dried. The residual sample dissolved in 100 µl methanol containing cortisone (internal standard) and injected. The average extraction recovery was calculated (90.8%). A mobile phase of two mM ammonium acetate (pH 4.2) and acetonitrile (50:50, v:v) was supplied at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min on an Atlantis dC18 column (2.1 x 100 mm, 3 µm particle size). Multiple reaction monitoring was used in electrospray positive ion mode for mass spectrometry acquisition (m/z: 363.1 → 121.0 and 361.8 → 163.11 for cortisol and cortisone, respectively). Results: Cortisol and internal standard exhibited retention times of about 1.34 and 1.39 min, respectively. In the range of 2-100 ng/ml, the relationship between cortisol level and peak area ratio of cortisol to cortisone was linear, with a detection limit of 0.3 ng/ml. The inter-day coefficient of variation and bias were 7.8% and 11.9%, respectively. 95% of the 88 men had cortisol detectable in their hair samples [mean (SD) length =1.3 (0.5) cm, weight = 33.9 (9.9) mg] and measurable in 49%, with a mean (median) 12.4 (8.7) pg/mg of hair. The method utilized for determining the stability and assessing the level of hair cortisol in samples taken from healthy adult men. Conclusion: For hair cortisol measurements in clinical labs, the described test is reliable, exact, and relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a multifaceted metabolic regulator considered to control sugar intake and to exert beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. Elevated serum FGF21 levels are associated with metabolic syndrome, suggesting a state of FGF21 resistance. Further, given the evidence of a hepatic ChREBP and FGF21 signaling axis, it can be assumed that SSBs containing fructose would possibly increase FGF21 concentrations. We investigated the effects of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption on fasting FGF21 levels in healthy, lean men, discriminating the effects of glucose, fructose, and their disaccharide sucrose by secondary data analysis from a randomized controlled trial. Seven weeks of daily SSB consumption resulted in increased fasting FGF21 in healthy, lean men, irrespective of the sugar type. Medians of ΔFGF21 between post-SSB intervention values (week 7) and no-intervention period values (IQR) in pg/mL were: glucose 17.4 (0.4–45.8), fructose 22.9 (−8.6–35.1), and sucrose 13.7 (2.2–46.1). In contrast, this change in FGF21 concentration was only 6.3 (−20.1–26.9) pg/mL in the control group. The lack of a fructose-specific effect on FGF21 concentrations is contrary to our assumption. It is concluded that SSB intake may impact FGF21 concentrations and could contribute to the increased FGF21 concentrations observed in subjects suffering from metabolic syndrome that is possibly associated with decreased FGF21 responsiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This first-in-human study evaluated HRS-1780, an oral selective non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, in healthy men., Research Design and Methods: In single ascending dose (SAD) part, 10 participants for each dose cohort (5, 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg) were randomized (8:2) to HRS-1780 or placebo. In multiple ascending dose part, 12 participants for each dose (10, 20, and 40 mg) were randomized (9:3) to HRS-1780 or placebo once daily for 7 days. The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability., Results: HRS-1780 was well tolerated with all adverse events being mild. In the steady state, the median time to maximum concentration (T max ) was 0.750 h and mean half-life was 1.76-1.96 h. High-fat/high-calorie meal prolonged T max but did not affect exposure. Multiple dosing of HRS-1780 at 40 mg showed a decreasing trend in systolic blood pressure compared with placebo. Changes in plasma aldosterone and norepinephrine with HRS-1780 were higher compared to placebo. Upper bounds of two-sided 90% confidence interval of placebo-adjusted change-from-baseline QTcF were below 10 msec at the maximum concentration in SAD. The trial had limited sample size and short study duration., Conclusions: HRS-1780 had favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profiles and did not cause clinically meaningful QTcF prolongation., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05638126).

Abstract Background In order to classify and analyze the parameters of upper body posture, a baseline in the form of standard values is demanded. To this date, standard values have only been published for healthy men aged 18–35 and 41–50 years. Data for male adults aged between 31 and 40 years are lacking. Methods The postural parameters of 101 symptom-free male volunteers aged 31–40 (35.58 ± 2.88) years were studied. The mean height of the men was 179.89 ± 7.38 cm, with a mean body weight of 86.36 ± 11.58 kg and an average BMI of 26.70 ± 3.35 kg/m2. By means of video rasterstereography, a 3-dimensional scan of the upper back surface was measured in a habitual standing position. The means or medians, confidence interval, tolerance range, and group comparisons and correlations of BMI and physical activity were calculated for all parameters. Results The habitual standing position was found to be almost symmetrical and the axis aligned in the spine, pelvis, and shoulder region, while the spine position was marginally inclined ventrally. The kyphosis angle of the thoracic spine was greater than the lordosis angle of the lumbar spine. All deviations fell under the measurement error margin of 1 mm/1°. The greater the BMI, the greater was the pelvic and scapular distance. The lower the BMI, the further caudally positioned was the right shoulder. The pelvic and scapular distances were also lower with the increasing athleticism of the participants. Conclusion The upper body posture of men between the ages of 31 and 40 years was found to be almost symmetrical and axis-conforming, with the kyphosis angle, pelvic distance, and shoulder distance enlarging with increasing BMI. Consequently, postural parameters presented in this survey allow for comparisons with other studies, as well as the evaluation of clinical diagnostics and applications.

Whole-body cryostimulation (W-BC) is commonly used following exercise to accelerate recovery or as a form of therapy to prevent and cure sports injuries. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a series of 24 W-BC sessions on morphological and rheological blood indicators in physically active men. Eighteen physically active men participated in the study (mean age 22.1 ± 0.07). They were divided into two groups depending on their self-reported levels of physical activity: moderate or high physical activity. The participants completed a total of 24 W-BC sessions every second day, over a span of two months. Blood was collected at baseline, immediately after and 24 h after the first treatment, before and after the 12th treatment, before, immediately after, and 24 h after the 24th treatment, and one, two, three, and four weeks after the 24th treatment. Rheological and morphological indicators of blood were examined. The number of leukocytes was decreased in the moderate activity group (p < 0.05) but not in the high intensity group, following the first W-BC session. There were no significant changes in elongation index (EI) at a shear stress of 2.19–31.04 (Pa) in both groups as well as at the following values: aggregation index (AI), the half time (T½) and the amplitude of aggregation (AMP) in both studied groups. Differences between the first and the 12th or the 24th session became apparent in some morphological indices in one or both groups. Changes in the morphological properties were not observed after the first exposure but became evident following repeated W-BC sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone metabolism in men is in part determined by sex steroid exposure. This is especially clear during puberty and senescence but it remains to be established whether declines in sex steroid levels during young and middle adulthood are associated with changes in bone mass and size. This study investigated changes in bone mineral content (BMC), areal bone mineral density (aBMD), volumetric BMD (vBMD), and bone size in relation to sex steroid levels in 999 young adult men (age 24‐46 years) of whom 676 were re‐evaluated after a mean period of 12 years. Sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured using immunoassay, testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS), and free fractions were calculated (cFT and cFE2, respectively). Areal bone parameters and BMC were measured at the hip and lumbar spine using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Radial and tibial vBMD and bone size were determined using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Linear mixed models were used for statistical analyses. With aging, we observed decreases in almost all bone mass and density indices, whereas changes in bone geometry resulted in larger bones with thinner cortices. These changes in bone mass and size appeared related to sex steroid levels. Specifically, decreases in cFT (but not total T) levels were associated with larger decreases in lumbar spine BMC and especially with geometric changes in cortical bone at the tibia. Similarly, decreases in total E2 and cFE2 were associated with larger decreases in bone mass (all sites) and also with some geometric changes. Also increases in SHBG were independently associated with aging‐related changes in bone mass and size in these men. In summary, even small changes in T, E2, and SHBG levels during young and middle adulthood in healthy men are associated with changes in bone mass and size. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Exercise on a whole body vibration (WBV) platform, namely WBV exercise (WBVE), has long-term beneficial effects on glucose metabolism, similarly to conventional moderate-intensity exercise. Conventional moderate-intensity exercise reduces post-load plasma glucose levels at the acute phase. This study aimed to reveal acute effects of WBVE on post-load glucose metabolism. Methods: This randomized crossover trial enrolled 18 healthy men. They completed the following three interventions in a random order: (1) a 2-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) without WBVE (OGTT-alone), (2) 20-minute WBVE before an OGTT (WBVE → OGTT), and (3) 20-minute WBVE during an OGTT (OGTT → WBVE). Post-load glucose metabolism in the WBVE → OGTT and OGTT → WBVE interventions were compared with that in the OGTT-alone intervention. Results: Plasma glucose levels in the WBVE → OGTT and OGTT → WBVE interventions were not significantly different from those in the OGTT-alone intervention at any time point except 15 min, wherein the WBVE → OGTT intervention had higher glucose levels (111 [interquartile range, 102–122] mg/dL vs 122 [111–134] mg/dL, P = 0.026). Higher plasma glucagon levels were observed at 0 min in the WBVE → OGTT intervention and at 60 min in the OGTT → WBVE intervention (P = 0.010 and 0.015). Cortisol, Growth hormone, and adrenaline levels were significantly increased after WBVE, whereas noradrenaline levels were not. Serum insulin levels in the WBVE → OGTT intervention were significantly higher than those in the OGTT-alone intervention at 0 min (P = 0.008). Conclusions: WBVE did not decrease post-load plasma glucose levels at the acute phase. Acute effects of WBVE on post-load glucose metabolism would not be identical to those of conventional exercise. The unique trial number and the name of the registry: UMIN000036520, www.umin.ac.jp, date of registration, June 12, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Today, high blood pressure is recognized as one of the main risk factors for the development of heart disease in the world and has caused many deaths in the global community (1). Numerous studies have shown that moderate reduction in blood pressure as a result of medication, physical activity, weight loss, etc. reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (3, 4). Among the various methods of treatment today, regular physical activity and exercise have been widely supported by medical and sportswear. This support is due to the existence of valid epidemiological and clinical evidence based on the fact that various physical activities and exercise by reducing cardiovascular risk factors reduce atherogenic processes and the prevalence of various cardiovascular diseases, especially Coronary heart disease (5). But what exercise? How severe? And how long it has the greatest impact on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors is a question that has attracted the minds of researchers and in this regard, the effect of different training methods has been studied in different ways and conflicting results have been obtained Is. But one of the training methods that has been considered for a long time is resistance training. The best training method to increase lean mass is to increase muscle strength and endurance (8). But the proper intensity of these exercises is still debated and the results are contradictory. For this reason, researchers are looking at how intense resistance activity can have the best effect on improving blood pressure, in fact, which intensity of exercise (equal to the volume of exercise) can provide the best benefits for people with high blood pressure. Have blood. Methods: For the present applied and quasi-experimental research, among healthy men with a history of resistance training and in the age range of 20 to 35 years, 24 eligible volunteers participated as a sample and were randomly divided into two groups (control 12 and experimental 12). Were divided. The method of conducting the research was that the researcher first explained the purpose and method of conducting the research to the subjects and after completing the consent form by the subjects, their height, weight and body fat percentage were measured. Then, before the start of training, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure were recorded. In order to control the effects of diet on blood pressure, subjects were asked to eat the same breakfast on the day of the test and not to do strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test. Then, in order to perform the exercises, 1RM of the subjects was calculated using trial and error method. Then, to perform 3 training sessions, the subjects went to the club at 9:00 AM with a standard breakfast with an interval of 1 hour, and after 20 minutes of rest in a sitting position (movements: barbell chest press, front thigh press, shoulder press The barbell and the back of the machine thigh, the barbell standing front arm, the back of the barbed wire with the rope, the foot press of the machine and the kick from the front of the open hand) were performed with the desired intensity and 2 minutes rest period between sets and movements. In addition, in all movements during the eccentric and concentric contraction, the necessary control was performed to perform the movement. There was also a 72-hour interval between each exercise session. Immediately after the last set, and after that, for every 10 minutes and for 60 minutes, the subjects 'blood pressure was measured using a Citizen barometer model' CH_452 and another barometer model Scian LD-581. Mean blood pressure and heart rate were recorded as criteria. The control group was also present at the club during the protocol, which measured blood pressure and heart rate at the same time as the other subjects. Finally, descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk tests, multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measures and Bonferroni post hoc at a significance level of 0.05 were used to analyze the data using SPSS 2017 software. Results: Regarding systolic blood pressure, the results of the present study showed that regardless of severity, there was no significant difference in systolic blood pressure between the experimental groups, no significant difference was observed between and within the control groups, also between the experimental and control groups. In general, a significant difference was observed (p = 0.001). At all intensities, there is no significant difference between systolic blood pressure before and immediately after exercise. Although in all 3 systolic blood pressure intensities 60 minutes of recovery decreased compared to before exercise, but in 60% intensity of blood pressure 40, 30, 20, 10 after exercise compared to before exercise was observed significantly, in 80 Although there was a significant decrease in blood pressure after exercise only at 30 and 40 times compared to before exercise, and at an intensity of 70%, systolic blood pressure decreased significantly up to 50 minutes after exercise compared to before exercise. Showed Dari (Figures 1 and 2). Another finding of the present study showed that there was no significant difference in diastolic blood pressure between the experimental groups, regardless of intensity, and time-to-time comparisons showed differences only in intensity of 60 and 80% and at 50 minutes after exercise (P = 0.049). No significant difference was observed between and within the control group. Also, no significant difference was observed between the experimental group and the control group in general (P = 0.56). At 70 and 80% intensity, diastolic blood pressure immediately after exercise, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10 minutes after exercise had a significant decrease compared to before exercise (p <0.05), but at 60% intensity, blood pressure difference was significant. Pre-workout diastole was significant only up to 40 minutes after exercise (p <0.05). Regarding moderate blood pressure, the results of repeated analysis of variance test showed that there was no significant difference between the mean blood pressure in general, regardless of the severity. There was a significant difference between the mean blood pressure in the experimental group and the control group in general (P =0.009), there is no significant difference between and within the control groups. Also at 70 and 80 intensities between moderate blood pressure, 40, 30, 20, 10 and 50 minutes after training compared to before training was observed a significant decrease (p <0.05), but at 60% intensity a significant decrease between Blood pressure was observed before training with 40, 30, 20 minutes after training (p <0.05). Conclusion: The results of the present study are consistent with the results of the research of Figueroido et al. (2015) who showed a decrease in blood pressure after resistance training. In another study in the same field and in line with the findings of the present study by Figueroido et al. (2015), the effect of load intensity on hypotension after exercise and heart rate change after a strength training session and reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure Reported (20, 23). However, inconsistent with the findings of the present study, Neri et al. (2010) showed that intra-arterial blood pressure is different in people with high blood pressure during exercise with high and low resistance. In another study inconsistent with the findings of the present study, Lamote et al. (2005) investigated the effect of different methods of resistance training on blood pressure and heart rate in heart patients and showed that between different methods of resistance training, endurance and combination on blood pressure. There is a significant difference (26,27). The reason for this difference could be that in this study, people with underlying diseases such as hypertension and heart disease were used, but in the present study, healthy people with a history of exercise participated. There was also no change in blood pressure within and between control groups, indicating that being in a sports environment and prevailing conditions such as coronary stress are not the cause of changes in blood pressure, heart rate and other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In order to classify and analyze the parameters of upper body posture, a baseline in the form of standard values is demanded. To this date, standard values have only been published for healthy men aged 18–35 and 41–50 years. Data for male adults aged between 31 and 40 years are lacking. Methods: The postural parameters of 101 symptom-free male volunteers aged 31–40 (35.58 ± 2.88) years were studied. The mean height of the men was 179.89 ± 7.38 cm, with a mean body weight of 86.36 ± 11.58 kg and an average BMI of 26.70 ± 3.35 kg/m2. By means of video rasterstereography, a 3-dimensional scan of the upper back surface was measured in a habitual standing position. The means or medians, confidence interval, tolerance range, and group comparisons and correlations of BMI and physical activity were calculated for all parameters. Results: The habitual standing position was found to be almost symmetrical and the axis aligned in the spine, pelvis, and shoulder region, while the spine position was marginally inclined ventrally. The kyphosis angle of the thoracic spine was greater than the lordosis angle of the lumbar spine. All deviations fell under the measurement error margin of 1 mm/1°. The greater the BMI, the greater was the pelvic and scapular distance. The lower the BMI, the further caudally positioned was the right shoulder. The pelvic and scapular distances were also lower with the increasing athleticism of the participants. Conclusion: The upper body posture of men between the ages of 31 and 40 years was found to be almost symmetrical and axis-conforming, with the kyphosis angle, pelvic distance, and shoulder distance enlarging with increasing BMI. Consequently, postural parameters presented in this survey allow for comparisons with other studies, as well as the evaluation of clinical diagnostics and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Hyzetimibe is a candidate drug being investigated as the second-in-class cholesterol absorption inhibitor; it lowers plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by blocking the Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 protein, a transporter mainly expressed in the intestine that allows dietary cholesterol to enter the body from the intestinal lumen. Previous studies on the metabolism of hyzetimibe in healthy volunteers were not enough to show the biotransformation and excretion pathway; in particular, whether hyzetimibe maintains pharmacological action for duration sufficient to pass through the hepatic-intestinal circulation remains unknown. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the differences between the chemical structures of ezetimibe and hyzetimibe would result in different pharmacokinetic characteristics. Given that the molecular target is in the intestine and the substantial hepatic-intestinal circulation is a metabolic characteristic of the drug, a study of hyzetimibe as an oral 14C-radiolabeled drug, compared with routinely metabolized drugs, would play an important role in uncovering pharmacokinetic details.Methods: After an overnight fast and before taking medication, six healthy male volunteers swallowed an investigational product suspension containing 20 mg/∼100 μCi of 14C-labeled hyzetimibe as a single dose. Whole-blood, plasma, urine, and fecal samples were collected, and hyzetimibe and its metabolites were measured. Pharmacokinetic variables of hyzetimibe and its metabolites were calculated and statistically analyzed according to obtained concentration data. Safety data were collected throughout the study.Results: The major metabolite detected in plasma was hyzetimibe-glucuronide, which accounted for 97.2% of the total plasma radioactivity. The mean cumulative excretion of total radioactivity of the dose was 16.39% in urine and 76.90% in feces. Unchanged drug and hyzetimibe-glucuronide were identified as the major components in the feces and the urine, respectively. The main metabolic conversions of hyzetimibe were glucuronidation (M1), mono-oxidation (M4), and mono-oxidation with additional sulfonation (M7). Hyzetimibe was considered generally safe and well tolerated.Conclusion: This study of 14C-radiolabeled hyzetimibe provides a full profile of the biotransformation and excretion routes of hyzetimibe to improve the understanding of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of hyzetimibe. The changed hydroxyl group in the hyzetimibe structure made it easier for that drug, compared with ezetimibe, to combine with glucuronic acid and subsequently increased the urinary excretion of hyzetimibe vs. ezetimibe. These differences highlight the need to investigate in more detail the different pharmacokinetic impacts on the efficacy and safety of hyzetimibe and ezetimibe.

Background and objectives: Hyzetimibe is a candidate drug being investigated as the second-in-class cholesterol absorption inhibitor; it lowers plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by blocking the Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 protein, a transporter mainly expressed in the intestine that allows dietary cholesterol to enter the body from the intestinal lumen. Previous studies on the metabolism of hyzetimibe in healthy volunteers were not enough to show the biotransformation and excretion pathway; in particular, whether hyzetimibe maintains pharmacological action for duration sufficient to pass through the hepatic-intestinal circulation remains unknown. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the differences between the chemical structures of ezetimibe and hyzetimibe would result in different pharmacokinetic characteristics. Given that the molecular target is in the intestine and the substantial hepatic-intestinal circulation is a metabolic characteristic of the drug, a study of hyzetimibe as an oral 14C-radiolabeled drug, compared with routinely metabolized drugs, would play an important role in uncovering pharmacokinetic details. Methods: After an overnight fast and before taking medication, six healthy male volunteers swallowed an investigational product suspension containing 20 mg/∼100 μCi of 14C-labeled hyzetimibe as a single dose. Whole-blood, plasma, urine, and fecal samples were collected, and hyzetimibe and its metabolites were measured. Pharmacokinetic variables of hyzetimibe and its metabolites were calculated and statistically analyzed according to obtained concentration data. Safety data were collected throughout the study. Results: The major metabolite detected in plasma was hyzetimibe-glucuronide, which accounted for 97.2% of the total plasma radioactivity. The mean cumulative excretion of total radioactivity of the dose was 16.39% in urine and 76.90% in feces. Unchanged drug and hyzetimibe-glucuronide were identified as the major components in the feces and the urine, respectively. The main metabolic conversions of hyzetimibe were glucuronidation (M1), mono-oxidation (M4), and mono-oxidation with additional sulfonation (M7). Hyzetimibe was considered generally safe and well tolerated. Conclusion: This study of 14C-radiolabeled hyzetimibe provides a full profile of the biotransformation and excretion routes of hyzetimibe to improve the understanding of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of hyzetimibe. The changed hydroxyl group in the hyzetimibe structure made it easier for that drug, compared with ezetimibe, to combine with glucuronic acid and subsequently increased the urinary excretion of hyzetimibe vs. ezetimibe. These differences highlight the need to investigate in more detail the different pharmacokinetic impacts on the efficacy and safety of hyzetimibe and ezetimibe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Androgen levels have been shown to decline in aging men. However, there is no consensus on the effect of aging, (changes in) body mass index (BMI), lifestyle factors, and intercurrent disease.Objective: Investigating longitudinal changes in serum androgen levels in healthy men in relation to body composition, lifestyle factors, and intercurrent disease.Design, Setting, and Participants: Longitudinal, population-based sibling pair study at a university research center. 999 healthy men aged 24 to 46 years of whom 691 were reevaluated after a mean period of 12 years.Main Outcome Measures: Serum SHBG, LH, and FSH levels measured using immuno-assays. Testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), dihydro-testosterone (DHT), and androstenedione (Adione) measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectometry, free T calculated (cFT).Results: Baseline age was 34 ± 6 years. Mean BMI increased by 1.19 kg/m2, T levels decreased by 14.2% (20.8 nmol/L vs. 17.8 nmol/L), cFT by 19.1% (392 pmol/L vs. 317 pmol/L), DHT by 15.6% (1.5 nmol/L vs.1.3 nmol/L), and Adione by 10.7% (3.7 nmol/L vs. 3.3 nmol/L; all P < 0.001). E2 did not change over time. SHBG increased by 3.0% (39.8 nmol/L vs. 41.0 nmol/L), LH by 5.8% (4.6 U/L vs. 4.9 U/L) and FSH by 14.7% (4.3 U/L vs. 5.1 U/L) (all P < 0.001). For T, cFT, DHT, Adione, and SHBG, these longitudinal changes persisted after adjustment for confounders (all P < 0.001).Conclusion: Serum androgen levels start declining early during adult life and independently from changes in BMI and other lifestyle factors, suggesting that aging per se leads to an altered sex steroid status. Given the concurrent rise in gonadotropin levels, the decline in androgen status most likely arises from primary decrease in testicular function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Genetic variation in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) structure may affect estimates of sex steroid exposure by altering the affinity of the protein for its ligand. Consequently, free hormone calculations assuming constant binding affinity may, for certain genetic variations, lead to incorrect diagnoses if genetic variation is not taken into consideration., Objective: To investigate the effects of genetic variation in SHBG on calculated and measured serum free testosterone (T) in men., Design, Setting and Participants: Population-based sibling-pair study in 999 healthy men aged 25 to 45 (mean: 34.5) years., Main Outcome Measures: Genotyping using microarray (Illumina®) for SNPs suggested to affect binding affinity and/or concentration of SHBG or T. SHBG concentrations were measured using immunoassay and in a subset (n = 32) by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Total T was measured using LC-MS/MS. Free T was calculated and in a subset (n = 314) measured directly using LC-MS/MS after equilibrium dialysis., Results: Allelic frequencies of analyzed SNPs ranged from 0.5% to 58.2%. Compared to wild-type, SHBG concentrations were lower in rs6258 heterozygotes (-24.7%; p < 0.05) and higher in rs6259 heterozygotes, rs727428 homozygotes, and carriers of rs1799941 (+10.8 to 23.1%; all p < 0.05). Total T was higher in rs727428 homozygotes and carriers of rs5934505, rs1799941and rs6259 (+3.9 to 21.4%; all p < 0.05). No clear effects on measured free T were found, except for a trend towards higher values in rs6259 homozygotes, significant for calculated free T (+18.7%; p < 0.05) in the larger global study population., Conclusion: In these men, analyzed SNPs were relatively prevalent and affected serum concentrations of total T and SHBG but not calculated or measured free T except for a higher trend in rs6259 homozygotes., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The present study aims to analyze sperm concentration trends among young and healthy Chinese adults in Wuhan, Central China, from 2010 to 2015. Semen analysis data from 9357 participants were collected and analyzed using a general linear model and the Cochran–Armitage trend test. A significant decline was observed in sperm concentration (β [standard deviation]: −1.53 [0.16]; P < 0.001). In addition, a decline in sperm density was observed by stratifying student versus nonstudent sperm donors and by analyzing the year of birth or birth year cohort of the participants. Furthermore, the percentage of participants with sperm densities of over 40 × 106 ml−1 significantly decreased with year. Notably, a dramatic decline in sperm density was recorded over the first 5 years of study. This research reported a decline in sperm concentration among young adults in Wuhan, Central China, in 2010–2015.

There has been increasing interest in vegan diets, but how this dietary pattern regulates tissue fatty acids (FA), especially in men, is unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of a vegan diet on plasma, erythrocyte, and spermatozoa FA composition in young men. Two groups consisting of 67 young (18–25 years old) men were studied. One group following an omnivore diet but did not consume fish, shellfish or other marine foods (control, n = 33), and another group following a vegan diet (vegan, n = 34) for at least 12 months were compared. Dietary intake was assessed via a food frequency questionnaire and a 24‐h recall. FA composition was measured in plasma, erythrocyte phospholipids, and spermatozoa by gas–liquid chromatography. Compared to controls, the vegan group had higher reported intakes of carbohydrate, dietary fiber, vitamins (C, E, K, and folate), and minerals (copper, potassium) but lower intakes of cholesterol, trans FA, vitamins B6, D, and B12, and minerals (calcium, iron, and zinc). Vegan's reported a lower saturated FA and not arachidonic acid intake, both groups did not intake eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but vegan's showed a higher alpha linolenic acid ALA intake. Vegans had higher plasma, erythrocyte phospholipid, and spermatozoa ALA, but lower levels of other n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), especially DHA. Vegans were characterized by higher ALA, but lower levels of other n‐3 PUFA, especially DHA in plasma, erythrocytes, and spermatozoids. The biological significance of these findings requires further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The levels of total protein, glucose, cholesterol and its fractions, triglycerides, uric acid, and hormones of the anterior pituitary gland (prolactin, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, growth hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone) were analyzed in the serum of 60 healthy men aged 22–55 years. The blood pressure was measured, and the body-mass index (BMI) was calculated for each participant. To assess the age-related dynamics of the parameters, groups of young (up to 35 years old) and middle-aged (over 35 years old) participants were formed according to the classification adopted at the International Symposium on Age Periodization in 1965. A correlation analysis of the biochemical parameters, level of pituitary hormones, age, BMI, and level of mean blood pressure found a (p < 0.05) in the total blood protein level (within the normal range), a tendency towards a decrease in prolactin levels, and an increase (p < 0.05) in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in the middle-aged group as compared with the young group. The HDL-cholesterol levels did not differ between the groups; this demonstrates the constancy of antiatherogenic protection over many decades. The slight decrease in the total protein concentration in the blood and the tendency towards a decrease in the prolactin level, which were associated with negative correlations between a low prolactin level and age (r = –0.20; p = 0.01) and total protein and age (r = –0.35; p = 0.01) confirm the participation of prolactin in the protein metabolism and also indirectly indicate changes in the regulatory effect of dopamine on prolactin synthesis and secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To the best of our knowledge, no study has examined the reliability of assessment methods for male pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the reliability of manometry with an anal sensor (Peritron cat 9300A) to assess PFM function in healthy men. Methods: Healthy male subjects (n = 21) without urinary leakage underwent testing to assess PFM function, and intra‐ and interrater reliability tests among examiners were performed. The PFM function included maximal anorectal squeeze pressure, endurance, mean anorectal squeeze pressure, gradient, and area under the curve during PFM voluntary contraction. Results: Participants had a median age of 38 years (range 26‐51), and a mean BMI of 23.2 ± 2.0 kg/m2. Satisfactory intra‐ and interrater reliability scores were found for resting pressure, anorectal squeeze pressure, and endurance. The intra‐rater reliability of resting pressure, anorectal squeeze pressure, and endurance were 0.71, 0.89, and 0.75 for examiner 1 and 0.72, 0.89, and 0.87 for examiner 2. The interrater reliability for resting pressure, anorectal squeeze pressure, and endurance were 0.58, 0.93, and 0.61, respectively. Conclusions: This is the first prospective study showing the favorable intra‐ and interrater reliability of manometry for PFM function in healthy men. Our findings demonstrated that manometry can provide both reliable and reproducible data regarding PFM function in continent men, suggesting Peritron cat 9300A can be used to evaluate the PFM function in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The presence of triacylglycerol (TAG) cystallinity is assumed to influence digestibility and postprandial lipemia (PPL), although studies to date are limited.Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether the presence of solid fat compared with undercooled liquid oil, specifically, plays a role in determining PPL by comparing emulsion droplets differing only in terms of physical state.Methods: Ten percent palm stearin and 0.4% sorbitan monostearate emulsions were tempered to contain identically sized, charged, and shaped (spherical) undercooled liquid (LE) compared with partially crystalline solid (SE; mean ± SEM: 33.2% ± 0.03% solid fat at 37°C) droplets. Fifteen healthy fasting adult men (mean ± SD age: 27.5 ± 5.7 y; BMI: 24.1 ± 2.5 kg/m2) consumed 500 mL of each emulsion on separate occasions and plasma TAG concentrations, particle size of the plasma chylomicron-rich fraction (CMRF), and fatty acid (FA) composition of the CMRF-TAG were serially determined in a 6-h postprandial randomized double-blind crossover acute meal study. Changes from baseline values were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA.Results: An earlier (2 compared with 3 h, P < 0.05) significant rise, a 39.9% higher mean postprandial TAG change from baseline (P = 0.08), and higher peak concentration (mean ± SEM: 1.47 ± 0.19 compared with 1.20 ± 0.15 mmol/L, P = 0.04) and iAUC (1.95 ± 0.39 compared with 1.45 ± 0.31 mmol/L × h, P = 0.03) values were observed for LE compared with SE. The compositions of the CMRF-TAG FAs shifted toward those of the ingested palm stearin by 4 h but did not differ between SE and LE (P = 0.90). Nor were there differences in postprandial changes in CMRF particle size (P = 0.79) or nonesterified FAs (P = 0.72) based on lipid physical state.Conclusions: Despite their identical compositions and colloidal properties, differences in lipid absorption were observed between SE and LE in healthy adult men. This is direct evidence that TAG physical state contributes to PPL, with the presence of solid fat having an attenuating influence.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03515590. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Impaired glucose regulation, measured with an oral glucose-tolerance test, has been associated with the risk of cancer. Here, we explored whether the response to an intravenous glucose-tolerance test (IVGTT) is associated with the risk of cancer. Methods: A cohort of 945 healthy men, aged 40–59 years in 1972–75, was followed for 40 years. An IVGTT was performed at baseline. Blood samples for glucose determinations were drawn immediately before glucose injection and thereafter every 10 min for 1 h. Associations were assessed with incidence rate ratios (IRR) and Cox models. Findings: Cancer incidence was higher among men with 10-min glucose levels below the median than in men with levels above the median (IRR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2–1.9). This association remained significant after adjusting for relevant confounders (HR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3–2.1) and when excluding the first 10 years of follow-up to minimize the possibility of reverse causality (HR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2–2.0). Interpretation: Healthy middle-aged males that responded to an intravenous glucose injection with rapid glucose elimination during the first phase had an elevated risk of cancer during 40 years of follow-up. First phase response to a glucose load might be related to cancer development.

The analysis of liver sonographic parameters of healthy men of the Podilski region of Ukraine who are of different somatotypes has revealed significant differences only in the thickness of the right lobe of the liver on inhalation, as well as in the width of the caudate lobe of the liver and the densitometry of the left lobe of the liver parenchyma on exhalation and during inhalation. No significant differences or trends between healthy men of different somatotypes were seen in the rest of the sonographic parameters of liver (oblique vertical size of the right lobe of the liver on exhalation and on inhalation, the thickness of the right lobe of the liver on exhalation, the cranio-caudal size of the left lobe of the liver on exhalation and inhalation, the thickness of the left lobe of the liver on exhalation and in inhalation, as well as the length of the caudate particle of the liver and densitometry of right lobe of liver parenchyma on exhalation and inhalation).

Purpose To report age-specific serum estradiol concentration in nonsmoking, lean US men without comorbidities. We provide concentrations from 30 and 15 to 20 years ago given previously described declines in serum estradiol in US men over time. Methods We used data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III; 1988 to 1991) and continuous NHANES (1999 to 2004). Serum estradiol and SHBG were previously measured by competitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. Free estradiol was estimated from estradiol, SHBG, and albumin. By age, we calculated median concentrations overall and for nonsmoking, lean (body mass index <25 kg/m2 and waist <102 cm) men without diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer. Results Overall, respective total estradiol medians for men ages 20 to 39, 40 to 59, and ≥60 years old were 37.0, 33.9, and 33.5 pg/mL in NHANES III and 31.3, 30.5, and 27.0 pg/mL in continuous NHANES. In nonsmoking, lean men without comorbidities, respective total estradiol medians were 32.0, 32.1, and 32.0 pg/mL in NHANES III and 29.1, 22.7, and 26.1 pg/mL in continuous NHANES. Overall, respective free estradiol medians were 0.82, 0.72, and 0.64 pg/mL in NHANES III and 0.67, 0.61, and 0.47 pg/mL in continuous NHANES. In nonsmoking, lean men without comorbidities, respective free estradiol medians were 0.64, 0.67, and 0.62 pg/mL in NHANES III and 0.58, 0.42, and 0.40 pg/mL continuous NHANES. Conclusion We report US nationally representative serum estradiol concentrations in healthy men, which could be used for targeting estradiol during testosterone supplementation and for general good health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The male pelvic floor muscles comprise a pair of compound muscle layers referred to as the levator ani. Studies have shown that pelvic floor muscle strength is affected by physical activity. This study aimed to assess male pelvic floor muscle strength through manometry of the external anal sphincter and evaluation of its association with physical activity level, BMI, and rectal pressure in healthy men. To assess physical activity level over the previous week, we used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire 8 (IPAQ). Pelvic floor muscle strength was assessed via anorectal manometry. The results shows a negative correlation between resting pressure and MET, a positive correlation between rectal pressure and resting and maximum pressure. The novel finding of this study is a negative correlation between walking and pelvic floor strength. This study raises new questions about the understanding of the interaction among physical activity, intraabdominal pressure, and pelvic floor strength in the physiology of continence in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Nigeria, the diagnostic value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a matter of debate. PSA levels are known to vary with population, environmental factors, and advancing age. Studies suggest age-specific reference intervals (ASRIs) of PSA value are more accurate than single cut-off PSA value. For ASRIs to be used effectively, reference intervals (RIs) must be fully evaluated., Aim: We determine ASRIs in a Nigerian population., Materials and Methods: The study was carried out from January 2016 to January 2019 among 660 adult Nigerian men aged 30-86 years old in Enugu State. Participants completed questionnaire demographics and previous screening. Age group was the indicator. Among them, a total 24 (3.6%) were excluded. Data from 636 (96.4%) men were analyzed for ASRIs. Estimation of PSA was done as per the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry Guideline. Spearman correlation was used to identify correlates P values < 0.05 which was considered significant., Results: The mean age group was 49.6 ± 10.2 years. ASRIs using 95 th percentile, and PSA values in each 10 years groups were 0-1.94 ng/ml (median 0.22), 0-2.52 ng/ml (median 0.42), 0-3.52 ng/ml (median 1.06), 0-4.8 ng/ml (median 2.1), 0-6.95 ng/ml (median 4.1), and 0-5.6 ng/ml (median 2.4), for age groups 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and ≥80 years, respectively. There was positive correlation between PSA and age (r = 0.9915, P < 0.0001). Low income and educational background were more prevalent among the study group., Conclusion: Our study provided the ASRIs in our environment but higher than single cut-off value. The data recommended PSA values should be characterized by age and ethnicity., Competing Interests: None

Background: Fermentation is a widely used method of natural food preservation that has consequences on the nutritional value of the transformed food. Fermented dairy products are increasingly investigated in view of their ability to exert health benefits beyond their nutritional qualities.Objective: To explore the mechanisms underpinning the health benefits of fermented dairy intake, the present study followed the effects of milk fermentation, from changes in the product metabolome to consequences on the human serum metabolome after its ingestion.Methods: A randomized crossover study design was conducted in 14 healthy men [mean age: 24.6 y; mean body mass index (in kg/m2): 21.8]. At the beginning of each test phase, serum samples were taken 6 h postprandially after the ingestion of 800 g of a nonfermented milk or a probiotic yogurt. During the 2-wk test phases, subjects consumed 400 g of the assigned test product daily (200 g, 2 times/d). Serum samples were taken from fasting participants at the end of each test phase. The serum metabolome was assessed through the use of LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics.Results: Postprandial serum metabolomes after milk or yogurt intake could be differentiated [orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) Q2 = 0.74]. Yogurt intake was characterized by higher concentrations of 7 free amino acids (including proline, P = 0.03), reduced concentrations of 5 bile acids (including glycocholic acid, P = 0.04), and modulation of 4 indole derivative compounds (including indole lactic acid, P = 0.01). Fasting serum samples after 2 wk of daily intake of milk or yogurt could also be differentiated based on their metabolic profiles (OPLS-DA Q2 = 0.56) and were discussed in light of the postprandial results.Conclusion: Metabolic pathways related to amino acids, indole derivatives, and bile acids were modulated in healthy men by the intake of yogurt. Further investigation to explore novel health effects of fermented dairy products is warranted.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02230345. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The proper neuromuscular recruitment patterns of hip and knee muscles are essential for dynamic stabilization of the knee. According to the kinematic chain, weakness in the performance of one motor segment can affect other segments of motion. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the isometric strength of selected muscles of lower extremities in the hyperpronated foot with the same muscles in healthy male athletes. Materials and methods: The present study is descriptive and correlational. Forty male athletes in two groups of hyperpronated foot and healthy male athletes (20 in each group) participated in this study. Pronated foot was examined by navicular drop and isometric strength of selected muscles in lower extremities was examined by Manual Muscle Test system (MMT). Then, the ratio of isometric strength of each muscle to body weight was compared between two groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 20 and the independent t test was used to compare the variables between the two groups. Results: The results showed that isometric strength of muscles, hip abductors (P = .002), external rotators of hip (P = .007), and quadriceps muscles (P = .031) have decreased significantly in the the group of hyperpronated foot. Conclusion: The hyperpronated foot changes the muscle strength of lower extremity. These changes may be due to neuromuscular compensation because of the changes in the medial longitudinal arch. More research is needed to determine whether these changes in muscle strength are related to lower extremity injury.

Nordic Walking (NW) is an increasingly popular physical activity with beneficial health effects. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the effect of different factors that may influence its performance. The aim of this study was to compare the range of motion of the trunk and upper extremities during NW with conventional walking (W) at different walking speeds and ground slope. 16 healthy men participated in the survey (age 22.7±1.3 years, weight 75.5±5.3 kg, height 180±5.0 cm), who performed NW and W treadmill trials on inclines of 0% and 8%. The treadmill speed was self-selected for each subject at start for NW and then increased by 10 and 20%. VICON MX system was applied for 3D kinematic analysis. During NW, the range of motion of the pelvis in sagittal plane significantly increased compared to W (p = 0.002). During NW on flat ground at speed increased by 10 and 20% respectively, the range of motion at the shoulder joint in sagittal plane was considerably smaller (p = 0.010 and p = 0.035 resp.) than during W. The range of motion at the elbow joint was significantly higher during NW at self-selected speed and on 8% incline (p = 0.003) when compared to W. The same applies for speed increase by 10% (p = 0.011). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The consumption of products rich in cereal fiber and with a low glycemic index is implicated in a lower risk of metabolic diseases. Previously, we showed that the consumption of fiber-rich pasta compared with bread resulted in a lower rate of appearance of exogenous glucose and a lower glucose clearance rate quantified with a dual-isotope technique, which was in accordance with a lower insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide response.Objective: To gain more insight into the acute metabolic consequences of the consumption of products resulting in differential glucose kinetics, postprandial metabolic profiles were determined.Methods: In a crossover study, 9 healthy men [mean ± SEM age: 21 ± 0.5 y; mean ± SEM body mass index (kg/m2): 22 ± 0.5] consumed wheat bread (132 g) and fresh pasta (119 g uncooked) enriched with wheat bran (10%) meals. A total of 134 different metabolites in postprandial plasma samples (at -5, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min) were quantified by using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach (secondary outcomes). Two-factor ANOVA and advanced multivariate statistical analysis (partial least squares) were applied to detect differences between both food products.Results: Forty-two different postprandial metabolite profiles were identified, primarily representing pathways related to protein and energy metabolism, which were on average 8% and 7% lower after the men consumed pasta rather than bread, whereas concentrations of arabinose and xylose were 58% and 53% higher, respectively. Arabinose and xylose are derived from arabinoxylans, which are important components of wheat bran. The higher bioavailability of arabinose and xylose after pasta intake coincided with a lower rate of appearance of glucose and amino acids. We speculate that this higher bioavailability is due to higher degradation of arabinoxylans by small intestinal microbiota, facilitated by the higher viscosity of arabinoxylans after pasta intake than after bread intake.Conclusion: This study suggests that wheat bran, depending on the method of processing, can increase the viscosity of the meal bolus in the small intestine and interfere with macronutrient absorption in healthy men, thereby influencing postprandial glucose and insulin responses. This trial was registered at www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN42106325. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) may contribute to cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to investigate whether functional sugars with low compared to high glycemic index (GI) have beneficial effects on arterial stiffness during a period of low-physical activity. In a controlled cross-over dietary intervention (55% CHO, 30% fat, 15% protein), 13 healthy men (age: 23.7 ± 2.2 years, body mass index: 23.6 ± 1.9 kg/m²) completed 2 x 1 week of low physical activity following 1 week of normal physical activity (2363 ± 900 vs. 11,375 ± 3124 steps/day). During inactive phases participants consumed either low-GI (isomaltulose) or high-GI SSB (maltodextrin-sucrose), providing 20% of energy requirements. Postprandial vasodilatation (augmentation index, AIx), insulin sensitivity (IS) and Glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1) responses were measured during a meal test before and after SSB-intervention. Compared to maltodextrin-sucrose-SSB, postprandial vasodilatation was prolonged (AIx after 120 min: 9.9% ± 4.3% vs. 11.4% ± 3.7%, p < 0.05) and GLP-1 secretion was higher with isomaltulose-SSB (total area under the GLP-1 curve (tAUCGLP)-1: 8.0 ± 4.4 vs. 5.4 ± 3.4 pM x 3 h; p < 0.05). One week of low-physical activity led to impaired IS that was attenuated with low-GI SSB consumption, but did not affect arterial stiffness (p > 0.05). Higher postprandial GLP-1 secretion after intake of low compared to high-GI beverages may contribute to improved postprandial vasodilatation. Although one week of low-physical activity led to marked impairment in IS, it had no effect on arterial stiffness in healthy men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep deprivation is known to suppress circulating trophic factors such as insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This experiment examined the effect of an intervention involving 6 nights of extended sleep before total sleep deprivation on this catabolic profile. In a randomized crossover design, 14 young men (age range: 26-37 years) were either in an extended (EXT; time in bed: 2100-0700 h) or habitual (HAB: 2230-0700 h) sleep condition, followed by 3 days in the laboratory with blood sampling at baseline (B), after 24 h of sleep deprivation (24h-SD), and after 1 night of recovery sleep (R). In the EXT condition compared with the HAB condition, free IGF-I levels were significantly higher at B, 24h-SD, and R ( P < 0.001), and those of total IGF-I at B and 24h-SD ( P < 0.05). EXT did not influence growth hormone, IGF binding protein 3, BDNF, insulin, and glucose levels. The only effect of 24 h of sleep deprivation was for insulin levels, which were significantly higher after R compared with B. In a healthy adult, additional sleep over 1 week increased blood concentrations of the anabolic factor IGF-I before and during 24 h of sleep deprivation and after the subsequent recovery night without effects on BDNF. With further research, these findings may prove to be important in guiding effective lifestyle modifications to limit physical or cognitive deficits associated with IGF-I decrease with age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While low vitamin D status has been shown to be associated with decreased quality of life in unhealthy populations and women, only limited data are available regarding healthy adult men. Our aim was to evaluate the associations between health-related quality of life (QoL) and vitamin D status in adult men. High-tech employees aged 25-65 year were recruited from an occupational periodic examination clinic at Rambam Health Campus. QoL was assessed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health-related quality of life questionnaire (HRQOL-4). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and Body Mass Index (BMI) were measured; further information was collected about physical activity, education, sun exposure, sick-days, and musculoskeletal pain severity (visual analog scale). Three hundred and fifty-eight men were enrolled in the study; mean serum 25(OH)D level was 22.1 + 7.9 ng/mL (range 4.6-54.5 ng/mL). In a multivariate logistic regression model, 25(OH)D was a significant independent determinant of self-rated health; Odds Ratio (OR) for self-rated health was 0.91 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85-0.97, p = 0.004), adjusted for age, BMI, pain severity, physical activity, and sun exposure. Every 1 ng/mL increase of 25(OH)D was associated with 9% reduction in the odds of reporting self-rated health as fair or poor. Poisson regression model demonstrated an association between physically unhealthy days and 25(OH)D levels (rate ratio 0.95, p < 0.001). In conclusion, serum levels of 25(OH)D were associated with self-rated health and with physically unhealthy days of HRQOL in healthy high-tech male workers. Future intervention studies are required to test the impact of vitamin D supplementation on QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: Hypertriacylglycerolaemia is a hallmark of diabetic dyslipidaemia with increased concentrations of triacylglycerol (TG)-rich VLDL particles. However, whether VLDL secretion or removal is abnormal in type 2 diabetes remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare basal and insulin-mediated VLDL- and VLDL-TG kinetics in men with type 2 diabetes and healthy men using a novel direct VLDL- and VLDL-TG labelling method. Methods: Twelve men with type 2 diabetes and 12 healthy men matched for age and BMI were recruited. VLDL- and VLDL-TG turnover were measured during a 4 h basal period and a 3.5 h hyperinsulinaemic clamp period using a primed-constant infusion of ex vivo labelled VLDL-TG and VLDL-TG. Results: Basal VLDL-TG and VLDL-TG secretion rates were similar in men with diabetes and healthy men. During hyperinsulinaemia, VLDL-TG secretion rates were suppressed significantly in both groups, whereas no suppression of VLDL-TG secretion rate was observed. VLDL-TG to VLDL-TG transfer rate was not significantly different from zero in both groups, while VLDL-TG fatty acid oxidation rate was substantial, with a contribution to total energy expenditure of approximately 15% during postabsorptive conditions. VLDL and VLDL particle size (TG/apolipoprotein B [apoB] ratio) and apoB-100 concentration were unaltered by hyperinsulinaemia in men with type 2 diabetes, but significantly reduced in healthy men. Conclusions/interpretation: Insulin inhibits VLDL-TG secretion rate similarly in age- and BMI-matched men with type 2 diabetes and healthy men, while VLDL-TG secretion is unaltered by hyperinsulinaemia. However, VLDL- and VLDL-apoB levels are not lowered by hyperinsulinaemia in men with type 2 diabetes, which is indicative of a diminished hepatic response to insulin. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01564550 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total sleep deprivation (TSD) in humans is associated with altered hormonal levels, which may have clinical relevance. Less is known about the effect of an extended sleep period before TSD on these hormonal changes. Fourteen subjects participated in two experimental counterbalanced conditions (randomised cross-over design): extended sleep (21.00–07.00 h time in bed, EXT) and habitual sleep (22.30–07.00 h time in bed, HAB). For each condition, subjects performed two consecutive phases: six nights of either EXT or HAB. These nights were followed by 3 days in the sleep laboratory with blood sampling at 07.00 and 17.00 h at baseline (B-07.00 and B-17.00), after 24 and 34 h of continuous awakening (24 h-CA, 34 h-CA) and after one night of recovery sleep (R-07.00 and R-17.00) to assess testosterone, cortisol, prolactin and catecholamines concentrations. At 24 h of awakening, testosterone, cortisol and prolactin concentrations were significantly lower compared to B-07.00 and recovered basal levels after recovery sleep at R-07.00 (P < 0.001 for all). However, no change was observed at 34 h of awakening compared to B-17.00. No effect of sleep extension was observed on testosterone, cortisol and catecholamines concentrations at 24 and 34 h of awakening. However, prolactin concentration was significantly lower in EXT at B-07.00 and R-07.00 compared to HAB (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, 24 h of awakening inhibited gonadal and adrenal responses in healthy young subjects and this was not observed at 34 h of awakening. Six nights of sleep extension is not sufficient to limit decreased concentrations of testosterone and cortisol at 24 h of awakening but may have an impact on prolactin concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of 3 days isoenergetic high-fat/low-carbohydrate diet (HF-LC) relative to low-fat/high-carbohydrate diet (LF-HC) on the exercise-induced growth hormone (GH) response in healthy male subjects. Design Ten healthy young males participated in this study. Each subject consumed the HF-LC (18 ± 1% protein, 61 ± 2% fat, 21 ± 1% carbohydrate, 2720 kcal per day) for 3 consecutive days after consuming the LF-HC (18 ± 1% protein, 20 ± 1% fat, 62 ± 1% carbohydrate, 2755 kcal per day) for 3 consecutive days. After each dietary intervention period, the hormonal and metabolic responses to an acute exercise (30 min of continuous pedaling at 60% of V ˙ O 2max ) were compared. The intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) contents in the vastus lateralis, soleus, and tibialis anterior were evaluated by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results Serum GH concentrations increased significantly during the exercise after both the HF-LC and LF-HC periods ( P < 0.05). However, the exercise-induced GH response was not significantly different between the two periods. Fat utilization and lipolytic responses during the exercise were enhanced significantly after the HF-LC period compared with the LF-HC period. IMCL content did not differ significantly in any portion of muscle after the dietary interventions. Conclusions We could not show that short-term HF-LC consumption changed significantly exercise-induced GH response or IMCL content in healthy young males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A long oral exposure to food and a high-energy density of food are shown to increase satiety feelings. The effect of energy density is predominantly caused by an inhibition of gastric emptying. It is hypothesized that prolonging oral exposure may have an additional effect on this inhibition of gastric emptying. However, little human data are available to support this hypothesis. Objective: The objective was to assess the effect of oral exposure duration to food on gastric emptying rate of gastric loads (GLs) low and high in energy density and on satiety feelings. Methods: Twenty-six healthy men (22 ± 3 y, 23 ± 1 kg/m²) participated in a randomized crossover trial with 4 treatments and a control. Treatments consisted of either 1- or 8-min modified sham feeding (MSF) of cake, and a GL of either 100 or 700 kcal infused in the stomach via a nasogastric tube (500 mL, 62.5 mL/min). The control consisted of no MSF and a GL of 500 mL of water. Gastric emptying rate was assessed with a 13C breath test. Breath samples and satiety feelings were collected at fixed time points until 90 min after start of the treatment. Results: Gastric emptying rate and satiety feelings were not affected by duration of MSF (P ≥ 0.27). However, the 700-kcal GL treatments slowed gastric emptying [41% lower area under the curve (AUC)] and increased satiety feelings (22-31% higher AUC) compared with the 100-kcal GL treatments (P < 0.001). No interaction between MSF duration and energy density of GL was found (P ≥ 0.44). Conclusions: Higher gastric energy density inhibited gastric emptying and increased satiety feelings in healthy young men. However, prolonging oral exposure to food did not have an additional effect. This study provides more insight in satiety regulation. This trial was registered at trialregister.nl as NTR3601. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels are known to vary with race and ethnicity, environmental factors, lifestyle, metabolic and physiologic changes and advancing age. This study was designed to determine age specific serum PSA level in healthy Indian men and its comparison with that reported in different populations of the world. Methods: A total of 1300 adult men who attended Executive Health Check-up programme in a tertiary care hospital in Haryana, India, were included in the study. Forty seven men were excluded from the analysis because of urological conditions affecting PSA values. Overall, 1253 men were analyzed for age specific PSA values. Results: The age specific reference range of serum PSA values was 0.71 ng/ml in those younger than 40 yr; 0.85 ng/ml in 40-49 yr; 1.13ng/ml in 50-59 yr group; 1.45 ng/ml in 60-69 yr group; 1.84 ng/ml in 70-79 yr group and 2.35 ng/ml in men older than 80 yr. Interpretation & conclusions: Our study provided the age-specific reference range of serum PSA in healthy men in India. The data suggested that the PSA levels were associated with increasing age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recommendations for cardiovascular disease prevention advocate lowering both cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol systemic levels, notably by statin intake. However, statins are the subject of questions concerning their impact on male fertility. This study aimed to evaluate, by a prospective pilot assay, the efficacy and the toxicity of a decrease of cholesterol blood levels, induced by atorvastatin on semen quality and sexual hormone levels of healthy, normocholesterolaemic and normozoospermic men. Methods: Atorvastatin (10 mg daily) was administrated orally during 5 months to 17 men with normal plasma lipid and standard semen parameters. Spermatozoa parameters, accessory gland markers, semen lipid levels and blood levels of gonadal hormones were assayed before statin intake, during the treatment, and 3 months after its withdrawal. Results: Atorvastatin treatment significantly decreased circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol concentrations by 42% and 24% (p < 0.0001) respectively, and reached the efficacy objective of the protocol. During atorvastatin therapy and/or 3 months after its withdrawal numerous semen parameters were significantly modified, such as total number of spermatozoa (−31%, p < 0.05), vitality (−9.5%, p < 0.05), total motility (+7.5%, p < 0.05), morphology (head, neck and midpiece abnormalities, p < 0.05), and the kinetics of acrosome reaction (p < 0.05). Seminal concentrations of acid phosphatases (p < 0.01), α-glucosidase (p < 0.05) and L-carnitine (p < 0.05) were also decreased during the therapy, indicating an alteration of prostatic and epididymal functions. Moreover, we measured at least one altered semen parameter in 35% of the subjects during atorvastatin treatment, and in 65% of the subjects after withdrawal, which led us to consider that atorvastatin is unsafe in the context of our study. Conclusions: Our results show for the first time that atorvastatin significantly affects the sperm parameters and the seminal fluid composition of healthy men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]