Body mass index (BMI) has been increasing globally in recent decades. Previous studies reported that BMI was associated with sex hormone levels, but the results were generated via linear regression or logistic regression, which would lose part of information. Quantile regression analysis can maximize the use of variable information. Our study compared the associations among different regression models. The participants were recruited from the Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University (Changchun, China) between June 2018 and June 2019. We used linear, logistic, and quantile regression models to calculate the associations between sex hormone levels and BMI. In total, 448 men were included in this study. The average BMI was 25.7 (standard deviation [s.d.]: 3.7) kg m^-2; 29.7% (n = 133) of the participants were normal weight, 45.3% (n = 203) of the participants were overweight, and 23.4% (n = 105) of the participants were obese. The levels of testosterone and estradiol significantly differed among BMI groups (all P < 0.05). In linear regression and logistic regression, BMI was associated with testosterone and estradiol levels (both P < 0.05). In quantile regression, BMI was negatively associated with testosterone levels in all quantiles after adjustment for age (all P < 0.05). BMI was positively associated with estradiol levels in most quantiles (≤80^th) after adjustment for age (all P < 0.05). Our study suggested that BMI was one of the influencing factors of testosterone and estradiol. Of note, the quantile regression showed that BMI was associated with estradiol only up to the 80^th percentile of estradiol.
Male ; Humans ; Body Mass Index ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones ; Regression Analysis ; Estradiol ; Testosterone

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has yet to be proven to alter male reproductive function, particularly in the majority of mild/asymptomatic patients. The purpose of this study was to explore whether mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 affects semen quality and sex-related hormone levels. To find suitable comparative studies, a systematic review and meta-analysis was done up to January 22, 2022, by using multiple databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to identify and choose the studies. Meta-analysis was used to examine the semen parameters and sex-related hormones of mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 patients before and after infection. The effects of semen collection time, fever, and intensity of verification on semen following infection were also investigated. A total of 13 studies (n = 770) were included in the analysis, including three case-control studies, six pre-post studies, and four single-arm studies. A meta-analysis of five pre-post studies showed that after infection with COVID-19, sperm concentration (I² = 0; P = 0.003), total sperm count (I² = 46.3%; P = 0.043), progressive motility (I² = 50.0%; P < 0.001), total sperm motility (I² = 76.1%; P = 0.047), and normal sperm morphology (I² = 0; P = 0.001) decreased. Simultaneously, a systematic review of 13 studies found a significant relationship between semen collection time after infection, inflammation severity, and semen parameter values, with fever having only bearing on semen concentration. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in sex-related hormone levels before and after infection in mild/asymptomatic patients. Mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 infection had a significant effect on semen quality in the short term. It is recommended to avoid initiating a pregnancy during this period of time.
Pregnancy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Semen Analysis ; Semen ; Infertility, Male ; Sperm Motility ; COVID-19 ; Sperm Count ; Spermatozoa ; Testosterone ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones

OBJECTIVE: To compare the improvement effect between simultaneous electroacupuncture at antagonistic muscle and agonistic muscle and simple electroacupuncture at antagonistic muscle on spasticity degree, upper-extremity motor function and activity of daily living in patients with upper-extremity spasticity after stroke. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with upper-extremity spasticity after stroke were randomized into a comprehensive group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off) and an antagonistic muscle group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off). In the antagonistic muscle group, acupuncture was applied at Jianyu (LI 15), Binao (LI 14), Zhouliao (LI 12), Shousanli (LI 10), Waiguan (TE 5) and Houxi (SI 3), electric stimulation was attached to Jianyu (LI 15)-Binao (LI 14), Zhouliao (LI 12)-Shousanli (LI 10) and Waiguan (TE 5)-Houxi (SI 3), with discontinuous wave, 15 Hz in frequency. On the basis of the treatment in the antagonistic muscle group, acupuncture was applied at Tianquan (PC 2), Chize (LU 5), Jianshi (PC 5) and Daling (PC 7) in the comprehensive group, electric stimulation was attached to Tianquan (PC 2)-Chize (LU 5) and Jianshi (PC 5)-Daling (PC 7), with continuous wave, 5 Hz in frequency. The treatment was given once a day, 6 days a week for 4 weeks in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the scores of modified Ashworth scale (MAS), Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity scale (FMA-UE) and modified Barthel index (MBI) scale were observed in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the MAS scores of elbow flexors and wrist flexors after treatment were decreased (P<0.05), the scores of FMA-UE and MBI scale after treatment were increased in the two groups (P<0.05). The scores of FMA-UE and MBI scale after treatment in the comprehensive group were higher than those in the antagonistic muscle group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Simultaneous electroacupuncture at antagonistic muscle and agonistic muscle and simple electroacupuncture at antagonistic muscle can both improve the spasticity degree in patients with upper-extremity spasticity after stroke, however, the former can better restore motor function and improve activity of daily living.
Electroacupuncture ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones ; Humans ; Muscle Spasticity/therapy* ; Muscles ; Stroke/therapy* ; Stroke Rehabilitation ; Treatment Outcome ; Upper Extremity

Sleep deprivation (SD) has many deleterious health effects and occurs in more than 70% of pregnant women. However, the changes in sex hormones and relevant mechanisms after SD have not been well clarified. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of SD on the secretion of sex hormones and the underlying mechanisms. Twelve pregnant Wistar rats were divided into control (CON, n = 6) and SD (n = 6) groups. Pregnant rats in the SD group were deprived of sleep for 18 h, and allowed free rest for 6 h, and then the above procedures were repeated until delivery. The CON group lived in a 12 h light/dark light cycle environment. Estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression of circadian clock genes, Bmal1, Clock and Per2, in hypothalamus and pituitary gland tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The PI3K and Akt phosphorylation levels in the hypothalamic and pituitary tissues were determined by Western blot. The results showed that, compared with the CON group, the SD group exhibited significantly reduced serum E2 and P4 levels, down-regulated Bmal1, Clock and Per2 expression, as well as decreased phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt. But there was no significant difference of the total PI3K and Akt protein expression levels between the two groups. These results suggest that SD might affect the expression of the circadian clock genes in the hypothalamus and pituitary via PI3K/Akt pathway, and subsequently regulate the secretion of sex hormones in the pregnant rats, which hints the important roles of SD-induced changes of serum sex hormone levels in the pregnant rats.
ARNTL Transcription Factors/metabolism* ; Animals ; Circadian Clocks/physiology* ; Circadian Rhythm/genetics* ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation/genetics* ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones/metabolism* ; Hypothalamus/metabolism* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Pituitary Gland/metabolism* ; Pregnancy ; Progesterone ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Signal Transduction ; Sleep Deprivation/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To report on the diagnosis and treatment process and clinical characteristics of a child with disorder of sex development (DSD) and to conduct pathological, imaging and genetic analysis for the patient. METHODS: Clinical data of the patient were collected. Genetic testing including chromosomal karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), copy number variations (CNVs) analysis, SRY gene detection and multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) were carried out. RESULTS: The patient had a social gender of male, with a history of hypospadia and breast development. Sex hormone tests showed slightly raised prolactin. Imaging results showed bilateral breast hyperplasia, abnormal seminal vesicle glands, rudimentary uterus, and underdeveloped right testis. Intraoperative examination revealed that the child had an ovary on the left and a testis on the right. The pathological results showed fibroadenomatoid changes in the breast. The patient had a karyotype of 46,XX. FISH results showed 46,XX.ish(DXZ1x2, SRYx0). Molecular testing showed that NR0B1, PHEX, CXORF21, GJB1, PQBP1, and COL4A5 genes are duplicated. There was a presence of SRY gene and absence of UYT gene. CONCLUSION DSD should be considered in patients with genital abnormality and male breast development. Ultrasound, sex hormone test and genetic testing should be performed to confirm the diagnosis of DSD, and molecular testing should be performed if necessary. Individualized treatment of DSD patient requires cooperation of multiple clinical disciplines.
Child, Preschool ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Disorders of Sex Development/genetics* ; Female ; Genetic Testing ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Male ; Sexual Development/genetics*

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is emerging as a global health threat and shows a higher risk for men than women. Thus far, the studies on andrological consequences of COVID-19 are limited. To ascertain the consequences of COVID-19 on sperm parameters after recovery, we recruited 41 reproductive-aged male patients who had recovered from COVID-19, and analyzed their semen parameters and serum sex hormones at a median time of 56 days after hospital discharge. For longitudinal analysis, a second sampling was obtained from 22 of the 41 patients after a median time interval of 29 days from first sampling. Compared with controls who had not suffered from COVID-19, the total sperm count, sperm concentration, and percentages of motile and progressively motile spermatozoa in the patients were significantly lower at first sampling, while sperm vitality and morphology were not affected. The total sperm count, sperm concentration, and number of motile spermatozoa per ejaculate were significantly increased and the percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm was reduced at the second sampling compared with those at first in the 22 patients examined. Though there were higher prolactin and lower progesterone levels in patients at first sampling than those in controls, no significant alterations were detected for any sex hormones examined over time following COVID-19 recovery in the 22 patients. Although it should be interpreted carefully, these findings indicate an adverse but potentially reversible consequence of COVID-19 on sperm quality.
Adult ; Asthenozoospermia/virology* ; COVID-19/physiopathology* ; China ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones/blood* ; Humans ; Male ; Progesterone/blood* ; Prolactin/blood* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Semen/physiology* ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa/physiology* ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and possible mechanism of acupuncture treatment for negative emotion in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: A total of 40 PCOS patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 20 cases in each one. Both groups received lifestyle interventions (exercise and diet guidance) on the 5th day of menstruation. On the basis of above treatment, the patients in the observation group received acupuncture at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Guilai (ST 29), Futu (ST 32), Liangqiu (ST 34), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4), Shenmen (HT 7), Baihui (GV 20) as the main acupoints, and connected the electroacupuncture (continuous wave, 2 Hz, 30 min), once every other day, 3 times a week. The treatment for 1 month was as one course and 4 courses were required totally in both groups. Before and after treatment, the body mass index (BMI), ferriman-gallway (F-G) score, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) score, self-rating depression scale (SDS) score, PCOS health-related quality of life questionnaire (PCOSQ) score were observed, meanwhile, serum sex hormone, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen (E), progestin (P), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and free androgen index (FAI) levels, and serumβ-endorphin levels were detected. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, the BMI, F-G score, SAS score, SDS score and serum FAI level were decreased and the PCOSQ score and the levels of serum SHBG andβ-endorphin were increased in the observation group after treatment (all <0.05). Compared with before treatment, the SDS score was decreased in the control group after treatment (<0.05). Compared with the control group, the F-G score, SDS score, SAS score, and serum FAI level were lower, and the PCOSQ score and serumβ-endorphin level were higher in the observation group after treatment (all <0.05). CONCLUSION Applying acupuncture to the treatment of patients with PCOS can effectively relieve anxiety and depression, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation on the levels of serumβ-endorphin and androgen.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Anxiety ; therapy ; Depression ; therapy ; Emotions ; Female ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones ; blood ; Humans ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; psychology ; therapy ; Quality of Life

Wireless power transfer (WPT) is a new power transmission way, which can be widely used in electric vehicles and other fields. Its electromagnetic environment must be analyzed to ensure safe application. A low-power wireless power transfer system experimental platform was built, with 25 W receiving power and 47 kHz resonant frequency, which was used to carry out animal experiments. Treatment mice were exposed to environment of wireless power transfer system for 5 h a day and 6 days as one cycle. At the end of every cycle, learning memory behavior of mice were detected in T-shaped maze. The exposure experiment lasted for 12 weeks. Finally, immune parameters, sex hormones and part of organ physiological structure were detected. The results are as follows: as exposure time increased, memory behavior of mice did not change obviously with no statistical difference in sex hormone either ( > 0.05), the concentration of immune factors including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) significantly increased ( < 0.05), and the structure of some organs showed some changes. The experimental results show that the environment of the wireless power transfer system has no effect on the memory behavior of mice, and has some effect on physiological properties of mice.
Animals ; Cytokines ; analysis ; Electric Power Supplies ; Electricity ; Electromagnetic Fields ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones ; analysis ; Memory ; Mice ; Wireless Technology

Animals ; Continental Population Groups ; Diet ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones ; Humans ; Microbiota ; Sex Characteristics

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effect of insulin resistance (IR) on serum Intelectin-1 and endocrinological hormones levels in obese and non-obese women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Basrah, Iraq.METHODS: From 124 women volunteers, 60 patients with primary and 64 patients with secondary, while 56 normal ovulatory women were taken as controls. Their fasting insulin hormone, intelectin-1, anti-Mullerian hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2) and testosterones (T) were determined by ELISA methods. BMI, glucose and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index as well as IR was determined by the homeostasis model assessment.RESULTS: A significant changes (P<0.05) were seen in the level of homeostasis model assessment-IR, E2 and T. Levels of anti-Mullerian hormone, LH, LH/FSH ratio and prolactin were significantly (P<0.01) increased and level of intelectin-1 and E2/T ratio were significantly (P<0.01) decreased, while quantitative insulin sensitivity check index level was not significantly different (P>0.05) between the patients (1°PCOS and 2°PCOS) and control groups. On the other hand, our data reported that FSH level was significantly (P<0.05) lower in obese and higher in non-obese patients with PCOS as compared to control group.CONCLUSION: Levels of intelectin-1 and endocrinological hormones have significantly associated with body mass index, IR and physical activity in patients and normal groups and the strategies that can modulate levels of these parameters would improve metabolic disarrangements in women with PCOS.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone ; Body Mass Index ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Estradiol ; Fasting ; Female ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; Glucose ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones ; Hand ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance ; Insulin ; Iraq ; Luteinizing Hormone ; Motor Activity ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; Prolactin ; Volunteers