Title |
Gonadal Hormones and Semen Quality in Male Runners
|
---|---|
Published in |
International Journal of Sports Medicine, March 2008
|
DOI | 10.1055/s-2007-1021075 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
M. De Souza, J. Arce, L. Pescatello, H. Scherzer, A. Luciano |
Abstract |
Eleven high mileage runners (HR) (108.0 +/- 4.5 km.wk-1), 9 moderate mileage runners (MR) (54.2 +/- 3.7 km.wk-1) and 10 sedentary controls (SC) of similar age (28.3 +/- 1.5 yr) were studied to evaluate the effects of volume of endurance training on reproductive function in male runners. Levels of reproductive, adrenal and thyroid hormones were measured during a 1-hr period of serial blood sampling (q20 min) and urinary excretion of 24-hr luteinizing hormone (uLH) was determined on two separate days. Semen exams and sperm penetration of standard cervical mucus (Penetrak) were performed 2-5 times. Levels of total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone (FT) were significantly lower in HR (15.3 +/- 1.3 nmol.l-1 and 60.2 +/- 5.1 pmol.l-1) compared to MR (21.4 +/- 1.6 nmol.l-1 and 86.0 +/- 6.1 pmol.l-1) and SC (19.5 +/- 0.9 nmol.l-1 and 75.9 +/- 3.6 pmol.l-1). No differences (p > 0.05) were found in uLH, serum LH, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin (PRL) among the three groups. No other hormonal differences (p > 0.05) were observed among the groups. Total motile sperm count and density were lower (p < 0.05) in HR than SC. Decreased (p < 0.0006) sperm motility and an increased (p < 0.004) population of immature sperm and round cells were observed in HR compared to MR and SC. Sperm penetration of bovine cervical mucus was also decreased (p < 0.024) in HR compared to SC. Volume of training, defined by km.wk-1 run, was significantly correlated to sperm motility, density and number of round cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
United Kingdom | 1 | 2% |
United States | 1 | 2% |
Unknown | 40 | 95% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Bachelor | 7 | 17% |
Student > Master | 6 | 14% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 5 | 12% |
Professor | 5 | 12% |
Researcher | 5 | 12% |
Other | 8 | 19% |
Unknown | 6 | 14% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Medicine and Dentistry | 16 | 38% |
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 8 | 19% |
Sports and Recreations | 6 | 14% |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 2 | 5% |
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | 1 | 2% |
Other | 4 | 10% |
Unknown | 5 | 12% |