Update on andrological effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19: An overview review.

Background: Evidence indicates a wide range of andrological alterations in patients with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Aim: To provide an update on the andrological effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19.

Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE and Institutional websites were searched for randomized clinical trials, non-systematic reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.

Once-Weekly Insulin Icodec in Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials (ONWARDS Clinical Program).

Background: One hundred years have passed since the discovery of insulin, which is one of the most relevant events of the 20th century. This period resulted in extraordinary progress in the development of novel molecules to improve glucose control, simplify the insulin regimen, and ameliorate the quality of life. In late March 2024, the first once-weekly basal analog Icodec was approved for diabetes mellitus, generating high expectations.

Predicting Factors of Worse Prognosis in COVID-19: Results from a Cross-sectional Study on 52 Inpatients Admitted to the Internal Medicine Department.

Background: The initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic posed a real need for clinicians to identify patients at risk of poor prognosis as soon as possible after hospital admission.

Aims: The study aimed to assess the role of baseline anamnestic information, clinical parameters, instrumental examination, and serum biomarkers in predicting adverse outcomes of COVID-19 in a hospital setting of Internal Medicine.

Methods: Fifty-two inpatients consecutively admitted to the Unit of Internal Medicine "Baccelli," Azienda Ospedaliero - Universitaria Policlinico of Bari (February 1 - May 31, 2021) due to confirmed COVID-19 were grouped into two categories based on the specific outcome: good prognosis (n=44), patients discharged at home after the acute phase of the infection; poor prognosis, a composite outcome of deaths and intensive care requirements (n=8).

Sarcopenia and Diabetes: A Detrimental Liaison of Advancing Age.

Sarcopenia is an age-related clinical complaint characterized by the progressive deterioration of skeletal muscle mass and strength over time. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with faster and more relevant skeletal muscle impairment. Both conditions influence each other, leading to negative consequences on glycemic control, cardiovascular risk, general health status, risk of falls, frailty, overall quality of life, and mortality.

The pathogenic role of the immune system in erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease: focusing on immunopathophysiology and potential therapeutic strategies.

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) represents the major cause of male sexual dysfunction, which is often associated with obesity, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and cigarette smoking. Peyronie's disease is a chronic disorder associated with irreversible fibrotic damage of the tunica albuginea leading to ED, painful erection, coital disturbance, and physical and social complaints. Both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and significant changes in intracavernous hydrodynamics.

Dopamine in the Regulation of Glucose Homeostasis, Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes, and Chronic Conditions of Impaired Dopamine Activity/Metabolism: Implication for Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Purposes.

Dopamine regulates several functions, such as voluntary movements, spatial memory, motivation, sleep, arousal, feeding, immune function, maternal behaviors, and lactation. Less clear is the role of dopamine in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and chronic complications and conditions frequently associated with it. This review summarizes recent evidence on the role of dopamine in regulating insular metabolism and activity, the pathophysiology of traditional chronic complications associated with T2D, the pathophysiological interconnection between T2D and chronic neurological and psychiatric disorders characterized by impaired dopamine activity/metabolism, and therapeutic implications.

Oral semaglutide improves body composition and preserves lean mass in patients with type 2 diabetes: a 26-week prospective real-life study.

Background: Oral semaglutide is the first glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) designed for oral administration; it offers a promising opportunity to facilitate an early approach to Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). The study aimed to evaluate, in a real-life setting, the effects of oral semaglutide on the body composition of patients with T2D after 26 weeks of therapy.

Methods: Thirty-two patients with T2D were evaluated at baseline (T0) and after three (T3) and six (T6) months of therapy with oral semaglutide.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and thyroid cancer: is it the time to be concerned?

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have changed considerably the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, recently published data from retrospective cohort studies suggest that chronic exposure to GLP-1RAs in T2D may increase the risk of papillary and medullary thyroid cancer. In this perspective, the role of the incretin system in thyroid carcinogenesis has been reviewed and critically commented on, aiming to understand if the time has arrived to be concerned about the risk.

Hypothyroidism in Older Adults: A Narrative Review.

The prevalence of hypothyroidism increases along with aging, resulting in one of the most common comorbidities among patients over 75 years. The leading causes of hypothyroidism in older adults are iatrogenic, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and medications. The narrative review aimed to discuss the clinical characteristics of hypothyroidism in older adults and the impact of hormonal replacement therapy on survival rates.

Long-acting glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists boost erectile function in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus complaining of erectile dysfunction: A retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: The pharmacological management of erectile dysfunction (ED) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is challenging as ED has a multifactorial etiology. The therapeutic potential of certain antihyperglycemic medications, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), has yet to be entirely studied in this setting.

Material And Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 108 outpatients (median age 60 [56, 65] years) with T2D complaining of ED.

Computerized nailfold video-capillaroscopy in type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study on 102 outpatients.

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic disease that negatively affects vascular health. A careful assessment of chronic complications, including microcirculation, is mandatory. The computerized nailfold video-capillaroscopy (CNVC) accurately examines the nailfold microvasculature, but its suitability in T2D is currently under investigation.

Dyslipidemia and Cardiovascular Prevention in the Elderly: A Balance between Benefits and Risks of Statin Treatment in a Specific Population.

Introduction: Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) are among the most relevant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in aged people. Statins are one of the leading pharmacological interventions against atherosclerosis and are widely used to reduce the risk of occurring coronary artery diseases and related outcomes in both primary and secondary prevention. The management of chronic diseases is improved considerably over time, leading to an increase in life expectancy despite heavier comorbidity-related burdens in the elderly.

The role of male hypogonadism, aging, and chronic diseases in characterizing adult and elderly men with erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Erectile function depends on a complex interaction between demographic, metabolic, vascular, hormonal, and psychological factors that trigger erectile dysfunction (ED). In the present study we carried out a cross-sectional study assessing the impact of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs), male hypogonadism, and demographic factors in characterizing men with ED. Four hundred thirty-three consecutive outpatients with ED were extracted from the electronic database from January 2017 to December 2019.

Endocrine, Metabolic, and Immune Pathogenesis of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis. Is there a Therapeutic Role in Natural Products?

Background: Bone health relies on the equilibrium between resorption and new bone generation. Postmenopausal osteoporosis depends on estrogen deficiency which favorite bone resorption and elevated risk of fractures. Moreover, osteoporosis is characterized by a high release of proinflammatory cytokines suggesting the role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of this complex disease (immunoporosis).

Iodine Deficiency and Iodine Prophylaxis: An Overview and Update.

The thyroid gland requires iodine to synthesize thyroid hormones, and iodine deficiency results in the inadequate production of thyroxine and related thyroid, metabolic, developmental, and reproductive disorders. Iodine requirements are higher in infants, children, and during pregnancy and lactation than in adult men and non-pregnant women. Iodine is available in a wide range of foods and water and is susceptible to almost complete gastric and duodenal absorption as an iodide ion.

The Effects of Eight Weeks' Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) on Liver Health in Subjects Affected by Overweight and Obesity.

Very low-calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKD) are widely employed in successful weight-loss strategies. Herein, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of a VLCKD on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and parameters commonly associated with this condition in overweight and obese subjects who did not take any drugs. This prospective, real-life study included thirty-three participants who followed a VLCKD for 8 weeks.

The TNAPP web-based algorithm improves thyroid nodule management in clinical practice: A retrospective validation study.

Background: The detection of thyroid nodules has been increasing over time, resulting in an extensive use of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and cytology. Tailored methods are required to improve the management of thyroid nodules, including algorithms and web-based tools.

Study Aims: To assess the performance of the Thyroid Nodule App (TNAPP), a web-based, readily modifiable, interactive algorithmic tool, in improving the management of thyroid nodules.