American Journal of Men's Health

Chronic prostatitis (CNP) is a prevalent inflammatory disorder among men. The Xialiqi capsule has been reported to alleviate the clinical symptoms of CNP patients, which may be related to its anti-inflammatory effect; yet, its exact mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, human normal prostate epithelial cells (RWPE-2 cells) were categorized into a control group, a model group, an inhibitor group, along with high, medium, and low drug-containing serum groups (5%, 10%, and 15%, respectively). With the exception of the control group, cell pyroptosis models were created by stimulating with lipopolysaccharide (100 ng/mL) and adenosine triphosphate (5 mM). Subsequently, drug-containing serum and the NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inhibitor (MCC950) were utilized to intervene with the model cells according to their respective groups. Post-administration of MCC950 and drug-containing serum, an improvement in cell viability was noted in the inhibitor group and medium-high dosage groups (by 20.5%, 38.2%, and 73.2%). Transmission electron microscopy indicated a reduction in the features characteristic of cell pyroptosis. Levels of nitric oxide, interleukin-18 (IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor-α in the cellular supernatant decreased significantly (60.7%, 21.6%, 33.7%, 41.8%; 49.2%, 54.8%, 53.5%, 69.3%; 31.3%, 44.4%, 38.1%, 51.2%). Immunofluorescence showed reduced fluorescence intensity of NLRP3 and Cysteine aspartate protease-1 (Caspase-1) proteins, and Western Blot analysis revealed a significant decline in the expression of NLRP3, pro-Caspase-1, and gasdermin D (20.5%, 45.9%, 58.1%, 74.8%; 23.2%, 36.7%, 51.6%, 51.9%; 15.4%, 28.6%, 33.1%, 39.2%). In vitro experiments suggest that the Xialiqi capsule may treat CNP by regulating prostate epithelial cell pyroptosis and reducing inflammatory factor release via inhibiting the NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway. This study offers a novel approach for future CNP treatment with traditional Chinese medicine preparations, deserving further promotion.

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This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of domestic violence against men and its effect on marital satisfaction during the Covid-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the period 2019 to 2020 on 233 men of Estahban city, Iran, who were selected using the convenient sampling method. Data collection instruments were the Demographic Characteristics Checklist, the Domestic Violence Against Men Questionnaire, and the Enrich Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire. Pearson’s correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used for data analysis. The mean scores of the violence and marital satisfaction were 321.08 ± 25.9 and 235 ± 0.13, respectively, and these two variables were significantly correlated (r = .215; p < .001). In addition, the regression analysis showed that the mean score of violence significantly predicted marital satisfaction (p < .05). The study finding showed that the Iranian men faced with a moderate level of domestic violence during the Covid-19 pandemic; therefore, the study concludes that various institutions should design and implement effective strategies to prevent the occurrence of domestic violence and reduce its negative effects on the family.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant global health concern, with its incidence and mortality rates projected to rise due to population aging. In this study, we utilized PCa transcriptome data from public databases and applied bioinformatics methods to identify three prognostic genes (CDC20, RAD51, and TTK) related to centrosome duplication in PCa. CDC20 is involved in cell cycle regulation, RAD51 in deoxyribonucleic acid double-strand break repair, and TTK in spindle assembly checkpoint function and cell proliferation. We constructed a risk model and a nomogram model, both demonstrating moderate to good predictive performance with area under the curve values ranging from 0.611 to 0.765 at different time points. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were enriched in 64 pathways, including the cell cycle pathway, which is dysregulated in cancer. Furthermore, we analyzed the immune microenvironment and identified 13 differential immune cells and 13 differential immune checkpoints between high- and low-risk groups, providing insights into potential immunotherapy targets for PCa. In conclusion, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of PCa pathogenesis and lays important theoretical and experimental foundations for developing new diagnostic markers and treatment strategies. Future research requires more clinical samples and continued monitoring of the mechanism of these genes in PCa.

Varicocele is characterized by the abnormal dilation of veins within the testicular pampiniform plexus, contributing to inflammation, pain, and infertility in males. The precise roles of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), and BCL-2-associated X-protein (BAX) in the pathology of varicocele still need to be clarified. This study sought to investigate the protein expression levels of VEGFR1, VEGFR2, VEGFR3, BCL-2, and BAX in varicose and healthy vessels from patients diagnosed with varicocele. Tissue samples were collected from 20 varicose veins and 20 healthy vessels from patients diagnosed with varicocele. Western blotting was utilized to quantify VEGFR1, VEGFR2, VEGFR3, BCL-2, and BAX protein levels. Analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in VEGFR3 protein expression within varicose veins compared to healthy vessels (p = .0473), while no significant differences were observed in the levels of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 between the two groups. Concerning apoptotic signaling proteins, no significant differences were noted in the individual expression levels of BAX and BCL-2; however, the BAX/BCL-2 ratio was approximately 1.29 in varicose vessels. This ratio, exceeding 1.0, may suggest a pro-apoptotic shift in varicose veins and indicates a potential involvement of apoptosis in the pathology of varicocele. These findings suggest that VEGFR3 may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of varicocele and could contribute to vascular alterations associated with this condition. Furthermore, the elevated BAX/BCL-2 ratio implies a pro-apoptotic environment within varicose veins, thereby implicating apoptosis as a possible mechanism in the development of varicocele. Further exploration of VEGFR3-related signaling pathways and apoptotic markers may yield valuable insights for identifying therapeutic targets in managing varicocele.

Fathers can experience psychological distress during the paternal perinatal period. The effects of paternal perinatal psychological distress (PPPD) are multileveled. Little research is available about PPPD in first-time fathers. The purpose of this review is to explore the literature on risk factors contributing to PPPD in first-time fathers. The Arksey & O’Malley framework was used to guide this scoping review. The Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework was used for answering the review question “What evidence is available about factors contributing to PPPD in first-time fathers?” Five databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and PubMed) were used to retrieve relevant, full-text, English references from January 01, 2020, to January 04, 2023. A data extraction tool was developed to identify risk factors assessed in the included studies. The Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) was used for analyzing the extracted data according to the four socio-ecological levels, i.e., individual, relationship, community, and societal. A total of 18 references reporting on 16 studies were included in the review. Fifty-six tools were used for assessing the risk factors contributing to PPPD in first-time fathers. Limited understanding was established about risk factors because tools lacked gender sensitivity. Risk factors aligned with 12 domains (e.g., psychological, relationship, social, and physical). Most domains corresponded with the individual level of SEM. Only two domains corresponded with the societal level of SEM. The literature indicates there are few studies about PPPD experienced by first-time fathers. This scoping review adds to the literature on the mental health care gaps for this population. Further research on measuring PPPD may improve individual and family functioning during the perinatal period.

There is growing consensus for upskilling the health care workforce on gender-responsive strategies to more effectively connect and respond to men during health care encounters. To inform health practitioner education, the primary aim of this study was to gain insights from a diverse sample of men in Australia on their experiences and expectations when engaging with health care practitioners. Thirty-two men (18–70 years, median 33) participated in eight online focus group discussions. A combined deductive and inductive thematic analysis was undertaken to reconcile their expectations with prior published approaches for practitioners to engage men in care and identify new themes. Participants desired a genuine relationship, signaled by upfront and informal communication, active listening, and enquiry. In structuring treatment, participants sought transparency and respect for autonomy. Regarding the therapeutic alliance, avoiding gender stereotyping and empathetic, sensitive, and holistic care were valued by men. These expectations for how practitioners engage with men in care were reflected in their advice for health practitioner student training and aligned with approaches published previously. Participant insights were synthesized into four outcomes, for men, of successful engagement: legitimize the relationship to build trust, create a safe space to facilitate disclosure, empower men, and assess and treat the whole man through a biopsychosocial lens. In conclusion, men seek authentic connection and a caring style that allows them to legitimize and forge an ongoing relationship with their practitioner. These outcomes of successful engagement are key to developing consumer-informed health practitioner education and competencies on gender-responsive health care for men.

The treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a significant challenge. Mendelian randomization (MR) is being increasingly utilized to identify novel therapeutic targets. In this study, we carried out a genome-wide MR analysis on druggable targets with the aim of pinpointing latent therapeutic alternatives for ED. We collected data on the druggable genes and filtered out those associated with blood eQTLs, then performed two-sample MR and colocalization analyses using ED genome-wide association data to screen genes significantly linked to the condition. In addition, we carried out phenome-wide studies, enrichment analysis, protein network modeling, drug prediction, and molecular docking. We screened 3,953 druggable genes from the DGIdb and 4,463 from a review. Following data integration, 74 potential druggable genes were found to potentially regulate corpus cavernosum fibrosis. MR analysis of eQTL data uncovered five drug targets (TGFBR2, ABCC6, ABCB4, EGF, and SMAD3) significantly associated with ED risk. Colocalization analysis suggested a shared causal variant between ED susceptibility and TGFBR2, with a posterior probability (PPH4) exceeding 80%. Drug predictions utilizing DSigDB identified nolone phenylpropionate, sorafenib, and NVP-TAE684 as significantly associated with TGFBR2. Finally, molecular docking indicated strong binding affinities between these candidate drugs and the protein encoded by TGFBR2 (Vina score < −50). Through MR and colocalization analyses, the present study identified five potential drug targets for ED, with TGFBR2 showing remarkable relevance in blood. These findings offer valuable insights and potential leads for the development of more effective ED therapies, which may also contribute to cutting down the expenses involved in drug development.

This study investigates the multifaceted factors influencing adjustment to prostate cancer among older men in Esfahan, Iran, using the social ecological model (SEM) as a guiding framework. We employed a qualitative approach, conducting semistructured interviews with 19 men diagnosed with prostate cancer, aged 63 to 92 years (mean age = 71), and six key informants, including spouses and health care professionals. We thematically analyzed the data to identify challenges and facilitators in the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental domains of the SEM. The findings revealed a dynamic interplay of factors shaping the adjustment process. Intrapersonal challenges included physical degeneration, psychological distress, stigma, and role reversal, countered by coping strategies such as adopting healthy habits and spirituality. Interpersonal dynamics encompassed family strain and denial, yet the presence of familial support and self-care significantly enhanced adjustment. On an environmental level, financial burdens and health care barriers posed significant challenges. The study furthermore highlighted critical issues like “dysmedication” and “body occupation” which impede effective coping. A complex network of personal, relational, and systemic factors influences the adjustment to prostate cancer among older Iranian men. We urgently need tailored, culturally sensitive interventions to address health care inequities, alleviate economic pressures, and enhance psychosocial support networks, thereby empowering older adults to navigate this challenging journey with greater resilience and dignity.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in Canada, with men being three times more likely to die from suicide compared with the rest of the population. Among Canadian men, those who are Two-Spirit, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SGBTQ) are disproportionately impacted by suicidality. Drawing on this growing public health crisis, this current scoping review focuses on Canadian-based 2SGBTQ men to address the research question: What is known about Canadian-based Two-Spirit, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SGBTQ) men’s experiences with suicidality? Keywords related to “2SGBTQ men” and “suicidality” were searched across five bibliographic databases to derive 25 articles for analysis. Three thematic findings were generated: (a) Methodological Approaches, (b) Social Identities and Stigma, and (c) Psychosocial Health Issues. First, we trace how the study designs, data sources, and sampling methods used in research influence how we know about 2SGBTQ men’s suicidality. Second, we report on anti-gay, anti-trans, and HIV stigma as characterizing the diverse associations between 2SGBTQ men’s multiple social identities and their suicidality risk. Third, we detail how psychosocial health issues, including mental illness, financial precarity, and substance use, exacerbate social stresses and related risks of suicidality for 2SGBTQ men. These findings map understandings about how suicide risk diversely manifests among subgroups of Canadian-based 2SGBTQ men and interconnections between 2SGBTQ men’s social identities, stigma, and their psychosocial health issues. We draw on these learnings to recommend future research priorities regarding 2SGBTQ men’s suicidality, alongside opportunities to advance knowledge to inform targeted suicide prevention interventions.

Our aim is to investigate the prevalence of clinically significant prostate cancer (Gleason score 3+4 or higher) on fusion biopsy for Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 3–5 lesions based on ethnicity. A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent fusion biopsy between 2016 and 2022 at two institutions. The prevalence of Gleason score 3+4 or higher within each ethnic group (Caucasian, African American, and Hispanics) was assessed. Possible correlation between PI-RADS lesion score and race was also assessed. Among the 918 patients included in the analysis, 54% were Caucasian, 29% were African American, and 17% were Hispanic. A total of 1,384 lesions were identified (PI-RADS 3—34%, PI-RADS 4—40%, and PI-RADS 5—26%). The prevalence of clinically significant prostate cancer by PI-RADS score and ethnicity was similar: (PI-RADS 3—Caucasian 13%, African American 13%, and Hispanic 9%, p = .45; PI-RADS 4—Caucasian 42%, African American 34%, and Hispanic 38%, p = .29; PI-RADS 5—Caucasian 63%, African American 64%, and Hispanic 51%, p = .38). In conclusion, the prevalence of clinically significant cancer did not significantly differ across PI-RADS 3–5 among different ethnicities on image-guided fusion biopsy.

Hyperuricemia (HUA) causes vascular endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress, and simultaneously activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to inflammatory reactions and erectile dysfunction (ED). This study aimed to investigate the effects of QYHT (Quyuhuatanerxian decoction) decoction on the NLRP3 inflammasome and explore its potential in treating HUA-induced ED. This study employed four treatment methods: (a) treating HUA-induced ED patients with QYHT and analyzing changes in gut microbiota abundance and fecal metabolites through 16S sequencing; (b) establishing an HUA-induced ED rat model, treating with different doses of QYHT, and examining changes in serum metabolites; (c) conducting fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) therapy; evaluating erectile function, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation levels; and (d) exploring key monomeric compounds and potential targets in QYHT through network pharmacology and molecular docking. The treatment with QYHT and FMT increased testosterone levels, reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory marker levels, and inhibited the expressions of NLRP3-related factors. QYHT affected the gut microbiota structure and metabolite levels. The key components were linoleoyl acetate and mandanol, and the target was JAK2. QYHT decoction regulates the distribution of gut microbiota, improves amino acid metabolism, and effectively inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. This, in turn, enhances erectile function and reduces oxidative stress and inflammatory response levels, leading to successful treatment of HUA-induced ED.

Identifying novel risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) is crucial for developing targeted intervention. This study aimed to investigate the potential impacts of serum trace elements (TEs) concentration on the risk of diabetic ED. A retrospective case–control study was conducted involving 51 patients with diabetic ED and 51 control subjects. Serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and calcium (Ca) were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). While most selected TEs showed no significant differences, Cu levels were notably higher in patients with diabetic ED. In addition, the Cu/Zn ratio (CZr) was significantly elevated in the diabetic ED group compared to controls (1.3 vs. 1.2 mg/L, p < .001), reflecting its potential relevance to oxidative stress. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that CZr exhibited better diagnostic performance for ED than the single parameter. These findings suggest disruptions in Cu homeostasis and a high probability of elevated CZr in diabetic ED. Further studies are warranted to validate our findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Anejaculation (AE) has long been a challenging issue in andrology due to its low clinical reporting rate, leading to an insufficient understanding within the academic community. This case report discusses a 52-year-old AE patient with a long-term history of diabetes mellitus. His seminal vesicles ultrasound images revealed a notable absence of anechoic polycyclic areas, a characteristic not previously reported in AE patients. We hypothesize that this finding is attributable to diabetes-induced seminal vesicles secretory dysfunction, leading to AE in this patient. This case underscores the importance of anechoic polycyclic areas in the physiology of ejaculation and highlights the necessity for further research into the correlation between these areas and various types of ejaculatory disorders, aiming to provide valuable insights for the medical community.

Studies indicate that mental health literacy (MHL) is low among college students. Previous studies report that male college students score lower on MHL than female college students. MHL is connected to mental health help-seeking behavior. Black male college students are shown to be at higher risk for mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, yet are less likely to seek help for these problems compared with other racial groups. Challenges with mental health can lead to significant negative consequences, such as poor academic performance, social isolation, and even suicide attempts. Stigma has been identified as an important factor that can influence the help-seeking behavior of male college students. Previous research has indicated that Black male college students in predominantly White institutions (PWIs) often struggle with seeking mental health compared with those in Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBCUs). The purpose of the descriptive cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationships among MHL, stigma, and help-seeking behavior among Black males at HBCUs. The results indicate that having better mental health knowledge is linked to seeking help more often, stressing the need to enhance mental health understanding for better support-seeking. Seeking help was positively associated with reduced stigma. The implications for practitioners, policymakers, and administrators were explored, emphasizing the need for targeted, culturally sensitive interventions for young Black men in higher education. This study underscores the importance of addressing their specific challenges to enhance mental health and academic outcomes.

Variations in the estrogen receptor genes, particularly the Xba1 (rs9340799) SNP in the ESR1 gene, may influence the effects of estrogen on male fertility. Results from previous studies on this SNP for male infertility have been inconclusive. This review aimed to determine the association of ESR1 Xba1 (rs9340799) with male infertility. Relevant case–control studies published in English were searched from Google Scholar, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PubMed using keywords of ESR, polymorphism, and male infertility. Studies on animals, reviews, and abstracts were excluded. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for four genetic models, with heterogeneity assessed by I². A fixed or random effect model was applied based on I², and trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted with 5% significance for type I error and 95% power. ESR1 expression levels were examined in testes, hypothalamus, prostate, and pituitary using GTEx Analysis. Nine studies (four Asian, four Caucasian, one African) met the criteria. The G allele was protective against infertility overall (OR: 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.70, 0.92]) and in Caucasian men (OR: 0.71; 95% CI = [0.54, 0.92]). Lower infertility risk was observed in Asian (AA vs. GG OR: 0.65; 95% CI = [0.43, 0.98]) and Caucasian men (OR: 0.49; 95% CI = [0.28, 0.83]). TSA indicated no further studies are likely to change these results. No significant change in expression of ESR1 was observed due to this SNP. The present meta-analysis suggests that the SNP Xba1 (rs9340799) in ESR1 is protective against male infertility, with current data sufficient to confirm these findings.

Infertility is characterized by the inability to conceive even after engaging in regular unprotected sexual intercourse for a period of 12 months or longer. Azoospermia affects around 1% of men. Approximately 60% of men diagnosed with azoospermia will have non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). The main aim of this study is to investigate the potential relationship between preoperative hormonal profiles, testicular volume, and patient health factors with microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) outcomes in individuals with NOA. A retrospective analysis of 152 patients who underwent a micro-TESE operation for NOA at our center from January 2020 to December 2022 was conducted. Both groups were compared for age, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total and free testosterone, testicular volume before the operation, previous TESE, smoking, and medical illnesses. A relationship is considered significant when the p value is less than .05. A total of 152 NOA patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: first group, in whom sperms were identified during the procedure, representing 72 (47.3%) of patients, and the second group (52.7%) of patients, in whom no sperms were found. Results reveal that free testosterone level, total testosterone level, smoking, and previous TESE operation are significantly related to positive surgical results (p value < .05). Our findings suggest that preoperative total and free testosterone levels, smoking status, and previous micro-TESE operation may significantly affect the outcomes of micro-TESE.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a global health challenge, especially due to its genetic diversity and capacity to infect 71 million people worldwide. This infection is prevalent in Pakistan, with 15% of the population affected, with varying rates across provinces. HCV primarily targets liver cells but can also impact other bodily systems, including the reproductive system. Liver infection, oxidative stress, and inflammation may directly or indirectly affect the production, transport, and functions of reproductive hormones and sperm. This study hypothesized that HCV infection may reduce male fertility in the patients. In this case–control study, 74 HCV-infected men and 12 healthy controls from Rawalpindi and Islamabad were compared for semen quality. Participants provided semen samples following strict guidelines, ensuring the reliability of results. The semen analysis, conducted using manual and computer-assisted techniques, revealed significant (p < .05) reductions in volume, concentration, motility, and morphology among HCV-infected men compared to the control group. In addition, a weak negative correlation between virus load and semen parameters was observed. These findings reveal broader health implications of HCV beyond liver damage, highlighting the need for targeted reproductive health interventions for affected men. Improved fertility preservation options and informed reproductive guidance for HCV-infected men could significantly benefit those undergoing treatment.

High allostatic load (AL), a measure of physiological dysregulation, has been linked with premature morbidity and mortality. There is a paucity of research assessing AL among non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) American men of various age groups. This study investigated racial differences in AL among NHB and NHW adult men and assessed whether racial differences in AL varied by age. Data were drawn from NHB (n = 232) and NHW (n = 246) men in the Nashville Stress and Health Study. AL was based on the sum of 10 biomarkers that was dichotomized as high AL (four or more high-risk biomarkers) or low AL (fewer than four high-risk biomarkers). Modified Poisson regression models were estimated to assess race differences in AL, adjusting for age, socioeconomic status (SES), and health behaviors. Interactions assessed whether racial differences in AL varied between young (22–49 years) and older (50–69) men. NHB men had a higher prevalence of being in the high AL group (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.54, confidence interval [CI] = [1.09, 2.18]), relative to NHW men in the total sample. Among young men ages 22 to 49 years, NHB men had a higher prevalence of being in the high AL group (PR = 2.09, CI = [1.25, 3.49]), relative to NHW men. Among older men ages 50 to 69 years, there were no racial differences in AL. Findings underscore the importance of identifying factors that are associated with high AL, which is critical to mitigate premature morbidity and mortality, among NHB men.

Wounds caused by human bites have a high infection rate. A 59-year-old male patient came to our poison control center because of soft tissue injuries in the left arm and left hand, pain, swelling, and necrosis. Before entering the hospital, he had a high fever. Physical examination found that the patient’s lips were dry, his tongue was dirty, his skin and mucous membranes were less pink, his pulse was 80 beats/min, and his temperature was 36.5°C. Information on May 9, 2024, the patient was bitten on the left arm by a child. The patient had a negative blood culture, a negative burn fluid culture, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein of blood chemistry is 458.1 mg/L, total blood cell analysis with white blood cell is 19.9 G/L, percent of neutrophil is 92.4, soft magnetic resonance imaging of the arm and hand areas with images is cellulitis under the skin of the left arm.The patient was injected with antitetanus toxin serum, antibiotics (Dalacin C, Linezonide, meropenem), and was infused paracetamol. After 1 day of treatment, the patient’s condition did not improve and worsened, so the patient was transferred to the National Burn Hospital for further treatment. This article aims to talk about soft tissue injuries due to soft tissue inflammation or necrosis that can occur in patients who are bitten by human. This is the first patient with soft tissue damage with cellulitis under the skin of the left arm known at our poison center.

Tonorezos et al.’s recent analysis of U.S. cancer survivorship prevalence provides insightful commentary on the dramatic increase of those surviving the disease over the last 50 years. This growth is reflective of improvements in cancer detection, treatment, and the effects of an aging population. While survival rates have seen a significant increase, more focus is needed on the long term and postsurvivorship health care. What Tonorezos et al.’s piece also indicates is that survivorship trends reveal disparities based on several variables, such as age, sex, and cancer type. Women tend to be diagnosed earlier and have higher survival rates when compared to men, arguably due to more frequent screenings vis-a-vis a sequela of increased utilization of care. Men have higher cancer incidence rates among the aging population, accompanied by lower survival rates, frequently linked to late diagnosis and less utilization of preventive care. Addressing sex-specific disparities is pivotal to developing future treatment plans among cancer survivors. Health care providers must adjust to the multifaceted demands of the population. Public health movements should focus on increasing awareness and promotion of early detection in the male population, taking note of the successful initiatives seen in women’s health. It is imperative that these disparities and long-term needs are assimilated into the comprehensive conversation about cancer care to improve outcomes for all survivors.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychosocial factors and andropause symptoms among Japanese men in an internet-based cross-sectional study. We conducted an internet-based cross-sectional study in 2024, named Japanese Men’s health and Andropause Related Symptoms (J-MARS) study. Data on demographics, medical history, andropause symptoms, lifestyles (physical activity, insomnia, height, weight, and smoking and drinking habits), and psychological distress were collected from 1,489 men aged 20–69 years who participated in the J-MARS study. Andropause symptoms were measured using the Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) rating scale, which was included in the analysis. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis, and estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to examine the associated factors with severe andropause symptoms. Severe andropause symptoms according to the AMS score were noted in 125 men (8.4%). Severe andropause symptoms were associated with former smoking, current smoking, strength training (≥1.0 hr/day), probable insomnia, moderate psychological distress, and severe psychological distress. After excluding 289 participants with cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, cancer, or depression, severe andropause symptoms were associated with age, absence of a spouse, and suspected insomnia in addition to the above factors. Age, insomnia, and psychological distress were also significantly associated with all AMS subdomains (somatic, psychological, and sexual symptoms). Psychological stress, insomnia, and smoking habits are strongly associated with severe andropause symptoms. These findings may be useful for the prevention of andropause and for patient education.

Diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction (DIED) is a type of refractory erectile dysfunction which can be clinically treated using the traditional Chinese medicine leech whose main ingredient is hirudin. Oxidative stress can damage vascular endothelial cells, affect blood circulation, and induce fibrosis of smooth muscle cells. This study assessed the efficacy of hirudin in treating DIED before exploring its potential mechanism of action. DIED was induced in rats using streptozotocin, while experimental apomorphine was used to screen for erectile dysfunction models. The rats were then divided into four groups: a blank control group (NC group), a model group (M group), a hirudin group (H group), and an inhibitor group (YC group). After 2 weeks, the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nitric oxide (NO) were determined. The histological features and HIF-1α/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway-related proteins of the penile corpus cavernosum were detected. Erectile function improved in the H and YC groups without significantly affecting body weight and blood glucose levels, with histopathological analysis also showing improvement in penile structure in these groups. In addition, the expression of HIF-1α/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway-related proteins was lower in the penile cavernous tissue of rats in the H and YC groups (p < .05), with the serum levels of NO and SOD also being higher in these groups (p < .05). The serum level of MDA decreased in the YC and H groups (p < .05). In this study, only animal experiments were conducted to investigate the regulation of Rho/ROCK pathway by HIF-1α. Cellular studies of the underlying mechanisms are lacking.

This before-and-after design study, which was conducted during Ramadan 2023, aimed to compare salivary flow rate (SFR), potential hydrogen (pH), and electrolyte concentrations before Ramadan (BR), at the end of Ramadan (ER), and after Ramadan (AR). Men aged 20 to 30 years who were fasting during Ramadan were recruited from the University of Monastir (Tunisia). Unstimulated saliva was collected over a 5-minute period between 10 and 11 a.m. at BR, ER, and AR. After recording the SFR, the pH was measured immediately using a pH meter. Concentrations of several salivary electrolytes (e.g., calcium, potassium, sodium, chloride, and phosphate) were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Twenty-seven participants completed all three sessions. Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) caused significant changes only in calcium levels and pH. The mean (M)±standard deviation (SD) salivary calcium concentration decreased during ER compared to BR and AR (0.10 ± 0.08 vs. 0.21 ± 0.18 [p = .041] vs. 0.22 ± 0.20 [p = .026], respectively). The M±SD salivary pH increased during ER compared to BR (6.88 ± 0.23 vs. 6.69 ± 0.35 [p = .049], respectively). To conclude, RIF decreased salivary calcium, increased salivary pH, and did not significantly affect potassium, sodium, chloride, or phosphate. The pH change, although statistically significant, was clinically insignificant, as values remained normal. The lack of reference values for salivary calcium limits assessment of its clinical impact. There is a need for further research on the effects of RIF on saliva secretion.