1
|
Jin HL, Ma Q, Zhu J, Zang YC, Zhou YB, Xue BX, Yang DR, Sun CY, Gao J, Xu LJ, Zhang B. A case report of acute testicular pain secondary to segmental testicular infarction. BMC Urol 2022; 22:52. [PMID: 35382805 PMCID: PMC8985257 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-022-01006-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Segmental testicular infarction is a rare condition that often occurs in the upper pole of the left testicle and usually presents with acute onset of scrotal pain. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and MR are essential for diagnosing and differentiating segmental testicular infarction in clinical practice, and conservative treatment can only be adopted after a definitive diagnosis. In the present case, after conservative treatment, the infarct volume was reduced, the blood flow around the infarct was increased, and blood flow signals appeared in the infarct. We performed a correlation analysis to investigate the causes of these changes. CASE PRESENTATION A 33-year-old male, without any specific disease history, was admitted to the hospital with a 5-day history of left testicular pain, and the imaging showed focal necrosis of the left testicle with hemorrhage. He was diagnosed with segmental testicular infarction after differentiating and excluding it from malignant tumors. Conservative medical treatment was given, and the symptoms of testicular pain were relieved after treatment. After discharge, regular reexamination at follow-ups showed that the infarct's size was reduced, the blood flow around the infarct was increased, and blood flow signals appeared in the infarct. CONCLUSION Conservative treatment has become the standard treatment currently adopted after confirming the diagnosis of segmental testicular infarction through contrast-enhanced ultrasound and MR. The blood flow changes in and around the focus of testicular infarction can be related to various factors. At present, relevant conclusions of the underlying mechanisms were mainly deduced from infarction studies of other related organs such as the heart and brain; thus, the specific pathological mechanism needs further experimental verification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Liang Jin
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Rd, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Qi Ma
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Rd, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Jin Zhu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Rd, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Ya-Chen Zang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Rd, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Yi-Bin Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Rd, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Bo-Xin Xue
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Rd, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Dong-Rong Yang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Rd, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Chuan-Yang Sun
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Rd, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Rd, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Li-Jun Xu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Rd, Suzhou, 215004, China.
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Rd, Suzhou, 215004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Santi D, Spaggiari G, Greco C, Lazzaretti C, Paradiso E, Casarini L, Potì F, Brigante G, Simoni M. The "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" of Endothelial Dysfunction Markers in Human Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052584. [PMID: 33806677 PMCID: PMC7961823 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is an early event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and represents the first step in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The evaluation of endothelial health is fundamental in clinical practice and several direct and indirect markers have been suggested so far to identify any alterations in endothelial homeostasis. Alongside the known endothelial role on vascular health, several pieces of evidence have demonstrated that proper endothelial functioning plays a key role in human fertility and reproduction. Therefore, this state-of-the-art review updates the endothelial health markers discriminating between those available for clinical practice or for research purposes and their application in human fertility. Moreover, new molecules potentially helpful to clarify the link between endothelial and reproductive health are evaluated herein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Santi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy; (C.G.); (C.L.); (E.P.); (L.C.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-05-9396-1816
| | - Giorgia Spaggiari
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Carla Greco
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy; (C.G.); (C.L.); (E.P.); (L.C.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy; (C.G.); (C.L.); (E.P.); (L.C.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy
| | - Elia Paradiso
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy; (C.G.); (C.L.); (E.P.); (L.C.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy; (C.G.); (C.L.); (E.P.); (L.C.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Potì
- Department of Medicine and Surgery-Unit of Neurosciences, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy;
| | - Giulia Brigante
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy; (C.G.); (C.L.); (E.P.); (L.C.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy; (C.G.); (C.L.); (E.P.); (L.C.); (G.B.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abdel-Aziz AM, Naguib Abdel Hafez SM. Sitagliptin protects male albino rats with testicular ischaemia/reperfusion damage: Modulation of VCAM-1 and VEGF-A. Andrologia 2019; 52:e13472. [PMID: 31773790 DOI: 10.1111/and.13472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Twisting of the spermatic cord is considered a popular problem in the urological field, which may lead to testicular necrosis and male infertility. Sitagliptin, a glucose-lowering agent, proved to have a vindicatory function in myocardial and renal ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R), but its role in testicular I/R has not yet been studied. The current work investigates its capability to recover the testicular I/R injury with shedding more light on the mechanism of its action. Four groups were used: sham, sham pretreated with sitagliptin, I/R and sitagliptin/I/R-pretreated groups. The outcomes proved that I/R significantly decreased the serum testosterone, with a major increase in oxidative, inflammatory and nitrosative stress, along with a reduction in testicular vascular endothelial growth factor-A level with marked germinal cell apoptosis. However, pretreatment with sitagliptin significantly reversed the profound testicular I/R damaging effects, on the basis of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities with the ability of recuperation of the testicular vascularity.
Collapse
|
4
|
Tabecka-Lonczynska A, Mytych J, Solek P, Kulpa-Greszta M, Sowa-Kucma M, Koziorowski M. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) as potential regulators of seasonal reproductive processes in male European bison (Bison bonasus, Linnaeus 1758). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 263:72-79. [PMID: 29626449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Growth factors: vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) were reported to affect normal physiological reproductive processes in human, domestic and free living animals. Moreover, some reports suggest that VEGF-A and FGF-2 may be directly involved in the control of the annual reproductive cycle of seasonally breeding animals but detailed knowledge is still missing. Our study aimed to demonstrate the expression of mRNA and protein for both factors in the tissues of testis and epididymis (caput, corpus, cauda) at different periods of the year (March, June, November, December) in European bison as a model of seasonally breeding animal. Results suggest, that VEGF-A expression was more pronounced in testis than in epididymis and the highest expression was noted in December and June. Surprisingly, the highest protein accumulation was observed in June at the same level in all tissues analyzed. On the other hand, the highest FGF-2 mRNA expression was noted in testis in June and in epididymis in March. However, no differences in protein expression of FGF-2 were found between analyzed groups. The results indicate that both factors are necessary for proper functioning of the reproductive system and their levels differ seasonally. Perhaps, it is linked to increased need of these factors in the testis as well as epididymis during preparation for the reproductive functions. Moreover, VEGF-A and FGF-2 not only may regulate reproductive functions by affecting vascularization and cell nutrition, but it also may be possible that they possess protective functions by stabilizing the reproductive cells. Therefore, obtained results provide new insight into mechanisms underlying seasonal breeding of the male European bison.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tabecka-Lonczynska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Reproduction, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Rzeszow, Werynia 502, 36-100 Kolbuszowa, Poland.
| | - Jennifer Mytych
- Department of Animal Physiology and Reproduction, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Rzeszow, Werynia 502, 36-100 Kolbuszowa, Poland
| | - Przemyslaw Solek
- Department of Animal Physiology and Reproduction, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Rzeszow, Werynia 502, 36-100 Kolbuszowa, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kulpa-Greszta
- Department of Animal Physiology and Reproduction, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Rzeszow, Werynia 502, 36-100 Kolbuszowa, Poland
| | - Magdalena Sowa-Kucma
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, Laboratory of Trace Elements Neurobiology, Smeta 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; Department of Human Physiology, Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Rzeszow, Kopisto 2a, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Marek Koziorowski
- Department of Animal Physiology and Reproduction, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Rzeszow, Werynia 502, 36-100 Kolbuszowa, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Testicular torsion is a urological emergency most commonly seen in adolescence, involving a decrease in blood flow in the testis resulting from torsion of the spermatic cord that can result in gonad injury or even loss if not treated in time. Testicular ischaemia-reperfusion injury represents the principle pathophysiology of testicular torsion, with ischaemia caused by twisting of the spermatic cord, and reperfusion on its subsequent release. Many cellular and molecular mechanisms are involved in ischaemia-reperfusion injury following testicular torsion. Studies have investigated the use of pharmacological agents as supportive therapy to surgical repair in order to prevent the adverse effects of testicular torsion. Numerous substances have been proposed as important in the prevention of post-ischaemia-reperfusion testicular injury. A range of chemicals and drugs has been successfully tested in animal models for the purpose of mitigating the dangerous effects of ischaemia-reperfusion in testis torsion.
Collapse
|
6
|
Xia Z, Jiang K, Liu T, Zheng H, Liu X, Zheng X. The protective effect of Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) on testicular torsion/detorsion: an experimental study in mice. J Pediatr Surg 2013; 48:2140-7. [PMID: 24094970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2013.02.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the expression of Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) in torsion/detorsion of the testes in different phases and demonstrate the protective effect of CIRP on testicular injury after torsion/detorsion (T/D) in an experimental mouse model. METHODS Twenty-four male BALB/c mice were divided randomly into 8 groups: normal control group (N), sham-operated group (S), torsion 2 h group (T2h), torsion/detorsion 12 h group (T/D12h), and T/D24h, T/D48h, T/D72h, and T/D96h groups. The testes were examined for the expression levels of CIRP. Another 32 male BALB/c mice were divided randomly in to 4 groups: normal control group (N), T/D group, T/D+pcDNA3.1 group, and T/D + pcDNA3.1-CIRP group. The plasmids were transfected into testes with in vivo-jetPEI. After 3 days, morphological changes, mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD), and the number of the germ cell layers were observed. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and Bcl-2/Bax ratios were studied in the different groups. RESULTS Compared with the N and S groups, the expression of CIRP in the T2h group was down-regulated. In T/D groups, the levels of CIRP were reduced in a time dependent manner. Compared to T/D and T/D+pcDNA3.1 group, the MSTD, number of the germ cell layers, SOD activity, and Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased in T/D + pcDNA3.1-CIRP group, while the level of MDA decreased. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study have shown that down-regulated CIRP is involved in testicular injury after testicular torsion/detorsion. Up-regulation of the expression of CIRP may reduce the damage caused by torsion/detorsion, possibly by preventing germ cell oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiping Xia
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, P.R. China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Seasonal Changes in Testes Vascularisation in the Domestic Cat (Felis domesticus): Evaluation of Microvasculature, Angiogenic Activity, and Endothelial Cell Expression. ANATOMY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2012; 2012:583798. [PMID: 22567311 PMCID: PMC3335563 DOI: 10.1155/2012/583798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Some male seasonal breeders undergo testicular growth and regression throughout the year. The objective of this study was to understand the effect of seasonality on: (i) microvasculature of cat testes; (ii) angiogenic activity in testicular tissue in vitro; and (iii) testicular endothelial cells expression throughout the year. Testicular vascular areas increased in March and April, June and July, being the highest in November and December. Testes tissue differently stimulated in vitro angiogenic activity, according to seasonality, being more evident in February, and November and December. Even though CD143 expression was higher in December, smaller peaks were present in April and July. As changes in angiogenesis may play a role on testes vascular growth and regression during the breeding and non-breeding seasons, data suggest that testicular vascularisation in cats is increased in three photoperiod windows of time, November/December, March/April and June/July. This increase in testicular vascularisation might be related to higher seasonal sexual activity in cats, which is in agreement with the fact that most queens give birth at the beginning of the year, between May and July, and in September.
Collapse
|
8
|
Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Testicular Torsion: Do They Deserve Intensive Treatment to Save Both Guilty and Innocent Testes? Urology 2011; 78:164-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2010.12.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2010] [Revised: 11/14/2010] [Accepted: 12/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
9
|
Acute segmental testicular infarction at contrast-enhanced ultrasound: early features and changes during follow-up. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2011; 196:834-41. [PMID: 21427332 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.10.4821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound is useful for characterization of acute segmental testicular infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty men with acute scrotal pain and suspected segmental testicular infarction underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Three patients underwent orchiectomy. For the other patients, the final diagnosis was based on the absence of tumor markers and a change in the size or shape of the tumor during follow-up. Forty-nine color Doppler ultrasound studies (16 within 24 hours of the onset of pain; 14, 2-17 days after pain onset; 19 after 1 month or more), and 38 contrast-enhanced ultrasound studies (13 within 24 hours after pain onset; nine, 2-17 days; 16 after 1 month or more) were performed. RESULTS Fourteen of 16 lesions examined within 24 hours were oval, and two were wedge shaped. Eight lesions were isoechoic to the testis, six were hypoechoic, and two had mixed echogenicity. Twelve lesions were avascular and four were hypovascular at color Doppler examination. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed avascular parenchymal lobules in all cases and without perilesional rim enhancement in 12 of 13 studies. Two to 17 days after the symptoms appeared, contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed avascular lobules in all cases and perilesional rim enhancement in eight examinations. After 1 month or more, contrast-enhanced ultrasound depicted intralesional vascular spots in 12 of 14 infarcts. Perilesional enhancement was absent. CONCLUSION Recognition of lobular morphologic characteristics and the presence of perilesional rim enhancement at contrast-enhanced ultrasound can increase confidence in the diagnosis of segmental testicular infarction compared with reliance on gray-scale and color Doppler findings. Changes in lesion features during follow-up confirm the differential diagnosis from other testicular lesions and allow conservative management.
Collapse
|