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Qi L, Liu YP, Zhang NN, Su YC. Predictors of testicular sperm retrieval in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia: a review. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211002703. [PMID: 33794677 PMCID: PMC8020245 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211002703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia is divided into two categories of obstructive azoospermia and
non-obstructive azoospermia. Before 1995, couples with a male partner diagnosed
with non-obstructive azoospermia had to choose sperm donation or adoption to
have a child. Currently, testicular sperm aspiration or micro-dissection
testicular sperm extraction combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection
allows patients with non-obstructive azoospermia to have biological offspring.
The sperm retrieval rate is significantly higher in micro-dissection testicular
sperm extraction compared with testicular sperm aspiration. Additionally,
micro-dissection testicular sperm extraction has the advantages of minimal
invasion, safety, limited disruption of testicular function, a low risk of
postoperative intratesticular bleeding, and low serum testosterone
concentrations. Failed micro-dissection testicular sperm extraction has
significant emotional and financial implications on the involved couples.
Testicular sperm aspiration and micro-dissection testicular sperm extraction
have the possibility of failure. Therefore, predicting the sperm retrieval rate
before surgery is important. This narrative review summarizes the existing data
on testicular sperm aspiration and micro-dissection testicular sperm extraction
to identify the possible factor(s) that can predict the presence of sperm to
guide clinical practice. The predictors of surgical sperm retrieval in patients
with non-obstructive azoospermia have been widely studied, but there is no
consensus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Qi
- Department of Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Department of Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ya P Liu
- Department of Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Department of Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Nan N Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ying C Su
- Department of Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Department of Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Kang C, Punjani N, Schlegel PN. Reproductive Chances of Men with Azoospermia Due to Spermatogenic Dysfunction. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10071400. [PMID: 33807489 PMCID: PMC8036343 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10071400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), or lack of sperm in the ejaculate due to spermatogenic dysfunction, is the most severe form of infertility. Men with this form of infertility should be evaluated prior to treatment, as there are various underlying etiologies for NOA. While a significant proportion of NOA men have idiopathic spermatogenic dysfunction, known etiologies including genetic disorders, hormonal anomalies, structural abnormalities, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, infection and inflammation may substantively affect the prognosis for successful treatment. Despite the underlying etiology for NOA, most of these infertile men are candidates for surgical sperm retrieval and subsequent use in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In this review, we describe common etiologies of NOA and clinical outcomes following surgical sperm retrieval and ICSI.
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Corona G, Minhas S, Giwercman A, Bettocchi C, Dinkelman-Smit M, Dohle G, Fusco F, Kadioglou A, Kliesch S, Kopa Z, Krausz C, Pelliccione F, Pizzocaro A, Rassweiler J, Verze P, Vignozzi L, Weidner W, Maggi M, Sofikitis N. Sperm recovery and ICSI outcomes in men with non-obstructive azoospermia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:733-757. [PMID: 31665451 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Factor affecting sperm retrieval rate (SRR) or pregnancy rates (PR) after testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) have not been systematically evaluated. In addition, although micro-TESE (mTESE) has been advocated as the gold standard for sperm retrieval in men with NOA, its superiority over conventional TESE (cTESE) remains conflicting. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective was to perform a meta-analysis of the currently available studies comparing the techniques of sperm retrieval and to identify clinical and biochemical factors predicting SRR in men with NOA. In addition, PRs and live birth rates (LBRs), as derived from subjects with NOA post-ICSI, were also analysed as secondary outcomes. SEARCH METHODS An extensive Medline, Embase and Cochrane search was performed. All trials reporting SRR derived from cTESE or mTESE in patients with NOA and their specific determinants were included. Data derived from genetic causes of NOA or testicular sperm aspiration were excluded. OUTCOMES Out of 1236 studies, 117 studies met the inclusion criteria for this study, enrolling 21 404 patients with a mean age (± SD) of 35.0 ± 2.7 years. cTESE and mTESE were used in 56 and 43 studies, respectively. In addition, 10 studies used a mixed approach and 8 studies compared cTESE with mTESE approach. Overall, a SRR per TESE procedure of 47[45;49]% (mean percentage [95% CI]) was found. No differences were observed when mTESE was compared to cTESE (46[43;49]% for cTESE versus 46[42;49]% for mTESE). Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that SRR per cycle was independent of age and hormonal parameters at enrolment. However, the SRR increased as a function of testis volume. In particular, by applying ROC curve analysis, a mean testis volume higher than 12.5 ml predicted SRR >60% with an accuracy of 86.2% ± 0.01. In addition, SRR decreased as a function of the number of Klinefelter's syndrome cases included (S = -0.02[-0.04;-0.01]; P < 0.01. I = 0.12[-0.05;0.29]; P = 0.16). Information on fertility outcomes after ICSI was available in 42 studies. Overall, a total of 1096 biochemical pregnancies were reported (cumulative PR = 29[25;32]% per ICSI cycle). A similar rate was observed when LBR was analysed (569 live births with a cumulative LBR = 24[20;28]% per ICSI cycle). No influence of male and female age, mean testis volume or hormonal parameters on both PR and LBR per ICSI cycle was observed. Finally, a higher PR per ICSI cycle was observed when the use of fresh sperm was compared to cryopreserved sperm (PR = 35[30;40]%, versus 20[13;29]% respectively): however, this result was not confirmed when cumulative LBR per ICSI cycle was analysed (LBR = 30[20;41]% for fresh versus 20[12;31]% for cryopreserved sperm). WIDER IMPLICATIONS This analysis shows that cTESE/mTESE in subjects with NOA results in SRRs of up to 50%, with no differences when cTESE was compared to mTESE. Retrieved sperms resulted in a LBR of up to 28% ICSI cycle. Although no difference between techniques was found, to conclusively clarify if one technique is superior to the other, there is a need for a sufficiently powered and well-designed randomized controlled trial to compare mTESE to cTESE in men with NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Endocrinology Unit, Azienda Usl Bologna Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Urology, Imperial College NHS Healthcare, London, UK
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Carlo Bettocchi
- Department of Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Gert Dohle
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ferdinando Fusco
- Department of Neurosciences, Human Reproduction and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ates Kadioglou
- Department of Urology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, University of Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology (CeRA), Münster University Hospital (UKM), Münster, Germany
| | - Zsolt Kopa
- Andrology Centre, Department of Urology Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Inconguence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Fiore Pelliccione
- Diabetes and Metabolism Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda ASL 02 Chieti-Lanciano-Vasto, F. Renzetti Hospital, Lanciano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pizzocaro
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University and Humanitas Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jens Rassweiler
- Department of Urology, SLK-Kliniken Heilbronn, University of Heidelberg, Heilbronn, Germany
| | - Paolo Verze
- Department of Neurosciences, Human Reproduction and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Inconguence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Weidner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mario Maggi
- Diabetes and Metabolism Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda ASL 02 Chieti-Lanciano-Vasto, F. Renzetti Hospital, Lanciano, Italy
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
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Alhalabi M. Predictive value of serum Inhibin-B levels as an indicator of the presence of testicular spermatozoa in non-obstructive azoospermia. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Xu T, Peng L, Lin X, Li J, Xu W. Predictors for successful sperm retrieval of salvage microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE) following failed TESE in nonobstructive azoospermia patients. Andrologia 2016; 49. [PMID: 27444399 DOI: 10.1111/and.12642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xu
- Department of Urology; The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University; Harbin China
| | - Li Peng
- Department of Urology; The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University; Harbin China
| | - Xiangguo Lin
- Department of Urology; The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University; Harbin China
| | - Jingjia Li
- Department of Urology; The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University; Harbin China
| | - Wanhai Xu
- Department of Urology; The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University; Harbin China
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Grunewald S, Glander HJ, Paasch U, Kratzsch J. Age-dependent inhibin B concentration in relation to FSH and semen sample qualities: a study in 2448 men. Reproduction 2013; 145:237-44. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Inhibin B is an important serum marker of spermatogenesis, whereas sensitivity and predicting power for the spermatogenic situation at several ages are under debate. We performed a retrospective analysis of data from 2448 men who attended our University-based male infertility clinic to evaluate inhibin B in relation to age and semen sample qualities in comparison with FSH. Moreover, the range of inhibin B in 82 nonobstructive azoospermic patients was correlated with the sperm retrieval in testicular sperm extraction procedures. Inhibin B correlated with FSH (Spearman rank correlation (R)=−0.50; P<0.00001). Inhibin B and inhibin B/FSH ratio (IFR) showed an inverse U-shaped dependence on age, whereas FSH showed a U-shaped dependence on age (optimum 20–40 years). However, in men with normal spermiograms inhibin B concentrations did not differ between age groups. Their levels of inhibin B amounted to 130.5, 54.5–247 ng/l (median, 10th–90th precentile), and of IFR to 38.3, 12.5–104.8 (median, 10th–90th percentile), which might be taken as the reference range. Using the 10th percentile of IFR, correct classification in normal or pathological semen groups was achieved in 99.1%. The percentage of aniline blue-negative spermatozoa, i.e. mature spermatozoa with protamines, did not correlate with FSH (P>0.05) but with inhibin B (R=0.15, P<0.001). The probability of retrieving testicular spermatozoa decreased with declining inhibin B: <20 ng/l sperm could never be found. Our results from a large group of men with a wide spectrum of semen qualities allow estimating reference values for inhibin B and IFR. Inhibin B and especially the IFR are more sensitive markers of male infertility than FSH alone.
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Mitchell V, Robin G, Boitrelle F, Massart P, Marchetti C, Marcelli F, Rigot JM. Correlation between testicular sperm extraction outcomes and clinical, endocrine and testicular histology parameters in 120 azoospermic men with normal serum FSH levels. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY 2011; 34:299-305. [PMID: 20695924 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2010.01094.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and hormonal profiles, sperm extraction outcomes and testicular histology parameters in 120 azoospermic men with normal serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level. Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) and testicular sperm extraction (TESE) were performed in 33 and 87 cases, respectively. Sperm were successfully retrieved in all the MESA procedures and in 65 of the TESE procedures. The mean serum FSH and inhibin B levels and the testicular volume differed significantly according to whether or not sperm were retrieved. The threshold serum inhibin B value for predicting successful TESE was 123.5pg/mL (sensitivity: 69.7%; specificity: 66.7%). The 13 patients with Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCOS) had a higher mean serum FSH level and a lower mean serum inhibin B level than the other phenotypes. TESE was negative for 11 of the 13 SCOS men. The mean±SD inhibin B level was significantly lower in patients with 5-10IU/L of FSH than those with 2-5IU/L of FSH (108.30±53.86 vs. 175.23±70.17pg/mL, respectively). The sperm retrieval rates were 71.42% for the group with 5-10IU/L of FSH and 87.32% for the group with 2-5IU/L of FSH. Ten of the 13 SCOS men had a FSH level between 5 and 10IU/L. The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly lower (p=0.04) in the group with 5-10IU/L (50%) of FSH than in the group with 2-5IU/L (77.5%) of FSH. In conclusion, there is no FSH value below which spermatogenesis is always found. Inhibin B assays and clinical assessments are thus of particular value in men with normal serum FSH levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Mitchell
- Laboratoire de Spermiologie Service d'Andrologie, Hôpital A. Calmette, EA 4308 Spermatogenesis and Male Gamete Quality Service de Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Jeanne-de-Flandre Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital Jeanne-de-Flandre, CHRU Lille, France.
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Toulis KA, Iliadou PK, Venetis CA, Tsametis C, Tarlatzis BC, Papadimas I, Goulis DG. Inhibin B and anti-Mullerian hormone as markers of persistent spermatogenesis in men with non-obstructive azoospermia: a meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies. Hum Reprod Update 2010; 16:713-724. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmq024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
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Ruiz Plazas X, Burgués Gasión J, Ozonas Moragues M, Pizá Reus P. Utilidad de la inhibina B en el manejo del varón infértil. Actas Urol Esp 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acuro.2010.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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10
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Goulis DG, Tsametis C, Iliadou PK, Polychronou P, Kantartzi PD, Tarlatzis BC, Bontis IN, Papadimas I. Serum inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone are not superior to follicle-stimulating hormone as predictors of the presence of sperm in testicular fine-needle aspiration in men with azoospermia. Fertil Steril 2009; 91:1279-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2007] [Revised: 12/27/2007] [Accepted: 01/03/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Pasquier G, Rives N, Bouzouita A, Caremel R, Sibert L. Comparaison des taux d’estradiol et de testostérone dans le sang périphérique et dans le sang spermatique chez les patients avec azoospermie sécrétoire. Prog Urol 2008; 18:663-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2008.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2008] [Revised: 04/11/2008] [Accepted: 04/14/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Goulis DG, Polychronou P, Mikos T, Grimbizis G, Gerou S, Pavlidou V, Papanikolaou A, Tarlatzis BC, Bontis IN, Papadimas I. Serum inhibin-B and follicle stimulating hormone as predictors of the presence of sperm in testicular fine needle aspirate in men with azoospermia. Hormones (Athens) 2008; 7:140-7. [PMID: 18477551 DOI: 10.1007/bf03401505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inhibin-B (Inh-B) is produced by Sertoli cells and controls Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) secretion through a negative feedback mechanism. The primary aim of this study was to compare Iotanh-B with FSH as predictors of the recovery of sperm in testicular fine needle aspirate in men with azoospermia. DESIGN In 51 men with azoospermia basal values of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), FSH, prolactin and testosterone as well as Inh-B values before and 24 h and 48 h after the administration of 300 IU recombinant human FSH were determined. Testicular Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) was also carried out. Thirty-one young healthy men were also enrolled in the study as controls. RESULTS There was significant difference between men with azoospermia and controls with regard to the basal Inh-B levels [median (interquartile range) 37.2 (36) vs. 103.0 (90) pg/mL, respectively, p=0.003] but not to the stimulated Inh-B levels [40.5 (41) vs. 73.0 (44) pg/mL, p=0.113 at 24 h and 34.3 (34) vs. 82.0 (50) pg/mL, p=0.098 at 48 h)]. The Area Under Curve in Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were similar for Inh-B and FSH (0.610 vs. 0.716, respectively, p=0.151) as far as prediction of sperm retrieval is concerned. CONCLUSIONS Basal serum Inh-B values are significantly lower in men with azoospermia compared to controls. However, Inh-B is not superior to FSH in predicting the presence of sperm in testicular fine needle aspirate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Abstract
Testicular spermatozoa can be retrieved successfully by the testicular sperm extraction (TESE) procedure and used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection in cases of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). The successful application of TESE depends on the identification of seminiferous tubules containing spermatozoa; testicular tubules of patients with NOA are usually heterogeneous, and TESE may not always be successful in these patients. Microdissection TESE with an operative microscope is advantageous because larger, more opaque, and whitish tubules, presumably containing germ cells with active spermatogenesis, can be identified directly. This procedure is currently the best method for the certain identification of sperm, resulting in a high spermatozoa retrieval rate and minimal postoperative complications. The present review considers the surgical procedure, outcome, prediction for spermatozoa retrieval, and postoperative complications of microdissection TESE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Tsujimura
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.
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14
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Duvilla E, Lejeune H, Trombert-Paviot B, Gentil-Perret A, Tostain J, Levy R. Significance of inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone in seminal plasma: a preliminary study. Fertil Steril 2008; 89:444-8. [PMID: 17681330 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2006] [Revised: 03/06/2007] [Accepted: 03/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the predictive value of seminal inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) on the outcome of testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING Reproductive biology department. PATIENT(S) Forty-seven normospermic, 28 oligozoospermic, and 68 azoospermic patients. INTERVENTION(S) Testicular sperm extraction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Seminal inhibin B and AMH measure. RESULT(S) The seminal values of inhibin B and AMH are widely dispersed. Both inhibin B and AMH seminal values are significantly different between the three groups. The average rates of seminal AMH (not inhibin B) differ significantly according to the etiology of the azoospermia. Both seminal markers are correlated. A significant positive correlation could be observed between the seminal inhibin B and the sperm count, but not for AMH. A significant correlation also exists between seminal and serum inhibin B. The predictive value for TESE outcome of each parameter is rather low. Conversely, a logistic regression combining serum FSH, seminal inhibin B, and AMH produced a satisfying area under the curve of 0.985. CONCLUSION(S) Seminal inhibin B and AMH values are proposed. Separately, seminal markers are poor predictors of TESE outcome. A logistic regression model led to a satisfying area under the curve of 0.985.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Duvilla
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital Nord, CHU de Saint Etienne, Saint Etienne, France
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Koscinski I, Wittemer C, Rigot JM, De Almeida M, Hermant E, Defossez A. Seminal haploid cell detection by flow cytometry in non-obstructive azoospermia: a good predictive parameter for testicular sperm extraction. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:1915-20. [PMID: 15860496 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deh883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) associated with ICSI gives patients suffering from non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) the possibility of becoming a father. The success rate of TESE based on sperm recovery is approximately 50%, and the commonly used non-invasive parameters are not predictive enough. Only the invasive testis biopsy has a good prognostic value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the detection of seminal haploid cells by flow cytometry (FCM) in order to avoid unnecessary testicular biopsy. METHODS For 37 NOA patients undergoing testicular biopsy, we measured testis size, serum FSH and inhibin B levels and carried out seminal cytology, seminal FCM analysis and histological examination. RESULTS Sperm were found in 18 biopsies. These results were correlated with cytology, FCM analysis and the histological examination. FCM was more sensitive than cytology (100 versus 59%) but less specific (67 versus 83.5%) whereas the histological observation of complete spermatogenesis appeared to be less sensitive (50%) but more specific (100%). CONCLUSION Detection of seminal haploid cells by FCM appears to be an interesting non-invasive technique which can predict TESE results and improve the management of NOA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Koscinski
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, 59037 Lille cedex, France.
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Fujita K, Tsujimura A, Takao T, Miyagawa Y, Matsumiya K, Koga M, Takeyama M, Fujioka H, Aozasa K, Okuyama A. Expression of inhibin α, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and stem cell factor in Sertoli cell-only syndrome: relation to successful sperm retrieval by microdissection testicular sperm extraction. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:2289-94. [PMID: 15845595 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE) has provided new hope for successful sperm retrieval to patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO). We determined expression of the inhibin alpha subunit, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and stem cell factor (SCF) in Sertoli cells obtained from patients with SCO immunohistochemically and compared expression rates with rates of microdissection TESE sperm retrieval. METHODS Testicular biopsy specimens were obtained from 52 men with non-obstructive azoospermia who underwent microdissection TESE and were diagnosed with SCO by histological analysis. RESULTS All specimens showed intense staining for the inhibin alpha subunit. Moderate or intense staining for GDNF was observed in 65.8% of specimens. All but one showed moderate or intense staining for SCF. Among specimens negative for GDNF, the sperm retrieval rate was significantly higher (100%) for specimens with intense staining for SCF than for specimens with no or moderate staining (30.7%) (P<0.05) for SCF. CONCLUSION GDNF expression differs among patients with SCO. The sperm retrieval rate was high in cases of no staining for GDNF and intense staining for SCF.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Fujita
- Department of Urology and Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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Luisi S, Florio P, Reis FM, Petraglia F. Inhibins in female and male reproductive physiology: role in gametogenesis, conception, implantation and early pregnancy. Hum Reprod Update 2005; 11:123-35. [PMID: 15618291 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmh057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A great deal of new information has arisen in the recent years concerning inhibin physiology and clinical relevance in reproductive medicine. It is now recognized that the two inhibin isoforms, named inhibin A and inhibin B, are produced by the gonads in the course of gamete maturation and in women have a different pattern of secretion throughout the menstrual cycle. Since inhibins are also produced by placenta and fetal membranes, it has been suggested that there is an involvement in physiological adaptation of pregnancy. Evidence from several sources has underlined the clinical usefulness of the measurement of inhibin-related proteins in the diagnosis and follow-up of different fertility disturbances and early pregnancy viability. In the male, inhibin B is produced in the testis, principally by the Sertoli cells. Inhibin B expression and secretion are positively correlated with Sertoli cell function, sperm number, and spermatogenic status and are negatively correlated with FSH. This review covers the most recent advances on the role of inhibins in human reproductive function. Considerable progress in the understanding of inhibin physiology has resulted from selective measurement of the two inhibin molecular forms, named inhibin A and B. Newly recognized alterations of inhibin levels in gynaecological diseases as well as in normal and pathological pregnancy are discussed, with particular emphasis on the potential clinical usefulness of assessing inhibin levels in serum and other biological fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Luisi
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Italy
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Nicopoullos JDM, Ramsay JWA, Almeida PA, Gilling-Smith C. Assisted reproduction in the azoospermic couple. BJOG 2004; 111:1190-203. [PMID: 15521863 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2004.00202.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James D M Nicopoullos
- Department of Assisted Conception Unit, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
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