Endocrine Abstracts

The role of CNVs in male infertility is poorly defined, and only those linked to the Y chromosome have been the object of extensive research. Although it has been predicted that the X chromosome is also enriched in spermatogenesis genes, no clinically relevant gene mutations have been identified so far. In order to advance our understanding of the role of X-linked genetic factors in male infertility, we applied high resolution X chromosome specific array-CGH in 199 men with di...

Introduction: Intracavernous alprostadil injection (ICI) test has been considered useless in assessing the vascular status of subjects with erectile dysfunction (ED).Aim: To analyze the clinical correlates of ICI test in patients with ED and to verify the value of this test in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).Methods: A consecutive series of 2,396 men (mean age 55.9±11.9 years) attending our outpatient cli...

Introduction: The category of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) denotes a state of non-diabetic hyperglycemia, considered a risk factor of the further development of diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular (CV) diseases.Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact of IFG on sexual health in men. In addition its effect on CV morbidity and mortality will also be addressed.Methods: A consecutive series of 3451 men (mean ...

Introduction: We previously developed and validated a structured interview (SIEDY) dealing with the organic (scale 1), relational (scale 2) and intrapsychic (scale 3) components of erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of the present study is to identify a pathological threshold for SIEDY scale 3 and to analyze scale 3 score with biological and psychological correlates in subjects with sexual dysfunction.Method: A pathological threshold of SIEDY scale 3 sco...

Introduction: Previous studies concerning ultrasound evaluation of the seminal vesicles (SV) have been performed on a limited series of subjects, taking into consideration few parameters, often only before ejaculation and without assessing sexual abstinence of the patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the volume and the emptying characteristics of the SV and their possible correlations with scrotal and transrectal ultrasound features.Methods: Th...

Introduction: Since Addison disease is relatively rare and difficult to recognize in childhood delayed diagnosis is common. Patients with adrenal insufficiency generally show hypotension, hypoglycaemia, hyponatriemia, but can also manifest mild symptoms like chronic fatigue, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, recurring abdominal pain and psychiatric symptoms. In this regard mild disturbances in mood, motivation and behavior represent the main clinical features showing a prevalence...

Introduction: Although overall accuracy of fine needle aspiration (FNA) in identifying thyroid cancer is considered excellent, 20–30% of aspirates do not allow definitive diagnosis of malignancy. Proto-oncogene somatic mutations such as BRAFV600E in FNA strongly suggest the presence of malignancy. However, only few studies reported the use of circulating BRAFV600E-mutated alleles in plasma as an useful marker for non invasive diagnosis and follow up of this disease.<p...

Introduction and objectives: Aim of this study is to evaluate the psycho-biological correlates of DM associated hypogonadism (DMAH).Methods: The Structured Interview SIEDY was employed along with several biochemical, psychological and instrumental investigations. We defined hypogonadal subjects (HY) those with a circulating total testosterone (T) below 10.4 nM.Results: We studied 1246 patients. More than 15% resulted affected by ty...

Introduction and objectives: Achieving and maintaining a penile erection are two essential components of the male sexual response. It has recently been suggested that distinct molecular mechanism could underlie the two disturbances. The aim of the present study is to verify possible clinical differences on pathogenetic factors underlying difficulties of achieving and maintaining an erection.Methods: We studied a consecutive series of 560 pa...

Introduction and objectives: Pathogenesis of delayed ejaculation (DE) is rather unknown, although the contribution of various psychological, marital, hormonal and neurological factors has been advocated.Methods: In this study we systematically investigated the relative relevance of the aforementioned factors in a large sample (1632) of men, seeking medical help for sexual dysfunction. Delayed ejaculation was defined according to Kaplan criteria. In parti...