Archive for the ‘Men's Health’ Category

Researchers from the Karolinska Institute are embarking on a new paradigm in exercise physiology after publishing a paper in this month’s British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study authors argue that prolonged periods of sitting is an entity distinct from the commonly used terminology “sedentary behavior,” which means a general lack of exercise. Rather, they contend that the use of the term “muscular inactivity” more accurately describes a state of being in which people have prolonged periods when even light physical activity is not achieved. This is important because research shows that periods of prolonged sitting and lack of whole body muscular activity is strongly associated with the development of diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer, regardless of whether moderate or vigorous exercise was performed. This goes to show that maintaining an intermittent level of activity that involve total body muscle movement (climbing stairs, walking to run errands, taking a walking break during sedentary work) is just as important as incorporating moderate to vigorous exercise into your routine. [via Medical News Today]

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A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences may lead to exciting discoveries regarding prostate cancer. By analyzing samples of prostate cancers scientists discovered that 27% of them contained xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV). XMRV is a virus that is known to cause leukemia and tumors in animals. Even though it has been found in association with human prostate cancer, there’s not evidence that it is the specific cause of the disease. However, it is an important question that needs to be answered. Another well-known virus that can cause human cancers is the human papilloma virus (HPV). Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, after lung cancer, killing approximately 250,000 men annually. [via ABC News]

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British scientists at Newcastle University claim this week that they have created human sperm from embryonic stem cells. Stem cells can develop into any type of human cell, but this is the first time they have been coaxed into forming sperm. Critics say the “artificial” sperm do not have the same exact shape, movement and function of real sperm. Despite this, progress has certainly been made towards creating sperm in the laboratory. This research could eventually help infertile men father children with sperm created from their own stem cells. Read more and watch a video of the sperm making process as voiced by the lead researcher, Professor Karim Nayernia.

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In 2007, 1.4 million prescriptions for AndroGel—the most commonly dispensed gel form of testosterone—were dispensed by U.S. retail pharmacies. Testim is the other prescription topical testosterone gel, both of which are used in men who either produce low levels of testosterone or no longer produce testosterone. They are also prescribed for some off-label uses in women. Safety concerns have arisen over adverse affects from children who were inadvertently exposed to testosterone through contact with another person being treated with these products. Currently, the FDA has received eight reports of secondary exposure in children with more reports being reviewed. Adverse events reported in these children included inappropriate enlargement of the genitalia (penis or clitoris), premature development of pubic hair, advanced bone age, increased libido, and aggressive behavior. Labels on current testosterone gel products caution the user to thoroughly wash their hands after applying the product and to cover the treated skin area with clothing. Failure to do so could result in exposure of the testosterone to others with whom they physically contact. The FDA is responding to the situation by requiring manufacturers to include these new warnings on their product labels.

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