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Human Ageing > Reproductive Ageing > Flashcards

Reproductive Ageing Flashcards

1
Q

Why do women live longer?

A

Advantage of second X chromosome, compensating for defective genes

Generally having longer telomere length than men = potentially slowing cellular ageing and increasing lifespan

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2
Q

How does estrogen influence ageing?

A

Acts as antioxidants
Protects cells
Promotes DNA repair
May boost immune function

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3
Q

How does testosterone influence ageing?

A

Increases muscle mass and risk-taking

May suppress immunity and raise CVD risks

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4
Q

What happens when a male is castrated?

A

Loss of reproductive capability

Decrease in testosterone without changing the genetic information
(small amount of T produced by adrenal glands)

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5
Q

Why may males be castrated?

A

Cancer treatment (prostate and testicular)
Gender-affirming surgery
Castrati singers / Eunuchs
Sex Offender Rehabilitation

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6
Q

What is the impact of prepubertal castration on lifespan?

A

This remains undefined

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7
Q

What is the difference between fecundity and fertility?

A

Fecundity = potential biological ability to produce offspring

Fertility = number of offspring produced

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8
Q

What happened when fly food conc was increased?

A

Trade-off

Lifespan decreased
Fecundity increased

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9
Q

What happened when high mortality was imposed on fly population?

A

Flys tended to invest more resouces in egg production

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10
Q

What is the Disposable Soma Theory?

A

Trade-off between reproduction and somatic maintenance

Limited resources must be allocated to either

Production and protection of germ cell line for reproduction

Maintenance of the body, which functions as vessel to carry the germ cells

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11
Q

Define Darwinian fitness

A

Fertility x Survival

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12
Q

What does the Disposable Soma Theory say about Darwinian fitness?

A

Suggests it peaks at a balanced investment in repair

Enough to survive and reproduce, but no so much as to prevent ageing entirely

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13
Q

How does giving birth affect longevity?

A

Women who had children later in life are more likely to experience increased longevity

Increased number of children birther was associated with decreased lifespan

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14
Q

Describe the fertility in women vs men

A

Women born with finite number of oocytes that decline over time = significant decrease in quntitiy and quality after 35

Men begin producing sperm at puberty and maintain production throughout life with gradual declines around 45

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15
Q

What are the 5 hallmarks of male reproductive ageing?

A

Lower T levels
Reduced sperm production and quality
Decline in sexual function
Cellular ageing and oxidative stress
Reduced energy production

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16
Q

How is sperm quality affected as males age?

A

Sperm are less motile and have DNA damage

Cells produce less energy = affecting sperm movemet and health

17
Q

What are the 3 phase for testosterone surge?

A

Fetal = genitalia development & brain masculinization

Neonatal = growth of reproductive organs & early brain development

Pubertal = development of secondary sexual characteristics
Increase in libido and sperm production

18
Q

What is the axis that regualtes T?

A

Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal

19
Q

How does HPG axis work?

A

GnRH = simulates ant pit to release LH and FSH

LH = simulates Leydig to release T
FSH = stimulates Sertoli to stimulates spermatogenesis working with T

Testis produce T = negative feedback to brain to maintain hormonal balance in spermatogenesis

20
Q

How are GnRH frequency and amplitude affected by ageing?

A

Pulse frequency increases with ageing

Pulse amplitude decreases with ageing

Looks at GnRH promoter activity

21
Q

How does T function in spermatogenesis?

A

Leydig cells release T to Sertoli cells

Stem cells become primary then secondary spermatocytes
Late spermatid and then spermatozoon

22
Q

How does T target Sertoli cells?

A

T is a steroid hormone

It can diffuse across the lipid bilayer of Sertoli cell membranes due to its lipophilic, fat-soluble properties

23
Q

What are Sertoli cells needed for?

A

“Nurse” cells for spermatogenesis

Needed for creating a nurturing env for germ cells

24
Q

What regulates Sertoil cells?

A

Testosterone and androgen receptors

25
Q

Where are andorgen receptors found and what do they do?

A

Nuclear receptors

Directly influences DNA transcription upon activation

26
Q

How is testosterone’s action mediated?

A

Mediated through changes in gene transcription

Leads to long-term alterations in Sertoli cell function

27
Q

Name the steps of androgen receptor activation

A

T is secreted from Leydig cells then transported to target tissues

T diffuses through plasma membrane

T converted to DHT by 5a-reductase

DHT binds to AR and promotes dissociation of HSPs from AR

AR translocates into nucleus and dimerizes

Dimerized AR binds to androgen response element (ARE) in promoter region of target genes

AR function as TF

28
Q

What cardiovascular symptoms arise in T deficiency in men?

A

Higher risk of hypertension, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis

Decrease in HDL cholesterol

29
Q

What psychological symptoms arise in T deficiency in men?

A

Mood swings, anxiety, and depression

Cognitive decline = memory & processing speed

30
Q

What metabolic symptoms arise in T deficiency in men?

A

Increased body fat
Decreased muscle mass
Decreased bone density

31
Q

What general symptoms appear in men with testosterone deficiency?

A

Fatigue/reduced stamina

Weakened immune function

32
Q

What physical symptoms occur in men with T deficiency?

A

Thinning skin

Reduced body & facial hair

33
Q

What effect does low T levels have on mortality risk in men?

A

Low T levels = high mortality risk in men

34
Q

What is testosterone deficiency known as?

A

Hypogonadism

35
Q

What are the possible treatments for male hypogonadism?

A

Transdermal delivery

Intramuscular/subcutaneous delivery

Oral delivery

36
Q

What does metformin do?

A

Activates AMPK

Enhance mitochondrial function
Reduce inflammation
Promote metabolic health

37
Q

What does rapamycin do?

A

Inhibits mTORC to

Promote autophagy
Reduce cell senescence
Enhance stress resistance

38
Q

How did in vivo Metformin treatment effect male rat sperm?

A

May benefit male reproductive health in cases of obesity

But appears to have negative effects in normal conditions

39
Q

How does rapamycin affect male reproductive health?

A

Inhibition of mTORC impairs male reproductive health

Human Ageing (12 decks)

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