تستوسترون

Phenolic compounds in plants, owing to their antioxidant properties, may exert modulatory effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and thus may reduce diabetes-induced hormonal imbalences and associated infertility. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the antioxidant properties of the aqueous extract of Launaea acanthodes on testosterone hormone levels in male diabetic rats.

In this experimental study, 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: a healthy control group, a diabetic control group, and two diabetic groups treated with L. acanthodes aqueous extract at doses of 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, respectively. Diabetes was experimentally induced via alloxan injection. The treatment groups received the plant extract orally for 30 consecutive days. At the end of the intervention, serum levels of glucose, insulin, and testosterone were measured. 

On day 15, the diabetic group receiving 100 mg/kg of the extract and the diabetic group receiving 300 mg/kg (on both days 15 and 30) showed a significant reduction in blood glucose levels and a significant increase in serum insulin levels compared to the diabetic control group (P<0.05). Moreover, the 300 mg/kg dose led to a significant increase in testosterone levels on both days 15 and 30 compared to the diabetic control group (P<0.05).

It seems that the aqueous extract of Launaea acanthodes, through its phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties, can reduce glucose levels and increase insulin, thereby alleviating diabetes-induced oxidative stress. As a result, it may improve testosterone levels and reduce reproductive disorders in diabetic rats.

Nowadays, the utilization of exogenous testosterone has progressively gained popularity in diverse sports domains, thereby giving rise to apprehensions regarding its associated risks and potential advantages.

In this study, conducted to investigate the impact of testosterone supplementation on urinary tract stone formation and urine compounds, a total of 1,080 athletes were examined in a two-year cross-sectional study. Among them, 495 athletes received testosterone supplementation, while 585 athletes were investigated as non-consumers. Blood and urine samples were collected, and a computed tomography scan was performed to assess the presence of stones.

The findings of this study revealed a noteworthy rise in crystalluria among testosterone users in comparison to non-users (38.2% vs. 2.7%). Moreover, imaging results exhibited a greater occurrence of abnormal findings in testosterone users (25.2% vs. 4.3%), as evidenced by calcification in kidney tissue, pelvic and caliceal stones, ureteral stones, and bladder stones.

While further metabolomic studies are required to establish a conclusive cause-and-effect relationship between testosterone intake and stone formation, this study emphasizes the potential hazards linked to the utilization of exogenous testosterone and underscores the necessity for evidence-based guidelines in the realm of exercise and athletic performance.

The 46,XX male disorder of sexual development is a rare condition, occurring in approximately one in 20,000 live male births. Clinical manifestations can include testicular atrophy, azoospermia, gynecomastia, short stature, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and micropenis. We present the case of a 13-year-old Iranian boy referred for delayed puberty. Physical examination revealed small testes and micropenis, corresponding to a Tanner stage of G1 for genitalia and P3-4 for pubic hair. Laboratory tests indicated hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, and karyotyping confirmed a 46,XX karyotype. The patient was started on testosterone enanthate at a dosage of 300 mg every three weeks. Additionally, long-term psychological support and regular gonadal monitoring were incorporated into the management plan.

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), such as nandrolone (N), are commonly used in medicine to maximize anabolic effects while minimizing androgenic effects. On the other hand, illicit use of anabolic androgenic steroids is prevalent among adolescents and bodybuilders because of their anabolic proprieties and their capacity to increase tolerance to exercise. Exogenous testosterone (T) adversely affects spermatogenesis in fertile men, but discontinuation generally leads to recovery.

This study investigated the impact of short- and long-term administration of testosterone and nandrolone on testis histopathology and sperm parameters following exercise.

The study consisted of two components: Short-term and long-term administration of T and ND. Thirty-six male NMRI mice were used for each component. Animals were divided into six groups: Control, exercise (E), N (10 mg/kg), T (0.1 mg/kg), N + E, and T + E. The high-intensity interval training was used. The injection of N and T continued for 14 days for the short-term component and 36 days for the long-term component. Sperm parameters, testis histology, and stereological study were analyzed.

There were no differences between the control and exercise groups. Short-term and long-term treatment with N and T significantly reduced sperm quality (P ˂ 0.05). Both short-term and long-term administration of N and T had deleterious effects on testicular histology and stereological indices (P ˂ 0.05). Exercise was found to improve sperm parameters and testicular histopathology in both groups (P ˂ 0.05).

Nandrolone demonstrated more detrimental effects on testicular tissue compared to testosterone. However, the harmful effects of anabolic androgens on testicular tissue can be mitigated by exercise. These findings shed light on the potential impact of testosterone and nandrolone administration on male reproductive health and the potential benefits of exercise in counteracting their adverse effects.

It is important to improve the anabolic state compared to the catabolic state in the body, especially through hormonal changes. The aim of this study is examine effect of resistance training using body weight and omega-3 supplementation on salivary testosterone and cortisol hormones in young non-athlete women.

In this semi-experimental study, 40 young women after obtaining written consent were randomly divided into four exercise+supplement groups. Exercise+placebo, supplement and control were divided. The resistance training program was performed three sessions a week with an intensity of 55-70% of one maximum repetition for six weeks. Three 1000 mg omega-3 capsules were prescribed daily in three meals. The maximum strength of the upper and lower body muscles as well as the levels of testosterone and salivary cortisol hormones before and after the exercise and supplementation protocol were evaluated and the resulting data were analyzed by the analysis of variance test.

: Six weeks of resistance training using body weight and omega-3 supplementation alone and interactively did not have a significant effect on the levels of salivary testosterone (training, p=0.08; Supplement, p=0.72; training× Supplement, p=0.81) and cortisol (training, p=0.44; Supplement, p=0.38; training× Supplement, p=0.31) hormones in young women. Also, although the interactive effect of exercise + supplement on the maximum strength of lower body and upper body muscles increased by 1.47 and 1.63%, respectively, these changes were not significant.

Our study was motivated by the emerging evidence that propolis, a natural substance with unique antioxidant properties, could offer novel benefits. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of 8 weeks of resistance training and propolis supplementation on the serum levels of testosterone and growth hormone in woman non-athletes.

Our study employed a rigorous semi-experimental design. We randomly divided 32 beginner woman non-athletes into four groups: control, placebo, supplement, exercise, and exercise supplement (8 people). The exercises were performed for eight weeks and three weekly sessions for 50 minutes. A daily prescription of 900 mg of propolis supplement, to be taken during lunch and dinner, was given. The data was meticulously analyzed using the ANOVA statistical test and Benferroni follow-up test at a significance level of 0.05, ensuring the validity of our results.

Paired t-test shows that the levels of testosterone and growth hormone increased significantly in the training and training+supplement groups after the intervention (P < 0.05). Regarding change percentage, the exercise + supplement group shows a greater increase in blood testosterone (25%) and growth hormone (39%) than other groups. A significant difference was observed in testosterone levels (P = 0.001, F = 30.80) and growth hormone (P = 0.001, F = 16.58) by performing the covariance analysis test between the groups.

The implications of our findings are significant for sports medicine. Our study suggests that a combination of 8 weeks of resistance training and propolis supplementation could help maintain optimal levels of testosterone and growth hormone in beginner non-athletic women, enhancing their non-athletic performance.

Physical exercises, in conjunction with Tribulus supplementation, can serve as an alternative to prevent complications associated with menopause. This study investigated the impact of combined exercises and Tribulus supplementation on the sex hormones estrogen, testosterone, and the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio in overweight postmenopausal women. In this study, 60 inactive postmenopausal women were selected based on voluntary entry criteria and were randomly divided into four groups of 15 individuals: combined exercise, supplement, combined exercise with supplement, and control. The combined training consisted of 10 weeks of aerobic and resistance training. The participants took a Tribulus supplement in the form of 500 mg capsules twice a day for ten weeks. The estradiol, cortisol, testosterone, and testosterone-to-cortisol ratios were measured before and after the training protocol. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 software and repeated measures analysis of variance test. The results showed a significant decrease in cortisol levels in the three experimental groups (P=0.001). There was also a significant increase in the total testosterone-to-cortisol ratio among the three experimental groups and the control group (P=0.001). This significant increase was also observed between the exercise and supplement group (P=0.001) and between the supplement group and the combined exercise + supplement group (P=0.001). No significant difference was observed in follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone (P>0.05). According to the results of this study, it is possible to use combined exercises with Tribulus supplement as an effective intervention to improve sex hormones in overweight postmenopausal women.

Methamphetamine is one of the stimulant drugs that leads to the occurrence of cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions. Among the disorders that occur after methamphetamine abuse are learning and memory disorders as well as social interactions and anxiety. On the other hand, the function of sex steroids in the development of brain regions involved in reproduction has been the subject of extensive research over the years. In this context, testosterone plays an important role in neuronal and glial organization in prenatal and postnatal periods. Recent studies showed the effect of sex hormones on the nervous system and highlight the brain as a main target tissue for androgens. On the other hand, studies have shown that testosterone has neuroprotective effects against cognitive and behavioral disorders. Clinical manifestations of testosterone-related brain changes include cognitive impairments such as reduced memory efficiency related to the frontal cortex, as well as reduced long-term memory related to the hippocampus and other temporal regions of the midbrain. Androgens, especially testosterone, play an important role in memory function whereby the decrease and absence of testosterone leads to cognitive impairment and also neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Therefore, in this study, the role of testosterone hormone in social memory, novel object recognition memory, as well as anxiety-like behavior and brain edema induced by a neurotoxic regimen of methamphetamine were investigated.

This study was conducted on 48 gonadectomized rats in 6 groups including control groups, methamphetamine (6mg/kg), solvent (sesame oil), methamphetamine + testosterone (0.25mg /kg), methamphetamine + testosterone (0.5 mg/kg) and methamphetamine + testosterone (1 mg/kg) were performed. At first, mice were anesthetized and gonadectomy surgery was performed. After 2 weeks of recovery, the evaluation of social memory was done using the three-chamber social interaction test, and anxiety-like behavior index using the open field test. Finally, the animals were killed and the brain tissue was evaluated for brain edema.

The findings of the study showed that social memory was significantly impaired in rats that received methamphetamine compared to the control group (P<0.001). On the other hand, results showed that there was a significant increase in anxiety-like behaviors as well as brain edema in rats that received methamphetamine (P<0.001). Statistical analysis also showed that the administration of testosterone hormone was able to improve cognitive functions and reduce anxiety-like behaviors and brain edema caused by methamphetamine (P<0.05).

Overall, the present study suggests that the male sex hormone testosterone can be effective in improving behavioral disorders and anxiety, as well as brain edema caused by the administration of methamphetamine. Further research is needed to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the effects of this hormone.

Lead is an environmental pollutant and has destructive effects on the functioning of various body systems such as the reproductive system. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of hydroethanolic extract of palm meristem on the process of spermatogenesis in male Wistar rats induced with lead acetate.

In the present experimental study conducted in 2023, 35 male Wistar rats with 200-220g were used and divided in five groups: Control (received water and normal food), positive control (received palm meristem extract with a dose of 500 mg/kg, ip), witness (received lead acetate 0.5 gr/ L, in drinking water) and Treatment 1 and 2 (receiver of lead acetate, 0.5 gr/ L, in drinking water and palm meristem extract with a dose of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, ip, respectively).The experiments were conducted  for 2 weeks. At the end of the experiments, blood and serum were taken from the animals to measure testosterone, LH and FSH hormones, then sperm count and testicular histological samples were evaluated. Collected data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smironov statistical tests, one-way analysis of variance within the subject and Tukey's post hoc test.

The results of the present study indicated that lead acetate causes destruction and necrosis in the testicular tissue of rats. It correspondingly caused a significant decrease in the number of sperms and the serum level of testosterone hormone (P<0.001). Palm meristem's extract protected the testicular tissue and increased the process of spermatogenesis in the treatment groups compared to the witness group. Testosterone hormone increased significantly in the treatment groups compared to the witness group (P<0.05).

The hydroethanolic extract of palm meristem had a protective effect on the testicular tissue of rats against the toxic effects of lead acetate.

Empathy is one of the special cognitive functions that play an important role in the evolution of social behaviors and the formation of social memory. Testosterone have neuroprotective effects against cognitive and behavioral disorders and may be very important in the development of social and cognitive behaviors. Therefore, this study investigated the role of testosterone hormone in social behaviors, novel object recognition memory, and anxiety-like behaviors in a rat model of empathic pain.

In this study, 32 gonadectomized male rats were divided into four groups: control, pain, observer + vehicle (castor oil), and observer + testosterone. The emotional pain experienced by a family member who received five formalin injections was socially transferred to the observing rat within the same family through observation. The observation groups received vehicle or testosterone before observing the suffering of mice. Then, social memory, novel object recognition memory, and anxiety-like behaviors were tested.

The results indicated that in the pain group, both social memory and novel object recognition memory were impaired compared to the control group, and anxiety-like behaviors were increased. Conversely, testosterone injection partially improved social memory and novel object recognition memory deficits, and reduced anxiety-like behaviors compared with the observer+vehicle group.

In conclusion, empathy causes anxious behavior and social and novel object recognition memory impairments. Furthermore, testosterone hormones can play a protective role against cognitive and behavioral damages caused by empathy in rats.

Azoospermia (lack of sperm in ejaculation) is one of the most severe types of infertility in men, due to various defects in the sperm production process or the testicular system  .Azoospermia disease is caused by either obstructive mechanism (Obstructive azoospermia-OA) due to blockages in the natural sperm production system, or non-obstructive mechanism (NOA- Non obstructive azoospermia) due to defects in testicular sperm production, with over 60% of infertile men being afflicted with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Treatment with busulfan may have adverse effects on various organs such as reproductive organs. Based on the understanding of hormonal control of sperm production, several drugs such as gonadotropins, androgens, estrogen receptor blockers, and aromatase inhibitors are used as experimental treatments for idiopathic male infertility. Letrozole, as an aromatase inhibitor, has been widely used in the treatment of female infertility, because the chemical structure of letrozole includes a triazole group that selectively interacts with the heme group of the enzyme P450arom, thereby reversibly inhibiting its biological activity Limited studies have evaluated the therapeutic potential of Letrozole in male infertility. In addition, excessive consumption of chemical drugs causes changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (TOS) and the stability of oxidative status (TAC) in the ROS pathway, leading to an imbalance between antioxidants and oxidants, resulting in oxidative stress. This phenomenon has led researchers towards the use of herbal medicines, which naturally have fewer side effects. Crocin has been identified as the main active biological component in saffron. Crocins are a type of water-soluble carotenoids that are either mono- or di-glycosyl polyene esters, where D-gentiobiose and/or D-glucose appear as carbohydrate residues. A carotenoid with a 20-carbon dicarboxylic structure. Saffron contains various carotenoid chemicals that include small amounts of crocin, alpha and beta carotene, and lycopene. Six different forms of glycosylated esters from the crocin family have been found in saffron. Trans-crocins 3 and 4 are the most common analogs of crocins, which include crocins 1-4, and are essentially the glycosides of trans-crocin in saffron. Crocin can act as an antioxidant and improve the quality of sperm through increasing the expression of antioxidant genes. Therefore, phytoestrogens such as crocin bind to testicular estrogen receptors and stimulate spermatogenesis by strategies like increasing epithelial layers and the diameter of seminiferous tubules and lumen.The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of letrozole and crocin on the changes of antioxidant enzymes and testosterone hormone synthesis in the induction of spermatogenesis in azoospermia model mice with busulfan using ELISA technique.

In this clinical trial, crocin and letrozole drugs were purchased from Sigma Aldrich. 30 male Wistar mice weighing 180-220 grams and aged approximately 8-10 weeks were purchased from the Pasteur Institute of Iran and transferred to the laboratory. They were kept under new conditions (at a temperature of 22-24 degrees Celsius, relative humidity of 55-60%, with a 12-hour light-dark cycle). To halt spermatogenesis and induce azoospermia, a dose of 10 mg/kg of busulfan was injected intraperitoneally for 10 days. Finally, the rats were divided into 5 groups of 6: the control group was injected with normal saline and citrate buffer inside the hemocoel; the treatment group received a single dose of 10 mg busulfan intra protanealat at a volume of 1.0 mL for 10 days; the treatment group was administered with a single dose of 10 mg busulfan intra protanealat at a volume of 1.0 mL, along with 5 mg letrozole with Black Soldier Fly (BSF) as the solvent; the treatment group received 15 mg crocin extract with normal saline, along with a single dose of 10 mg busulfan intra protanealat a volume of 1.0 mL; and the treatment group was given a single dose of 10 mg busulfan intra protanealat at a volume of 1.0 mL, along with 5 mg letrozole with BSF as the solvent, and 15 mg crocin extract with normal saline and underwent histopathological, histochemical immunological, and hormonal analyses. The data were presented as mean ± standard deviation. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's post hoc test was used to compare the means in the study groups (P <0.05), and statistically significant differences were considered. Graphs were also plotted using Graph Prism software.

The results demonstrated that the simultaneous treatment of letrozole and crocin increased spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids; Sertoli and Leydig cells were also enhanced. Additionally, letrozole and crocin treatment led to the preservation of the thickness of the basement membrane and the germinal epithelium of testicular tissue; the inner and outer diameters of the tubules were increased. While in the azoospermia group treated with letrozole or crocin, this level of population destruction was somewhat reduced; however, the use of letrozole or crocin in the study groups did not show a significant difference in the inner and outer diameter of the tubules. Biochemical analysis showed a significant increase in the activity of the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) enzyme activity and testosterone hormone levels in the group treated with letrozole + crosine compared to the azoospermia group; however, a significant decrease was found in the letrozole or crosine treatment group compared to the control group, while the Total Oxidant Status (TOS) enzyme activity in the letrozol+crosine treatment group showed a significant decrease compared to the azoospermia group(P<0.05).

Some of the improvements in sperm parameters can be attributed to the antioxidant properties of crocin. It seems that sperm lose a large volume of their cytoplasm due to lack of antioxidants during spermatogenesis and become more sensitive to increases in ROS. These results indicate that crocin can act as an antioxidant and enhance sperm quality by increasing the expression of antioxidant genes. Therefore, the use of a plant-derived antioxidant like crocin appears necessary without any side effects and with essential strengthening effects. Crocin can likely act as an antioxidant and potentially improve sperm quality due to its antioxidant activity. Additionally, it has been found that letrozole improves spermatogenesis without causing any observable pathological changes in testicular tissue. According to the studies of Ribeiro  et al, Uzun  et al, and Shoshany and colleagues, letrozole reversibly inhibits the aromatase enzyme and prevents the conversion of androgen precursors to estradiol in adipose tissue. Moreover, crocin can neutralize the negative effects of oxidative stress and increase cell ability to overcome oxidative stress conditions by preventing glutathione reduction and increasing antioxidant capacity. One of the limitations of the research can be attributed to the lack of studies and sample restrictions, as well as the death of mice during the experimental process. Further investigations and focusing on the precise dosage of crocin, along with attention to the relevant mechanisms of action, seem essential. Overall, crocin has antioxidant and defensive effects, improves the quality of some sperms, and increases morphology, viability, motility, and natural count. In fact, testosterone regulates the secretion of LH hormone from the anterior pituitary gland through a negative feedback mechanism.Busulfan induced apoptosis in germinal epithelial cells and co-administration of letrozole and crocin reduced busulfan-induced apoptosis leading to infertility; therefore, a rational relationship between apoptosis of spermatogonia in response to busulfan exposure can be obtained. It can be suggested that crocin, one of the key components of saffron, acts as a potent antioxidant that can prevent the toxic effects of busulfan and DNA damage that may occur due to oxidative stress.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders, whose symptoms usually begin immediately after the first menstrual period. Previous studies found a significant relationship between dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of chamomile on dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

This clinical trial was conducted on 70 patients diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome based on Rotterdam criteria referring to a clinic in Mashhad. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The first group received two 500 mg chamomile capsules per day and the second group received two placebo capsules per day for three months. The response to treatment in premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea and oligomenorrhea was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale and DSM-IV premenstrual syndrome diagnosis questionnaire.

The mean age of the patients in the intervention group was 25.43±5.58 and in the placebo group was 28.06±5.71 years. The rate of improvement in women with premenstrual syndrome (16.6%), dysmenorrhea (50%) and oligomenorrhea (26.7%) was higher in chamomile group compared to placebo. There was no statistically significant difference in body mass index between the chamomile group (25.17±4.95) and the control group (25.57±6.7).

Based on the results of this study, chamomile improved the symptoms of oligomenorrhea in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and showed positive effects on dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome. Therefore, chamomile can be used as a simple, low-cost therapy in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome patients.

Hypogonadism is a common complication in men with type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to determine the frequency of hypogonadism and some related factors in men with type 2 diabetes referred to the Endocrinology Clinic of Ali Ibn Abi Talib Hospital of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2021.

In this descriptive study, 111 men with type 2 diabetes were examined. After completing the questionnaire and measuring blood pressure and waist circumference, 10 cc of fasting blood was taken to measure serum levels of total testosterone (TT), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Data was analyzed using chi-square test, independent t-test, Pearson’s correlation test, and logistic regression.

The mean and standard deviation of age of patients was 58.61±10.62 years. Twenty six patients (23.42%) had hypogonadism. With increasing body mass index, the TT levels (p=0.034), LH (p=0.008) and FSH (p=0.028) significantly decreased. With increasing HbA1c, the levels of TT (p=0.035), LH (p=0.004) and FSH (p=0.001), with increasing systolic blood pressure, the level of LH (p=0.025), and with increasing age, the levels of LH and FSH (p<0.001) significantly increased; however, with increasing waist circumference, the levels of TT (p=0.006), LH and FSH (p<0.001) significantly reduced. Mean TT (p=0.011), LH (p=0.017), and FSH (p=0.014) levels were significantly higher in those taking the drug.

With an increase in waist circumference, disease duration, and follicle stimulating hormone, the odds of hypogonadism increased. It is recommended to the health officials to take the necessary preventive measures including increasing the awareness of the male community.

Due to lifestyle changes and increased anxiety consumption of zolpidem has increased among young people. Zolpidem is the second sleeping medication used in the world. the harmful effects of this drug on the reproductive system have been proven. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of vitamin E against zolpidem injuries on male reproductive system.

In this experimental study forty eight adult male mice NMRI strain at a mean weight of 25±5 grams were divided into one control and seven experimental groups. Zolpidem was prepared in distilled water. The control group received distilled water (as solvent of zolpidem) The groups 1, 2 and 3 received zolpidem at the doses 5, 10 and 20 (mg/kg of body weight). The group of 4 received (100 IU/kg of body weight) vitamin E and the groups of 5,6 and 7 received Zolpidem+ vitamin E for 35 days. One day after the last gavage, the treatment groups were sacrificed, the hearts were dissected and blood samples were obtained. Then the sperm parameters MDA, TAC and testosterone were evaluated.

Significant reduction in the count, motility, number of live and mature sperms at high doses were observed. DNA damage was increased, which vitamin E could result in improvement. The total antioxidant capacity and testosterone levels decreased while the amount of malondialdehyde level in the serum increased. Administration of Vitamin E improved MDA, TAC and testosterone level.

Zolpidem can increase the free radicals and weakens the body's antioxidant defense system, zolpidem causes disorders related to sperm parameters in high doses and therefore is able to impair the physiological function of male reproductive system. On the other hand, vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble antioxidant, can improve the damage and eliminate reproductive disorders.

The treatment of male sexual disorders, considering the side effects of chemical drugs, it is more desirable to identify appropriate approaches such as herbal medicines with fewer side effects. The aim of this study was to explain the role of onion (Allium cepa) as a complementary treatment in improving male sexual disorders. 

This review identified the existing studies from the beginning to 2023 related to the purpose of the article in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases with keywords “Allium cepa, Onion, Male sexual dysfunction, Erectile disorder, Libido, Men's sexual health, and Testosterone”.

Totally, 17 articles related to the research topic were included in the final review. Onion products (including juice, aqueous extract, skin, ethyl acetate fraction, and seed extract) were used, mostly orally consumed over a period of 10-60 days. 

Onion through increasing testosterone (with the mechanisms of increasing LH production, antioxidant properties, improving insulin resistance, increasing nitric oxide production, and changing the activity of AMP 5-activated protein kinase) as well as treating erectile dysfunction and on the other hand improving reproductive status with positive effects on sperm (number, survival and motility) and its effects against infectious agents may have positive effects on male reproductive system. Although, there is a lot of evidence that onions can improve male sexual disorders, clinical trials are necessary to confirm this effect of onion in humans.

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressant drug which is used to inhibit organ transplant rejection and to treat autoimmune diseases. Theoretically, such medications have spermatotoxic and genotoxic effects. However, evidence on the effects of MMF on fertility is limited and controversial.This study evaluated the effects of MMF and testosterone on sperm, sex hormones and antioxidant enzymes in male rats. In this experimental study 24 adult male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice randomly divided into 3 groups: 1- saline serum (control), 2- MMF and 3- MMF along with testosterone by subcutaneous injection, for 65 days. Change in body weight, sperm quality (concentration, motility and morphology), serum level of gonadotropin hormones, and testosterone, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in serum and epididymis were evaluated. Both MMF treatment groups compared to control showed a decrease in body weight, number and motility of sperm, level of testosterone, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH, and catalase) and TAC (P<0.05), and increase of gonadotropin hormones and sperm morphology abnormality (P<0.05). The adverse effects on sperm count and epididymis testosterone levels in the Mycophenolatemofetil +testosterone group was less than the Mycophenolate mofetil group (P<0.05). This study showed that Mycophenolatemofetil has adverse effects on sperm count, gonadotropins , testosterone and antioxidant pathway enzymes, and the use of testosterone cannot reduce the adverse effects of MMF. The adverse effects of Mycophenolate mofetil may be due to a decrease in the level of antioxidants.

The use of testosterone enanthate is popular among athletes, especially resistance sports. Considering the side effects of using testosterone enanthate, it seems necessary to find alternative methods. The present study compares the independent and interactive effects of resistance training, testosterone and palm pollen extract on the expression of FNDC5 and IGF1 genes in brown adipose tissue in male rats.

In this experimental study, 36 male rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups: control, resistance training, palm pollen extract, testosterone enanthate, palm pollen extract + resistance training and testosterone enanthate + resistance training. The resistance training program was implemented for 4 weeks (5 days per week). On training days, palm pollen extract gavage (100 mg/kg) and testosterone injection (2 mg/kg) were performed. 48 hours after the last intervention, rats were sacrificed, brown adipose tissue was collected and sent to the laboratory, and the expression of FNDC5 and IGF1 genes was measured by real-time PCR.

In rats, resistance training increased the expression of FNDC5 and IGF1 genes in brown adipose tissue (P=0.001). Testosterone also increased the expression of FNDC5 gene in brown adipose tissue (P=0.013). However, palm pollen extract had no significant effect on the expression of FNDC5 and IGF1 genes in brown adipose tissue. Also, no significant synergistic effect was found between research variables (P>0.05).

Based on the present findings, both resistance training and testosterone significantly increased the expression of FNDC5 gene in brown adipose tissue in rats, but had no significant effect on IGF1. Palm pollen extract had no significant effect on the expression of FNDC5 and IGF1 genes in brown adipose tissue in rats.

Changes in gene expression and protein expression of the spinal-blood barrier play an important role in the transmission and development of neuro-inflammatory responses. In order to increase the knowledge related to the role of environmental interventions affecting the tight junction and adhesive proteins of this barrier, this study investigated the effect of four weeks of resistance training and date pollen/testosterone extract on gene expression and protein expression of occludin and cadherin in male rats.

In an experimental design, 30 male Wistar rats randomly divided into 6 groups: Control; Resistance training; DPP extract; Testosterone; DPP extract+ resistance training; Testosterone+ resistance training. The amount of 100 mg/kg date pollen extract was fed to mice by gavage for 4 weeks. Also, synthetic testosterone with a dose of 2 mg/kg was used subcutaneously as a positive control. Resistance training consisted of a four-week increasing training period on a 50-step ladder with 8 to 12 repetitions per session. After the intervention, gene expression was measured by RT-PCR method and protein expression was measured by western blot method.

Four weeks of resistance training caused a significant increase in occludin gene expression (P=0.010) and cadherin (P=0.015); While it had no significant effect on the protein expression of occludin (P=0.404) and cadherin (P=0.647). Also, the gene expression level of two proteins increased significantly under the influence of date pollen extract and testosterone (P<0.05).On the other hand, the protein synthesis rate of occludin (P=0.016) and cadherin (P=0.012) was increased only in the group receiving synthetic testosterone. Despite the fact that the highest level of gene expression of two proteins was observed when the interventions were combined simultaneously, there was no statistically significant difference between their synergistic effects (P=0.059). However, the highest expression of occludin and cadherin protein occurred when resistance training was combined with testosterone supplementation (P<0.05).

The results of this study showed that DPP extract is superior to other interventions for increasing the gene expression of occludin and cadherin proteins of the blood-spinal barrier and testosterone for increasing the expression of these proteins. The combination of these interventions with the double promotion of the signaling process of gene and protein expression will maintain the integrity and reduce the permeability of the blood-spinal cord barrier in healthy male animal samples.

Curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of curcumin on changes in the serum concentration of LH, FSH , testosterone hormones and testicular tissue induced by methotrexate in adult male rats.

In this experimental study, 30 adult male Wistar rats with an approximate weight of 230-260 grams were divided into 6 groups of 5 each. Control group, sham group: 1 ml of distilled water as a solvent, experimental group 1: methotrexate (5 mg/kg), experimental group 2: curcumin (400 mg/kg), experimental group 3: methotrexate (5 mg/kg) + curcumin (200 mg/kg), experimental group 4 : methotrexate (5 mg/kg) + curcumin (400 mg/kg). After 28 days of treatment in the form of gavage injection, blood was taken directly from the heart to measure the serum concentration of  LH, FSH and testosterone hormones. The testicles were removed and tissue changes were examined after hematoxylin-eosin staining. The data results were analyzed based on one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test.

In the group receiving methotrexate, the level of testosterone hormone, the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, sperm and leydig decreased and the serum level of LH and FSH increased significantly compared to the control and sham groups. In the groups receiving methotrexate + curcumin, curcumin was able to compensate the adverse effects caused by methotrexat (P <0.05).

Curcumin can improve the changes in serum testosterone, FSH, LH concentration and testicular tissue induced by methotrexate in adult male rats.