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Male infertility and gonadotropin treatment: What can we learn from real-world data? Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 86:102310. [PMID: 36682942 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin therapy to treat specific male infertility disorders associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is evidence-based and effective in restoring spermatogenesis and fertility. In contrast, its use to improve fertility in men with idiopathic oligozoospermia or nonobstructive azoospermia remains controversial, despite being widely practiced. The existence of two major inter-related pathways for spermatogenesis, including FSH and intratesticular testosterone, provides a rationale for empiric hormone stimulation therapy in both eugonadal and hypogonadal males with idiopathic oligozoospermia or nonobstructive azoospermia. Real-world data (RWD) on gonadotropin stimulating for these patient subsets, mainly using human chorionic gonadotropin and follicle-stimulating hormone, accumulated gradually, showing a positive therapeutic effect in some patients, translated by increased sperm production, sperm quality, and sperm retrieval rates. Although more evidence is needed, current insights from RWD research indicate that selected male infertility patients might be managed more effectively using gonadotropin therapy, with potential gains for all parties involved.
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Dehdari Ebrahimi N, Parsa S, Nozari F, Shahlaee MA, Maktabi A, Sayadi M, Sadeghi A, Azarpira N. Protective effects of melatonin against the toxic effects of environmental pollutants and heavy metals on testicular tissue: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1119553. [PMID: 36793277 PMCID: PMC9922902 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1119553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental pollution and infertility are two modern global challenges that agonize personal and public health. The causal relationship between these two deserves scientific efforts to intervene. It is believed that melatonin maintains antioxidant properties and may be utilized to protect the testicular tissue from oxidant effects caused by toxic materials. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify the animal trial studies that evaluated melatonin therapy's effects on rodents' testicular tissue against oxidative stress caused by heavy metal and non-heavy metal environmental pollutants. Data were pooled, and standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using the random-effect model. Also, the risk of bias was assessed using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool. (PROSPERO: CRD42022369872). RESULTS Out of 10039 records, 38 studies were eligible for the review, of which 31 were included in the meta-analysis. Most of them showed beneficial effects of melatonin therapy on testicular tissue histopathology. [20 toxic materials were evaluated in this review, including arsenic, lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, potassium dichromate, sodium fluoride, cigarette smoke, formaldehyde, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), 2-Bromopropane, bisphenol A, thioacetamide, bisphenol S, ochratoxin A, nicotine, diazinon, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Chlorpyrifos (CPF), nonylphenol, and acetamiprid.] The pooled results showed that melatonin therapy increased sperm count, motility, viability and body and testicular weights, germinal epithelial height, Johnsen's biopsy score, epididymis weight, seminiferous tubular diameter, serum testosterone, and luteinizing hormone levels, testicular tissue Malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione levels. On the other hand, abnormal sperm morphology, apoptotic index, and testicular tissue nitric oxide were lower in the melatonin therapy arms. The included studies presented a high risk of bias in most SYRCLE domains. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our study demonstrated amelioration of testicular histopathological characteristics, reproductive hormonal panel, and tissue markers of oxidative stress. Melatonin deserves scientific attention as a potential therapeutic agent for male infertility. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022369872.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shima Parsa
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farnoosh Nozari
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Amirhossein Maktabi
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehrab Sayadi
- Cardiovascular research center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Sadeghi
- Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- *Correspondence: Negar Azarpira,
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Ntali G, Capatina C. Updating the Landscape for Functioning Gonadotroph Tumors. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58081071. [PMID: 36013538 PMCID: PMC9414558 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58081071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Functioning gonadotroph adenomas (FGAs) are rare tumors, as the overwhelming majority of gonadotroph tumors are clinically silent. Literature is based on case reports and small case series. Gonadotroph tumors are poorly differentiated and produce and secrete hormones inefficiently, but in exceptional cases, they cause clinical syndromes due to hypersecretion of intact gonadotropins. The clinical spectrum of endocrine dysfunction includes an exaggerated response of ovaries characterized as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in premenopausal females and adolescent girls, testicular enlargement in males, and isosexual precocious puberty in children. Transsphenoidal surgery and removal of tumor reduces hormonal hypersecretion, improves endocrine dysfunction, and provides tissue for further analysis. Medical therapies (somatostatin analogues, dopamine agonists, GnRH agonists/antagonists) are partially or totally ineffective in many cases, especially with respect to antitumor effect. This review aims to update recent literature on these rare functioning tumors and highlight their therapeutic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Ntali
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Evangelismos Hospital, 10676 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Cristina Capatina
- Department of Endocrinology, Carol Davila UMPh, 011863 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pituitary and Neuroendocrine diseases, CI Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania
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4
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Endocrine and molecular milieus of ovarian follicles are diversely affected by human chorionic gonadotropin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone in prepubertal and mature gilts. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13465. [PMID: 34188064 PMCID: PMC8242046 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91434-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Different strategies are used to meet optimal reproductive performance or manage reproductive health. Although exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists (A) are commonly used to trigger ovulation in estrous cycle synchronization, little is known about their effect on the ovarian follicle. Here, we explored whether hCG- and GnRH-A-induced native luteinizing hormone (LH) can affect the endocrine and molecular milieus of ovarian preovulatory follicles in pigs at different stages of sexual development. We collected ovaries 30 h after hCG/GnRH-A administration from altrenogest and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (eCG)-primed prepubertal and sexually mature gilts. Several endocrine and molecular alternations were indicated, including broad hormonal trigger-induced changes in follicular fluid steroid hormones and prostaglandin levels. However, sexual maturity affected only estradiol levels. Trigger- and/or maturity-dependent changes in the abundance of hormone receptors (FSHR and LHCGR) and proteins associated with lipid metabolism and steroidogenesis (e.g., STAR, HSD3B1, and CYP11A1), prostaglandin synthesis (PTGS2 and PTGFS), extracellular matrix remodeling (MMP1 and TIMP1), protein folding (HSPs), molecular transport (TF), and cell function and survival (e.g., VIM) were observed. These data revealed different endocrine properties of exogenous and endogenous gonadotropins, with a potent progestational/androgenic role of hCG and estrogenic/pro-developmental function of LH.
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Abstract
Gonadotropins are glycoprotein sex hormones regulating development and reproduction and bind to specific G protein–coupled receptors expressed in the gonads. Their effects on multiple signaling cascades and intracellular events have recently been characterized using novel technological and scientific tools. The impact of allosteric modulators on gonadotropin signaling, the role of sugars linked to the hormone backbone, the detection of endosomal compartments supporting signaling modules, and the dissection of different effects mediated by these molecules are areas that have advanced significantly in the last decade. The classic view providing the exclusive activation of the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) and the steroidogenic pathway by these hormones has been expanded with the addition of novel signaling cascades as determined by high-resolution imaging techniques. These new findings provided new potential therapeutic applications. Despite these improvements, unanswered issues of gonadotropin physiology, such as the intrinsic pro-apoptotic potential to these hormones, the existence of receptors assembled as heteromers, and their expression in extragonadal tissues, remain to be studied. Elucidating these issues is a challenge for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
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Gill K, Jakubik-Uljasz J, Rosiak-Gill A, Grabowska M, Matuszewski M, Piasecka M. Male aging as a causative factor of detrimental changes in human conventional semen parameters and sperm DNA integrity. Aging Male 2020; 23:1321-1332. [PMID: 32425138 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2020.1765330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of male aging on fertility potential is controversial and difficult to predict. The aim of our study was to determine the associations between age, basic semen parameters, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). Comparison of four age-dependent groups (men ≤29 years, 30-35 years, 36-40 years, and >40 years) revealed a significant fall in the basic semen characteristics and sperm genomic integrity with age. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis confirmed that men >29 years had lower semen quality. In the group of men >29 years, the prevalence of men with abnormal semen parameters was higher, and these men had over a threefold higher odds ratio (OR) for abnormal semen parameters. Next, ROC analysis revealed that a threshold of 18% SDF was optimal for discriminating between men with normal and abnormal standard semen parameters. The prevalence of men with >18% SDF was higher in the group of men >29 years than in men ≤29 years. Older men had an almost twofold higher risk for >18% SDF than younger men. Our results suggest that age >29 years may be a causative factor of detrimental changes in semen quality, which may raise the risk for disorders of male fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Gill
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Joanna Jakubik-Uljasz
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Rosiak-Gill
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
- VitroLive Fertility Clinic in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Marta Grabowska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Malgorzata Piasecka
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
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El Taieb MA, Hegazy EM, Ibrahim HM, Ibrahim AK. Seminal and serum leptin levels in male patients with varicocele and isolated asthenozoospermia before and after repair. Aging Male 2020; 23:579-584. [PMID: 30633613 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2018.1548590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Varicocele is one of the most common causes of male infertility. Leptin that has a role in sperm motility may have a role of varicocele. We aimed to study the effect of varicocelectomy on the serum and seminal leptin in patients with asthenozoospermia and the correlation between leptin levels, sperm parameters and varicocele grade. METHODS Thirty-six male patients with varicocele having isolated asthenozoospermia were included in this study. Thirty normal fertile controls were included. Semen analysis, serum and seminal leptin measurements were performed for all participants at baseline and for patients three months after varicocelectomy. Microsurgical varicocelectomy has been performed for patients. RESULTS Seminal and serum leptin levels were significantly higher in patients than controls. Seminal leptin was positively correlated with varicocele grade (r = 0.357, p < .05) while no correlation was found between serum leptin varicocele grade (r = 0.056, p = .37). Both seminal and serum leptin were inversely correlated with sperm motility (r = -0.92 and r = -0.87, p < .001; respectively). Seminal and serum leptin were significantly improved after varicocelectomy. CONCLUSION Varicocele is associated with higher levels of seminal and serum leptin especially in higher grads and this was correlated with negative effects on sperm motility. Leptin levels were significantly decreased after repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa A El Taieb
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Eisa M Hegazy
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, South Valley, University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Hassan M Ibrahim
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, South Valley, University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Ahmed K Ibrahim
- Department of Community Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Peng Y, Ouyang L, Lin Z, Zhang F, Wang H, Guan J. MRI findings of nonobstructive azoospermia: lesions in and out of pelvic cavity. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2020; 45:2213-2224. [PMID: 31552463 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-019-02232-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) can be caused by various diseases, including congenital disorders, endocrine disorders, infections, tumor or tumor-like diseases, vascular diseases, etc. Diagnosis of the underlying cause of NOA is complicated and challenging. In this study, we introduce an MR examination protocol for the etiological diagnosis of NOA, and demonstrate a series of NOA patients with different causes and imaging findings. Except for lesions of testes, the patients may also combine abnormalities of adrenal glands and central nervous system. In such cases, the patients could benefit from additional abdominal and intracranial scans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Peng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.58 Zhongshanerlu Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Longyuan Ouyang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.58 Zhongshanerlu Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Lin
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.58 Zhongshanerlu Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.58 Zhongshanerlu Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanjun Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.58 Zhongshanerlu Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Guan
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.58 Zhongshanerlu Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Zirnask H, Pöllanen P, Suutre S, Kuuslahti M, Kotsar A, Pakarainen T, Kokk K. Expression of LHCG receptors in the human penis. Aging Male 2020; 23:8-13. [PMID: 30322327 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2018.1514001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin (LHCG) receptor in the human penis to see, if the luteinizing hormone (LH) effects are possible in the spongious and cavernous tissue of the penis. The number of men with erection disturbances increases significantly simultaneously with the elevated LH concentrations between 40 and 70 years. It is possible that the elevated LH concentrations may influence locally the erectile mechanisms. The precondition for this is the expression of LHCG receptors in the penis. Penile tissue was obtained from three patients undergoing total or partial penectomy due to a rectal cancer with secondary penile metastasis or squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. Immunohistochemistry was used for the detection of the LHCG receptor. Positive immunoreaction for LHCG receptors was discovered in the endothelial cells of cavernous spaces in the corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum penis, also in the endothelial cells of the capillary walls in all patients. Our results show that LHCG receptor is expressed in the spongious and cavernous tissue of the human penis. This finding suggests that LH can affect the spongious and cavernous tissue in human and play a significant role in the development of erectile dysfunction among the aging men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Zirnask
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Medicine, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Pasi Pöllanen
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Medicine, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Administration, CAREA, Kotka, Finland
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Siim Suutre
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marianne Kuuslahti
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Medicine, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Andres Kotsar
- Department of Urology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Urology, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tomi Pakarainen
- Department of Urology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kersti Kokk
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Medicine, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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10
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Lin J, Mao J, Wang X, Ma W, Hao M, Wu X. Optimal treatment for spermatogenesis in male patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e16616. [PMID: 31374027 PMCID: PMC6709243 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000016616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To compare the efficacies of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse subcutaneous infusion with combined human chorionic gonadotropin and human menopausal gonadotropin (HCG/HMG) intramuscular injection have been performed to treat male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) spermatogenesis. METHODS In total, 220 idiopathic/isolated HH patients were divided into the GnRH pulse therapy and HCG/HMG combined treatment groups (n = 103 and n = 117, respectively). The luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were monitored in the groups for the 1st week and monthly, as were the serum total testosterone level, testicular volume and spermatogenesis rate in monthly follow-up sessions. RESULTS In the GnRH group and HCG/HMG group, the testosterone level and testicular volume at the 6-month follow-up session were significantly higher than were those before treatment. There were 62 patients (62/117, 52.99%) in the GnRH group and 26 patients in the HCG/HMG (26/103, 25.24%) group who produced sperm following treatment. The GnRH group (6.2 ± 3.8 months) had a shorter sperm initial time than did the HCG/HMG group (10.9 ± 3.5 months). The testosterone levels in the GnRH and HCG/HMG groups were 9.8 ± 3.3 nmol/L and 14.8 ± 8.8 nmol/L, respectively. CONCLUSION The GnRH pulse subcutaneous infusion successfully treated male patients with HH, leading to earlier sperm production than that in the HCG/HMG-treated patients. GnRH pulse subcutaneous infusion is a preferred method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiangfeng Mao
- Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| | - Wanlu Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| | - Ming Hao
- Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| | - Xueyan Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
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11
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Banihani SA. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on semen quality. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13296. [PMID: 31012134 DOI: 10.1111/and.13296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, according to the Scopus database, the biological effects of ginger (binominal name: Zingiber officinale), or ginger extracts, and its derived compounds on semen quality and sperm parameters have been revealed in more than 35 original articles. Though, still, there are no collective systematic or narrative discussion and conclusion of this specific research streak. Here, we systematically review and summarise the current link between ginger and its bioactive compounds with semen quality. To achieve this, we searched the central databases (Scopus and PubMed) for original studies, published in English language from August 2004 through February 2019 using the keywords "ginger" versus "sperm" and "semen." In summary, there is solid evidence that ginger enhances semen quality and improves the main sperm parameters such as concentration, viability, motility and morphology. Such beneficial effects of ginger on semen quality are attributable, at least in part, to increased levels of gonadal hormones, in particular, testosterone and luteinising hormone, decreased oxidative damage to cells, increased production of nitric oxide, hypoglycaemic response of ginger and the presence of valued nutrients in ginger such as manganese. Still, the positive effects of ginger on semen quality require additional approval in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleem Ali Banihani
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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12
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Casarini L, Riccetti L, Limoncella S, Lazzaretti C, Barbagallo F, Pacifico S, Guerrini R, Tagliavini S, Trenti T, Simoni M, Sola M, Di Rocco G. Probing the Effect of Sildenafil on Progesterone and Testosterone Production by an Intracellular FRET/BRET Combined Approach. Biochemistry 2018; 58:799-808. [PMID: 30532959 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b01073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors have been recently applied to the study of biological pathways. In this study, a new biosensor was validated for the first time in live HEK293 and steroidogenic MLTC-1 cell lines for studying the effect of the PDE5 inhibitor on the hCG/LH-induced steroidogenic pathway. The sensor improves FRET between a donor (D), the fluorescein-like diarsenical probe that can covalently bind a tetracysteine motif fused to the PDE5 catalytic domain, and an acceptor (A), the rhodamine probe conjugated to the pseudosubstrate cGMPS. Affinity constant ( Kd) values of 5.6 ± 3.2 and 13.7 ± 0.8 μM were obtained with HEK293 and MLTC-1 cells, respectively. The detection was based on the competitive displacement of the cGMPS-rhodamine conjugate by sildenafil; the Ki values were 3.6 ± 0.3 nM (IC50 = 2.3 nM) in HEK293 cells and 10 ± 1.0 nM (IC50 = 3.9 nM) in MLTC-1 cells. The monitoring of both cAMP and cGMP by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer allowed the exploitation of the effects of PDE5i on steroidogenesis, indicating that sildenafil enhanced the gonadotropin-induced progesterone-to-testosterone conversion in a cAMP-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , 41125 Modena , Italy.,Center for Genome Research , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , 41126 Modena , Italy
| | - Laura Riccetti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , 41125 Modena , Italy
| | - Silvia Limoncella
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , 41125 Modena , Italy
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , 41125 Modena , Italy
| | - Federica Barbagallo
- Department of Experimental Medicine , University of Rome "La Sapienza" , 00185 Rome , Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Ferrara , 44121 Ferrara , Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Ferrara , 44121 Ferrara , Italy
| | - Simonetta Tagliavini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy , Azienda USL of Modena , 41121 Modena , Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy , Azienda USL of Modena , 41121 Modena , Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , 41125 Modena , Italy.,Center for Genome Research , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , 41126 Modena , Italy.,Azienda , Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena , 41125 Modena , Italy
| | - Marco Sola
- Department of Life Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , 41125 Modena , Italy
| | - Giulia Di Rocco
- Department of Life Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , 41125 Modena , Italy
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13
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Casarini L, Santi D, Brigante G, Simoni M. Two Hormones for One Receptor: Evolution, Biochemistry, Actions, and Pathophysiology of LH and hCG. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:549-592. [PMID: 29905829 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
LH and chorionic gonadotropin (CG) are glycoproteins fundamental to sexual development and reproduction. Because they act on the same receptor (LHCGR), the general consensus has been that LH and human CG (hCG) are equivalent. However, separate evolution of LHβ and hCGβ subunits occurred in primates, resulting in two molecules sharing ~85% identity and regulating different physiological events. Pituitary, pulsatile LH production results in an ~90-minute half-life molecule targeting the gonads to regulate gametogenesis and androgen synthesis. Trophoblast hCG, the "pregnancy hormone," exists in several isoforms and glycosylation variants with long half-lives (hours) and angiogenic potential and acts on luteinized ovarian cells as progestational. The different molecular features of LH and hCG lead to hormone-specific LHCGR binding and intracellular signaling cascades. In ovarian cells, LH action is preferentially exerted through kinases, phosphorylated extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) and phosphorylated AKT (also known as protein kinase B), resulting in irreplaceable proliferative/antiapoptotic signals and partial agonism on progesterone production in vitro. In contrast, hCG displays notable cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated steroidogenic and proapoptotic potential, which is masked by estrogen action in vivo. In vitro data have been confirmed by a large data set from assisted reproduction, because the steroidogenic potential of hCG positively affects the number of retrieved oocytes, and LH affects the pregnancy rate (per oocyte number). Leydig cell in vitro exposure to hCG results in qualitatively similar cAMP/PKA and pERK1/2 activation compared with LH and testosterone. The supposed equivalence of LH and hCG has been disproved by such data, highlighting their sex-specific functions and thus deeming it an oversight caused by incomplete understanding of clinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Brigante
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
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