Survey for late-onset hypogonadism among old anti middle-aged males in Shanghai communities

This study sought to investigate late-onset hypogonadism （LOH） in old and middle-aged males in Shanghai communities, using symptom score evaluation systems and measurements of sex hormone levels. One thousand cases of males aged 40-70 years were investigated. The aging male symptoms （AMS） scale and androgen deficiency in aging males （ADAM） questionnaire were used at the beginning of the investigation, followed by measurement of the sex hormone-related factors （total testosterone （TT）, free testosterone （fT）, sex hormone-binding globulin （SHBG） and bioavailability of testosterone （Bio-T））. There were 977 valid questionnaires. The LOH-positive rates shown by AMS and ADAM were 59.88% and 84.65%, respectively; values increased with the age of the patients. There were 946 results related to sex hormone measurements, which showed the following results： TT was not related to aging （P〉O.05）; levels of SHBG increased with age; and fT and Bio-T decreased with age. There was a significant difference in fT between LOH-positive and LOH-negative patients, as shown by the ADAM. In summary, TT levels were not related to aging, even though SHBG did increase while fT and Bio-T decreased with aging. Clinically, the diagnosis of LOH cannot be based on serum TT level.

Shift work aggravates metabolic syndrome development among early-middle-aged males with elevated ALT

AIM: To examine whether shift work accelerates metabolic syndrome (MetS) development among early middle-aged males with elevated alanine aminotransferase (e-ALT).METHODS: A retrospective, observational followup study on MetS development at a 5-year interval was conducted using health examination data. Nine hundred and ninety six male employees not fulfi lling MetS criteria at screening were enrolled. Age, MetScomponents, liver enzymes, serological markers for viral hepatitis, abdominal ultrasound, insulin resistance status, lifestyles, and workplace factors were analyzed.RESULTS: The prevalence of elevated serum ALT (> 40 U/L, e-ALT) at baseline was 19.1%. There were 381 (38.3%) workers with long-term exposures to day-night rotating shift work (RSW). 14.2% of subjects developed MetS during follow-up. After 5 years, the workers with e-ALT had significantly unfavorable changes in MetS-components, and higher rates of MetS development, vs subjects with normal baseline ALT levels. Workers with both baseline e-ALT and 5-year persistent RSW (pRSW) exposure had the highest rate of MetS development. Also, e-ALT-plus-pRSW workers had a significant increase in MetS-components atfollow-up, compared with the other subgroups. After controlling for potential confounders, e-ALT-plus-pRSW workers posed a signifi cant risk for MetS development (odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confi dence interval, 1.4-5.3, vs workers without baseline e-ALT nor pRSW). CONCLUSION: We suggest that all early middle-aged male employees with e-ALT should be evaluated and managed for MetS. Particularly in terms of job arrangements, impacts of long-term RSW on MetS development should be assessed for all male employees having baseline e-ALT.

The Quality of Life of Chinese Middle-Aged Male Patients with Gastric Carcinoma After Total Gastrectomy and Nursing Intervention

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of life （QOL） in Chinese middle-aged male patients with gastric carcinoma after total gastrectomy, to investigate the factors affecting their QOL, and to Study the effectiveness of nursing intervention.METHODS Structured questionnaire （EORTC QLQ-C30） was used among 162 middle-aged male patients after total gastrectomy （the patients finished the whole process of chemotherapy, and returned home, and society） for data collection and reevaluate the patients＇ aualitv of life with 2 months nursing intervention.RESULTS The patient＇s quality of life was related to their education level, economic condition, family support, and pathological staging. This study showed that patients got higher scores in Functional scales （except for CF）, and lower scores in Symptom scales and single items （except for FI） after receiving intervention than before it was received before.CONCLUSION The study revealed that the QOL in middleaged male patients after total gastrectomy was worse when there was inadequate attention. After implementing pertinent nursing intervention implementing, patients＇ mental attitude and negative behavior were improved, and their QOL was enhanced after returning home and into society.

Cardiovascular health awareness,risk perception,behavioural intention and INTERHEART risk stratification among middle-aged adults in Malaysia

Objective:To investigate the interrelationship between cardiovascular health awareness,risk perception,behavioural intention,and INTERHEART risk stratification in a middle-aged adult population in Malaysia.Methods:A cross-sectional survey with convenience sampling was conducted during November 2022 and January 2023.Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing cardiovascular health awareness,risk perception of cardiovascular diseases,behavioural intention towards adopting healthy habits,and INTERHEART risk stratification score(IHRS)based on established risk factors.A total of 602 respondents were included in the final analysis.Data were analysed with independent t-test/one-way ANOVA or Mann-Whitney/Kruskal-Wallis to test the differences,Pearson correlation or linear regression test to analyze the association of independent and dependent variables.Results:There was a significant positive correlation between medical knowledge related to cardiovascular disease(CVD)and knowledge related to CVD risk prevention,risk perception,behavioural intention and IHRS(P<0.05,Pearson correlation).Notably,individuals with higher IHRS tended to have lower knowledge related to CVD and CVD risk prevention,risk perception,and behavioural intention.Males,laborers,active/former smokers,individuals with lower household income and educational levels,those involved in occupations not related to the healthcare sector,and those who did not receive the CVD health brochure or are unaware of health self-assessment tools are likely to have lower levels of knowledge,risk perception,and poorer behavioural intention regarding cardiovascular health(P<0.05,one-way ANOVA).While educational level,smoking status,awareness about CVD poster,self-assessment tools were repeatedly significantly associated with knowledge related to CVD and CVD risk prevention,risk perception,behavioral intention and/or IHRS(P<0.05,linear regression).Conclusions:These findings underscore the importance of promoting cardiovascular health awareness and risk perception among middle-aged adults to foster positive BI and reduce CVD risk.Tailored interventions targeting specific risk factors identified by INTERHEART may enhance risk stratification accuracy and facilitate targeted preventive strategies.

Correlation between psychological traits and the use of smart medical services in young and middle-aged adults: An observational study

BACKGROUND Psychological problems affect economic development.However,there is a huge gap between mental health service resources and mental health service needs.Existing mental health service technology and platforms cannot meet all the diverse mental health needs of people.Smart medicine is a new medical system based online that can effectively improve the quality and efficiency of medical services and make mental health services accessible.AIM To explore the level of intelligent medical use among young and middle-aged people and its correlation with psychological factors.METHODS Convenience sampling was used to select 200 young and middle-aged patients with medical experience at the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu between January 2022 and January 2023 as the research subjects.The general condition Questionnaire,Eysenck Personality Questionnaire,Symptom Checklist-90,General Health Questionnaire,and Smart Medical Service Use Intention Questionnaire were used to collect data.Pearson’s correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the participants’willingness to use smart medical services and their personality characteristics,psychological symptoms,and mental health.RESULTS The results revealed that the mental health of young and middle-aged people was poor,and some had psycho-logical problems such as anxiety,depression,and physical discomfort.Familiarity,acceptance,and usage of smart healthcare in this population are at a medium level,and these levels correlate with psychological characteristics.Acceptance was positively correlated with E,and negatively correlated with P,anxiety,fear,anxiety/insomnia,and social dysfunction.The degree of use was negatively correlated with P,obsessive-compulsive symptoms,depression,anxiety,hostility,paranoia,and somatic symptoms.CONCLUSION The familiarity,acceptance,and usage of smart medical services among the middle-aged and young groups are related to various psychological characteristics.

Study on the association of multimorbidity with sleep and diet in young and middle-aged adults in Chongqing region,China

Background:The prevalence of multimorbidity is increasing,with a notable shift towards younger age groups.Methods:Convenience sampling was employed to select 15,988 young and middle-aged adults in Chongqing as the study population.The Apriori algorithm was used to identify the multimorbidity patterns within this population,while an unordered binary logistic regression model was applied to assess the association between sleep,diet and the risk of multimorbidity.Results:The study population had an average age of 39.2±10.1 years.Apriori association rules revealed that the most prevalent binary chronic disease multimorbidity pattern was dyslipidaemia+hypertension(14.78%),while the most common ternary chronic disease multimorbidity pattern was diabetes+dyslipidaemia+hypertension(9.66%).The logistic regression analysis revealed that a lower rating of sleep quality was associated with an elevated risk of multimorbidity(odds ratio(OR)=1.17,95%confidence interval(CI):1.01,1.36).Individuals who adhere to a meat-based diet(OR=1.45,95%CI:1.25,1.68)and those with elevated salt intake(OR=1.22,95%CI:1.01,1.47)were also observed to have an increased risk of multimorbidity.Additionally,a greater likelihood of multimorbidity was observed among those following a spicy diet(OR=1.3,95%CI:1.11,1.52)and consuming more oil(OR=1.16,95%CI:1.01,1.33).Conclusion:A poor sleep quality and a dietary preference for meat-based,salt,spicy and oils were found to be associated with an increased risk of multimorbidity progression among young and middle-aged populations.It is recommended that young and middle-aged adults should pay attention not only to sleep duration but also to sleep quality and improve dietary habits to reduce the likelihood of multimorbidity.

The Relationship between Mental Health Literacy and Subjective Well-Being of Young and Middle-Aged Residents: Perceived the Mediating Role of Social Support and Its Urban-Rural Differences

This study investigates mental health literacy among young and middle-aged urban and rural residents and the differences in mental health literacy,perceived social support and subjective well-being.From January to February 2022,620 participants(320 rural and 300 urban residents)from three provinces of China were selected by con-venience sampling.A general data questionnaire,mental health literacy scale,perceived social support scale and subjective well-being scale were administered.The mental health literacy scores of urban residents were 3.34±0.57 and those of rural residents were 2.73±0.79.The results of multiple regression analysis showed that the mental health literacy scores of rural residents were more significant than those of urban residents in terms of sex and age,while urban residents’mental health literacy scores were more significant than those of rural resi-dents in terms of monthly income.Mental health literacy,perceived social support and subjective well-being of young and middle-aged urban and rural residents were all positively correlated(P<0.01).While the level of mental health literacy is better among urban residents than rural residents,perceived social support plays a partial mediating role between mental health literacy and subjective well-being of both urban and rural residents,and should be the focus of researchers seeking to improve the level of well-being of residents.

Effect of Age and Sex on Stroke Mortality of Young and Middle-aged Adults in China,2002–2019,and Predictions to 2030

Objective This study aimed to examine the trends in stroke mortality among young and middle-aged adults in China.Methods Data were obtained from the China national vital registration system.Significant changes in mortality were assessed by Joinpoint regression.Age-period-cohort analysis was used to explain the reasons for the changes.Future mortality and counts were predicted by the Bayesian age-period-cohort model.Results Between 2002 and 2019,a total of 6,253,951 stroke mortality in young and middle-aged adults were recorded.The age-adjusted mortality rates(AAMRs)of women showed a downward trend.The annual percent changes(APC)were-3.5%(-5.2%,-1.7%)for urban women and-2.8%(-3.7%,-1.9%)for rural women.By contrast,the AAMRs per 100,000 for rural men aged 25–44 years continued to rise from 9.40 to 15.46.The AAMRS for urban men aged 25–44 years and urban and rural men aged 45–64years did not change significantly.Between 2020 and 2030,the projected stroke deaths are 1,423,584 in men and 401,712 in women.Conclusion Significant sex and age disparities in the trends of stroke mortality among young and middle-aged adults were identified in China.Targeted health policy measures are needed to address the burden of stroke in the young generation,especially for rural men,with a focus on the prevention and management of high risk factors.

Relationship between Waist Circumference, Waist-Height Ratio, Body Fat Percentage, Visceral Fat and Bone Mineral Density in Middle-Aged and Elderly Zhuang of China

Objective: To understand the correlation between different degrees of obesity and bone mineral density (BMD). Methods: 772 cases (300 men and 472 females) of Zhuang over 40 years old were randomly selected. The BMD and T score were calculated by measuring the right heel bone using a quantitative-ultrasound densitometer. Body composition index of body weight, waist circumference (WC), waist height ratio (WtHR), body fat percentage (BFP) and visceral fat (VF) were measured using a bioelectrical impedance method. Results: The BMI, WC, and WtHR of the male osteoporosis group were lower than those of the normal bone mass (NBM) group (P Conclusion: BMI is positively correlated with BMD in Zhuang. BFP has a greater correlation with female BMD, and a small reduction in BFP can result in a significant decrease in BMD. BMD of male was positively correlated with abdominal obesity indicators (WC, WtHR, VF). However, abdominal obesity has no obvious effect on the promotion of BMD in women, and increased WtHR can lead to a decrease in BMD. Zhuang can appropriately increase the amount of fat within the normal weight range. At the same time, reasonable exercise and balanced nutrition to avoid excessive obesity or low body weight can reduce the incidence of osteoporosis and osteoporosis fractures.

Association of fatigue with short-term prognosis in young and middle-aged patients with coronary heart disease

Background:To investigate the effect of fatigue on the short-term prognosis of young and middle-aged patients with coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods:A cross-sectional,observational survey was distributed at a tertiary hospital in Suzhou,China.Patients were assessed for fatigue and their prognosis was assessed at 3 and 6 months after discharge.General Information Questionnaire,Fatigue Scale and Seattle Angina Questionnaire(SAQ)were used for the survey.The Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the impact of fatigue on the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events(MACEs)at 3 and 6 months after discharge.Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the effect of fatigue on health-related quality of life(HRQoL)at 3 and 6 months after discharge.Results:199 patients were followed up with in the end.43 patients(21.6%)with MACE three months after discharge had a total SAQ score of(399.76±39.61).The overall SAQ score was(425.14±22.66)and 52 patients(26.1%)experienced MACE six months after discharge.Fatigue was identified as a risk factor for MACE 6 months after discharge by the Cox proportional hazard model(HR=2.939,95%CI:0.177~0.655,P=0.001)and as an independent risk factor for quality of life 3 and 6 months after discharge by multiple linear regression(P<0.001).Conclusions:In individuals who are young or middle-aged and have coronary heart disease,fatigue is a risk factor for the short-term prognosis.It is advised that clinical professionals prioritize patient fatigue assessment and improve management of fatigue symptoms.

Influencing factors of fatigue in young and middle-aged patients with coronary heart disease:a cross-sectional study

Objective:To examine the present state of fatigue in young and middle-aged patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)and to identify the elements that may be affecting it.Methods:From December 2020 to June 2021,240 young and middle-aged patients with CHD who were being treated in the cardiology department of a tertiary care hospital in Suzhou were chosen using a convenience sampling method in order to gather data on the patients’sociodemographic status,fatigue,social support,and stress.Results:Of the 240 disseminated questionnaires,220 valid responses were returned,resulting in an effective recovery rate of 91.67%.The frequency of exhaustion was 51.8%,and the fatigue score was(5.27±2.77).The stress score was(11.15±3.36),while the overall social support score was(39.13±4.72).Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that age,exercise,staying up late,stress,social support,high-sensitivity troponin T,high-density lipoprotein,and ejection fraction were independent risk factors for fatigue in young and middle-aged patients with CHD(P<0.05).Conclusions:Fatigue is more prevalent in young and middle-aged patients with CHD.Clinical nurses can create a unique management plan for patients based on their lifestyle and behavioral patterns,stress levels,social support,and clinical signs to reduce fatigue.

Evaluation of the Pharmacological Potential of Strychnos camptoneura Trunk Bark Hydroethanol Extract on Reproductive Functions in Male Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus) Exposed to Cypermethrin

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological potential of the hydroethanol extract of Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark on reproductive functions in male guinea pigs exposed to cypermethrin. The results showed that administration of the hydroethanolic extract (100 and 250 mg/kg) of Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark after exposure of the animals to cypermethrin induced a highly significant (p Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark produced a highly significant (p Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark may have protective effects against cypermethrin-induced male infertility due to its androgenic, spermatogenic and antiradical properties.

CCDC181 is required for sperm flagellum biogenesis and male fertility in mice

The structural integrity of the sperm flagellum is essential for proper sperm function.Flagellar defects can result in male infertility,yet the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship are not fully understood.CCDC181,a coiled-coil domain-containing protein,is known to localize on sperm flagella and at the basal regions of motile cilia.Despite this knowledge,the specific functions of CCDC181 in flagellum biogenesis remain unclear.In this study,Ccdc181 knockout mice were generated.The absence of CCDC181 led to defective sperm head shaping and flagellum formation.Furthermore,the Ccdc181 knockout mice exhibited extremely low sperm counts,grossly aberrant sperm morphologies,markedly diminished sperm motility,and typical multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella(MMAF).Additionally,an interaction between CCDC181 and the MMAF-related protein LRRC46 was identified,with CCDC181 regulating the localization of LRRC46 within sperm flagella.These findings suggest that CCDC181 plays a crucial role in both manchette formation and sperm flagellum biogenesis.

Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects of Male Infertility in Patients Consulting at the Urology Department of the Yaounde Central Hospital

Introduction: About 10 to 15% of couples in the world and 20 to 30% in Cameroon consult for infertility problems. Infertility is of male origin in 40% of cases. Our objective was to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical aspects of male infertility in our setting. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study, with retrospective data collection from the files of patients received for male infertility, over 5 years and 6 months (from January 1st, 2016 to April 30th, 2021) at the Urology Department of the Yaounde Central Hospital. Phone calls were made to patients with incomplete records for completion following a verbal consent. Data reported on data collection forms were entered into a data entry form designed on CSPro software version 7.2. The database was later exported for descriptive statistics using the IBM SPSS software version 23. Qualitative variables were summarized in frequencies and percentages while quantitative variables were summarized in means with their standard deviations for normally distributed data, or medians and interquartile ranges otherwise. Results: Out of 110 patients whose records were analyzed, the median age was 37.0 years, with an interquartile range of 8.3, with 55.5% in the age group 30 to 39 years. Of these 95 (86.4%) were married, 58 (52.7%) were from the West region, 76 (69.1%) were employed. Past history was dominated by mumps 40 (36.4%), varicocele surgery 25 (22.7%), alcoholism 87 (79.1%) and smoking 15 (13.6%). A disorder of spermatogenesis was found in all our patients: 37 (33.6%) azoospermia, 27 (24.6%) asthenospermia and 26 (23.7%) oligospermia patients. Paraclinical evidence of chlamydia and gonococcal infections were found respectively in 38 (34.5%) and 14 (12.7%) patients, varicocele and testicular dystrophy respectively in 95 (86.4%) and 38 (34.5%) patients. Infertility was primary in 67 (60.9%) patients. Conclusion: Most patients with infertility were in their thirties, had risky social habits and comorbidities. An early start of health promotion activities, comorbidities prevention and early detection of spermogram abnormalities would make it possible to reduce the frequency of male infertility.

Long Term Administration of Lannea acida Rich. (Anacardiaceae) Reverses the Imidacloprid-Induced Fertility Impairments in Adult Male Rat through Androgenic and Antioxidant Properties

Aim: The harmful effects of pesticides have been largely documented in recent times. But effective therapeutic solutions to pesticide related male infertility are yet to be established. This study investigated the curative effects of Lannea acida on imidacloprid (IMI)-induced hypofertility in male Wistar rats. Methods: Rats of 150 – 200 g were administered IMI (22.5 mg/kg) for two weeks and partitioned into control (distilled water, vitamin E, clomiphene citrate) or test (aqueous (340 mg/kg), methanol (170 mg/kg) extract) groups for eight weeks treatment. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the treatment and samples were collected for sperm, antioxidant and hormonal analysis. Fertility tests were performed from treatment day 47 for fertility indices estimation. Results were expressed as mean ± SEM and one way ANOVA was applied using STATISTICA Software. Results: Exposition to IMI resulted in a significant decrease in sperm count, motility, viability and normality, testosterone and LH, coupled to an increase in oxidative stress markers. Moreover, IMI impaired male fertility evidenced by a significant drop in fertility index and litter size. Similar to clomiphene citrate and vitamin E, plant extracts significantly improved the sperm parameters, sexual hormones and decreased the oxidative stress markers. More importantly, the fertility index and litter size were restored, especially with the aqueous extract. Conclusion: Present results indicate that L. acida possesses curative potentials against IMI-induced hypofertility through its androgenic and antioxidant properties. However, the effects the extract on spermatozoa DNA structure and the fertility of offsprings from exposed parents are yet to be studied to conclude on total recovery from IMI toxicity.

Spermotrend Improves Semen Quality and Infertility in Men with Varicocele —Spermotrend and Male Infertility

Background: Infertility affects 8% - 12% of couples globally, with approximately half of the cases reported in males. Oxidative stress is a common factor increased in the varicocele condition and particularly affects spermatozoa, due to their sensitivity to oxidative signals and testicular hypotrophy. The objective of this clinical trial is to study the effectiveness of Spermotrend in the improvement of sperm parameters in male infertility. Methods: A total of 170 males aged > 18 years with a diagnosis of infertility and varicocele were consecutively enrolled in a Phase II, open-label clinical trial. Spermotrend was administered 1 capsule (450 mg) orally every 8 hours for 6 months and was evaluated through semen analysis at 4 and 6 months of follow-up. Results: The trial results show a significant improvement following the administration of Spermotrend over 6 months in sperm concentration (44.1% at baseline vs. 64.1% at 6 months), sperm survival (28.2% with sperm survival ≥ 2 hours vs.56.5%), normalization of sperm morphology (31.2% vs. 72.9%). Varicocele condition decreased in all patients and, by the end of the study, 55.3% of patients had normal venous flow and dilation. Only 5.9% of the patients showed grade 2 varicocele at the end of the study, while 38.8% showed grade 1 varicocele, with no patients showing grade 3 varicocele. Regarding testicular hypotrophy, 90.6% of the patients completed the study with normalized testicular volume by recovering normal venous flow. Conclusion: A short-term course of Spermotrend may significantly improve sperm parameters associated with male infertility. Clinical Trial Registration: The clinical trial protocol was registered in the international clinical trial registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, with the code: NCT05222841 on 15/06/2021.

Granulomatous mastitis in a 50-year-old male:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Granulomatous mastitis(GM)an inflammatory disease of the breast that usually affects women of childbearing age,occurs very rarely in males.CASE SUMMARY We present a case study of a 50-year-old male patient with GM.The patient developed a breast lump following the cleaning of a previously embedded dirtfilled nipple.While an initial improvement was noted with antibiotic therapy,a recurrence occurred a year later,showing resistance to the previously effective antibiotics.Subsequently,the lesion was excised.The histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of GM.CONCLUSION GM should be considered a possible diagnosis of male breast masses.

Exploring the relationship between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and male fertility:A meta-analytic and meta-regression perspective on hormonal and seminal factors

Objective:To explore the relationship between Hashimoto's autoimmune hypothyroidism(HT)and male fertility,focusing on hormonal and seminal factors.Methods:A systematic literature search was conducted across databases such as PubMed,Web of Science,EMBASE,Scopus,Cochrane,and Google Scholar,covering studies published from January 2000 to March 2024.Studies investigating the impact of HT on semen quality parameters and reproductive hormones were included.Pooled effect estimates were calculated using standard mean difference(SMD)and 95%confidence intervals(CI).Results:A total of 8 studies with 8965 participants were included.HT significantly affected semen quality and reproductive hormone levels.Specifically,there was a notable decrease in progressive morphology(SMD=-0.78;95%CI:-1.40 to-0.17;P=0.01)and sperm motility(SMD=-1.151;95%CI:-1.876 to-0.425;P=0.002).In addition,there were no significant changes in reproductive hormones,although there were elevated levels of luteinizing hormone(SMD=0.437;95%CI:0.000 to 0.874;P=0.050)and follicle-stimulating hormone(SMD=0.293;95%CI:-0.171 to 0.758;P=0.216),with a slight impact on testosterone levels(SMD=-1.143;95%CI:-2.487 to 0.200;P=0.095).Conclusions:This systematic review and meta-analysis provides robust evidence of the detrimental effects of HT on semen quality and reproductive hormones,underscoring the necessity for thorough evaluation and management of thyroid function in male infertility assessments.

Advances in DNA methylation and its role in cytoplasmic male sterility in higher plants

The impact of epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation on plant phenotypes has expanded the possibilities for crop development.DNA methylation plays a part in the regulation of both the chromatin structure and gene expression,and the enzyme involved,DNA methyltransferase,executes the methylation process within the plant genome.By regulating crucial biological pathways,epigenetic changes actively contribute to the creation of the phenotype.Therefore,epigenome editing may assist in overcoming some of the drawbacks of genome editing,which can have minor off-target consequences and merely facilitate the loss of a gene’s function.These drawbacks include gene knockout,which can have such off-target effects.This review provides examples of several molecular characteristics of DNA methylation,as well as some plant physiological processes that are impacted by these epigenetic changes in the plants.We also discuss how DNA alterations might be used to improve crops and meet the demands of sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming.

Pro-fertility effect of Ficus carica fruit extract in streptozotocin-induced male rats

Objective:To explore the impact of Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract on fertility parameters in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced male rats.Methods:Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four different groups.All groups except a normal control group were induced with 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin(STZ)intravenously to induce diabetes.A positive control group was treated with an antidiabetic drug,metformin(500 mg/kg)whereas a negative control group remained untreated throughout the experiment.Meanwhile,another diabetic rat group received treatment with 400 mg/kg of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract.Rats in the treatment group were administered Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract daily through forcefeeding via oral gavage for a 21-day period.Assessments included the sperm quality(count,motility and morphology),histology of the testes,serum testosterone and fasting blood glucose(FBG)level.Results:The FBG level of the Ficus carica-treated rats exhibited a significant decrease compared to the negative control group(P<0.05).Sperm quality analysis also indicated that the aqueous Ficus carica extract had significant positive effects on sperm count and motility(P<0.05).The histology of the testes in Ficus caricatreated rats revealed an improved cell arrangement in the germinal cell layer.Furthermore,serum testosterone level showed an increment in the Ficus carica treatment group in comparison to the negative control group.Conclusions:Our findings provide compelling evidence for the profertility and anti-hyperglycemic properties of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract in diabetic-induced male rats.