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Li Y, Zhou Y, Ma T, Dai J, Li H, Pan Q, Luo W. Research progress on the role of autophagy in the development of varicocele. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100894. [PMID: 38776742 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Varicocele (VC) is a common cause of infertility in men. Pathophysiological changes caused by VC, such as testicular hypoxia, high temperatures, oxidative stress, abnormal reproductive hormones, and Cd accumulation, can induce autophagy, thus affecting the reproductive function in patients with this condition. Autophagy regulators can be classified as activators or inhibitors. Autophagy activators upregulate autophagy, reduce the damage to the testis and epididymis, inhibit spermatogenic cell apoptosis, and protect fertility. In contrast, autophagy inhibitors block autophagy and aggravate the damage to the reproductive functions. Therefore, elucidating the role of autophagy in the occurrence, development, and regulation of VC may provide additional therapeutic options for men with infertility and VC. In this review, we briefly describe the progress made in autophagy research in the context of VC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqing Li
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yulan Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianzhong Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaze Dai
- Medical Laboratory Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongbo Li
- Medical Laboratory Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingjun Pan
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wenying Luo
- Medical Laboratory Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.
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Lira Neto FT, Roque M, Esteves SC. Effect of varicocele and varicocelectomy on sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation rates in infertile men with clinical varicocele. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2024; 76:49-69. [PMID: 36222786 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.22.05169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Varicocele is the leading cause of male infertility. It can affect sperm quantity and quality through various non-mutually exclusive pathophysiological mechanisms, mainly oxidative stress. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species may overwhelm the sperm's defenses against oxidative stress and harm the sperm's DNA. Excessive sperm DNA breaks, so-called sperm DNA fragmentation, result from the oxidative stress cascade and are commonly found in the ejaculates of men with varicocele and fertility-related issues. Measuring sperm DNA fragmentation can provide valuable information on the extent of harm and might help select candidates for surgical treatment. Varicocelectomy is beneficial for alleviating oxidative stress-associated infertility and improving sperm DNA integrity. However, reproductive outcomes of infertile men with elevated sperm DNA fragmentation rates and surgically treated varicoceles remain poorly studied, and there is a need for well-designed trials to determine the impact of sperm DNA fragmentation reduction on natural and medically assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe T Lira Neto
- AndrosRecife, Andrology Clinic, Recife, Brazil
- Department of Urology, Prof. Fernando Figueira Institute of Integrative Medicine, Recife, Brazil
| | - Matheus Roque
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Mater Prime, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Referral Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, Brazil -
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Nistal M, Paniagua R, González-Peramato P, Reyes-Múgica M. Perspectives in Pediatric Pathology, Chapter 20. Adolescent Varicocele. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2017; 19:360-370. [PMID: 25105427 DOI: 10.2350/14-06-1515-pb.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Varicocele is characterized by elongation, dilatation, and tortuosity of the veins draining the testis and its covers, causing circulatory reflux along the inner spermatic vein [ 1 ]. Varicocele results in progressive testicular lesions and, if untreated, can lead to testicular atrophy [ 2 ]. Varicocele is considered the most frequently identified cause of male infertility [ 3 ]. The mechanisms involved in varicocele formation are not well known and probably are multiple, differing from one patient to another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Nistal
- 1 Department of Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo No. 2, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Ricardo Paniagua
- 2 Department of Cell Biology, Universidad de Alcala, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar González-Peramato
- 1 Department of Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo No. 2, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Miguel Reyes-Múgica
- 3 Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
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Kleszczewski T, Kleszczewska E, Buzun L, Modzelewska B. Levels of l-ascorbic acid and cadmium in the saphenous vein of patients with coronary artery disease are negatively correlated. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2016; 36:22-6. [PMID: 27259348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was the simultaneous determination of levels of cadmium and l-ascorbic Acid (AA) in human saphenous vein (SV) used in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and check whether there is a relationship between these levels. METHODS Human SV were collected from 40 patients (20 men and 20 women; age, 40-75 years) at the time of routine coronary artery surgical revascularization. The concentration of cadmium in the tissue was determined according to the GF AAS-atomic absorption method. The concentration of AA was assayed in supernatant by FIA method with spectrophotometric detection. RESULTS AA concentration (mean±SD); men: 98,7±13,18μg/g tissue, women: 96,06±11,98μg/g tissue. Cadmium concentration(mean±SD); men: 309±103,71ng/g tissue, women: 348,5±255,71ng/g tissue. Correlations among concentrations of AA and cadmium were insignificant negative in the group of men (Pearson r=-0,1504, p=0,5269) and in the group women (Pearson r=-0339, p=0144). CONCLUSIONS Negative correlations among concentrations of AA and cadmium in human SV obtained in our study may indicate a protective effect of this vitamin in relation to toxic cadmium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Kleszczewski
- Department of Biophysics, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland.
| | - Ewa Kleszczewska
- Institute of Health Care, Higher Vocational School of Suwałki, Poland
| | - Leszek Buzun
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland and Department of Cardiac Surgery and The Regional Specialist Hospital in Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Beata Modzelewska
- Department of Biophysics, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
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Lee JD, Lee MH. Metallothionein overexpression of bladder biopsies associated with tissue hypoxia in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. Int J Urol 2014; 21:719-23. [DOI: 10.1111/iju.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jane-Dar Lee
- Division of Urology; Department of Surgery; Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital; Taichung Taiwan
- Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology; Taichung Taiwan
| | - Ming-Huei Lee
- Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology; Taichung Taiwan
- Department of Urology; Feng-Yuan Hospital; Ministry of Health and Welfare; Taichung Taiwan
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Sheehan MM, Ramasamy R, Lamb DJ. Molecular mechanisms involved in varicocele-associated infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:521-6. [PMID: 24643631 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0200-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is a pathologic enlargement of the pampiniform venous plexus within the spermatic cord, a condition that is a common cause of impaired sperm production and decreased quality of sperm. While varicocele is the most common surgically correctable risk factor for male infertility, not all males with varicocele experience infertility. In fact, most men with varicocele have normal spermatogenesis. Despite its prevalence, the molecular mechanisms of varicocele and its effect on testicular function are yet to be completely understood. We postulate that men with varicocele-associated infertility could have preexisting genetic lesions or defects in molecular mechanisms that make them more susceptible to varicocele-mediated testicular injury affecting spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Sheehan
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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Lee JD, Lee MH. Decreased expression of zonula occludens-1 and occludin in the bladder urothelium of patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. J Formos Med Assoc 2014; 113:17-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2012.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Revised: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Agarwal A, Hamada A, Esteves SC. Insight into oxidative stress in varicocele-associated male infertility: part 1. Nat Rev Urol 2012; 9:678-90. [PMID: 23165403 DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2012.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Varicocele is recognized as the leading cause of male infertility because it can impair spermatogenesis through several distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. Current evidence supports oxidative stress as a key element in the pathophysiology of varicocele-related infertility, although these mechanisms have not yet been fully described. Measurement of the reactive oxygen species and other markers of oxidative stress, including the levels of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase, can provide valuable information on the extent of oxidative stress and might guide therapeutic management strategies. The testis can respond to varicocele-associated cell stressors, such as heat stress, ischaemia or production of vasodilators (for example, nitric oxide) at the expense of the generation of excessive reactive oxygen species. These responses have their own implications in exacerbating the underlying oxidative stress and on the subsequent infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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Lee JD, Yang WK, Lee TH. Increased Expression of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1alpha and Bcl-2 in Varicocele and Varicose Veins. Ann Vasc Surg 2012; 26:1100-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2011.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2011] [Revised: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lee JD, Lai CH, Yang WK, Lee TH. Increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and metallothionein in varicocele and varicose veins. Phlebology 2012; 27:409-15. [DOI: 10.1258/phleb.2011.011051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective The increased blood stasis and venous volume pressure causing tissue hypoxia are observed in both varicocele and varicose veins. Metallothionein (MT), a metal-binding protein, protects against cell apoptosis under hypoxic stress. It also plays an important role in collateral flow recovery and angiogenesis. We studied the distribution of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and MT in varicocele and varicose veins. Methods The study specimens consisted of 1 cm venous segments that were obtained from 12 male patients during vascular stripping surgery for varicose veins and 1 cm of internal spermatic vein (ISV) obtained from 12 patients during left varicocele repair. The control samples of 1 cm ISV were obtained from 10 male patients who underwent left inguinal herniorrhaphy. All vascular specimens were analysed for HIF-1α and MT expression by immunoblotting, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and confocal microscopy. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's comparison test. Results In both venous diseases, the increased expression of HIF-1α and MT compared with the control group ( P < 0.05) and most of the proteins distributed over smooth muscle layers were detected by IHC staining; HIF-1α and MT in the muscle layer with co-localization, and MT overexpression especially located in the endothelium of both venous diseases under confocal microscopy. Conclusions Our results revealed the higher expression of HIF-1α and MT in varicocele and varicose veins than in the control group; MT overexpression in the muscle layer of both diseased vessels and especially located in the endothelium under confocal microscopy. MT has the function to protect vascular cells from apoptosis under hypoxia. Thus, this MT function may cause a decreased vascular cell apoptosis and then contribute to the dilated and thickened walls of varicocele and varicose veins.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-D Lee
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital
- Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology
| | - C-H Lai
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital
| | - W-K Yang
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - T-H Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Inverse correlation between metallothioneins and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha in colonocytes and experimental colitis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 416:307-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Lee JD, Lee MH. Increased Expression of Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1α and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Associated With Glomerulation Formation in Patients With Interstitial Cystitis. Urology 2011; 78:971.e11-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2011.05.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2011] [Revised: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Oliveira A, Neto A, Almeida C, Silva-Ramos M, Versos R, Barros A, Sousa M, Carvalho F. Comparative study of gene expression in patients with varicocele by microarray technology. Andrologia 2011; 44 Suppl 1:260-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01173.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Esteves SC, Miyaoka R, Agarwal A. Surgical treatment of male infertility in the era of intracytoplasmic sperm injection - new insights. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2011; 66:1463-78. [PMID: 21915501 PMCID: PMC3161229 DOI: 10.1590/s1807-59322011000800026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2011] [Revised: 04/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology is an evolving area, and several adjuvant procedures have been created to increase a couple's chance of conceiving. For male infertility, the current challenges are to properly accommodate old and new techniques that are both cost-effective and evidence-based. In this context, urologists are expected to diagnose, counsel, provide medical or surgical treatment whenever possible and/or correctly refer male patients for assisted conception. Urologists are sometimes part of a multiprofessional team in an assisted reproduction unit and are responsible for the above-cited tasks as well as the surgical retrieval of sperm from either the epididymides or testicles. We present a comprehensive review of the surgical treatment options for infertile males, including the perioperative planning and prognostic aspects, with an emphasis on the role of microsurgery in the optimization of treatment results. This review also discusses current techniques for sperm retrieval that are used in association with assisted reproductive technology and includes sperm retrieval success rates according to the technique and the type of azoospermia. New insights are provided with regard to each surgical treatment option in view of the availability of assisted conception to overcome male infertility.
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Lee JD, Yang WK, Lai CH. Involved intrinsic apoptotic pathway in the varicocele and varicose veins. Ann Vasc Surg 2010; 24:768-74. [PMID: 20471212 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2010.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2009] [Revised: 08/27/2009] [Accepted: 02/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disordered programmed cell death may play a role in the development of venous diseases. Tissue hypoxia caused by blood stagnation and venous hypertension is the similar etiology of varicocele and varicose veins. We studied the vascular histopathology and determined whether there is the same apoptotic pathway in both venous diseases. METHODS The study groups consisted of 1-cm venous segments obtained from 10 patients during vascular stripping surgery for varicose saphenous vein and 1 cm of internal spermatic veins obtained from 12 patients during left varicocele repair. The control samples of 1 cm internal spermatic vein were obtained from 10 male patients who underwent left inguinal herniorrhaphy. The three layers of vascular histology were measured and compared by Masson trichrome stain, and the apoptotic proteins including Bcl-2, Fas, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-8, and cleaved caspase-3 were detected. Data were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's comparison test. RESULTS The relative thickness of intima and adventitia layer was smaller in both study groups than in the control group. But a significant hypertrophy of media layer was observed in the varicocele and varicose veins than in the control group (p < 0.05). Overexpression of Bcl-2 and decreased expressions of cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3 was observed in both study groups. There is no statistical difference in Fas and cleaved caspase-8 expressions in the control and study groups. CONCLUSION Our data showed vascular smooth muscle hypertrophy in the diseased vessels. The same dysregulation of apoptosis through intrinsic pathway was demonstrated in varicocele and varicose veins under tissues hypoxia. This mechanism of reduced apoptosis might contribute to the dilated and thickened walls of both venous diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane-Dar Lee
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Yi CC, Yang WK, Lee JD. Overexpression of Metallothionein in the Endothelium of Varicocele Veins—A Study Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. UROLOGICAL SCIENCE 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1879-5226(10)60008-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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