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Sexual Medicine Jun 2024The correlation between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), both significant components of arthritis, and erectile dysfunction (ED) has yet to be...
BACKGROUND
The correlation between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), both significant components of arthritis, and erectile dysfunction (ED) has yet to be thoroughly investigated.
AIM
In this study we aimed to assess the association of OA and RA with ED.
METHODS
In this observational study we used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which was conducted between 2001 and 2004. Various statistical analyses were employed to investigate the associations of OA and RA with ED, including multivariable logistic regression analysis and subgroup analysis.
OUTCOMES
The primary outcome for this investigation was arthritis as assessed through self-reporting.
RESULTS
In this comprehensive nationally representative survey spanning 4 years, our findings revealed a notably elevated incidence of ED within both OA and RA populations in comparison to the general population. Additional research is imperative to provide a deeper understanding of these correlations and their potential implications for both pathogenesis and treatment strategies.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
The research outcomes reported here may serve as a valuable guide for clinicians to assist OA and RA patientsin staying vigilant in addressing their sexual health concerns.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
We explored the association of OA and RA with ED. However, this is only a cross-sectional study.
CONCLUSION
In this comprehensive nationally representative survey spanning 4 years, our findings revealed a notably elevated incidence of ED within both OA and RA patient populations in comparison to the general population. Ongoing research is imperative to provide a deeper understanding of these correlations.
PubMed: 38827361
DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfae028 -
Psychology Research and Behavior... 2024There is evidence that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and negative life events (NLEs) are associated with major depression (MDD).
BACKGROUND
There is evidence that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and negative life events (NLEs) are associated with major depression (MDD).
PURPOSE
To determine whether ACEs affect all features of mild MDD, including suicidal tendencies, brooding, neuroticism, insomnia, cognitive deficits, severity of depression and anxiety, and cognitive deficits, and whether NLEs mediate these effects.
SAMPLE OF THE STUDY AND METHODS
This study examines a cohort of 118 academic students, namely 74 students who satisfied the DSM-5-TR criteria for MDD and 44 normal control students. We assessed brooding, neuroticism, suicidal ideation and attempts, and the severity of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and the Stroop tests.
RESULTS
One validated factor could be extracted from brooding, neuroticism, current suicidal behaviors, and the severity of depression, anxiety, and insomnia, labeled the phenome of depression. A large part of the variance in the phenome of depression (55.0%) was explained by the combined effects of self-, relationships, and academic-related NLEs in conjunction with ACEs, including family dysfunction and abuse and neglect (both physical and emotional). The latter ACEs significantly interacted (moderating effect) with NLEs to impact the depression phenome. Although sexual abuse did not have direct effects on the phenome, its effects were mediated by NLEs. We discovered that increased sexual abuse, physical and emotional abuse and neglect, and ACEs related to family dysfunction predicted 22.5% of the variance in NLEs. Up to 18.5% of the variance in the Stroop test scores was explained by sexual abuse and the phenome of depression. The latter mediated the effects of NLEs and abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction on the Stroop test scores.
CONCLUSION
Complex intersections between ACEs and NLEs impact the phenome of depression, which comprises neuroticism, brooding, suicidal tendencies, and the severity of insomnia, anxiety, and depression, while sexual abuse together with other ACEs and NLEs may impact cognitive interference inhibition.
PubMed: 38826678
DOI: 10.2147/PRBM.S458257 -
Health Science Reports Jun 2024Erectile dysfunction (ED) is no longer a whisper in the shadows; it's a rising tide threatening the sexual health of millions of men in different regions. This worrying...
BACKGROUND
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is no longer a whisper in the shadows; it's a rising tide threatening the sexual health of millions of men in different regions. This worrying trend shows no signs of slowing down, with projections claiming a staggering 322 million men globally could be affected in the near future. In the cases of diabetes, the condition worsens and has a potent cocktail of physical and psychological distress, chipping away at men's confidence, self-esteem, and mental health. This urgent issue demands immediate attention and action. Thus, this umbrella review intended to estimate the current burden of ED and associated risk factors among diabetic patients in the global context.
METHODS
Following PRISMA guidelines will be searched for relevant Systematic Review and Meta-analysis studies in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar. The quality of the included studies will be assessed using the new regress tool, the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 tool. To estimate the pooled prevalence of ED, we will employ a weighted inverse variance random-effects model. We will further conduct subgroup analyses, assess heterogeneity and publication bias, and perform sensitivity analyses to strengthen the robustness of our findings. Prediction intervals will also calculated to estimate the range within which future observations will likely fall. In all statistical analyses, the statistical significance will be declared at value < 0.05.
DISCUSSION
This umbrella review of systemic review and meta-analysis will be the first to systematically explore and integrate evidence regarding the burden of ED and associated risk factors in the diabetic population in a global context. By estimating the worldwide burden and identifying risk factors of ED in this population, the study will contribute to uncovering the hidden burden. Thereby, the issue will get international attention to reduce its consequences on the sexual health of the diabetic population. Besides, it will also provide input and direction for future research outlook.
PubMed: 38826618
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2159 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy May 2024Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is often associated with irritable symptoms of itching, burning pain and can lead to scarring, architectural changes and sexual dysfunction...
BACKGROUND
Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is often associated with irritable symptoms of itching, burning pain and can lead to scarring, architectural changes and sexual dysfunction as well as a decline in quality of life.The etiology of the disease is unknown. This study sought to assess the therapeutic effects of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) in VLS, and improvment of patient quality of life and sexual funtion.
METHODS
From January 2022 to April 2023, a total of 65 patients with vulvar sclerosi (VLS) were treated with PDT in our hospital. All 65 patients were divided into two groups: early-stage group and late-stage group. The Cattaneo scoring method, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores were used to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the treatment on patients' symptoms and clincal signs, quality of life as well as sexual function before and at 6-month after treatment.
RESULTS
The total effective rate of early-stage patients was significantly greater than that of late-stage patients at 6-month after PDT treatment (90.91% [40/44] vs 76.19% [16/21], p <0.05). At 6-month follow-up, the symptoms and clinical signs of patients in early-stage group were significantly improved compared with baseline, the average scores of itching, skin elasticity, whitening and lesion range were significantly lower than the scores before treatment (p <0.05). In late-stage group, The decrease in scores of itching, whitening and lesion range at the 6-months follow-up is significant(p <0.05), but skin elasticity (p=0.0625). On post-treatment follow-up examination, FSFI score was seen to have significantly improved in early-stage patients(from a median score of 17.45 to 21.1, p<0.05); DLQI also significantly improved after treatment (from a median score of 7 to 4, p<0.05). In late stage patients, The DLQI score improved significantly after treatment (from a median score of 18 to 15, p<0.05). However, the improvement in sexual function is not statistically significant (pre-treatment: median=10.55, post-treatment: median=10, p=0.1865).
CONCLUSION
Photodynamic therapy can effectively improve most symptoms and clinical signs, as well as quality of life of patients with VLS, especially for earlly stage patients. Moreover, improvement in sexual function is observed in early stage patients after PDT treatment. This study suggests that early and timely PDT treatment are recommended to achieve better results.
PubMed: 38825158
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104226 -
Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland) May 2024The significant advancements in breast cancer management have led to an increase in the prevalence of breast cancer survivors. Despite their efficacy, these treatments... (Review)
Review
The significant advancements in breast cancer management have led to an increase in the prevalence of breast cancer survivors. Despite their efficacy, these treatments can cause a variable range of side effects, significantly deteriorating the patients' quality of life. Sexual dysfunction, and in particular the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, represent one of the major causes of quality-of-life impairment among breast cancer patients, potentially affecting treatment adherence and compliance. If in the general population, hypoestrogenism-related symptoms are typically managed through systemic or topical estrogen administration, this approach is contraindicated in breast cancer patients for the potential increased risk of disease recurrence, urging the investigation of alternative measures. The aim of this review is to summarize the most up-to-date pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, as well as supportive measures, available for the management of sexual dysfunctions in breast cancer patients and survivors.
PubMed: 38820922
DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2024.103754 -
PloS One 2024The primary challenge encountered by individuals diagnosed with endometriosis is the experience of pain. Emerging research indicates that oxidative stress is implicated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Vitamin C and E antioxidant supplementation may significantly reduce pain symptoms in endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
The primary challenge encountered by individuals diagnosed with endometriosis is the experience of pain. Emerging research indicates that oxidative stress is implicated in the initiation of pain associated with endometriosis. Vitamins C and E are known for their antioxidative properties. The primary objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation, consisting of these vitamins, in the management of pain associated with endometriosis.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted on the ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus, Europe PMC, and Medline databases up until August 23rd, 2023, utilizing a combination of relevant keywords. This review incorporates literature that examines the relationship between antioxidant supplementation and pain in endometriosis. We employed fixed-effect models to analyze the risk ratio (RR) and present the outcomes together with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
A total of five RCTs were incorporated. The results of our meta-analysis indicated that antioxidant supplementation with vitamin C and E combination was associated with higher proportion of endometriosis patients reporting reduced chronic pelvic pain (RR 7.30; 95%CI: 3.27-16.31, p<0.00001, I2 = 0%), alleviations of dysmenorrhea (RR 1.96; 95%CI: 1.25-3.07, p = 0.003, I2 = 39%), and dyspareunia (RR 5.08; 95%CI: 2.10-12.26, p = 0.0003, I2 = 0%) than patients only receiving placebo.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests the potential ability of vitamin C and E in alleviating pain symptoms experienced by individuals with endometriosis.
Topics: Female; Humans; Ascorbic Acid; Endometriosis; Antioxidants; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Dietary Supplements; Vitamin E; Dysmenorrhea; Pelvic Pain; Dyspareunia
PubMed: 38820340
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301867 -
Urology Annals 2024Dutasteride is used in the treatment of benign prostate enlargement with reported many side effects.
CONTEXT
Dutasteride is used in the treatment of benign prostate enlargement with reported many side effects.
AIMS
The purpose of this study is to examine how different doses of dutasteride (0.5 mg) in combination with tamsulosin affect the outcome of treatment of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).
SETTINGS AND DESIGN
Prospective study (phase III trial).
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Between April 2017 and March 2020, this randomized study was conducted on 300 patients with moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms attributable to BPE and a prostate volume of more than 40 cc. The patients were divided into three therapy groups at random (one-to-one randomization), each with 100 patients: (Group I) daily tamsulosin 0.4 mg plus dutasteride (0.5 mg). (Group II) every other day tamsulosin 0.4 mg plus dutasteride 0.5 mg. (Group III) once a week tamsulosin 0.4 mg plus dutasteride 0.5 mg.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Statistical analysis was carried out with the help of the SPSS program 22. (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). The mean and standard deviation (SD) are used to express quantitative data (SD). When comparing two means, an independent-samples -test of significance was used. To compare more than two means, a one-way analysis of variance was utilized. For multiple comparisons between distinct variables, a test was performed.
RESULTS
Patients were followed up every 3 months, with a 1-year follow-up to examine the medications' efficacy, prostate size reduction, and erectile function. After 1 year of treatment, all groups showed significant improvement in their symptom scores. However, Groups I and II experienced a considerable reduction in prostate size after therapy, but Group III experienced no meaningful reduction. In terms of sexual dysfunction, there was a considerable shift in Group I after 12 months.
CONCLUSIONS
Dutasteride treatment on the other day schedule has the same efficacy as the daily dose on prostate size at the same time; the other day scheduled dose has better preservation of sexual function.
PubMed: 38818435
DOI: 10.4103/ua.ua_15_22 -
Cureus Apr 2024Background Pelvic fractures caused by high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from a considerable height, commonly lead to sacral fractures....
Background Pelvic fractures caused by high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from a considerable height, commonly lead to sacral fractures. Approximately a quarter of sacral fractures are linked to neurological injury, and overlooking these fractures may result in neurological issues such as sexual dysfunction, hindered lower limb functionality, and urinary and rectal difficulties. The main goal of this study is to introduce our patient group who underwent either operative or nonoperative treatment for sacral fractures, with a follow-up period of one year, and assess their functional outcomes. Methodology This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from a consecutive series of patients at the Apex Trauma Centre, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow. A consecutive series of 24 patients (17-55 years old) with sacral fractures treated either operatively or nonoperatively from 2018 to 2023 was studied. A total of 20 patients were available for follow-up questionnaires, and 20 patients participated in a physical examination. Time to final follow-up averaged 27.19 months (range = 12-57 months). The personal data of each patient was collected, including gender, age, comorbidities, concomitant injuries, mechanism of injury, fracture pattern/classification, surgical or nonsurgical treatment, other surgeries, length of surgery, length of hospital stays, adverse events, complications, neurologic and/or motor deficits, bowel and bladder function, and mortality. At a minimum one-year follow-up, the Majeed score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire, and Gibbon's classification were assessed. Results All fractures were healed. Five patients showed neurological weakness, with three patients having only paresthesia and two patients having lower limb weakness. The mean Majeed score was 75.4, representing a moderate clinical outcome. Final ODI scores averaged 10.6, representing mild disability among patients with sacrum fractures. Overall, 40% of sacrum fractures were associated with sexual dysfunction, with 30% of females and 50% of males reporting this issue. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between operated and conservatively managed sacrum fractures concerning ODI scores, neurological deficit, and sexual dysfunction. Conclusions Both male and female patients with traumatic sacrum fractures experienced a significant decrease in their quality of life and sexual function at least 12 months after their surgery. Sacrum fractures are associated with an increased prevalence of sexual dysfunction and bowel/bladder incontinence. Our study findings indicate that patients with sacrum fractures experience similar functional outcomes and incidences of sexual dysfunction irrespective of whether they are managed operatively or conservatively.
PubMed: 38817452
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59375 -
Biology of Sex Differences May 2024The outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) exhibit variance contingent upon biological sex. Although female sex hormones exert neuroprotective effects, the...
BACKGROUND
The outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) exhibit variance contingent upon biological sex. Although female sex hormones exert neuroprotective effects, the administration of estrogen and progesterone has not yielded conclusive results. Hence, it is conceivable that additional mediators, distinct from female sex hormones, merit consideration due to their potential differential impact on TBI outcomes. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) exhibits sexually dimorphic expression and demonstrates neuroprotective effects in acute brain injuries. In this study, we aimed to examine sex-based variations in TBI structural and functional outcomes with respect to CGRP expression.
METHODS
Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to controlled cortical impact to induce severe TBI, followed by interventions with and without CGRP inhibition. In the acute phase of TBI, the study centered on elucidating the influence of CGRP on oxidative stress, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling in the peri-impact tissue. Subsequently, during the chronic phase of TBI, the investigation expanded to evaluate CGRP expression in relation to lesion volume, microvascular dysfunction, and white matter injury, as well as working and spatial memory, anxiety-like, and depression-like behaviors in subjects of both sexes.
RESULTS
Female rats exhibited elevated levels of CGRP in the peri-impact brain tissue during both baseline conditions and in the acute and chronic phases of TBI, in comparison to age-matched male counterparts. Enhanced CGRP levels in specific brain sub-regions among female rats correlated with superior structural and functional outcomes following TBI compared to their male counterparts. CGRP inhibition induced heightened oxidative stress and a reduction in the expression of Nrf2 and eNOS in both male and female rats, with the observed alteration being more pronounced in females than in males.
CONCLUSIONS
This study marks the inaugural identification of CGRP as a downstream mediator contributing to the sexually dimorphic response observed in TBI outcomes.
Topics: Animals; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Female; Male; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Sex Characteristics; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Oxidative Stress; Brain; Rats
PubMed: 38816868
DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00619-x -
Pharmacological Research Jul 2024After the initial androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), part of the prostate cancer may continuously deteriorate into castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The... (Review)
Review
After the initial androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), part of the prostate cancer may continuously deteriorate into castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The majority of patients suffer from the localized illness at primary diagnosis that could rapidly assault other organs. This disease stage is referred as metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Surgery and radiation are still the treatment of CRPC, but have some adverse effects such as urinary symptoms and sexual dysfunction. Hormonal castration therapy interfering androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway is indispensable for most advanced prostate cancer patients, and the first- and second-generation of novel AR inhibitors could effectively cure hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC). However, the resistance to these chemical agents is inevitable, so many of patients may experience relapses. The resistance to AR inhibitor mainly involves AR mutation, splice variant formation and amplification, which indicates the important role in CRPC. Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC), a potent technique to degrade targeted protein, has recently undergone extensive development as a biological tool and therapeutic drug. This technique has the potential to become the next generation of antitumor therapeutics as it could overcome the shortcomings of conventional small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms on PROTACs targeting AR signaling for CRPC, hoping to provide insights into drug development and clinical medication.
Topics: Humans; Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant; Male; Receptors, Androgen; Signal Transduction; Animals; Proteolysis; Androgen Receptor Antagonists; Antineoplastic Agents; Proteolysis Targeting Chimera
PubMed: 38815882
DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107234