Pulse oxygen saturation in healthy newborns at term in Cusco, Peru.
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Altitude↗
Biomedical subjects
G F Gonzales
Publications and source records attributed to G F Gonzales.
Birth weight at high altitudes in Peru.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether birth weights are lower at high altitudes, and whether gestational age at birth and a population's length of residence mitigate the effect of high altitude. METHODS: The birth weights of 84,173 neonates recorded in the Peruvian Perinatal Information System Database were analyzed between 1995 and 2002 for the cities of Lima (150 m), Huancayo (3280 m), Cuzco (3400 m), and Juliaca (3800 m). RESULTS: Birth weight was lower at high altitude, but there was no linear relation between altitude of residence and birth weight. Mean birth weight was higher in Juliaca than in Huancayo. There were no significant differences between the 4 cities regarding birth weights of infants born between 28 and 35 weeks of gestation. However, for infants born between 36 and 42 weeks, birth weight was lower at higher altitudes. This may be due to inadequate maternal oxygenation later in pregnancy at high altitude. In the multivariate analysis, after controlling for maternal age, marital status, parity, body mass index, pre-eclampsia or hemorrhage during pregnancy, and education, as well as sex of the newborn and gestational age at birth, birth weight was lower in all cities located at a higher altitude than Lima. Yet, longer residence at high altitudes may play a protective role. Juliaca (3800 m), where the population has resided the longest, had the lowest reduction in birth weight compared with Lima (150 m); Cuzco had intermediate values; and Huancayo (3280 m), where the population has resided the shortest, had the highest reduction in birth weight. CONCLUSIONS: Birth weight reduction, which is independent of socioeconomic factors, occurs only in births at term and may be less severe in populations that have resided longer at high altitudes.
Adolescent↗
Effect of Black maca (Lepidium meyenii) on one spermatogenic cycle in rats.
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) grows exclusively between 4000 and 4500 m above sea level in the Peruvian central Andes. The hypocotyls of this plant are traditionally used in the Andean region for their supposed fertility-enhancing properties. The hypocotyls have different colours. Of these, Black maca has better effects on spermatogenesis. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that Black maca has early effects during a spermatogenic cycle (12 days) of male rats. For this, testicular spermatid, epididymal sperm and vas deferens sperm counts were measured after 1, 3, 5, 7 and 12 days of treatment with Black maca. Aqueous extract of Black maca was given orally by daily gavage at a dose of 2 g kg(-1). In a spermatogenic cycle, compared with day 1, daily sperm production (DSP) was lower at day 7 (control), whereas with Black maca, the difference was observed at day 12. Epididymal sperm count was higher in rats treated with Black maca at days 1, 3 and 7, but similar to controls at days 5 and 12; similarly sperm counts in vas deferens was higher in rats treated with Black maca in days 3, 5 and 7, but similar to controls at days 1 and 12. From this, it is suggested that first action of Black maca was at epididymal level increasing sperm count after 1 day of treatment, whereas an increase in sperm count was observed in vas deferens at day 3 of treatment. Finally, an increase in DSP was observed after 7 days of treatment with Black maca. Testicular testosterone was not affected after 7 days treatment with Black maca. In conclusion, Black maca affects sperm count as early as 1 day after beginning of treatment.
Animals↗
Update on the impact of Chlamydia trachomatis infection on male fertility.
With approximately 90 million cases annually, infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial disease in the world. Considering that these infections are often asymptomatic and cause major complications like acute pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility or infant pneumonia, the estimated costs for diagnosis and treatment in the USA amounts to 2.2 million US dollars for each 500 cases. Therefore, there is a high need for correct, quick and cost-effective diagnosis and treatment of this urogenital tract infection. New innovative therapies provide good results with regard to efficacy and patients' compliance. The success rates of treatments are at least 95%. However, the occurrence of antibiotic resistance should not be ignored and new treatment schemes must be developed. The state-of-the-art of diagnosis and treatment of chlamydial infections as well as the pathophysiology is discussed in this review. In conclusion, infections with C. trachomatis is an important public health problem, especially in third world and developing countries, and more socio-economic studies linking secondary prevention of chlamydial infections, infertility and adverse pregnancy outcome are needed to understand more of its aetiology. In addition, diagnosis and treatment should be improved. Data in men revealed that past infections but not present infections are more related to male infertility. There is still controversial results. In future studies, function of the seminal vesicles and evaluation of the antioxidant capacity should be taken into account when role of C. trachomatis infection on male fertility is assessed.
Chlamydia Infections↗
Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on spermatogenesis in male rats acutely exposed to high altitude (4340 m).
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a Peruvian hypocotyl that grows exclusively between 4000 and 4500 m in the central Andes. Maca is traditionally employed in the Andean region for its supposed fertility-enhancing properties. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that Maca can prevent high altitude-induced testicular disturbances. Adult male rats were exposed for 21 days to an altitude of 4340 m and treated with vehicle or aqueous extract of Maca (666.6 mg/day). The lengths of the stages of the seminiferous epithelium and epididymal sperm counts were obtained at 0, 7, 14 and 21 days of exposure. The stages of the seminiferous tubules were assessed by transillumination. A dose-response study was also performed at sea level to determine the effect of Maca given to male rats at doses of 0, 6.6, 66.6 and 666.6 mg/day for 7 days on body weight, seminiferous tubule stages and epididymal sperm count. The length of stage VIII and the epididymal sperm count were increased in a dose-dependent manner in Maca-treated rats but treatment reduced the length of stage I. At the highest dose, sperm count increased 1.58 times, the length of stage VIII increased 2.4 times and the length of stage I was reduced 0.48 times compared with the value at dose 0. Exposure to high altitude resulted in a reduction in epididymal sperm count after 7 days and lower values were maintained up to 21 days. Altitude reduced spermiation (stage VIII) to half and the onset of spermatogenesis (stages IX-XI) to a quarter on days 7 and 14 but treatment with Maca (666.6 mg/day) prevented these changes. Data on transillumination and epididymal sperm count in the Maca-treated group exposed to high altitude were similar to those obtained at sea level. Maca increased the sperm count on day 21 of exposure to high altitude to values similar (1095.25 +/- 20.41x10(6) sperm, means +/- S.E.M.) to those obtained in the Maca-treated group at sea level (1132.30 +/- 172.95x10(6) sperm). Furthermore, in the Maca-treated group exposed for 21 days to high altitude, epididymal sperm count was higher than in the non-treated group at sea level (690.49 +/- 43.67x10(6) sperm). In conclusion, treatment of rats with Maca at high altitude prevented high altitude-induced spermatogenic disruption.
Altitude↗
Serum reproductive hormone levels and sperm production in male adult rats after treatment with arresting, a fraction obtained from seminiferous tubules conditioned medium.
This study used seminiferous tubule (ST) segments from adult rats to condition culture medium that had been concentrated, size fractioned and administered 10-84 days to adult rats by subcutaneous or intratesticular injection and the effects on testes weight, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH levels and (homogenization-resistant) epididymal sperm count were determined. The conditioned medium obtained 2 days after culture of ST was fractionated in a 30-100 kDa component. The fraction was injected subcutaneously or intratesticularly. This factor(s), named arresting, decreases sperm count in the epididymis from 13 days to 84 days of treatment without changes in serum LH or testosterone levels. The results of the present study suggest that arresting acts on spermiogenesis/spermiation and/or the entry of sperm into the epididymis from the efferent ductules.
Animals↗
Effect of high altitude exposure on spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm count in male rats.
The present study was designed to determine the effect of exposure to high altitude on spermatogenesis using transillumination technique and sperm count in male rats. In addition, the effect of oral intubation for intragastric administration of vehicle on testicular parameters in adult male rats in a schedule of 42 days was assessed. Male rats were exposed to Cerro de Pasco (Peru) at 4340 m for 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days resulting in a modification of the pattern of the seminiferous tubule stages. At day 3, stages I, IV-V, VI, VII and IX-XI were relatively shorter at high altitude than at sea level. At day 7, stages VIII, IX-XI, XII and XIII-XIV were reduced. At day 14, stages VII, VIII and IX-XI were reduced. At day 21 and 28, stages VIII, XII and XIII-XIV were significantly increased at high altitude. At day 35 an increase in stage XIII-XIV was observed. At day 42, stages II-III, IX-XI and XII were significantly increased at high altitude. Epididymal sperm count was significantly reduced at day 7 of exposure to high altitude and maintained low levels with respect to sea level up to 42 days. In conclusion, high altitude exposure affects spermatogenesis, particularly onset of mitosis and spermiation. This in turn affects epididymal sperm count.
Altitude↗
Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a root with aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men.
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a Peruvian hypocotyl that grows exclusively between 4000 and 4500 m in the central Andes. Maca is traditionally employed in the Andean region for its supposed aphrodisiac and/or fertility-enhancing properties. This study was a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel trial in which active treatment with different doses of Maca Gelatinizada was compared with a placebo. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that Maca has no effect on serum reproductive hormone levels in apparently healthy men when administered in doses used for aphrodisiac and/or fertility-enhancing properties. Men aged between 21 and 56 Years received 1500 mg or 3000 mg Maca. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone and 17-beta estradiol were measured before and at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment with placebo or Maca (1.5 g or 3.0 g per day). Data showed that compared with placebo Maca had no effect on any of the hormones studied nor did the hormones show any changes over time. Multiple regression analysis showed that serum testosterone levels were not affected by treatment with Maca at any of the times studied (P, not significant). In conclusion, treatment with Maca does not affect serum reproductive hormone levels.
17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men.
This study was a 12-week double blind placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel trial in which active treatment with different doses of Maca Gelatinizada was compared with placebo. The study aimed to demonstrate if effect of Maca on subjective report of sexual desire was because of effect on mood or serum testosterone levels. Men aged 21-56 years received Maca in one of two doses: 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg or placebo. Self-perception on sexual desire, score for Hamilton test for depression, and Hamilton test for anxiety were measured at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. An improvement in sexual desire was observed with Maca since 8 weeks of treatment. Serum testosterone and oestradiol levels were not different in men treated with Maca and in those treated with placebo (P:NS). Logistic regression analysis showed that Maca has an independent effect on sexual desire at 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, and this effect is not because of changes in either Hamilton scores for depression or anxiety or serum testosterone and oestradiol levels. In conclusion, treatment with Maca improved sexual desire.
Adult↗
Adrenopause or decline of serum adrenal androgens with age in women living at sea level or at high altitude.
The present study aimed to determine adrenopause or reduction of serum adrenal androgens with age at high altitude and at sea level. It was a cross-sectional study performed in 210 women resident at high altitude (4340 m) and 123 women living in Lima (150 m), aged 20-70 years. Fasting early morning blood samples were obtained. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulphate (DHEAS), androstenedione, testosterone and estradiol were measured by radioimmunoassay. Serum testosterone concentrations were greater in women living at high altitude than in those resident at sea level. Serum concentrations of DHEA, DHEAS and androstenedione were lower in women living at high altitude than in those living at sea level. The DHEAS/DHEA ratio was significantly greater, and the androstenedione/testosterone ratio was lower in samples from women living at high altitude. Among women older than 50 years of age, a greater decline in serum concentrations of DHEA was observed in those living at high altitude than in those living at sea level. Among women 60-70 years of age, serum concentrations of DHEA at high altitude were 46.9% of those in women of the same age living at sea level. Decay of DHEAS at sea level and at high altitude occurred from the age of 40 years. The decline was faster at high altitude than at sea level, and in women aged 60-70 years serum values of DHEAS at high altitude were 56% of those at sea level. In the same age group, serum concentrations of androstenedione among those native to high altitudes were 27.34% of the value at sea level. At sea level, serum testosterone concentrations did not change with age from 20 to 70 years. In women aged 20-39 years and 50-59 years, serum testosterone concentrations were greater at high altitude than at sea level (P<0.05). In those aged 60-70 years, the concentrations were similar in those living at sea level and at high altitude. At sea level and at high altitude, the serum testosterone/estradiol ratio increased with age (P<0.0034 and P<0.0001 respectively). This ratio increased at an earlier age among those living at high altitude (40-49 years) than among those living at sea level (50-59 years). Multivariate analysis showed that altitude (P<0.0001) and greater chronological age (P<0.001) were associated with lower serum DHEAS concentrations. DHEAS was related to chronological age (P<0.0001). Low serum androstenedione concentrations were related to living at high altitude at birth and greater chronological age (P<0.0001). In conclusion, adrenopause is attained earlier and is of greater magnitude at high altitude than at sea level.
Adrenal Glands↗
Basal serum testosterone as an indicator of response to clomiphene treatment in human epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate.
The present study was designed to determine the response of human epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate function after a 5-day course of clomiphene citrate in men attending an infertility service. In 45 men, the secretions of the epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate were assessed by measurements of seminal alpha-glucosidase, fructose and acid phosphatase, respectively. Subjects were classified as normal or abnormal: abnormal men were defined as those who either had history of a sexually transmitted disease (STD), leukocytospermia, hypoandrogenism, or a low response of Leydig cells to clomiphene stimulation; and normal subjects were those who did not have these conditions. Mean serum testosterone luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were significantly increased after the short course with clomiphene citrate. After clomiphene citrate stimulation, the men in the normal group showed significantly increased marker levels of the seminal vesicles (P < 0.02) and prostate (P < 0.05), but not of the epididymis (P : NS). Men classified as abnormal showed no response according to the markers of the seminal vesicles and epididymis. Men with history of STD and abnormal basal values of acid phosphatase did not respond to the treatment. Men with history of STD but normal basal values of seminal acid phosphatase increased significantly in their levels of seminal acid phosphatase after clomiphene stimulation (P < 0.02). Multivariate analysis showed that the basal serum testosterone level was the only variable in predicting the probability of response to the clomiphene in terms of true-corrected seminal fructose, seminal acid phosphatase and seminal alpha-glucosidase levels. In fact, a high response of the seminal vesicles was observed in men with the highest basal serum testosterone levels (0.45 +/- 0.17; coefficient of regression +/- standard error; P < 0.018). However, a high response in terms of seminal acid phosphatase (P < 0.004) or alpha-glucosidase (P < 0.037) was observed in men with low basal serum testosterone levels. In conclusion, in the normal men, true-corrected fructose and acid phosphatase but not alpha-glucosidase in semen increased after duplicate androgen stimulation. An absence of response was observed in cases with history of STD/leukocytospermia or hypoandrogenism.
Acid Phosphatase↗
Neocytolysis on descent from altitude: a newly recognized mechanism for the control of red cell mass.
BACKGROUND: Studies of space-flight anemia have uncovered a physiologic process, neocytolysis, by which young red blood cells are selectively hemolyzed, allowing rapid adaptation when red cell mass is excessive for a new environment. OBJECTIVES: 1) To confirm that neocytolysis occurs in another situation of acute plethora-when high-altitude dwellers with polycythemia descend to sea level; and 2) to clarify the role of erythropoietin suppression. DESIGN: Prospective observational and interventional study. SETTING: Cerro de Pasco (4380 m) and Lima (sea level), Peru. PARTICIPANTS: Nine volunteers with polycythemia. INTERVENTIONS: Volunteers were transported to sea level; three received low-dose erythropoietin. MEASUREMENTS: Changes in red cell mass, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, reticulocyte count, ferritin level, serum erythropoietin, and enrichment of administered(13)C in heme. RESULTS: In six participants, red cell mass decreased by 7% to 10% within a few days of descent; this decrease was mirrored by a rapid increase in serum ferritin level. Reticulocyte production did not decrease, a finding that establishes a hemolytic mechanism.(13)C changes in circulating heme were consistent with hemolysis of young cells. Erythropoietin was suppressed, and administration of exogenous erythropoietin prevented the changes in red cell mass, serum ferritin level, and(13)C-heme. CONCLUSIONS: Neocytolysis and the role of erythropoietin are confirmed in persons with polycythemia who descend from high altitude. This may have implications that extend beyond space and altitude medicine to renal disease and other situations of erythropoietin suppression, hemolysis, and polycythemia.
Adaptation, Physiological↗
True corrected seminal fructose level: a better marker of the function of seminal vesicles in infertile men.
This study was designed to determine if the value obtained after multiplying motile sperm concentration by seminal fructose concentration, named "true corrected fructose", correlates with sperm motility in asthenozoospermic men. Forty-two male partners in infertile couples were studied. Men were treated with 100 mg daily of clomiphene citrate for 5 days. Blood and semen samples were collected before treatment and 24 h after the end of treatment. Serum testosterone, seminal fructose and sperm motility were measured in each subject. Corrected fructose (log. sperm concentration multiplied by seminal fructose), and true corrected fructose (log. motile sperm concentration multiplied by seminal fructose) values were calculated. Prevalence of asthenozoospermia was 42.85% (18 of 42). Prevalence of hypofunction of the seminal vesicles was 9.5% using seminal fructose as a marker; 40.5% using seminal corrected fructose as a marker and 47.6% using true corrected fructose as a marker of seminal vesicle function. Regression analysis showed a better coefficient of determination between true corrected fructose and motile sperm concentration (R2=0.20, p < 0.001) than with corrected fructose (R(2)=0.05, p < 0.1) or fructose concentration (R(2)=0.006, p < 0.5). Asthenozoospermia was observed in 22.7% of subjects with normal function of the seminal vesicles, and in 65% of men with low values of true corrected fructose (z=6.02, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that sperm motility grade 3 improved after treatment with clomiphene if true corrected fructose increased (p < 0.002). In those men whose seminal vesicle function improved after clomiphene treatment, a reduction in the prevalence of asthenozoospermia from 50 to 28.6% (z=3.10, p < 0.002) was observed whereas in those whose seminal vesicles did not respond to clomiphene the prevalence of asthenozoospermia was not reduced (z=1.05; p: NS). In conclusion, true corrected fructose measurement relates with sperm motility in cases of asthenozoospermia. Asthenozoospermia improves with clomiphene treatment if seminal vesicle function improves after treatment.
Adult↗
Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) roots on spermatogenesis of male rats.
AIM: To determine the effect of oral administration of an aqueous extract from the roots of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on spermatogenesis in adult male rats. METHODS: Male rats received an aqueous extract of the root (66.7 mg in one mL) twice a day for 14 consecutive days. RESULTS: Treatment with Lepidium meyenii resulted in an increase in the weights of testis and epididymis but not the seminal vesicle weight. The length and frequency of stages IX-XIV seminiferous tubules, where mitosis occurred, were increased and stages I-VI were reduced in rats treated with Lepidium meyenii. CONCLUSION: The Lepidium meyenii root invigorates spermatogenesis in male rats by acting on its initial stages (IX-XIV).
Administration, Oral↗
Function of seminal vesicles and their role on male fertility.
The present review has been designed to update the recent developments on the function of seminal vesicles and their role on male fertility. It is indicated that the true corrected fructose level is a simple method for the assessment of the seminal vesicular function. Measurement of seminal fructose used universally as a marker of the seminal vesicle function is not an appropriate approach due to its inverse relationship with the sperm count. The true corrected fructose defined as [log. motile sperm concentration] multiplied by [seminal fructose concentration] has been shown to be a better marker of the seminal vesicle function. Seminal vesicular secretion is important for semen coagulation, sperm motility, and stability of sperm chromatin and suppression of the immune activity in the female reproductive tract. In conclusion, the function of seminal vesicle is important for fertility. Parameters as sperm motility, sperm chromatin stability, and immuno-protection may be changed in case of its hypofunction.
Antioxidants↗
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved semen parameters in adult men.
AIM: The present study was designed to determine the effect of a 4-month oral treatment with tablets of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on seminal analysis in nine adult normal men aged 24-44 years old. METHODS: Nine men received tablets of Maca (1500 or 3000 mg/day) for 4 months. Seminal analysis was performed according to guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: Treatment with Maca resulted in increased seminal volume, sperm count per ejaculum, motile sperm count, and sperm motility. Serum hormone levels were not modified with Maca treatment. Increase of sperm count was not related to dose of Maca. CONCLUSION: Maca improved sperm production and sperm motility by mechanisms not related to LH, FSH, PRL, T and E2.
Adult↗
Low pulse oxygen saturation in post-menopausal women at high altitude is related to a high serum testosterone/estradiol ratio.
OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to determine if low pulse oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) in post-menopausal women at high altitude was related to high serum testosterone/estradiol (T/E(2)) ratio. METHOD: Studies were carried out in 191 women living in Cerro de Pasco, Peru (4340 m above sea level) and in 56 women living in Lima (150 m asl). Body weight, height, SpO(2), hematocrit, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), T and E(2) levels were measured in all women. Body mass index (BMI), menopausal status and serum T/E(2) ratio were calculated from data. RESULT: At high altitude, the values of SpO(2), serum T, and serum E(2) were significantly lower in post-menopausal than in pre-menopausal women. Hematocrit, serum FSH levels, and serum T/E(2) ratios were significantly higher in post-menopausal women. Serum T and E(2) levels, T/E(2) ratio, SpO(2), and hematocrit levels were not further changed with time after menopause. Women with SpO(2)<85% had lower serum E(2), a higher serum T/E(2) ratio, and higher hematocrit values than women with SpO(2)>90%. At high altitude, multiple regression analysis showed that low SpO(2) was related to menopausal status (-2.6+/-0.83; beta+/-S.E.; P<0.002) and not to chronological age (-0.06+/-0.04; P: NS). Further analysis showed that low SpO(2) was related to high basal serum FSH levels and a high serum T/E(2) ratio in the presence of an interaction between FSH and T/E(2). CONCLUSION: Low values of SpO(2) in women at high altitude were related to a high T/E(2) ratio.
Adult↗
High serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) during perimenopause at high altitude.
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Adult↗