[Correlation of insulin resistance with male reproductive hormone levels and semen parameters].

Objective: To investigate the influence of insulin resistance on male reproductive hormones and semen quality.

Methods: Using the electrochemiluminescence method, we measured the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) in the serum of 83 infertile males. We detected the levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting insulin (FINS) and calculated the insulin resistance index presented as homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Heterologous biosynthesis and manipulation of crocetin in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Background: Due to excellent performance in antitumor, antioxidation, antihypertension, antiatherosclerotic and antidepressant activities, crocetin, naturally exists in Crocus sativus L., has great potential applications in medical and food fields. Microbial production of crocetin has received increasing concern in recent years.