ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUC)

Objective. To investigate the significance of DHEAS assessment in males of different ages. Methods. Retrospective cohort study of patients investigated in two large academic centres. Results. The data of DHEAS assessment of 3533 patients (3013 females and 520 males) was analysed. DHEAS was 1.6 – 13.5 times more frequently investigated in women than in men. A peak of DHEAS evaluation test for women was at 25 years old and distribution was uniform in males over decades, excepting being lower in 0-9 and 75+ages. In the age group 10-24 years, DHEAS levels were higher in females. After 45 years, DHEAS was higher in men than in women. Analysis of 510 case records showed low DHEAS levels in boys (0-9 years) and in men aged 65 – 84+. Higher DHEAS levels were detected as a peak at 30 years old, but never after 55 years. In individuals with low DHEAS levels prevailed congenital adrenal hyperplasia (32%), adrenal tumours (30%) and primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency (19%). High DHEAS levels prevailed in patients with arterial hypertension (26%), overweightobesity -(19%), non-toxic goiter (17%) and alopecia (9%). In the normal DHEAS miscellaneous diagnoses were met most frequently – 40%. Disorders exceeding 5% were non-toxic goiter (19%), adrenal tumours – 17%, overweight/obesity – 16% and arterial hypertension– 8%. In 71 women and 124 men adrenal neoplasms were detected. Higher frequency of these was observed in women in their 30s. A peak of adrenal neoplasms in men was at their 70s. This gender difference was not conditioned by earlier attempts to seek medical care by women. A significant correlation of DHEAS, weight, body mass index and systolic blood pressure with diastolic blood pressure was found. Conclusion. Our study permits to determine which DHEAS secretion and clinical pattern might be associated in males of different ages.

Context. In the year 2003-2004 a circumstantial investigation of young men reproductive health parameters was performed in Nordic and Baltic countries, but sexuality remained undetermined. Objective. To determine the suitability of the European Male Ageing Study – Sexual Function Questionnaire (EMAS – SFQ) for investigation of sexuality of 26–36 year aged general population and to investigate sexuality of Kaunas participants in the project “The reproductive function of Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian Young men (2003-2004)” (KELLY), using EMAS – SFQ. Design. Sixty one 26–36 year aged KELLY men were recaptured from the list of participants in a 2003-2004 study and completed EMAS – SFQ. Their anthropometric characteristics, scores of sexuality (22 parameters from EMAS – SFQ, 3 calculated parameters and 2 parameters consisting from answers to the only question - masturbation and erectile function-for each participant) were analysed, in conjunction with anthropometric, sperm quality and hormone levels of 2003-2004 18–25 year old general population. Results. Overall sexual functioning and masturbation were higher as compared to all the published data for different age men and different testosterone concentration groups of EMAS study. Conclusions. KELLY sexuality results, obtained using EMAS – SFQ, would be considered as referral values for young men in countries with generally good reproductive health.

Background. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) is a major steroid product of adrenal glands and an important neurosteroid, but due to only slight androgenic activities pathology of DHEA-S secretion it was rarely described until now. Aim. To report a case of DHEA-S and testosterone secreting adrenal tumour with clinical manifestations of suddenly appeared epileptic seizures, amenorrhea, hirsutism, weight gain and decreased sexual activity before operation, and up to 12 months observation after surgical removal of the tumour. Methods. Presentation of clinical case with comments. Results. Epileptic seizures, amenorrhea, weight gain and hirsutism suddenly appeared in a 38-year-old fertile woman. A right adrenal tumour was detected. Blood levels of DHEA-S and testosterone were very high. Surgical removal of the adenoma (confirmed histologically) was performed what conditioned decrease of DHEA-S, testosterone and other hormones in 2-24 hours for the level of adrenal insufficiency. After a month all the hormones returned to normal level and were maintained at this level for 12 months after operation, excepting aldosterone, which increased gradually. Menses reappeared in six weeks after a short period of hot flashes and perspirations. Seizures did not appear in 12 months. Sexual activity was lowered one month before and after the operation, and it was maximal 6-12 months after operation. Conclusions. We report a case with complete recovery of a 38-year-old woman, presented with epileptic seizures, amenorrhea, hirsutism, weight gain and decrease of sexual activity, before and after surgical removal of DHEA-S and testosterone secreting adrenal tumour.

Background. Mosaic karyotype 45,X/46,XY related mixed gonadal dysgenesis. Aim. To report a case of mosaic karyotype and petroclival meningioma. Methods. Presentation of a clinical case with comments. Results. The case of a 37-year-old woman mosaic karyotype - 45,X/46,XY, infertility, virilisation, Turner syndrome-like phenotype, primary amenorrhea, the absence of labia majora and petroclival meningioma. Concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) were increased indicating hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Low and high dose dexamethasone suppression tests demonstrated incomplete suppression of DHEAS concentration without connection between pulses of LH/FSH and DHEAS. Response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was normal. The morning/evening concentration ratio of DHEAS was very low in comparison with cortisol, ACTH and testosterone. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated petroclival meningioma without any adrenal or ovary abnormality. Menstruation started after treatment with 2 mg of estradiol. At control visit 1.5 years later she had no complaints. MRI did not demonstrate any signs of tumour progression. Conclusions. The main lesson learned from this case is that in searching the DHEAS secreting tumours one can find unusual cases with sustained high DHEAS and lack of confirmations of polycystic ovary syndrome, adrenal or ovary tumours using available ultrasound, CT and MRI.

Lithuanian’s male sperm quality was found to be much better as compared with other centres. The highest values of Kaunas young males were observed in total testicular volume, total sperm count, estradiol and SHBG. Parameters much higher than in other centres were sperm volume, normal morphology, sperm concentration, total motility, level of inhibin B and LH. These parameters are important for overall reproductive capacity of Lithuanians. Sperm quality and high spermatogenesis regulating hormone concentration may be considered as ethnic sign of reproductive capacity of a population.