FINAL PROGRAM 6TH EDITION - EuroMediCom

performance.Outcome studies of anti-obesity drugs indicate a lack of efficacy in achieving weight loss. Population studies indicate that geneticvariance in genes encoding cellular metabolism and uncoupling proteins might attenuate energy homeostasis. Other population-basedreports stress the importance of behavioural therapy in the treatment of overweight patients.Conclusions: We conclude that obesity is a pathophysiological sign of a gene/behaviour/environment mismatch. For the effectivetreatment of the individual obese patient, all of the confounding variables (genetic layout, environment and psychological profile)should be assessed according to the current standards.NATURE'S ANSWER TO SEXUAL HYPOFUNCTION: THE HORMONOMIMETIC AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OFICARIIN IN RELATION WITH MALE AND FEMALE SEXUAL WELLBEINGLA RÉPONSE DE LA NATURE À L'HYPOFONCTIONNEMENT SEXUEL : L'HORMONOMIMÉTISME ET LES PROPRIÉTÉSANTIOXYDANTES DE L'ICARIINE ASSOCIÉS AU BIEN-ÊTRE SEXUEL MASCULIN ET FÉMININROCK R. GOERDIN(BELGIUM)Background: Icariin, a flavonol glycoside found in Herba Epimedii is purported to enhance sexual wellbeing in both males and females.Epimedium is a Chinese herb used in traditional medicine to treat fatigue, arthritic and nerve pain, and sexual dysfunction. Use ofEpimedium is thought to attenuate levels and actions of several sex hormones.Several animal experiments suggest an attenuation of sexual desire and erectile function by epimedium extracts. Furthermore, these arereflected in the anecdotal positive effects on sexual experience of patients with over the counter (OTC) preparations containing Icariin.Purpose: To further clarify the actions of Epimedium extract on erectile dysfunction and attenuation of tumescence and sexual desirein both males and females.To highlight, in particular, the clinical potential of Icariin - as a standardized Epimedium component- in the treatment of age-relatedsexual hypofunction.Methods: The authors searched the scientific literature for documentation and clarification of the subject.Results:In vitro studies: In in-vitro studies of smooth muscle cells lining the corpus cavernosum of the penis, icariin blocks the degradativeaction of PDE5 on cGMP. Results of in vitro studies suggest that components of Epimedium, especially icariin, exhibit neuroprotective,immunomodulatory and anticancer effects. Epimedium grandiflorum was reported to have anti-HIV activity in vitro.Animal models: Animal studies confirm these findings and suggest attenuation of sexual desire and increased tumescence in severalanimal models.Icariin also stimulates the differentiation of osteoblasts and increases the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the expression ofI-collagen protein in Sprague-Dawley rats, hereby promoting bone formation. Serum testosterone concentration is also significantlyelevated compared with the control group.Icariin improved the condition of reproductive organs and increases the circulating levels of testosterone. In animal models, it increasesthe sexual desire in both males and females. Therefore, Icariin may be of benefit in the management of partial androgen deficiency inthe aging male.Human trials: The findings in relation with osteoporosis were replicated in a randomized placebo-controlled trial, where Icariinprevented bone loss in postmenopausal women. Icariin treatment improved the steady-state serum osteocalcin. This indicatesosteogenesis by increased oseoblastic activity.Discussion: Icariin is a new kind of biological modifier and differential agent with possible anticancer effects. It also acts as aprotective agent for postmenopausal osteoporosis.Icariin acts as a cyclic Guanosine Mono Phosphate (cGMP)-specific Phosphodiesterase (PDE5) type 5 inhibitor. This facilitates therelease of nitric oxide (NO), which is part of the physiological process resulting in penile erection and clitoral tumescence as a resultof sexual stimulation. This attributes to Icariin a clear-cut potential for treating erectile dysfunction(ED).The testosterone mimetic properties may also be beneficial in females to enhance both sexual tumescence and desire.Conclusions: Icariin carries significant testosterone mimetic properties. No major side effects have been reported.These findings make epimedium herb extracts a potential candidate for use in the treatment of age-related sexual dysfunction,particularly when attributable to hormonal deficits.In females, it is potentially beneficial as a sexual enforcer, boosting desire and wellbeing. In males, it can increase sexual desire anderectile function in an explicit way.On the scientific and anecdotal basis currently available, Icariin can be safely recommended as the best documented substance forincreased sexual wellbeing that occurs in nature.More randomized prospective trials, in particular with standardized compositions, are required both to quantify the dose-effectrelationship in the enhancement of sexual function as well as to define the possible subgroups for specific indications.ANTI-AGING MEDICINETHE ADDED VALUE OF EXTENSIVE PRELIMINARY LABORATORY SCREENING TO VERY LOW CALORIC DIETSWITH HIGH PROTEIN CONTENTLA VALEUR AJOUTÉE DES LARGES EXAMENS DE LABORATOIRE PRÉLIMINAIRES DANS LES RÉGIMES BASSESCALORIES HYPERPROTÉINÉSFRANCINE TEMPELS(BELGIUM)Background: To date, the worldwide ratio of overweight to underweight individuals has reached unity. This number remains steadilyon the increase. Several pharmacological interventions and dietary approaches have been proven to be largely ineffective, both interms of sustained weight loss as well as improvement of cardiovascular risk factors. Due to the multifactorial etiology of obesity, clearcut management has remained elusive.To date, the use of very low caloric diets with high protein content (VLC-HP) in the treatment of obesity has proven to be both safeand effective. Considerable improvement in biomarkers of cardiovascular risk and insulin resistance is seen in the majority of patientsthat are compliant with the dietary plan.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the current literature on pharmacological and dietary treatments of overweight and obesity andthe impact on the individual changes in cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors. We included studies that addressed the influence of109