n/a PMID:  Life (Basel). 2023 Mar 17 ;13(3). Epub 2023 Mar 17. PMID: 36983977 Abstract Title:  Apocynin Ameliorates Monosodium Glutamate Induced Testis Damage by Impaired Blood-Testis Barrier and Oxidative Stress Parameters. Abstract:  BACKGROUND: the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of apocynin (APO) on hormone levels, the blood-testis barrier, and oxidative biomarkers in monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced testicular degeneration. METHODS: Sprague Dawley male rats (150-200 g; n = 32) were randomly distributed into four groups: control, APO, MSG, and MSG + APO. MSG and MSG + APO groups were administered MSG (120 mg/kg) for 28 days. Moreover, the APO and MSG + APO groups received APO (25 mg/kg) during the last five days of the experiment. All administrations were via oral gavage. Finally, biochemical analyses were performed based on the determination of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as light and transmission electron microscopic examinations, assessment of sperm parameters, ZO-1, occludin, NOX-2, and TUNEL immunohistochemistry were evaluated. RESULTS: MSG increased both the oxidative stress level and apoptosis, decreased cell proliferation, and caused degeneration in testis morphology including in the blood-testis barrier. Administration of apocynin reversed all the deteriorated morphological and biochemical parameters in the MSG + APO group. CONCLUSIONS: apocynin is considered to prevent testicular degeneration by maintaining the integrity of the blood-testis barrier with balanced hormone and oxidant/antioxidant levels.

From The Seattle Times: Lillian Massie pinches the floppy brim of her hat between her fingers and stares at the camera. At 24 years old, Lillian is a mother to two children. Shes slim, with wavy hair cropped at the ears and is once again pregnant or has possibly just given birth to a third child. She stands on what appears to be a train platform, a belt cinched above her belly. Sun washes over her face. Its 1925, and this is the last known photograph ever taken of her.

For the next nine years until her death, Lillian will be confined at Northern State Hospital, the now-shuttered Washington mental institution folded into a lush valley enclosed by dark mountain peaks an hours drive north of Seattle.

. . . Northern State Hospital took in tens of thousands of people like Lillian, most from the Seattle area. Today, theres scant evidence these patients ever existed. But as the 50-year anniversary of Northern States closure approaches this summer, family members and neighbors of the abandoned institution are fighting to recover them.

. . . Much of the country is now considering a push for more psychiatric care to get people off the street, such as Californias and New York Citys plans to expand involuntary treatment. Some fed up with the current mental health system look to places like Northern State with nostalgia. Many others see institutions as prisons for people with mental illnesses.

Between the two narratives are missing graves and ghost stories.

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Association Discovered in Identical Twins Only, Not in Fraternal Twins

A recent Swedish case-control study discovered that lower birth weight was significantly associated with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs), such as autism and intellectual disability (ID), among monozygotic twins. However, the same association was not found in dizygotic twins. Within the monozygotic pairs, the twin with a higher birth weight had fewer symptoms of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), higher IQ ratings, and lower odds of being diagnosed with autism and ADHD. These findings suggest that as an indicator of fetal growth alterations, lower birth weight is a nonshared environment (NSE) factor for neurodivergent outcomes, including both symptoms or diagnoses of autism, ADHD, and ID. Since this link was observed only among the monozygotic twin pairs, a genetic confounding component of the association, besides the nonshared factor, was also apparent. The authors point out, given the link between low birth weight and future NDCs, it is important to acknowledge birth weight as influential when assessing identical twins neurodevelopment. Additionally, they suggest that it is essential to recognize early identification of factors with identical twins that contribute to fetal growth restriction, such as unequal placental sharing, unbalanced intertwin blood transfusion, or slow intertwin blood transfusion. If these conditions are discovered, fetoscopic laser treatments should be considered to minimize detrimental outcomes. The authors end their study by calling for more research to obtain greater knowledge and understanding of the associations between low birth weight a...

Ancient herbal practices, especially Ayurveda, have been deploying natural remedies for centuries to help with various health conditions. One such notable herb is Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), often known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry.

Born from the rich soil of India, this root has seen increasing scientific interest due to its promising influence on sex hormones, serotonin levels, and thyroid function. This comprehensive guide delves into the plethora of health benefits offered by Ashwagandha, supported by scientific studies, historical facts, and intriguing statistics.

Ashwagandha: An Overview

Ashwagandha, with its rich history rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body adapt to various stressors, both physical and emotional. Owing to its holistic impact on well-being, it has gained significant attention worldwide, with around 1.5 million people in the United States using it in 2018 source. This number is continuously rising, signifying the potential benefits of Ashwagandha.

Enhancing Sex Hormones

Ashwagandha has a profound influence on sexual function, offering a variety of benefits for both men and women.

In Women

• Boosting Libido: Studies show that Ashwagandha enhances womens sexual desire, potentially due to its adaptogenic properties that help manage stress.
• Enhancing Performance: Regular supplementation has been found to improve sexual satisfaction, arousal, and lubrication, making for an improved overall sexual experience source.

In Men

• Increasing Testosterone: Ashwagandha can boost testosterone levels, thereby enhancing sexual desire, performance, and fertility source.
• Improving Sperm Quality: It has also been found to enhance sperm count, motility, and morphology, promoting a healthier reproductive system.

By regulating sex hormones, Ashwagandha can potentially foster a harmonious sexual relationship, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Optimizing Thyroid Function

The thyroid, a small gland in the neck, plays a vital role in regulating the bodys metabolism and energy levels. Any imbalance in its functioning can cause various health issues. Luckily, Ashwagandha has shown promising results in improving thyroid function.

• Balancing Hormone Levels: Ashwagandha supplementation can normalize TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels, contributing to improved thyroid health source.
• Promoting Overall Vitality: By exerting a balancing effect, Ashwa......