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Biomedical subjects

M Medraś

Publications and source records attributed to M Medraś.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Are general obesity and visceral adiposity in men linked to reduced bone mineral content resulting from normal ageing? A population-based study.

Associations between fat accumulation and distribution and bone mineral status in men have not been comprehensively established, and available results are inconsistent. The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to evaluate relationships between anthropometric parameters of general obesity (body mass index, BMI) and fat distribution (waist/hip ratio, WHR) and bone mineral content (BMC), and (2) to compare BMC (a) between obese men (BMI >or= 27) and nonobese men and (b) between abdominally obese men (WHR >or= 0.95) and men without visceral adiposity, in a population-based sample of Polish men. The sample comprised a group of 272 men, aged 20-60, randomly selected from healthy and occupationally active inhabitants of Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, Poland. Trabecular, cortical and total BMC at the ultra-distal radius of the nondominant hand were assessed by pQCT using the Stratec 960 apparatus. BMI and WHR were used as parameters of general obesity and fat distribution, respectively. The relationships among the analysed variables were established using a multiple linear regression. The differences in BMC depending on BMI and WHR values were tested using an analysis of covariance (ancova). BMI was positively related only to trabecular BMC (r = 0.17; P = 0.03). Only trabecular BMC was higher in men with BMI >or= 27 compared to nonoverweight subjects (F = 5.38; P = 0.02). WHR was inversely related to trabecular (r = - 0.30; P < 0.001), cortical (r = - 0.30; P < 0.001) and total BMC (r = - 0.34; P < 0.001). All densitometric parameters were lower in males with WHR >or= 0.95 than in normal men (results of ancova: for trabecular BMC, F = 6.33, P = 0.01; for cortical BMC, F = 5.52, P = 0.02, and for total BMC, F = 7.73, P = 0.006). In the healthy Polish male population, BMI was of minor significance as a predictor of BMC at the ultra-distal radius, whereas visceral adiposity (assessed by WHR) was significantly linked to reduced bone mass in men.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2001

[Use of a dynamic test with HCG for evaluation of endocrine function in gonads of men with chronic alcohol abuse].

We studied 40 chronic alcoholic men (aged 39 +/- 11) after alcohol withdrawal. We excluded in these patients severe internal organs disorders (first of all liver dysfunction) and seminal pathology. We analysed (in HCG test) plasma levels of: luteinizing hormone--LH, follicle stimulating hormone--FSH, total testosterone--T, free testosterone--fT, estradiol--E, 17-OH progesterone, sex hormone binding globulin--SHBG. Our results suggest: 1) decreased testicular reserve of free testosterone and normal level of total testosterone, 2) decreased initial level and functional reserve of 17-OH progesterone, 3) mild hyperoestrogenism, 4) no significant difference of LH, FSH, SHBG levels between alcoholics and controls, 5) these results were not changed after 6 months observation. These results indicate on subclinic alcoholic hypogonadism.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
PubMed2001

[Testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone deficiency, general adiposity and visceral obesity during normal male aging].

Both clinical observations and in vitro studies reveal that sex steroids are essential factors affecting body fat accumulation and distribution of healthy men. An excessive adiposity and visceral obesity are frequently accompanied by an adrenal and gonadal andropenia among men aged 50 and over. The relationships between an age-related increase in BMI and WHR values and an altered androgen-estrogen activity in the course of normal male aging have not been firmly established, as not all studies have thus far produced consistent results. The effects of androgen substitutive therapy (testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone) in elderly men suggest the possible relationship between androgens and male visceral adiposity; unfortunately the results of available studies on that issue are also not consistent. Therefore, nowadays there is an urgent need to comprehensively establish the androgen contribution in the pathogenesis of male visceral obesity.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2001

[Seminal parameters and androgens concentration in seminal plasma].

Basing on data from the literature authors present possible relation between seminal plasma levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone and disturbances of spermatogenesis. Review of the literature shows that androgens present in the seminal fluid may influence final seminal parameters and sperm fertilizing capacity. Most findings indicate that DHT is the androgen most closely related to spermquality. Many studies confirm that DHT concentration in sperm is significantly lower in infertile men affected by azoospermia or oligozoospermia and also in men with varicoceles. Improvement of seminal parameters and increase of DHT seminal plasma level was observed after varicocelectomy. The data shows that DHT values in ejaculate were lower in men with varicoceles and DHT seminal plasma levels increased in men whose sperm parameters improved after varicocelectomy. Several authors suggest that the low concentration of DHT in sperm could be a marker of azoospermia of obstructive origin. Positive correlation between DHT level in seminal plasma and sperm motility was also observed. In most of research there was no correlation between testosterone concentration in seminal fluid and sperm motility. A few authors reported that there was no difference in testosterone level in normo-, oligo- and azoospermic men, but recent studies indicate that the concentrations of both testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are significantly lower in samples from patients with abnormal sperm characteristics than in men with normozoospermia. Some investigators have suggested that an appropriate ratio of free testosterone to free estradiol in semen may be crucial in the processes that lead to fertilization and that there is no correlation between sperm density and level of testosterone in seminal plasma. Authors of the article emphasize that measurement of androgen in seminal plasma and usefulness of these parameters in clinical practice are underestimated.

Androgens↗
PubMed2001

[Treatment strategies of withdrawal from long-term use of anabolic-androgenic steroids].

Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) withdrawal is established to be an important, though poorly known medical problem, because of AAS potency to cause physical and psychological dependence. Thus discontinuation of high-dose, long-term anabolic steroid use, apart from endocrine dysfunction (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism), may lead to development of withdrawal symptoms. They include mood disorders (with suicidal depression as the most life-threatening complication), insomnia, anorexia, decreased libido, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, and desire to take more steroids. The withdrawal from anabolic steroids usually requires treatment. Clinical management, as with other drugs of abuse, consists of supportive therapy and pharmacotherapy. The goals of treatment are to restore endocrine (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal, HPG) function and to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. The endocrine medications that are targeted specifically to ameliorate HPG function include testosterone esters, human chorionic gonadotropin, synthetic analogues of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and antiestrogens. They are indicated in the presence of persistent clinical symptoms or/and laboratory evidence of HPG dysfunction. Other medications, that are targeted to provide symptomatic relief include antidepressants (especially serotonin selective re-uptake inhibitors), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and clonidine. Notwithstanding, it should be remembered that many of the above mentioned drugs have their own potential for abuse or side-effects, so their use must be carefully weighted and optimal treatment strategies for AAS withdrawal must await further clinical research.

Anabolic Agents↗
PubMed2000

[Osteoporosis and male hypogonadism].

There are identifiable factors underlying about 50% of male osteoporosis. Among others, hypogonadism appears to be one of the most important. Authors present problem of male osteoporosis, role of hypogonadism's diagnosis and androgens influence on bone metabolism. Possible treatment of osteoporosis in course of male hypogonadism is discussed.

Humans↗
PubMed2000

[Androgens and laryngeal cancer].

The article concerns relations between larynx cancer and androgenic activity in men. Up till now the role of androgens in laryngeal carcinogenesis has not been established. Authors point out to andropenia (gonadal and supracortical) in elderly males and its influence on larynx cancer occurrence in the course of aging. Results of androgen receptor studies in unchanged and neoplastic tissue of the vocal organ are described. There is presented data on serum androgen concentrations in healthy men and patients with laryngeal neoplasms. The necessity of further studies of the larynx cancer's hormone-dependence is underlined.

Aging↗
PubMed2000

[The effect of alcohol on bone mineral density in men].

Alcohol abuse is an essential factor promoting an excessive reduction of bone mass during the normal male aging. Authors present an issue of osteopenia and osteoporosis in men, that sometimes is due to the long-term bone tissue exposition on ethanol. They also present actual views on the pathogenesis of this pathology. Ethanol impairs mainly an osteoblastic activity that results in reduced bone formation and mineralisation. Affecting the osteoclasts' function, alcohol is also able to induce bone resorption. Despite the direct toxic effect of ethanol on bone tissue, the indirect influence of ethanol on metabolism of hormones participating in bone homeostasis has been revealed. In chronic alcoholics the deficiency of active metabolites of vitamin D is often observed. The findings on parathormone activity in alcohol male abusers are not consistent. Additionally, chronic alcoholism is frequently accompanied by an increase of cortisol levels, andropenia, dietary, vitamin and electrolyte deficiencies.

Alcoholism↗
PubMed2000

[The significance of estrogens on metabolism of bone in men].

Authors present actual data on estradiol, its production and systemic functions, with special stress on relations between the hormone (and estrogen-like substances) and male bone metabolism. Based on literature studies and cases of men with impaired hormone metabolism (estrogen resistency and aromatase deficiency), attention is paid to the role of estrogens in the patophysiology of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Aging↗
PubMed1999

Poststeroid balance disorder--a case report in a body builder.

The authors describe a case of poststeroid balance disorder in a 20-year-old athlete. Previous information of such a doping pathology among sportsmen taking anabolics was not found. That anabolic steroids had a harm to central activities and could be suspected especially on the basis of reported psychiatric sequels and cerebrovascular disorders. The case described is of a patient who had been given metandienone, oxymetholone, and nandrolone phenyloproprionate in two courses. Vertigo appeared twice just after introducing doping and persisted in spite of a 1.5 year break in taking anabolics. In the electronystagmography a positional nystagmus was detected, the eye-tracking test was distempered, and abnormal responses in the caloric tests were obtained. In the computed dynamic posturography the number and length of body sway were increased and, consequently, the field of the outspread area was enlarged. The moment of appearance and long-lasting vertigo as well as the results of laboratory examinations indicate a poststeroid permanent disorder of the central part of the equilibrium organ. Such a diagnosis seems to be most probable here.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[The deterioration of the parameters of the human semen: myth or reality?].

Numerous publications in the world's literature on the base of multiply retrospective analyses suggest a population-wide decline in the quality of human semen over the past 50 years. The average sperm density, the mean sperm volume and the percentage of the typical spermatozoids appear to have decreased. Furthermore, a significant increase in the incidence of both genitourinary abnormalities (hypospadiasis, cryptorchidism) and testicular cancers in the general population has been reported. The data vary among different geographic regions. The possible adverse effect of the environmental pollutants with oestrogenic activity on male reproductive ability has been considered. These chemicals can affect the foetal development of male gonads and also impair testes during maturity, which finally results in disturbances in testicular functions and leads to the reduction of male fertility.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Testosterone and atherosclerosis in males during andropause].

Nowadays besides the commonly accepted atherogenic risk factors a special emphasis is laid on the significance of testosterone in atherogenesis in men which physiologic deficit during "andropause" is able to promote this pathology. An elevated estradiol:testosterone ratio seems to be an independent risk factor of atheromatous heart complications. There is a proved positive correlation between free testosterone, total testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and HDL-cholesterol, apoA1 apolipoprotein. The relationship between LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol and total and free testosterone seems to be unanimous, but in certain studies the beneficial influence of testosterone on the mentioned lipids has been observed. The discussed hormone is also functionally connected with coagulation and fibrynolisis; a positive correlation was found between endogenous testosterone and tPA-Fx and a negative correlation between testosterone and PAI-1, fibrinogen, D-dimers, alpha 2-antiplasmin. Testosterone is a functional regulator of the vascular tonus and influences on reological properties of microcirculation (the application of testosterone infusion into canine coronary arteries causes the dilatation of main and the small vessels, through NO syntetase induction and ATP-dependent K(+)- channel activation). A statistically significant positive correlation between testosterone and insulin has been stated (an elevated oestradiol:testosterone ratio is connected with the insulin resistance). Additionally a negative relationship between testosterone and android obesity has been observed. Although nowadays there are more and more facts proving the benefits of the retaining the proper testosterone levels in aging men, the final influence of the testosterone supplementary therapy on atherogenesis is not solved.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[On the healthy male aging: hormonal aspects].

Authors present select problems performed in the "Geneva Manifesto" published by the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male in February 1998 and pay the special attention on the inaccuracy connected with a commonly used name andropause. Additionally they present actual metabolic and clinical aspects resulting from the hormonal disturbances in aging men (hypotestosteronemia, decline in DHEA and hGH).

Aged↗
PubMed1998

[Testosterone response (in blood serum and seminal plasma) to anti-estrogen stimulation test in fertile men and patients with disturbances of spermatogenesis].

Testosterone concentrations in blood serum and seminal plasma in basic conditions and in antiestrogen test (Clostilbegyt 100 mg daily for 10 days) were evaluated for 21 fertile males, 24 males with normogonadotropic oligozoospermia and 25 azoospermia patients. Average output testosterone concentration in blood serum of the analysed groups did not differ statistically significantly, but in antiestrogen test it increased statistically significantly. Average output testosterone concentration in semen plasma in fertile men was 0.66 +/- 0.26 ng/ml (about 10 times lower than in blood serum) and idiopatic oligozoospermic patients had a half of this number. Clostilbegyt test caused increase of testosterone concentration in semen plasma in all groups (except for normospermic) what proves the relation of hormonal reactions observed in blood serum with the ones in semen plasma.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Results of tests with clomiphene and choriogonadotropin in men with oligozoospermia treated with longterm antiestrogens].

The evaluation was made of the response to testosterone and oestradiol in the test (50 mg twice daily for 10 days) and HCG test (6000 units of Biogonadyl through 2 days) performed on 21 normospermic (fertile) males and on patients with normogonadotropic, idiopathic oligozoospermia, positively (12 patients) or negatively (24 males) reacting to the longterm Clostilbegyt treatment (50 mg daily for 240 days). It was shown that patients with oligozoospermia who do not react with an increase of spermatozoa during the longterm antioestrogen treatment had higher response of oestradiol in the dynamic test (+ 118.9%) than the normospermic males (+ 60.8%) or the oligozoospermic who showed positive semenologic response to the treatment (+ 58.8%). The similar reaction of oestradiol was shown in the HCG stimulation. In the hiperoestrogenism phenomenon the authors noticed the cause of lack of positive semenologic effects of the longterm antioestrogen treatment.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗
PubMed1993

[A case of Morris syndrome with extreme estrogen secretion and hypothalamo-hypophyseal-gonadal system disfunction].

A case is presented of a 23-year-old female hospitalized for infertility in whom full Morris syndrome was diagnosed. In the patient apart from testosterone level typical of a sexually mature man, high "castration" LH and FSH values and extreme hyper-estrogen secretion were found in hormonal investigation. In the histopathological pattern of the testicles removed from both inguinal canals numerous adenomas were demonstrated, originating from Sertoli cells and also, to a lesser degree, from Leydig cells. The unusual character of the case results also from complete insensitivity of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system to circulating oestrogens and androgens (LH and FSH levels were not significantly changed after castration, and the GnRH stimulation test gave similar results before and after the operation). The authors discuss the possible mechanisms of the observed phenomena.

Adenoma↗