Molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-inflammatory synergistic effect of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma in human microvascular endothelium.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and interferon gamma (IFNgamma) are among the most potent cytokines involved in orchestrating the inflammation response. The molecular mechanisms implicated in the synergism between cytokines are still poorly characterized. We demonstrate that both cytokines dose-dependently stimulate IFNgamma-inducible-protein-of-10-kDa (IP-10) secretion in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1), showing a potent synergism which is not restricted to IP-10, but is also evident for monokine-induced-by-IFNgamma (MIG) and IL-6 secretion.

Sexual dysfunction in subjects with Klinefelter's syndrome.

While the association of Klinefelter's Syndrome (KS) with infertility is well-known, very few investigations have evaluated the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in KS. The aim of the present study was to systematically analyse the prevalence of KS in a consecutive series of adult male patients consulting for sexual problems and to investigate its specific correlates. Among a consecutive series of 1386 men (mean age 48.

TSPY1 copy number variation influences spermatogenesis and shows differences among Y lineages.

Context: TSPY1 is a tandemly-repeated gene on the human Y chromosome forming an array of approximately 21-35 copies. The testicular expression pattern and the inferred function of the TSPY1 protein suggest possible involvement in spermatogenesis. However, data are scarce on TSPY1 copy number variation in different Y lineages and its role in spermatogenesis.

Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone and the metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and older European men.

Objectives: Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels have been linked to insulin resistance, the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. Data in healthy, community-dwelling Europeans are lacking, and previous studies have not excluded subjects receiving drug treatments that may distort the relationship between 25(OH)D/PTH and MetS. The aim of our analysis was to examine the association of 25(OH)D and PTH with Adult Treatment Panel III-defined MetS in middle-aged and older European men.

The association between varicocele, premature ejaculation and prostatitis symptoms: possible mechanisms.

Introduction: No study has ever systematically evaluated the impact of varicocele on sexual function.

Aim: Two cross-sectional studies were performed in patients attending an andrology unit either for male sexual dysfunction (study 1) or couple infertility (study 2). In study 1, we evaluated the impact of varicocele on sexual function.

Drinking water quality: an in vitro approach for the assessment of cytotoxic and genotoxic load in water sampled along distribution system.

An in vitro approach was performed to assess the quality of drinking water collected at two treatment/distribution networks located near the source (Plant #1) and the mouth of River Po (Plant #2). The water was sampled at different points of each distribution network, before (raw water) and after the chlorine dioxide disinfection, and in two points of the pipeline system to evaluate the influence of the distribution system on the amount and quality of the disinfection by-product. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of water extracts were evaluated in human peripheral lymphocytes and Hep-G2 cells by the use of the micronucleus (MN) test and Comet assay.

The ENDOTRIAL study: a spontaneous, open-label, randomized, multicenter, crossover study on the efficacy of sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Introduction: The three effective, commercially available drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction-sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil-inhibit the same substrate, the erectolytic enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Although there are pharmacological differences between these three compounds, few comparative studies have been conducted to date.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil in a randomly assigned 8-week fixed regimen.

Nongenomic activation of spermatozoa by steroid hormones: facts and fictions.

The rapid effects of steroids on spermatozoa have been demonstrated for the first time two decades ago. Progesterone (P), which is present throughout the female genital tract with peaks of levels in the cumulus matrix surrounding the oocyte, stimulates several sperm functions, including hyperactivation and acrosome reaction. These effects are mediated by an extranuclear pathway, as P stimulates an influx of calcium, the tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins and other signalling cascades in a rapid manner.

Following the common association between testosterone deficiency and diabetes mellitus, can testosterone be regarded as a new therapy for diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing at epidemic proportions worldwide, representing a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Nowadays, hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction (ED) are considered frequent, although often under-diagnosed, complications of T2DM. Recent evidence suggests that in a diabetic population ED itself is an efficient predictor of silent coronary heart diseases.

Impairment of couple relationship in male patients with sexual dysfunction is associated with overt hypogonadism.

Introduction: Couple sexual dysfunction is a common, but not often studied, problem.

Aim: We have previously reported that disturbance in the relational domain, as measured by SIEDY Scale 2 (exploring, as reported by the patient, menopausal symptoms, partner's medical illness interfering with sexual activity, and reduced partner desire and climax), is associated with different sexual dysfunctions, such as hypoactive sexual desire, erectile dysfunction (ED), delayed ejaculation, and psychological disturbances. As all of these symptoms could be associated with hypogonadism, we have investigated the possible relationship between androgen levels and an unhappy couple relationship.

Persistence of expression of the TMPRSS2:ERG fusion gene after pre-surgery androgen ablation may be associated with early prostate specific antigen relapse of prostate cancer: preliminary results.

Background: The recently identified TMPRSS2: ERG fusion gene is a candidate oncogene for prostate cancer (PCa).

Subjects And Methods: We have tested for the presence of this gene in tumor samples from 84 patients who had radical prostatectomy in 1998-2000. Sixty patients (group A) had surgery only; 24 patients (group B) received androgen ablation therapy for 3 months before surgery.

Hysterical traits are not from the uterus but from the testis: a study in men with sexual dysfunction.

Introduction: The relationship between testosterone (T) and psychopathology in subjects with sexual dysfunction has not been completely clarified.

Aim: To evaluate the association between T levels and different psychopathological symptoms and traits in men seeking treatment for sexual dysfunction.

Methods: A consecutive series of 2,042 heterosexual male patients (mean age 51.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced sexual dysfunction.

Introduction: Sexual dysfunctions are often present in subjects with mood disturbances; however. antidepressants can induce per se sexual dysfunctions.

Aim: To explore the relationship between the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), non-SSRIs antidepressants and benzodiazepines (BDZ), hormonal parameters, and reported sexual dysfunction (as assessed by the Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction [SIEDY]) in male subjects with comparable psychopathological symptoms (as assessed by the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire [MHQ] a self-reported test for the screening of mental disorders in a non-psychiatric setting).

Association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and cognitive performance in middle-aged and older European men.

Background: Although there is evidence that vitamin D inadequacy may be linked to adverse cognitive outcomes, results from studies on this topic have been inconsistent. The aim of this trial was to examine the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and cognitive performance in middle-aged and older European men.

Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study included 3,369 men aged 40-79 years from eight centres enrolled in the European Male Ageing Study.

The association between different cognitive domains and age in a multi-centre study of middle-aged and older European men.

Objectives: We determined levels of cognitive functioning in community dwelling men aged 40-79 (n = 3265) from eight European centres and investigated to what extent cognitive performance varied between centres, the association between different cognitive domains and age, educational level, co-morbidity and lifestyle factors and the respective contributions of centre and individual factors to cognitive performance.

Methods: Cognitive domains assessed were visuo-constructional ability and visual memory (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test, ROCF), topographical memory (Camden Topographical Recognition Memory test, CTRM) and processing speed (Digit-Symbol Substitution test, DSST).

Results: There were significant between-centre differences in all four cognitive test scores.

Cardiovascular risk engines can help in selecting patients to be evaluated by dynamic penile color doppler ultrasound.

General dynamic penile color doppler ultrasound (D-PCDU) screening in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) has been questioned due to an inadequate cost-benefit ratio. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the validity of different risk scores in the identification of patients being screened for arteriogenic ED (AED) at D-PCDU. A consecutive series of 738 patients with ED was studied.

Hypogonadism, ED, metabolic syndrome and obesity: a pathological link supporting cardiovascular diseases.

Hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction (ED), visceral adiposity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (MetS) often coexist in the same subjects. This cluster of abnormalities is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), affecting not only quality of life but also life expectancy. Longitudinal studies have also demonstrated that ED and male hypogonadism could be considered surrogate markers of incident CVD and MetS.

The age-related decline of testosterone is associated with different specific symptoms and signs in patients with sexual dysfunction.

In males, testosterone (T) levels decline with ageing. Several symptoms characteristic of the ageing process are similar to those related to hypogonadism. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the specific association among hypogonadism-related symptoms and signs and the ageing process.

Cavernous neurotomy in the rat is associated with the onset of an overt condition of hypogonadism.

Background: Most men following radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) are afflicted by erectile dysfunction (ED). RRP-related ED occurs as a result of surgically elicited neuropraxia, leading to histological changes in the penis, including collagenization of smooth muscle and endothelial damage.

Aim: To verify whether hypogonadism could contribute to the pathogenesis of RRP-ED.

Hypoprolactinemia: a new clinical syndrome in patients with sexual dysfunction.

Introduction: The physiological role of prolactin (PRL) in male sexual behavior is poorly understood. Conversely, the association between PRL pathological elevation in both reproductive and sexual behavior is well defined.

Aim: The aim of the present study is to assess the correlates of normal PRL (PRL < 735 mU/L or 35 ng/mL), in male subjects consulting for sexual dysfunction.

Why can patients with erectile dysfunction be considered lucky? The association with testosterone deficiency and metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a diagnostic category, based on a cluster of risk factors (hyperglycemia/diabetes, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridaemia, low HDL cholesterol and hypertension), which identifies subjects at high risk for forthcoming type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Recently, a close association between MetS, erectile dysfunction (ED) and male hypogonadism has been reported. In patients with MetS, hypogonadism can exacerbate sexual dysfunction and arteriogenic ED because of its typical symptoms, such as decreased sexual desire and mood disturbances.

Pulse pressure, an index of arterial stiffness, is associated with androgen deficiency and impaired penile blood flow in men with ED.

Introduction: Pulse pressure (PP; i.e., the arithmetic difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) reflects arterial stiffness and has been suggested to be an independent cardiovascular risk factor.

Atorvastatin ameliorates sildenafil-induced penile erections in experimental diabetes by inhibiting diabetes-induced RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling hyperactivation.

Introduction: One of the proposed mechanisms responsible for diabetes-related erectile dysfunction (ED) is overactivity of RhoA/ROCK signaling, as seen in experimental models of chemical diabetes.

Aim: Because statins may interfere with RhoA/Rho-kinase (ROCK) signaling through the reduction of geranyl-geranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), required for RhoA activation, we investigated whether atorvastatin ameliorated diabetes-related ED.

Methods: Streptozotocin-induced (8 weeks) diabetic rats and alloxan-induced (8 weeks) diabetic rabbits received atorvastatin (5 mg/kg daily) for the last 2 weeks.

Psychobiological correlates of extramarital affairs and differences between stable and occasional infidelity among men with sexual dysfunctions.

Introduction: The relationship between extramarital affairs and male sexual dysfunctions (SDs) has not been completely clarified.

Aim: The aim of the present study is to describe how the reported presence of extramarital affairs vs. no report differentiates men attending medical care for SDs.