DNA integrity and semen quality in men with low seminal antioxidant levels

Accurate transmission of information coded in the sperm genome is vital to the pre- and post-natal development of the offspring. Recent advances in reproductive biology have proposed evaluation of sperm DNA integrity as an important assessment tool to infer the presence of DNA strand breaks, numerical abnormalities in sperm chromosome complement, and alterations in the epigenetic regulation of the paternal genome. Oxidative stress (OS), characterized by increased free radicals, may lead to the production of apurine sites, apyrimidine sites, oxidation of nucleotides of sperm genome. This study was performed to assess the impact of OS on DNA integrity in sperms. 52 infertile men [oligozoospermic-13, asthenozoospermic-15, teratozoospermic-19, oligoasthenoteratozoospermic-5] and 20 fertile controls were investigated for products of lipidperoxides as malondialdehyde; antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione in seminal plasma by biochemical methods. DNA integrity of the sperms was analyzed by visual scoring method in which the comets were graded into 4 categories (A-D) on the basis of their tail length indicative of increasing levels of DNA damage. Significant increase in DNA damage (higher number of sperms in group D) in cases (oligozoospermic (O)-20%, asthenozoospermic (A)-24%, teratozoospermic (T)-28%, OAT-43%) as compared to controls (8%) was found. Increased malondialdehyde levels, abnormal sperm morphology and higher DNA damage were observed in the cases. The antioxidants superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione had a positive association with sperm count and motility while a negative association with the percentage of dead sperms and abnormal morphology was observed. This study highlights the influence of low antioxidants on sperm genome integrity and indicates sperm DNA integrity as a better and more reliable prognostic tool for infertility evaluation than simple quantitative and morphologic evaluation of spermatozoa.

Genetic screening in couples experiencing recurrent assisted procreation failure

Infertility is a major health problem affecting about 10-20% of couples in the reproductive age group. Male factor is assumed to be responsible in about 50% cases of infertility. The origin of reduced testicular sperm function is unknown in about 50-70% of cases and for such couples assisted reproduction techniques (ART) are a boon. Male infertility is often due to poor semen quality and may be associated with genetic defects. ART has revolutionized management of infertility and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the ART procedure of choice in 60-80% cases. Despite major technological advancements and professional expertise in ART, the success rate and carry-home live birth rate of ICSI is low (18-25%). This study was aimed to understand the genetic etiopathology of recurrent ART failure. For this, 110 couples with 3 or more failed ART cycles were recruited. A detailed history was taken and only idiopathic ART failure cases were enrolled for this study. They were subjected to cytogenetic and Yq microdeletion analysis. Genetic abnormalities were detected in 19 couples. Since a large number (18.2%) cases harboured genetic abnormalities, it is important for all couples opting for ART to undergo a thorough genetic analysis to prevent recurrent emotional, physical and financial stress.

Screening for Y-chromosome microdeletions in infertile Indian males: utility of simplified multiplex PCR

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Analysis of the microdeletions in the azoospermia factor (AZF) region of Y chromosome by PCR is an important screening tool in the work-up of infertile males opting for assisted reproductive techniques. In the present study, the Y chromosome microdeletions were analyzed by PCR using primers corresponding to 16 sequence tagged sites (STS) and three genes of the AZF region in infertile Indian men. Feasibility of developing a simplified multiplex PCR for screening of the Y chromosome microdeletions has been explored.

METHODS

A total of 271 male subjects were analyzed, of which, 170 were infertile patients (51 oligospermic and 119 azoospermic) and 101 were fertile controls. Subjects showing normal karyotype only were included in the study. The semen analysis was done and plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Testicular histopathology was analyzed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).

RESULTS

Y chromosome microdeletions were observed in nine out of 170 (5.29%) infertile males all of whom were azoospermic. Of the nine subjects, two had deletions in AZFa, one in AZFb, three in AZFc and three in AZFb+c regions. No deletions were observed in the infertile severe oligospermic men (< 5 million sperm/ml semen) and fertile controls. No difference in the FSH concentrations of infertile patients with and without deletions (18.36 and 18.10 mIU/ml respectively) was observed. A clear relationship between Y chromosome microdeletions and testicular phenotypes could not be established. Two multiplex PCRs were designed using 7 STSs markers, which could detect Y chromosome microdeletions in infertile male subjects as efficiently as PCR based on larger number of PCR reactions.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The multiplex PCRs described in the present study may be a suitable, cost-effective and less time consuming method for screening the Y chromosome deletions in infertile males in routine clinical diagnosis and counselling prior to assisted reproduction.

Necessity of nuclear and mitochondrial genome analysis prior to assisted reproductive techniques/intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Assisted reproductive technique (ART) has revolutionized the management of severe male factor infertility and in some countries 5% babies are conceived through ART/intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). However, the carry-home live birth rate after several ART cycles is low (18-25%) and this is financially, physically and emotionally crippling for the couples. Genetic factors could lead to pre or post-implantation failure and thus explain for low ART success rate. Thus, this study was planned to understand, if infertile men harbour genetic abnormalities which may be iatrogenically transmitted by ART and adversely affect growth potential of embryo. Ninety infertile men underwent semen, cytogenetic, Yq microdeletion and mitochondrial mutation analysis. Of these, 14.4% cases harboured cytogenetic abnormality, and 8.89% Yq microdeletions. A high frequency of mitochondrial mutations was found in 23 men with asthenospermia. It is important to understand that through ART genetic abnormalities are transmitted to offspring, resulting in impaired growth and development potential of embryo and poor take-home live birth rate. Thus, genetic analysis is strongly recommend in all men with idiopathic infertility who opt for ART to counsel couples and provide them with most adapted therapeutics.

National survey on orthotopic neobladder

OBJECTIVE

A national survey was conducted among the urologists in India to find the preference for urinary diversion after radical cystectomy for muscle invasive carcinoma of the urinary bladder, percentage of neobladder reconstruction, segment of the bowel used, complication rate, need for self-intermittent catherisation on follow up and the survival.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A detailed questionnaire was mailed to all members of the urological society of India (USI) to find out their preference for urinary diversion following radical cystectomy for muscle invasive carcinoma urinary bladder. For the neobladder reconstruction, they were asked for the type of bowel segment used, complication rate, reoperation rate, need for intermittent clean catheterisation on follow up and 5-year survival.

RESULTS

A total of 24 institutions responded to the mailed questionnaire. Of all institutions 12 (50%) did not prefer the orthotopic neobladder (ONB) reconstruction. Among the institutions carrying out neobladder reconstruction, majority perform ileal conduit in more than 50% of the cases. Ileum (66.66%) or ileocaecal (16.66%) segment was the choice of bowel segment for most of the urologists. Only three institutions used sigmoid colon. The complications encountered were wound infection (5-25%), burst abdomen (5%), urinary fistulas (3-25%), faecal fistulas (2-5%), bladder neck stenosis (5-15%) and ureterointestinal anastomosis stenosis (5-25%). The reoperation rate was 5-15% with a perioperative mortality of 0.5-3%. Around 10-100% (average 50%) of the patients require intermittent clean catherisation. Only seven institutions could provide 5-year survival rate data. Of these three institutions reported more than 50% and four institutes less than 50% 5-year survival.

CONCLUSION

Ileal conduit still remains the urinary diversion of choice following radical cystectomy for muscle invasive carcinoma of the bladder among most of the urologists in India. Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction is practiced only in selected centres. Wound infection, urinary leak and obstruction at ureterointestinal anastomosis are the main complications. Clean intermittent cathaterisation is required at an average of 50% of the patients to ensure complete emptying of the neobladder.

Azoospermia factor deletions in varicocele cases with severe oligozoospermia

BACKGROUND

Varicocele is the most common cause of male infertility. The etiology and pathophysiology of varicocele are multifactorial. When low sperm counts are associated with varicocele, varicocelectomy can partially restore spermatogenesis and fertility. Few recent studies have reported that in some varicocele cases, there may be an associated genetic etiology. Presence of a genetic factor like azoospermia factor microdeletions may lead to irreversible spermatogenic arrest in these cases, but very few reports support these findings. However, it is still not understood why some cases improve after varicocelectomy and why some cases show no improvement in semen parameters postoperatively.

AIM

It is important to distinguish varicocele cases from Yq microdeletions as these cases have irreversible testicular damage and thus carry a poor prognosis after varicocelectomy.

SETTINGS

Research and Referral tertiary care hospital.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-two infertile men with varicocele were referred for Yq microdeletion analysis from the infertility clinic of AIIMS and Army Research and Referral Hospital. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood and polymerase chain reaction microdeletion screening was done in these cases to determine the presence or deletion of AZF loci.

RESULTS

In this study 7 (9.7%) varicocele cases harbored Yq microdeletion. The sperm count in cases which harbored Yq microdeletion was significantly lower than in cases without Yq microdeletion.

CONCLUSION

Varicocele cases with Yq microdeletion do not show improvement in semen parameters post-varicocelectomy. Detection of Yq microdeletion determines prognosis and future management in such cases.

Apparent diffusion coefficient of the prostate in men prior to biopsy: determination of a cut-off value to predict malignancy of the peripheral zone

Determination of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the prostate in men (n = 60) with raised prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or an abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) prior to transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy using endorectal DWI is reported. Patients were categorized into different groups based on their PSA levels. The mean ADC was calculated from a number of regions of interest (ROIs) for the whole of the peripheral zone (PZ) and the central gland (CG). A total of 1108 ROIs were analyzed from 60 patients. The mean ADC value of the PZ was higher than that of the CG in controls. A total of 23 out of 60 patients were positive for malignancy on biopsy, and the mean ADC of the PZ was lower in these patients compared with those who were negative. Moreover, the mean ADC obtained for the whole of the PZ of the prostate in different groups of patients and controls showed a decreasing trend. A plot between PSA and mean ADC for the PZ showed non-linear association with logarithmic decrease in ADC. The mean ADC of the CG was not significantly different in patients who were positive or negative for malignancy in biopsy. In addition, a cut-off value of 1.17 x 10(-3) mm2/s (sensitivity = 73% and specificity = 74%, area under the curve = 0.83) for the mean ADC for the whole of the PZ of patients was determined by using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) to predict malignancy of the PZ.

Laparoscopic versus open radical nephrectomy for large renal tumors: a long-term prospective comparison

PURPOSE

The role of laparoscopy in the management of large renal tumors (more than 7 cm) is not clearly established. We prospectively evaluated the feasibility, safety and long-term results of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for large renal tumors (T2N0M0) and compared the results with those of open radical nephrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1998 and 2006, 112 patients with clinical stage T2N0M0 renal carcinoma underwent radical nephrectomy at our institution. Clinical data were prospectively collected after categorizing the patients into group 1-41 with laparoscopy and group 2-71 with open surgery. The choice of procedure was nonrandomized and it depended on patient and surgeon preference and experience.

RESULTS

The 2 groups were contemporary and comparable in terms of age, body mass index and mean tumor size (9.9 and 10.1 cm, respectively). Concomitant adrenalectomy was performed in 14 patients (34%) in group 1 and in 29 (41%) in group 2. Limited (hilar) lymphadenectomy was performed in 30 patients (73%) in group 1 and in 58 (81%) in group 2. Group 1 patients experienced significantly less blood loss, and had a decreased analgesic requirement, shorter hospital stay and more rapid convalescence, although they required longer operative time (180.8 vs 165.3 minutes, p=0.029). The 2 groups were followed for a similar period (mean 51.4 vs 57.2 months) and there was no difference in 5-year survival data. There were no local or port site recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for clinical stage T2 renal tumors is effective with the advantages of less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, decreased analgesic requirement and rapid recovery compared with open radical nephrectomy. Long-term results are also similar in the 2 groups of patients. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for large tumors is a technically difficult, challenging procedure and it should be attempted by surgeons with significant experience.

Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of prostate voxels identified as suspicious of malignancy on three-dimensional (1)H MR spectroscopic imaging in patients with abnormal digital rectal examination or raised prostate specific antigen level of 4-10 ng/ml

Results of the evaluation of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided needle biopsy of voxels identified as suspicious of malignancy on magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) in a large cohort of men (n = 83) with abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) [prostate specific antigen (PSA) 0-4 ng/ml] or PSA less than 10 ng/ml, are reported. Three-dimensional (1)H MRSI was carried out at 1.5 T using a pelvic-phased array coil in combination with an endorectal surface coil. Voxels were classified as suspicious of malignancy based on Cit/(Cho + Cr) metabolite ratio. TRUS-guided biopsy of suspicious voxels was performed using the z- and x-coordinates obtained from MR images and two to three cores were taken from the suspected site. A systematic sextant biopsy was also carried out. MRSI showed voxels suspicious of malignancy in 44 patients while biopsy revealed cancer in 11 patients (25%). Patients who were negative for malignancy on MRSI were also negative on biopsy. An overall sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 54%, negative predictive value of 100% and accuracy of 60% were obtained. The site of biopsy was confirmed (n = 20) as a hypo-intense area on repeat MRI while repeat MRSI revealed high choline and low citrate. The overall success rate of MRI-directed TRUS-guided biopsy of 25% was higher compared with a 9% success rate achieved without MR guidance in another group of 120 patients. Our results indicate that TRUS-guided biopsy of suspicious area identified as malignant from MRSI can be performed using the coordinates of the voxel derived from MR images. This increases the detection rate of prostate cancer in men with PSA level <10 ng/ml or abnormal DRE and also demonstrates the potential of MR in routine clinical practice.

Reconstructive Surgery for the Management of Genitourinary Tuberculosis: A Single Center Experience

PURPOSE

We evaluated the role of surgery for genitourinary tuberculosis with special emphasis on reconstructive procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Case records of 241 patients with genitourinary tuberculosis who underwent surgery at our center during a period of 17 years were reviewed. Clinical features, organ involvement, investigations, treatment and outcome of therapy were studied.

RESULTS

There were 129 males and 112 females with a mean age of 34.6 years. The most common presentation was irritative voiding symptoms. Azotemia was seen in 54 (22.4%) cases. The most commonly involved organ was the kidney in 130 (53.94%) cases. Preoperative bacteriologic diagnosis was confirmed in 70 (29%) cases. All patients received antitubercular drug therapy for 9 months. A total of 248 procedures, including 33 endoscopic, 87 ablative and 128 reconstructive, were performed with some patients requiring more than 1 procedure. Early complications, which mainly involved the bowel, were seen in 19 (7.88%) cases. Bacteriologic cure was achieved in all culture positive cases. Renal functional parameters stabilized or improved in 44 of 54 patients (81.5%) in whom they were deranged at presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Genitourinary tuberculosis is common in developing countries. Diagnosis is often delayed because of late presentation and many patients present with cicatrization sequelae. A combination of antitubercular drug therapy and judicious surgery achieves satisfactory results in the majority of cases. With improved antitubercular drug therapy and experience with the use of bowel segments in the urinary tract, more reconstructive procedures are being performed with satisfactory outcomes. In patients who undergo reconstructive procedures, a rigorous and prolonged followup is necessary.

Cytogenetic and molecular analysis of male infertility: Y chromosome deletion during nonobstructive azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia

Reduced male fertility and subfertility can be caused by genetic factors that affect both germ cell development, differentiation, and function; in particular, chromosome abnormalities and Yq microdeletions are a possible cause of spermatogenetic impairment in males as shown by their higher frequency in infertile men than in the general male population. Microdeletion of the long arm of the Y chromosome (Yq) are associated with spermatogenic failure and have been used to define three regions on Yq (AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc) that are critical for germ cell development. With the advent of assisted reproductive technology and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, knowledge about the various factors leading to spermatogenic impairment is one of the most important aspects of scientific research. Therefore, this study was designed to identify the frequency of cytogenetic and submicroscopic interstitial deletions in azoospermia factor loci in infertile Indian males. One hundred and eighty males with nonobstructive oligozoospermia and azoospermia were included in this study. Semen analysis was done in each case to determine the spermatogenic status. Individuals were subjected to detailed clinical examination, family history, and endocrinological and cytogenetic study after consent from the patient. Peripheral blood cultures were set up according to standard protocols and 30 G-banded metaphases were analyzed in each case. Numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 40 infertile cases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis was done in some cases to identify the percentage of mosaic cell lines and any cryptic or low-level mosaicism. Polymerase chain reaction microdeletion analysis was done in 140 cytogenetically normal cases. Of the 140 cases, 8 showed deletion of at least one of the sequence-tagged site markers. Review of literature has shown that the overall frequency of microdeletions varies from 1 to 55%. In the present study, the frequency of microdeletion was 5.8%, and deletions were identified in cases with undescended testis and varicocele and cases with bilateral severe testiculopathy.

Transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy for detecting early prostate cancer: An Indian experience

BACKGROUND

With the advent of prostate specific antigen the number of patients undergoing prostate biopsy has dramatically increased. The sextant biopsy technique has been conventionally used for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Recently, concern has arisen that the original sextant method may not include an adequate sample of the prostate, hence it may result in high false negative rates. We conducted a prospective study to determine whether the 5-region prostate biopsy technique significantly increases the chance of prostate cancer detection as compared to the sextant biopsy technique.

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy of TRUS guided sextant and 5-region biopsy techniques in detecting carcinoma prostate in patients with PSA between 4 and 10 ng/ml and normal digital rectal examination.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

Between December 2001 and August 2003 one forty-two men, aged 49-82 years, who presented with LUTS, normal digital rectal examination (DRE) and PSA between 4 and 10 ng/ml underwent TRUS guided sextant prostate biopsy. Serum PSA was reassessed after 3 months in patients whose biopsies were negative for cancer. If PSA was still raised, the patients underwent extensive 5-region biopsy.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 64 years and median PSA was 6.9 ng/ml. TRUS guided sextant biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma prostate in 34 men (24%). Median Gleason score was 7. Seven men (4.9%) had cellular atypia and 3(2.1%) had prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (high grade). On repeat PSA estimation after 3 months, 48 patients showed stagnant or rising trend for which they underwent TRUS guided 13-core biopsy. Five (10.4%) patients were detected to have adenocarcinoma on repeat biopsy. Biopsy negative patients are on regular follow up with yearly PSA estimation. Complications included transient mild haematuria in14 patients (9.82%) and haematospermia in 4 (2.8%). Urinary retention developed in one patient and required an indwelling catheter for 4 days.

CONCLUSION

Transrectal ultrasound guided sextant biopsy has shown a false negative rate of approximately 11%. A repeat 5- region (13-core) biopsy strategy can decrease the false negative rate of conventional sextant biopsy in patients with previously negative biopsies but persistently high PSA levels, high grade PIN or cellular atypia.

Role of testicular fine-needle aspiration cytology in infertile men with clinically obstructive azoospermia

BACKGROUND

Azoospermia due to obstruction of the vaso-epididymal junction is one of the few surgically correctable causes of male infertility. In patients where all clinical and laboratory parameters suggest a vaso-epididymal junction block amenable to surgery, failure to find normal spermatogenesis on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the testis may necessitate a change in treatment modality to the more expensive intracytoplasmic sperm injection. We evaluated the validity of FNAC findings in predicting failure of surgical exploration when clinical parameters suggest otherwise.

METHODS

Infertile, azoospermic men in whom the semen volume and fructose content, testis size, follicle-stimulating hormone level were normal and the vas deferens was palpable with no evident cause for obstruction, underwent FNAC of the testis to confirm the presence of normal spermatogenesis before surgical exploration. Men with hypospermatogenesis or maturation arrest on FNAC and a normal karyotype with absence of Y chromosome microdeletion were offered assisted reproduction or surgical exploration to identify a reconstructable obstruction. Men who chose surgery were included in the study and the findings on exploration were compared with the FNAC reports.

RESULTS

Of the 10 men who satisfied the inclusion criteria, 6 had hypospermatogenesis and in 4 FNAC showed maturation arrest. On surgical exploration, none had sperm in the epididymis. A biopsy of the testis taken at the time of exploration confirmed the FNAC findings.

CONCLUSION

Clinical parameters are insufficient for diagnosing obstructive azoospermia. FNAC can accurately evaluate the testicular pathology and predict whether or not surgical exploration should be undertaken.

Renal cell carcinoma with giant common bile duct stone: a feasible surgical approach

A 65-year-old man who presented with right renal mass and a giant CBD stone. The patient was managed with right radical nephrectomy and choledocotomy. Both the lesions of two different systems could be easily accessed via a subcostal incision in the same sitting.

Lycopene: a novel drug therapy in hormone refractory metastatic prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

In a prospective study we evaluated the efficacy of lycopene for the treatment of patients with metastatic hormone refractory prostate cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between January 2001 and December 2002, 20 consecutive patients (median age 72; range 56-90) with metastatic HRPC were enrolled in the study. Lycopene in the dose of 10 mg/day was administered for a period of 3 months. Inclusion criteria were patients previously treated with hormonal therapy now with clinical and biochemical evidence of disease progression. A complete response (CR) was defined as a normalization of PSA (<4 ng/mL) and the disappearance of any sign of disease for at least 8 weeks. A partial response was defined as a >50% decrease in PSA level for at least 8 weeks associated with improvement (or no worsening) in ECOG PS and relief of bone pain if present. Stable disease (SD) was defined as a <50% decrease or <25% increase in the PSA level associated with no worsening of ECOG PS and/or bone pain for at least 8 weeks.

RESULTS

One patient (5%) had complete response. Partial response was achieved in 6 (30%), disease remained stable in 10 (50%) and progressed in three (15%) patients. ECOG PS was Grade 0 in five, Grade I in 10 and Grade II in five of the 20 patients. It improved from Grade I to 0 in seven and Grade II to I in three patients. It deteriorated in three and remained unchanged in the rest seven patients. Bone pain was present in 16 (Grade 1 in six and Grade 2 in 10) of the 20 patients. Grade 1 changed to Grade 0 in five and Grade II changed to Grade 1 in five patients. Bone pain remained unchanged in 5 (31%) and worsened in 1 (6%). Ten (62%) patients managed to cut down the dose of analgesics on daily basis. Eighteen patients had associated LUTS, which improved (Q max > or = 12 mL/sec) in 11 (61%) patients. The median duration of response was 25 weeks (range 12-72 weeks). No drug intolerance or toxicity was encountered in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Lycopene therapy appears to be effective and safe in the treatment of HRPC. It not only takes care of the rising PSA but also improves the ECOG performance status, bone pain and LUTS. Because of its relative innocuousness it should be tried before the use of more toxic substances.

Holmium laser core through internal urethrotomy with explantation of UroLume stent. An ideal approach for a complicated posterior urethral stricture

Although the UroLume wallstent has been proven effective in the treatment of recurrent urethral stricture, obstruction may recur in some cases. A likely cause of obstruction is hyperplastic tissue reaction, which may necessitate the removal of the stent. The hyperplastic tissue reaction may be severe, resulting in a completely obliterative stricture. Stent removal with a completely obliterative stricture and the stent in situ is a tedious job, as there is no lumen in which to place the laser fiber to cut the stent wires. We report on a patient in whom a UroLume urethral stent was placed one year ago for post-traumatic recurrent bulbomembranous urethral stricture. The stricture recurred in spite of the stent in place and the lumen was finally completely obliterated. A holmium laser was used for core through internal urethrotomy and the explantation of the stent.

Yq microdeletions--azoospermia factor candidate genes and spermatogenic arrest

In the last few years considerable progress has been made in the study of sperm physiology and the biology of gamete interaction, furthering our understanding of the pathophysiology of male infertility. With the advent of assisted reproductive technology and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, study of the various factors leading to spermatogenic impairment has become a major focus of scientific research. Understanding the genetic factors that lead to infertility has taken on a certain urgency, as we have learned not only of the transmission to male offspring of spermatogenic impairment, but that these offspring may also be born with a secondary, larger deletion with worsening of phenotype and genital ambiguity. Ten to twenty-five percent of couples encounter difficulty procreating. Microdeletions of the long arm of the Y chromosome are associated with spermatogenic failure and have been used to define three regions on Yq (AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc) that are critical for spermatogenesis. This study was conceived in order to identify the frequency of submicroscopic interstitial deletions in azoospermia factor loci in infertile Indian males. One hundred and seventy five males with nonobstructive oligozoospermia and azoospermia were included in this study. Semen analysis was done in each case to determine the spermatogenic status-normospermic, oligozoospermic (< 20 million sperm/mL), or azoospermic (no sperm in the semen). Detailed medical, clinical, reproductive, and family histories were taken of each patient. Thirty G-banded metaphases were analyzed in each case and polymerase chain reaction microdeletion analysis was done in 133 cytogenetically normal cases. For this genomic, DNA was extracted using peripheral blood. The sequence tagged site primers tested in each case were sY84, sY86 (AZFa); sY113, sY116, sY127, sY134 (AZFb); sY254, sY255 (AZFc). Polymerase chain reaction amplifications found to be negative were repeated at least three times to confirm the deletion of a given marker. The polymerase chain reaction products were analyzed on a 1.8% agarose gel. Eight of the 133 cases showed deletion of at least one of the sequence tagged site markers. Review of the literature has shown that the overall frequency of microdeletions varies from 1% to 55%. In the present study the frequency of microdeletion was 6.01%. Deletions were detected in cases with known and unknown etiology with bilateral severe testiculopathy.

Holmium laser core-through urethrotomy for traumatic obliterative strictures of urethra: Initial experience

OBJECTIVES

To determine the safety and efficacy of holmium laser core-through urethrotomy (HolCTU) for the treatment of post-traumatic obliterative stricture of the urethra.

METHODS

From June 2002 to March 2003, 29 men underwent the core-through procedure. All the patients had obliterative strictures of the bulbomembranous urethra. The length of the stricture was 2.5 cm or less, with good alignment between the two urethral ends. The holmium laser was used to vaporize the obliterative fibrotic tissue. The procedure was guided by a metal sound introduced through the suprapubic tract. Catheter removal and voiding cystourethrography were done at 6 weeks after the procedure and urethroscopy 1 month after catheter removal.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 15 months (range 10 to 19), the results were excellent in 19 (65.51%) of 29 patients. Nine (31.03%) had acceptable results; these patients failed to maintain good flow after HolCTU and required internal urethrotomy/endoscopic dilation once or twice for stabilization (maximal flow rate 15 mL/s or greater). Failure was seen in 1 patient (3.44%) who had recurrent obstruction despite repeated internal urethrotomy and finally required formal transpubic urethroplasty. The mean operating time was 40 minutes (range 30 to 90), with mean hospital stay of 8 hours (range 6 to 48). No perioperative complications occurred, except in 1 patient who developed small extravasation of fluid locally. All the patients were continent, and potency status was unaffected by HolCTU.

CONCLUSIONS

HolCTU is a safe and simple treatment for obliterative urethral strictures. The procedure is less morbid than open repair with a slightly greater failure rate.

von Hippel-Lindau disease with bilateral multiple renal cell carcinoma managed by right radical nephrectomy and left repeat partial nephrectomy

von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by cysts and cystadenoma in the kidney, pancreas and epididymis and angiomas of the central nervous system and retina as well as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), phaeochromocytoma, islet tumors of the pancreas, and endolympatic sac tumors. VHL for its multicentric-characteristic and bilateralism often puts the surgeon in challenging situation. We present a case of VHL with bilateral RCC and retinal angiomas managed with right radical nephrectomy and left repeat partial nephrectomy.

Fertility preserving radical cystectomy in a young female with malignant mesenchymal tumour of urinary bladder

Fertility preserving radical cystectomy has been reported in young males with leiomyosarcoma and transitional cell carcinoma but not in females. We present a case of 19-year-old lady with mesenchymal tumour of urinary bladder with myogenic differentiation who was managed with fertility preserving radical cystectomy. As the patient was just 19-year-old a consensus was made to preserve the internal genitalia (both the ovaries and uterus) in order to restore the fertility. Immunohistochemistry was compatible with mesenchymal tumour with myogenic differentiation. Adjuvant chemotherapy (Ifosfamide, CDDP and Etocid) was given. Patient is doing well at a follow-up of 6 months.

Stone fragility: its therapeutic implications in shock wave lithotripsy of upper urinary tract stones

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the impact of stone composition on stone fragility (fragmentation) and clearance of upper urinary tract stones after shock wave lithotripsy (SWL).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 1st July 1998 and 31st July 2001, 300 renal and ureteric units of 290 patients (10 being bilateral) underwent SWL for upper urinary tract calculi. The degree of fragmentation was divided into four types: (I) Excellent, (II) Good, (III) Fair and (IV) No fragmentation. Stone composition was done by X-ray diffraction crystallography. A statistical comparison was made between degree of fragmentation, number of shock waves delivered, voltage setting, number of sessions required and requirements of adjuvant procedures according to the stone composition.

RESULTS

Stone analysis revealed that 90% of the patients had calcium oxalate stones. Of these 80% were calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and 20% calcium oxalate dehydrate (COD). Struvite, apatite and uric acid stones comprised of 6%, 3% and 1% respectively. Type-I fragmentation was achieved up to 63.96%, 50% and 100% in COD, struvite and uric stones respectively as compared to 44.9% and 44.44% for COM and apatite stones. Type-III fragmentation was seen up to 8.79% and 33.3% respectively in COM and apatite as compared to 5.55% or less in other types of the stones suggesting that COM and apatite stones produce larger fragments. The mean number of shock waves, voltage and number of treatments was significantly higher for COM and apatite stones (p value < 0.005) with a stone free rate of only 65-66% and 65-68% respectively at three months (p value < 0.001). Similarly the number of adjuvant procedures required in COM alone was more, i.e. 31 as compared to 17 procedures in rest of the other kinds of stones (p value < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Stone composition in Indian subcontinent is different from the western world. Fragility of a stone varies with the composition of the stone and affects the therapeutic results.

Dorsal buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty by a ventral sagittal urethrotomy and minimal-access perineal approach for anterior urethral stricture

OBJECTIVE

To present the technique of dorsal buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty through a ventral sagittal urethrotomy and minimal access perineal approach for anterior urethral stricture.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From July 2001 to December 2002, 12 patients with a long anterior urethral stricture had the anterior urethra reconstructed, using a one-stage urethroplasty with a dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft through a ventral sagittal urethrotomy. The urethra was approached via a small perineal incision irrespective of the site and length of the stricture. The penis was everted through the perineal wound. No urethral dissection was used on laterally or dorsally, so as not to jeopardize the blood supply.

RESULTS

The mean (range) length of the stricture was 5 (3-16) cm and the follow-up 12 (10-16) months. The results were good in 11 of the 12 patients. One patient developed a stricture at the proximal anastomotic site and required optical internal urethrotomy.

CONCLUSION

Dorsal buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty via a minimal access perineal approach is a simple technique with a good surgical outcome; it does not require urethral dissection and mobilization and hence preserves the blood supply.