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11 pages, 254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomarkers of Iron Are Associated with Anterior-Pituitary-Produced Reproductive Hormones in Men with Infertility

by Matineh Rastegar Panah, Keith Jarvi, Kirk Lo and Ahmed El-Sohemy

Nutrients 2024, 16(2), 290; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu16020290 - 18 Jan 2024

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Approximately 16% of North American couples are affected by infertility, with 30% of cases being attributable to male factor infertility. The regulation of reproductive hormones via the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis is important for spermatogenesis and subsequently male fertility. Maintaining iron homeostasis is critical to [...] Read more.

Approximately 16% of North American couples are affected by infertility, with 30% of cases being attributable to male factor infertility. The regulation of reproductive hormones via the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis is important for spermatogenesis and subsequently male fertility. Maintaining iron homeostasis is critical to normal reproductive physiological function. This cross-sectional study’s objective was to determine the association between serum biomarkers of iron and reproductive hormones. Men experiencing infertility (n = 303) were recruited from Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto. Serum was analyzed for iron and ferritin as biomarkers of iron status and reproductive hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, estradiol, and prolactin), which were the primary outcome. Associations were determined using non-parametric Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, linear regressions, and logistic regressions. A significant independent monotonic inverse relationship between serum iron and prolactin (p = 0.0002) was found. In linear regression analyses, iron was inversely associated with luteinizing hormone (unadjusted p = 0.03, adjusted p = 0.03) and prolactin (unadjusted p = 0.001 and adjusted p = 0.003). Serum ferritin was inversely associated with both gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (adjusted p = 0.03), and luteinizing hormone (adjusted p = 0.02). These findings suggest that biomarkers of iron are associated with pituitary-produced reproductive hormones, which play a role in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal signaling pathway involved in spermatogenesis, testicular testosterone production, and male fertility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Support for Human Fertility)

15 pages, 3244 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Serum 25(OH) Vitamin D Level and Reproductive or Immune Markers in Reproductive-Aged Women with Infertility: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study in East Japan

by Kuniaki Ota, Junichiro Mitsui, Shoko Katsumata, Yuko Takayanagi, Yurie Nako, Makiko Tajima, Akira Komiya, Toshifumi Takahashi and Kiyotaka Kawai

Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5059; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15245059 - 09 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Several studies have reported that vitamin D may modify human reproductive functions; however, the results are conflicting. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate serum vitamin D levels and examine the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and ovarian reserve markers, and immune markers of [...] Read more.

Several studies have reported that vitamin D may modify human reproductive functions; however, the results are conflicting. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate serum vitamin D levels and examine the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and ovarian reserve markers, and immune markers of implantation, in reproductive-aged Japanese women with infertility.in reproductive-aged women with infertility. This cross-sectional, single-center study included reproductive-aged women who underwent preconception screening for fertility. Serum vitamin D levels and reproductive and immune markers were measured. Standard and advanced statistical techniques were used. We observed a statistically significant difference in the seasonal and monthly 25(OH) vitamin D levels; the 25(OH) vitamin D level during winter was the lowest among all seasons. However, there was no linear correlation between 25(OH) vitamin D levels and ovarian reserve markers, such as follicle-stimulating hormone and anti-Müllerian hormone, or the Th1/Th2 cell ratio, which is used as an implantation-related immunological marker. In this large-scale study, we evaluated the serum 25(OH) vitamin D concentration in reproductive-aged women with infertility in Japan; however, there was no association between reproductive function and vitamin D levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Support for Human Fertility)

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19 pages, 2066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Nutritional Therapy in the Management of Overweight/Obese PCOS Patient Candidates for IVF

by Caterina Meneghini, Claudia Bianco, Francesco Galanti, Valentina Tamburelli, Alessandro Dal Lago, Emanuele Licata, Mariagrazia Gallo, Cristina Fabiani, Roberta Corno, Donatella Miriello and Rocco Rago

Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4444; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15204444 - 20 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3137

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrine disorder, and it has two main pathological aspects: reproductive and metabolic. Overweight/obesity is a risk factor in terms of adverse effects during hormone stimulation, a reduced response to ovulation induction regimens, reduced success [...] Read more.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrine disorder, and it has two main pathological aspects: reproductive and metabolic. Overweight/obesity is a risk factor in terms of adverse effects during hormone stimulation, a reduced response to ovulation induction regimens, reduced success of IVF, and an increased risk of obstetric complications. To resolve this vicious cycle of pathological events, weight loss and lifestyle modifications are promising strategies. Among these possible approaches, the consumption of a very-low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) or Mediterranean diet (MD) represents a valid option. In our study, 84 obese/overweight PCOS patients were recruited to evaluate the effects induced by the VLCKD and MD on weight, hormonal, and metabolic parameters. BMI decreased significantly among the VLKCD patients compared to the MD patients (both presenting p values < 0.0001 at 90 and 120 days), and a significant reduction in body circumference was observed. At the same time, HOMA index values statistically decreased for the VLCKD patients compared to those on the MD (p value < 0.001 at 90 days and p value < 0.05 at 120 days), and this phenomenon was also observed for AFC at 90 and 120 days (both p values < 0.001) and AMH at 90 days (p value < 0.05). Interestingly, the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) incidence was statistically lower in the VLKCD patients compared to the MD patients (p < 0.001). We state that these dietary regimes may improve anthropometric parameters (such as BMI) and women’s reproductive health, restore menstrual regularity, and reduce the risk of OHSS. Regarding the different nutritional therapies, the results suggest that the VLCKD is an optimal choice for entry into IVF, especially in terms of the time range in which these results are achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Support for Human Fertility)

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11 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Acid Load Is Not Associated with Serum Testosterone in Men: Insights from the NHANES

by Maximilian Andreas Storz and Alvaro Luis Ronco

Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 3075; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15133075 - 07 Jul 2023

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Abstract

The dietary acid load (DAL) is a novel marker of overall diet quality, which has been associated with overweight, type 2 diabetes and altered glucocorticoid secretion. A potential association with sex hormones is thus not inconceivable. We investigated whether DAL was associated with [...] Read more.

The dietary acid load (DAL) is a novel marker of overall diet quality, which has been associated with overweight, type 2 diabetes and altered glucocorticoid secretion. A potential association with sex hormones is thus not inconceivable. We investigated whether DAL was associated with serum total testosterone concentrations of men in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The DAL scores, including the potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP), were estimated and compared between participants with low and normal testosterone levels. The investigated sample encompassed n = 377 males with a mean age of 49.50 years. Approximately 73% of the sample were of Non-Hispanic White origin. None of the examined DAL scores showed significant associations with serum testosterone levels. We observed no significant differences in the crude DAL scores between individuals with low testosterone levels and individuals with normal testosterone levels. Multivariate regression models adjusting for covariates confirmed the lack of associations between the PRAL and serum testosterone. Our results are of particular importance for those individuals who wish to lower their DAL in light of the presumable health effects of a more alkaline diet. Our data suggest that diet modifications toward a lower intake of animal protein and refined grains (which consecutively translates into a lower DAL) may not negatively affect men’s testosterone levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Support for Human Fertility)

15 pages, 3669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Attenuation of Oxidative Stress and Regulation of AKT Signaling by Vanillic Acid during Bovine Pre-Implantation Embryo Development

by Marwa El-Sheikh, Ayman Mesalam, Myeong-Don Joo, Tabinda Sidrat, Ahmed Atef Mesalam and Il-Keun Kong

Nutrients 2023, 15(10), 2257; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15102257 - 10 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1477

Abstract

Vanillic acid (VA) has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in different cell types, but its biological effects in the context of early embryo development have not yet been clarified. In the current study, the impact of VA supplementation during in vitro maturation (IVM) [...] Read more.

Vanillic acid (VA) has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in different cell types, but its biological effects in the context of early embryo development have not yet been clarified. In the current study, the impact of VA supplementation during in vitro maturation (IVM) and/or post-fertilization (in vitro culture; IVC) on redox homeostasis, mitochondrial function, AKT signaling, developmental competence, and the quality of bovine pre-implantation embryos was investigated. The results showed that dual exposure to VA during IVM and late embryo culture (IVC3) significantly improved the blastocyst development rate, reduced oxidative stress, and promoted fatty acid oxidation as well as mitochondrial activity. Additionally, the total numbers of cells and trophectoderm cells per blastocyst were higher in the VA-treated group compared to control (p < 0.05). The RT-qPCR results showed down-regulation of the mRNA of the apoptosis-specific markers and up-regulation of AKT2 and the redox homeostasis-related gene TXN in the treated group. Additionally, the immunofluorescence analysis showed high levels of pAKT-Ser473 and the fatty acid metabolism marker CPT1A in embryos developed following VA treatment. In conclusion, the study reports, for the first time, the embryotrophic effects of VA, and the potential linkage to AKT signaling pathway that could be used as an efficacious protocol in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to improve human fertility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Support for Human Fertility)

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1 pages, 146 KiB

Open AccessReply

Reply to Cetkovic et al. Comment on “Meneghini et al. The Impact of Nutritional Therapy in the Management of Overweight/Obese PCOS Patient Candidates for IVF. Nutrients 2023, 15, 4444”

by Caterina Meneghini, Claudia Bianco, Francesco Galanti, Valentina Tamburelli, Alessandro Dal Lago, Emanuele Licata, Mariagrazia Gallo, Cristina Fabiani, Roberta Corno, Donatella Miriello and Rocco Rago

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 439; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu16030439 - 01 Feb 2024

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Abstract

Thanks for your comment [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Support for Human Fertility)

2 pages, 178 KiB

Open AccessComment

Comment on Meneghini et al. The Impact of Nutritional Therapy in the Management of Overweight/Obese PCOS Patient Candidates for IVF. Nutrients 2023, 15, 4444

by Nenad Cetkovic, Giuseppe Guido Maria Scarlata and Ludovico Abenavoli

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 417; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu16030417 - 31 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 566

Abstract

We read with great interest the recent article by Meneghini et al. on the assessment of the effects of different alimentary regimens, included Mediterranean diet (MD), on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients prior to in vitro fertilization cycles [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Support for Human Fertility)

21 pages, 4330 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Rational Use

by Gabriel Cosmin Petre, Francesco Francini-Pesenti, Amerigo Vitagliano, Giuseppe Grande, Alberto Ferlin and Andrea Garolla

Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3677; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu15173677 - 22 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4606

Abstract

The use of nutraceutical products to enhance male sexual performance has a long history, especially with regard to the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Alternative treatments for ED are becoming increasingly popular, with growing interest from consumers, as well as increased revenue for [...] Read more.

The use of nutraceutical products to enhance male sexual performance has a long history, especially with regard to the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Alternative treatments for ED are becoming increasingly popular, with growing interest from consumers, as well as increased revenue for manufacturers. Dietary supplements (DSs), which are a mixture of active ingredients, are mainly sold online. In randomized controlled trials, the molecules contained in DSs have demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness, or even have no evidence to support their use. However, none of the studies carried out provided sufficient evidence to consider these products a first-line therapy. Therefore, the combination of the various active ingredients, especially in relation to the daily dose, leaves doubts about the real effectiveness. In order to evaluate the potential efficacy of DS formulations, we analyzed the products marketed in Italy using a scoring approach. A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate the effect of DS and to detect the active ingredients able to improve erectile function—called effective ingredients (EIs)—and their minimal effective daily dose (mED). A metanalysis identified some nutraceuticals, such as Panax ginseng, Tribulus terrestris and L-arginine, that are able to improve male sexual function. Based on the scoring system, 2 (8%) supplements matched with the cluster of higher expected efficacy, 3 (12%) with the lower efficacy cluster and 20 (80%) matched with the criterion of no expected efficacy. DSs marketed in Italy are usually blends of many substances that are frequently employed at a negligible dose or without any evidence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Support for Human Fertility)

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