David Handelsman

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David Joshua Handelsman
Professor
NationalityAustralian
EducationUniversity of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Harbor‑UCLA Medical Center
OccupationReproductive Endocrinologist
Known forAustralia’s first Professor in Reproductive Endocrinology and Andrology
Medical career
FieldReproductive Endocrinology and Andrology
InstitutionsANZAC Research Institute
AwardsInaugural AMA Men's Health Award 2003 Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) 2018

David Joshua Handelsman, (AO) is trained in Medicine and Endocrinology. His expertise is in testicular function and androgen physiology, pharmacology, and toxicology. His experience spans basic, clinical, and public health domains including a recent focus on genetic models of androgen action, steroid mass spectrometry, and anti-doping science. He was Australia's first Professor in Reproductive Endocrinology and Andrology. He has worked in the US, Australia, and Germany. His professional involvement includes the World Health Organization (WHO) Human Reproduction Programme's Male Task Force, the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, Endocrine Society of Australia, World Anti-Doping Agency's Health, Medicine and Research Committee, and Australian Drug Evaluation Committee.

Contents

Education

Handelsman obtained his MB BS from the University of Melbourne in 1974. In 1980 he became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Endocrinology). Handlesman gained his PhD in Medicine from the University of Sydney in 1984 with a thesis titled: Testicular function in uremia: clinical and experimental studies. [1]

Career

After holding positions as the National Health and Medical Research Council ( NHMRC) Neil Hamilton Fairley Overseas Fellow working at the Harbor‑UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles from 1984 to 1985 and the Wellcome Senior Research Fellow in the Departments of Medicine & Obstetrics/Gynecology at the University of Sydney from 1987 to 1989, Handelsman was appointed Director, Andrology Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney from 1985 to 1998. From 1989 to 1996 he was associate professor, Departments of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Sydney. [2]

In 1995 Handelsman was visiting professor at the Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Munster, Germany. [2]

Handelsman become Australia's first Professor in Reproductive Endocrinology and Andrology (Personal Chair), University of Sydney. In 1999 he was founding Head of Australia's first hospital Andrology Department at Concord Hospital. He has been founding Director of the ANZAC Research Institute since 1998. [3]

During his career, Handelsman has served the maximum two terms on WHO Human Reproduction Programme's Male Task Force from 1988 to 1994 and is Ad hoc adviser to the WHO Human Reproduction Programme and United Nations Fund for Population Activities. [2] He chaired the Endocrine Society of Australia's Writing Committee which created the first Australian national guidelines that are independent of the pharmaceutical industry. These guidelines are currently endorsed as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) guidelines for the prescription of androgen. [3]

Handelsman has authored more than 300 scientific papers, supervised 17 PhD students, and 10 other graduate students with funding from peer-reviewed grants (National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and other national and international agencies) and industry contracts.He has been a peer reviewer for over 70 scientific journals and a member of the editorial board of twelve journals. [4] He was a Member of the Scientific Committee for both the first (1990) and second (1995) International Androgen Workshop supported by WHO, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the CONRAD organisation. [2]

Handelsman is a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Health, Medicine and Research Committee which monitors scientific developments in sport aiming to safeguard doping-free sport practice. [5] From 1994 to 1998 he served as an Associate Member on the Australian Drug Evaluation Committee [3] and was Principal Investigator in the proof-of-principle study that established the androgen-progestin combination as the most effective form of hormonal male contraception. [6] [7] [8]

Essendon Football Club Doping Scandal

From February 2013 until late 2016, the Essendon Football Club, a professional Australian Rules Football club playing in the Australian Football League (AFL), was investigated by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) over the legality of its supplements program during the 2012 AFL season and the preceding preseason. The various investigations received an extensive media coverage. Handelsman acted as ASADA's expert witness during the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal. [9]

The testosterone investigations and the Healthy Man study

In 2013 Handelsman published the first multinational survey of temporal trends in testosterone prescribing in response to anecdotal evidence of increased use of testosterone. The survey showed that off-label testosterone prescribing had increased because clinical guidelines endorsed testosterone prescribing for age-related functional androgen deficiency. This raised concerns because " [b]y eliminating the fundamental distinction between pathological and functional androgen deficiency, these guidelines tacitly promote increased testosterone prescribing, bypassing the requirement for high-quality clinical evidence of safety and efficacy and creating dramatic increases in prescription of testosterone products." [10]

Continuing his research, with colleagues at the ANZAC Research Centre, Handelsman carried out the Healthy Man Study. [11] Through analysis of over 300 very healthy ageing men it was found that drops in testosterone is more related to poor diet, obesity or smoking than ageing [12] [13] [14] and that the excitement about so-called manopause is “a re-emergence of the rejuvenation fantasies that recur whenever society can afford such indulgences as believing that ageing can be somehow avoided.” [15] [16]

Awards and Recognitions

Professor Handelsman has made and continues to make significant contributions nationally and internationally towards the establishment of evidence-based services for men's reproductive and general health ...His work has made it easier for men to talk about one of their big taboos - their own health.

— AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps as she presented the inaugural AMA Men's Health Award in 2003, [17]

Related Research Articles

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Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and androgen in males. In humans, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as testicles and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair. It is associated with increased aggression, sex drive, dominance, courtship display, and a wide range of behavioral characteristics. In addition, testosterone in both sexes is involved in health and well-being, where it has a significant effect on overall mood, cognition, social and sexual behavior, metabolism and energy output, the cardiovascular system, and in the prevention of osteoporosis. Insufficient levels of testosterone in men may lead to abnormalities including frailty, accumulation of adipose fat tissue within the body, anxiety and depression, sexual performance issues, and bone loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nandrolone</span> Anabolic steroid

Nandrolone, also known as 19-nortestosterone, is an endogenous androgen which exists in the male body at a ratio of 1:50 compared to testosterone. It is also an anabolic steroid (AAS) which is medically used in the form of esters such as nandrolone decanoate and nandrolone phenylpropionate. Nandrolone esters are used in the treatment of anemias, cachexia, osteoporosis, breast cancer, and for other indications. They are now used by oral administration or instead are given by injection into muscle or fat.

Hypogonadism means diminished functional activity of the gonads—the testicles or the ovaries—that may result in diminished production of sex hormones. Low androgen levels are referred to as hypoandrogenism and low estrogen as hypoestrogenism. These are responsible for the observed signs and symptoms in both males and females.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metenolone</span> Chemical compound

Metenolone, or methenolone, is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) which is used in the form of esters such as metenolone acetate and metenolone enanthate. Metenolone esters are used mainly in the treatment of anemia due to bone marrow failure. Metenolone acetate is taken by mouth, while metenolone enanthate is given by injection into muscle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nandrolone decanoate</span> Anabolic steroid

Nandrolone decanoate, sold under the brand name ROLON among others, is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication which is used primarily in the treatment of anemias and wasting syndromes, as well as osteoporosis in menopausal women. It is given by injection into muscle or fat once every one to four weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American Society for Reproductive Medicine</span> US medical association

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is a nonprofit, multidisciplinary organization for advancement of the science and practice of reproductive medicine. The society has its headquarters in Washington, D.C and its administrative office in Birmingham, Alabama.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Testosterone cypionate</span> Chemical compound

Testosterone cypionate, sold under the brand name Depo-Testosterone among others, is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication which is used mainly in the treatment of low testosterone levels in men. It is also used in hormone therapy for transgender men. It is given by injection into muscle or subcutaneously, once every one to four weeks, depending on clinical indication.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Testosterone enanthate</span> Chemical compound

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The Endocrine Society is a professional, international medical organization in the field of endocrinology and metabolism, founded in 1916 as The Association for the Study of Internal Secretions. The official name of the organization was changed to the Endocrine Society on January 1, 1952. It is a leading organization in the field and publishes four leading journals. It has more than 18,000 members from over 120 countries in medicine, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, immunology, education, industry, and allied health. The Society's mission is: "to advance excellence in endocrinology and promote its essential and integrative role in scientific discovery, medical practice, and human health."

Androgen replacement therapy (ART), often referred to as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), is a form of hormone therapy in which androgens, often testosterone, are supplemented or replaced. It typically involves the administration of testosterone through injections, skin creams, patches, gels, pills, or subcutaneous pellets. ART is often prescribed to counter the effects of male hypogonadism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Selective androgen receptor modulator</span> Class of pharmaceutical drugs

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are a class of drugs that selectively activate the androgen receptor in specific tissues, promoting muscle and bone growth while having less effect on male reproductive tissues like the prostate gland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anabolic steroid</span> Steroidal androgen that is structurally related and has similar effects to testosterone

Anabolic steroids, also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are a class of drugs that are structurally related to testosterone, the main male sex hormone, and produce effects by binding to the androgen receptor. Anabolic steroids have a number of medical uses, but are also used by athletes to increase muscle size, strength, and performance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leydig cell hypoplasia</span> Medical condition

Leydig cell hypoplasia (LCH), also known as Leydig cell agenesis, is a rare autosomal recessive genetic and endocrine syndrome affecting an estimated 1 in 1,000,000 genetic males. It is characterized by an inability of the body to respond to luteinizing hormone (LH), a gonadotropin which is normally responsible for signaling Leydig cells of the testicles to produce testosterone and other androgen sex hormones. The condition manifests itself as pseudohermaphroditism, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, reduced or absent puberty, and infertility.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Florence Comite</span> American endocrinologist

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lawley Pharmaceuticals</span> Australian pharmaceutical company

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nandrolone phenylpropionate</span> Anabolic steroid

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Testosterone buciclate</span> Chemical compound

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Testosterone (medication)</span> Medication and naturally occurring steroid hormone

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Sandro La Vignera is an Associate Professor of endocrinology, faculty of medicine at the University of Catania. He works at the University Hospital “Policlinico G. Rodolico” of Catania at the Operative Unit of Endocrinology. From 2017 present in the Top World Scientist ranking published by Plos Biology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angelica Lindén Hirschberg</span> Swedish obstetrician, gynecologist

Angelica Lindén Hirschberg is a Swedish obstetrician, gynecologist and academic. She is a professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Karolinska Institutet, Senior Consultant in the Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine and the Head of Women's Health Research Unit at the Karolinska University Hospital.

References

  1. ↑ Handelsman, D.J. (1983). "Testicular function in uremia : clinical and experimental studies". University of Sydney Library Catalogue. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "CURRICULUM VITAE - David J HANDELSMAN". www.asiaandro.com. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 "ANZAC Research Institute Board Members". www.anzac.edu.au. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  4. ↑ "Research Supervisor Profile for Professor David Handelsman - Research Supervisor Connect - University of Sydney, Australia". sydney.edu.au. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  5. ↑ "Health, Medical & Research Committee". World Anti-Doping Agency. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  6. ↑ "Australian Academy of Science - Experts- Professor David Handelsman". Curious. 18 July 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  7. ↑ Turner, Leo; Conway, Ann J.; Jimenez, Mark; Liu, Peter Y.; Forbes, Elise; McLachlan, Robert I.; Handelsman, David J. (October 2003). "Contraceptive efficacy of a depot progestin and androgen combination in men". The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 88 (10): 4659–4667. doi:10.1210/jc.2003-030107. ISSN   0021-972X. PMID   14557437.
  8. ↑ "Male contraceptive pill next step as Australian trials prove successful - National - smh.com.au". www.smh.com.au. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  9. ↑ Niall, Jake (31 March 2015). "The Essendon verdict: the inside story of the anti-doping tribunal hearing". The Age. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  10. ↑ Handelsman, David J. (21 October 2013). "Global trends in testosterone prescribing, 2000–2011: expanding the spectrum of prescription drug misuse". The Medical Journal of Australia. 199 (8): 548–551. doi:10.5694/mja13.10111. PMID   24138381. S2CID   24189824.
  11. ↑ "ANZAC Research Institute, Andrology - Projects: Healthy Male Ageing: The Healthy Man Study". www.anzac.edu.au. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  12. ↑ "Studies show testosterone offers little benefit to aging men". Ars Technica. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  13. ↑ "Healthy older men maintain healthy testosterone levels | EmaxHealth" . Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  14. ↑ "Testosterone Decline: Not Inevitable With Age?". WebMD. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  15. ↑ Baird, Julia (16 August 2014). "The testosterone industry globally is booming". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  16. ↑ Norman Swan The testosterone trials. ABC Radio National - The Health Report, 22 February 2016, retrieved 17 February 2018
  17. 1 2 "AMA 15th National Conference 2003 - AMA Men's Health Award 2003". Australian Medical Association. 30 May 2003. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  18. ↑ "The Endocrine Society of Australia - Life Members". www.endocrinesociety.org.au. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  19. ↑ Past Award Recipients: Eric Susman Prize, The Royal Australasian College of. "The Royal Australasian College of Physicians". www.racp.edu.au. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  20. 1 2 "Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia; Australia Day 2018 Honours Media Notes; Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia; Professor David Joshua Handelsman p.26" (PDF). 26 January 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 April 2018. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
  21. ↑ "Board Members-Andrology Australia". Andrology Australia. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  22. ↑ "29th Annual Meeting, April 17–24, Baltimore, Maryland: Program and Abstracts". Journal of Andrology, American Society of Andrology. Program and abstract review committee listing: 8.
  23. ↑ "David Handelsman: Committee Members 2017-2018 » SRB Society for Reproductive Biology". www.srb.org.au. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  24. ↑ "Fellowship | AAHMS – Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences". www.aahms.org. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  25. ↑ Medical Council of New South Wales - News (29 January 2018). "Top honours for NSW doctors". www.mcnsw.org.au. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
  26. ↑ "Jewish Aussies reap honours - The Australian Jewish News". The Australian Jewish News. 26 January 2018. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
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