Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
05:12
Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
Alcohol abuse-duration dependent decrease in plasma testosterone and antioxidants in males.
M Maneesh1, Sanjiba Dutta, Amit Chakrabarti
1Department of Biochemistry, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal 576 104. manu_only@hotmail.com
Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|December 30, 2006
Summary
Ethanol consumption significantly lowers testosterone levels and impairs the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in men. This is linked to increased oxidative stress, affecting male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Ethanol is a known testicular toxin.
- Alcohol abuse is associated with male infertility, characterized by low sperm count and motility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma testosterone levels and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis function in alcoholic men.
- To assess the effect of ethanol on systemic oxidative stress in male alcohol abusers.
Main Methods:
- Study included 46 male alcohol abusers and 55 age-matched controls (20-40 years).
- Measured plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
- Assessed oxidative stress markers including thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and antioxidant enzymes.
Main Results:
- Alcohol abusers exhibited significantly lower plasma testosterone, LH, and FSH levels compared to controls.
- Elevated levels of TBARS, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione S-transferase were observed in alcohol abusers.
- Reduced levels of glutathione, ascorbic acid, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase were found in alcohol abusers.
- Serum testosterone negatively correlated with alcohol abuse duration and TBARS levels.
Conclusions:
- Ethanol abuse disrupts the HPG axis and elevates oxidative stress.
- Duration-dependent decrease in testosterone may result from oxidative damage to Leydig and Sertoli cells and HPG axis impairment.
- Findings suggest ethanol-induced oxidative stress and HPG axis dysfunction contribute to male infertility.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Menopause
Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
01:26Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...
01:27CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
01:23Infertility in Males
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
01:23Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...