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World Journal of Urology

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Open Access 01-08-2008 | Review

Lower urinary-tract symptoms and testosterone in elderly men

Authors: Aksam A. Yassin, Ahmed I. El-Sakka, Farid Saad, Louis J. G. Gooren

Published in: World Journal of Urology | Issue 4/2008

Abstract

Objectives

The objective was to examine the effects of testosterone administration on symptom scores of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Methods

The literatures on the epidemiological association between the metabolic syndrome, erectile failure and (LUTS) were reviewed.

Results

In men with the metabolic syndrome and erectile failure, often lower-than-normal testosterone levels are found. This is less clear for men with LUTS, but the relationship between testosterone and LUTS might be indirect and based on the association of the metabolic syndrome with an overactivity of autonomic nervous system. This overactivity may play a key role in increasing the severity of LUTS above an intrinsic basal intensity that is determined by the genitourinary factors in aging men. Androgen receptors are present in the epithelium of the urethra and the bladder. Testosterone may play a role in the reflex activity of the autonomic nervous system in the pelvis, or may interact with postsynaptic non-genomic receptors suppressing detrusor activity. Human neurons in the wall of the bladder contain nitric oxide synthase. Similar to the penis, testosterone has an impact on nitric oxide synthase.

Conclusions

Some studies investigating the effects of normalizing testosterone levels in elderly men have found a positive effect on variables of the metabolic syndrome and, simultaneously, on scores of the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) which is worthy of further investigation in randomized, controlled and sufficiently powered clinical trials.

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Title: Lower urinary-tract symptoms and testosterone in elderly men
Authors: Aksam A. Yassin
Ahmed I. El-Sakka
Farid Saad
Louis J. G. Gooren
Publication date: 01-08-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Urology / Issue 4/2008
Print ISSN: 0724-4983
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-008-0284-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Lower urinary-tract symptoms and testosterone in elderly men

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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