1
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Jiao ZY, Li MR, Zhuo L, Fang YY, Pan JY, Hong K. Sperm retrieval rate and patient factors in azoospermia factor c microdeletion azoospermia: a systematic review. BJU Int 2024; 134:6-12. [PMID: 37942695 DOI: 10.1111/bju.16205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To reveal the overall sperm retrieval rate (SRR) and range in patients with azoospermia factor c (AZFc) microdeletion azoospermia by microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) and discuss the differences of preoperative patient factors among studies with various SRRs. PATIENTS AND METHODS We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Embase until February 2023. All studies reporting SRRs by mTESE and required parameters of patients with AZFc microdeletions were included. The primary outcome was the SRR and, if available, the pregnancy rate (PR) and live-birth rate (LBR) after intracytoplasmic sperm injection were also investigated as secondary outcomes. RESULTS Eventually 11 cohort studies were included in this review. A total number of 441 patients underwent mTESE and in 275 of them sperm was obtained, reaching an overall SRR of 62.4%. The SRRs among studies had a wide range from 25.0% to 85.7%. The studies reporting higher SRRs generally had older mean ages, and higher follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone levels. Only four studies provided practical data on pregnancies and live-born children of patients with AZFc microdeletions, so the overall PR and LBR were unavailable. CONCLUSIONS The overall SRR of patients with AZFc microdeletion azoospermia was 62.4%. The effect of patient factors in SR needs further evidence in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Yu Jiao
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Mao-Ran Li
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Zhuo
- Research Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Yi Fang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Yuan Pan
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Hong
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
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2
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Shiraishi K. Role of varicocele repair in the era of assisted reproductive technologies: Lessons from 2000 cases of microsurgical varicocele repair. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12589. [PMID: 38948338 PMCID: PMC11211092 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12589] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds In an era of advanced maternal age, there is less conclusive evidence regarding the treatment outcomes of varicocele repair for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Progress in basic research on varicocele is notable whereas there are many clinically relevant points to discuss. Methods Based on our experience with more than 2000 cases of microsurgical varicocele repair, we focused on the effectiveness of varicocele repair, pathophysiology, surgical approaches, contributions to ART, sperm DNA fragmentation, and varicocele-associated azoospermia in this review with the aim of identifying clearer directions for basic and clinical research on varicocele. Results Microsurgical low ligation for varicocele repair is expected to remain the gold standard for surgical therapy. Based on the findings from a number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, negative opinions regarding the efficacy of microsurgical varicocele repair in male infertility treatment have become virtually nonexistent. However, the majority of evidence regarding surgical indications and effectiveness pertains to improvements in semen parameters or non-ART pregnancy rates. Conclusions Further understandings regarding to pathophysiology of varicocele will likely be gained through comprehensive genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic analyses using blood and testicular samples from humans and we hope to develop new diagnostic methods and pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Shiraishi
- Department of UrologyYamaguchi University School of MedicineUbeYamaguchiJapan
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3
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Amjad S, Munir A, Mushtaq S, Rehman R. Correlation of serum kisspeptin and leptin with non-obstructive azoospermia: A cross-sectional study in a subset of Karachi population. Pak J Med Sci 2024; 40:410-414. [PMID: 38356829 PMCID: PMC10862447 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.40.3.8125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine the association of serum kisspeptin, leptin, and other hormonal profile with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in infertile male subjects. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center, and Ziauddin University, Karachi from March 2018 to March 2020. The duration of the study was two years. Serum samples of 106 azoospermic participants were taken. Division of the subjects was done on a histological basis into obstructive azoospermia (OA) n=36, NOA n=70 which were further divided into spermatid maturation arrest (SMA), n=41, and sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) n=29. Serum kisspeptin and leptin were measured by ELISA (Cloud-Clone Corp). Results The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (p<0.01), luteinizing hormone (LH) (p<0.01), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (p<0.01), and estradiol (p<0.01) was significantly high in the NOA group. However, kisspeptin was significantly decreased (p<0.01) in the NOA group. In the multivariate analysis after adjusting for other variables, the results showed that with the decrease in kisspeptin, the chances of being NOA were increased. Moreover, with the increase in Leptin, FSH, LH, and TSH the chances of being NOA were significantly enhanced. Conclusion Serum kisspeptin, leptin, FSH, LH, TSH, and estradiol can be a potential marker for NOA in terms of better diagnosis, targeted therapeutic management, and the decision to proceed with surgical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Amjad
- Sofia Amjad, Ph.D. Department of Physiology, Azra Naheed Medical College, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Adnan Munir
- Adnan Munir, FCPS. Department of Andrology. Australian Concept Infertility, Medical Center Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shamim Mushtaq
- Shamim Mushtaq, Ph.D. Department of Biochemistry, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rehana Rehman
- Rehana Rehman, Ph.D. Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Bachelot G, Dhombres F, Sermondade N, Haj Hamid R, Berthaut I, Frydman V, Prades M, Kolanska K, Selleret L, Mathieu-D'Argent E, Rivet-Danon D, Levy R, Lamazière A, Dupont C. A Machine Learning Approach for the Prediction of Testicular Sperm Extraction in Nonobstructive Azoospermia: Algorithm Development and Validation Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e44047. [PMID: 37342078 DOI: 10.2196/44047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is an essential therapeutic tool for the management of male infertility. However, it is an invasive procedure with a success rate up to 50%. To date, no model based on clinical and laboratory parameters is sufficiently powerful to accurately predict the success of sperm retrieval in TESE. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to compare a wide range of predictive models under similar conditions for TESE outcomes in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) to identify the correct mathematical approach to apply, most appropriate study size, and relevance of the input biomarkers. METHODS We analyzed 201 patients who underwent TESE at Tenon Hospital (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris), distributed in a retrospective training cohort of 175 patients (January 2012 to April 2021) and a prospective testing cohort (May 2021 to December 2021) of 26 patients. Preoperative data (according to the French standard exploration of male infertility, 16 variables) including urogenital history, hormonal data, genetic data, and TESE outcomes (representing the target variable) were collected. A TESE was considered positive if we obtained sufficient spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. After preprocessing the raw data, 8 machine learning (ML) models were trained and optimized on the retrospective training cohort data set: The hyperparameter tuning was performed by random search. Finally, the prospective testing cohort data set was used for the model evaluation. The metrics used to evaluate and compare the models were the following: sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC), and accuracy. The importance of each variable in the model was assessed using the permutation feature importance technique, and the optimal number of patients to include in the study was assessed using the learning curve. RESULTS The ensemble models, based on decision trees, showed the best performance, especially the random forest model, which yielded the following results: AUC=0.90, sensitivity=100%, and specificity=69.2%. Furthermore, a study size of 120 patients seemed sufficient to properly exploit the preoperative data in the modeling process, since increasing the number of patients beyond 120 during model training did not bring any performance improvement. Furthermore, inhibin B and a history of varicoceles exhibited the highest predictive capacity. CONCLUSIONS An ML algorithm based on an appropriate approach can predict successful sperm retrieval in men with NOA undergoing TESE, with promising performance. However, although this study is consistent with the first step of this process, a subsequent formal prospective multicentric validation study should be undertaken before any clinical applications. As future work, we consider the use of recent and clinically relevant data sets (including seminal plasma biomarkers, especially noncoding RNAs, as markers of residual spermatogenesis in NOA patients) to improve our results even more.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Bachelot
- Saint Antoine Research Center, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Laboratory in Medical Informatics and Knowledge Engineering in e-Health, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Ferdinand Dhombres
- Laboratory in Medical Informatics and Knowledge Engineering in e-Health, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Sermondade
- Saint Antoine Research Center, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Rahaf Haj Hamid
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Berthaut
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Valentine Frydman
- Service d'Urologie, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Marie Prades
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Kamila Kolanska
- Saint Antoine Research Center, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Lise Selleret
- Service d'Urologie, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Mathieu-D'Argent
- Saint Antoine Research Center, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Diane Rivet-Danon
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Rachel Levy
- Saint Antoine Research Center, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Antonin Lamazière
- Saint Antoine Research Center, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Département de Métabolomique Clinique, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Dupont
- Saint Antoine Research Center, L'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 938, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service de Biologie de La Reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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5
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Caroppo E, Colpi GM. Successful Bilateral Sperm Retrieval in a Hypogonadal Patient with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia Showing Normal Serum 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Levels Suggestive of Normal Intratesticular Testosterone Production: A Case Report. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103594. [PMID: 37240700 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of hypogonadism on the probability of retrieving testicular sperm from patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is still a matter of debate. Conflicting evidence in this field may be justified by the striking differences between serum and intratesticular testosterone (ITT) levels found in men with severe spermatogenic dysfunction, so that normal ITT levels may coexist with low serum testosterone levels. Here we report the case of a patient with NOA with a steadily reduced serum testosterone level irresponsive to hormonal stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin. Supported by his normal serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17 OHP) levels, previously suggested to be marker of ITT levels, microdissection testicular sperm extraction was performed for both testes on two separate occasions, resulting in the retrieval of enough sperm for ICSI. Three ICSI cycles were then performed, one blastocyst was transferred, and five were cryopreserved. This case report suggests that normal serum 17 OHP levels, being suggestive of normal ITT levels, may support the decision to proceed with surgical sperm retrieval in hypogonadal patients with NOA, even for those irresponsive to hormonal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Caroppo
- Asl Bari, Reproductive Unit, Andrology Outpatients Clinic, PTA "F Jaia", 70014 Conversano, Italy
| | - Giovanni M Colpi
- Next Fertility Procrea, Andrology and IVF Center Unit, 86900 Lugano, Switzerland
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6
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Zaki AKA, Aldahmashi FS, Madboli AENA, Attia KA, Almulhim FS, Albarrak SM. Therapeutic approaches for anti-sperm-antibodies in the testicular sperm aspiration rat model. Vet World 2023; 16:296-308. [PMID: 37042009 PMCID: PMC10082712 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.296-308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs) treatment continued to be neglected. This study aimed to generate ASAs using the testicular sperm aspiration (TSA) rat model, which allowed for investigation of four distinct therapeutic approaches to find potential treatments for ASAs.
Materials and Methods: Adult Wistar albino male rats were divided into six equal groups (n = 12). The negative control group underwent scrotal sac surgery without having their testicles punctured. Punctures were made in the remaining 5 groups, with one group left untreated to serve as the positive control group. The remaining 4 groups were treated with either dexamethasone (DEX), azathioprine (AZA), frankincense, or anti-ASAs secondary antibodies. For 10 weeks, serum samples were collected every 2 weeks for specific quantification of ASAs. Testis and epididymis tissues were collected for histopathological analysis.
Results: The ASAs concentrations of the positive controls were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) than their negative control counterparts during the examined weeks. However, The ASAs indices (%) differed according to the treatment type. While the ASAs indices at the 2nd and 4th weeks in the AZA-treated group were significantly reduced compared to the positive control group (p ≤ 0.001), no significant differences were observed at any of the sample collection week for the DEX-treated rats. The ASAs indices were significantly decreased only at weeks 6 and 8 of treatment in the frankincense-treated group (p ≤ 0.001). In the secondary antibodies-treated group, the antibody indices were significantly decreased in all weeks except for samples collected at week 4 (p ≤ 0.001). The testosterone levels reverted to normal only in TSA rats treated with either Frankincense or secondary antibodies, as they were significantly higher than the positive controls (p ≤ 0.05). Tissue samples from the secondary antibody-treated rats showed a generally normal histological appearance.
Conclusion: This study tried to offer realistic therapy suggestions; however, caution should be applied when extrapolating findings from experimental models to meet clinical requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel-Kader A. Zaki
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Fahad S. Aldahmashi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia; Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abd El-Nasser A. Madboli
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, National Research Center, Veterinary Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Kamal A. Attia
- Department of Biology, Al-Jammoum University College, Umm-Alqura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad S. Almulhim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia; Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh M. Albarrak
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Arian I, Dumbraveanu I, Ghenciu V, Machidon D, Ernu I, Ceban E. Histological and immunohistochemical outcomes after microdissection TESE in contrast with hormonal profile, testis volume and genetics in patients with azoospermia. J Med Life 2023; 16:144-152. [PMID: 36873127 PMCID: PMC9979170 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2022-0336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A limited number of individuals with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) may recover spermatozoa through traditional testicular sperm extraction (TESE) techniques. There is an ongoing debate over the effectiveness of microdissection TESE compared to standard TESE methods. Microdissection TESE (micro-TESE) techniques enable the identification of spermatogenesis foci in non-obstructive forms of azoospermia. Only histological examination can provide an objective and definitive assessment of the testicular phenotype. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between histopathological findings after microdissection TESE (micro-TESE) and the predictive role of various factors in determining the success of sperm retrieval. We evaluated 24 patients with azoospermia who underwent micro-TESE and considered the patient's hormonal profile, testis ultrasound, genetic evaluation, histology, and immunohistology (PLAP antibody) of collected testis biopsies. The preoperative blood FSH level, in conjunction with other parameters, may aid in the prediction of micro-TESE success. Sensitivity increases, and specificity decreases with higher FSH levels. Furthermore, testicular volume and FSH levels are typically normal in patients with maturation arrest. In conclusion, hormones, ultrasound evaluation of the testicles, testis volume, and available genetic tests have a predictive value in differentiating obstructive azoospermia (OA) from NOA with various sensitivity and specificity rates. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation establishes the testicular phenotype accurately and guides patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iurii Arian
- Department of Urology and Surgical Nephrology, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova.,Laboratory of Andrology, Functional Urology and Sexual Medicine, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Ion Dumbraveanu
- Department of Urology and Surgical Nephrology, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova.,Laboratory of Andrology, Functional Urology and Sexual Medicine, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Victoria Ghenciu
- Laboratory of Andrology, Functional Urology and Sexual Medicine, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Daniela Machidon
- Laboratory of Andrology, Functional Urology and Sexual Medicine, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Ion Ernu
- Laboratory of Andrology, Functional Urology and Sexual Medicine, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Emil Ceban
- Department of Urology and Surgical Nephrology, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova.,Laboratory of Andrology, Functional Urology and Sexual Medicine, Nicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
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8
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Non-invasive Molecular Biomarkers for Predicting Outcomes of Micro-TESE in Patients with Idiopathic Non-obstructive Azoospermia. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 24:e22. [PMID: 35659383 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2022.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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9
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Kaltsas A, Markou E, Zachariou A, Dimitriadis F, Mamoulakis C, Andreadakis S, Giannakis I, Tsounapi P, Takenaka A, Sofikitis N. Varicoceles in Men With Non-obstructive Azoospermia: The Dilemma to Operate or Not. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:811487. [PMID: 36303681 PMCID: PMC9580802 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.811487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The knowledge on male reproduction is constantly expanding, especially in treating infertility due to non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Varicocele is occasionally diagnosed in a subpopulation of males with NOA. Varicocele repair in NOA-men may contribute to the reappearance of spermatozoa in semen. However, spontaneous pregnancies are observed in only a small percentage of NOA-men post-varicocelectomy. Additionally, it has been reported that the repair of varicocele in NOA-men (before the performance of sperm retrieval techniques) may increase the testicular sperm recovery rate. In addition, it increases the pregnancy rate in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) programs in NOA-men without spermatozoa in the semen post-varicocelectomy. In addition, to the improvement in Sertoli cellular secretory function, varicocelectomy may increase the secretory function of Leydig cells, which subsequently results in improved androgen production, raising the probability to negate the need for testosterone replacement therapy in cases of late-onset hypogonadism. On the other hand, the benefit of varicocelectomy in patients with NOA is still debatable. The current review study aims to provide a critical and extensive review of varicocele repair in males with NOA. This study additionally focuses on the impact of varicocele repair on sperm retrieval rates and its influence on the ICSI outcomes for those couples who remain negative for spermatozoa in their semen samples post-varicocelectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Kaltsas
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- *Correspondence: Aris Kaltsas
| | - Eleftheria Markou
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Sotirios Andreadakis
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Giannakis
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiota Tsounapi
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takenaka
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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10
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Caroppo E, Colpi GM. Prediction Models for Successful Sperm Retrieval in Patients with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia Undergoing Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction: Is There Any Room for Further Studies? J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10235538. [PMID: 34884245 PMCID: PMC8658396 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10235538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Several prediction models for successful sperm retrieval (SSR) in patients with azoospermia due to spermatogenic dysfunction (also termed non-obstructive azoospermia—NOA) have been developed and published in the past years, however their resulting prediction accuracy has never been strong enough to translate their results in the clinical practice. This notwithstanding, the number of prediction models being proposed in this field is growing. We have reviewed the available evidence and found that, although patients with complete AZFc deletion or a history of cryptorchidism may have better probability of SSR compared to those with idiopathic NOA, no clinical or laboratory marker is able to determine whether a patient with NOA should or should not undergo microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) to have his testicular sperm retrieved. Further research is warranted to confirm the utility of evaluating the expression of noncoding RNAs in the seminal plasma, to individuate patients with NOA with higher probability of SSR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Caroppo
- Andrology Outpatients Clinic, Asl Bari, PTA “F Jaia”, Conversano, 70014 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
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11
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Kavoussi PK, Hudson K, Machen GL, Barsky M, Lebovic DI, Kavoussi SK. FSH levels and testicular volumes are associated with the severity of testicular histopathology in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:3015-3018. [PMID: 34532836 PMCID: PMC8608933 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02313-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess a potential association between FSH levels and testicular volumes with the severity of testicular histopathology on testicular biopsy in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) undergoing microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE). Methods A retrospective chart review was performed from the electronic health records of men who underwent microTESE with NOA. Results Eighty-six men with NOA underwent microTESE with concomitant testicular biopsy for permanent section to assess the testicular cellular architecture. The histopathological patterns were categorized by severity indicating the odds of sperm retrieval into 2 categories. The unfavorable category included Sertoli cell only pattern and early maturation arrest (n = 50) and the favorable category included late maturation arrest and hypospermatogenesis patterns (n = 36). In the men with unfavorable histopathologic patterns, the mean FSH level was 22.9 ± 16.6 IU/L, and the mean testicular volume was 10.4 ± 6.0 cc. This was in comparison to men with favorable histopathologic patterns revealing a mean FSH level of FSH 13.3 ± 12.0 with a mean testicular volume of 13.3 ± 5.9 cc. There was a statistically significant higher FSH level in men with unfavorable histopathology than favorable (p = 0.004) as well as a significant smaller mean testicular volume in men with unfavorable histopathology (p = 0.029). Conclusions Higher serum FSH levels and smaller testicular volumes are associated with more severe testicular histopathological patterns in men with NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parviz K Kavoussi
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, 300 Beardsley Lane, Building B, Suite 200, Austin, TX, 78746, USA.
| | - Kayla Hudson
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, 300 Beardsley Lane, Building B, Suite 200, Austin, TX, 78746, USA
| | - G Luke Machen
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, 300 Beardsley Lane, Building B, Suite 200, Austin, TX, 78746, USA
| | - Maya Barsky
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, 300 Beardsley Lane, Building B, Suite 200, Austin, TX, 78746, USA
| | - Dan I Lebovic
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, 300 Beardsley Lane, Building B, Suite 200, Austin, TX, 78746, USA
| | - Shahryar K Kavoussi
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, 300 Beardsley Lane, Building B, Suite 200, Austin, TX, 78746, USA
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12
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Amjad S, Mushtaq S, Rehman R, Zahid N, Munir A, Siddiqui PQR. Spermatozoa retrieval in azoospermia and expression profile of JMJD1A, TNP2, and PRM2 in a subset of the Karachi population. Andrology 2021; 9:1934-1942. [PMID: 34235877 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The difficulties encountered in surgical spermatozoa retrieval for intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure in azoospermic men have stressed the dire need for a robust biomarker for the prediction of spermatozoa retrieval. Data have highlighted the role of JMJD1A (Jumonji domain-containing 1A), a histone H3K9 demethylase, and other nuclear proteins, protamines (PRM) and transition nuclear proteins (TNP), as biomarkers in male infertility. OBJECTIVE To access successful spermatozoa retrieval at the time of intracytoplasmic sperm injection by evaluating the mRNA expression profile of JMJD1A, TNP, and PRM in testicular tissue. MATERIALS/METHODS About 100 azoospermic patients, who visited the Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center, Karachi for spermatozoa retrieval by testicular sperm extraction or microsurgical testicular sperm extraction participated in the study. mRNA expression of the JMJD1A, TNP1, TNP2, PRM1, and PRM2 genes was determined. Patients were categorized into successful spermatozoa retrieval (n = 42) group and unsuccessful spermatozoa retrieval (n = 58) group. RESULTS Azoospermic men in successful spermatozoa retrieval had significantly increased expression of JMJD1A, TNP2, and PRM2. The hormonal parameters - follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were significantly higher in unsuccessful spermatozoa retrieval. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between JMJD1A, TNP2, PRM2, and successful spermatozoa retrieval. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve showed a significant discriminatory ability to predict the spermatozoa retrieval outcome in azoospermic patients for mRNA expression of JMJD1A, TNP2, and PRM2 was 71, 72, and 73%, respectively. The area under the curve for follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone was 0.67, 0.81, and 0.65, respectively. DISCUSSION Our study demonstrates that the mRNA expression profile of JMJD1A, TNP2, and PRM2 along with hormonal parameters, is a useful marker to assess the probability of spermatozoa retrieval before intracytoplasmic sperm injection intervention. CONCLUSION The probability of spermatozoa retrieval in azoospermic patients is increased when the mRNA expression profile of JMJD1A, TNP2, and PRM2 in testicular tissue is increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Amjad
- Department of Physiology, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shamim Mushtaq
- Department of Biochemistry, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rehana Rehman
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Nida Zahid
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Adnan Munir
- Department of Andrology, Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center, Karachi, Pakistan
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13
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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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14
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Ernandez J, Berk B, Han T, Abou Ghayda R, Kathrins M. Evaluating the quality of reported outcomes for microsurgical TESE in men with non-obstructive azoospermia: A methodological analysis. Andrology 2021; 9:1108-1118. [PMID: 33675583 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Publications of microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) techniques and outcomes are heterogeneous, which may limit creation of best surgical practices. OBJECTIVE To study the quality and heterogeneity of published mTESE outcomes via a methodological analysis. MATERIALS/METHODS A systematic methodological analysis of all published literature on the use of mTESE in men with non-obstructive azoospermia from 1999 to the July 2020 was performed. PubMed and MEDLINE searches were performed using the search terms "microdissection TESE OR microsurgical TESE." Publications were evaluated on their reporting of pre-operative factors, intraoperative techniques, surgical and clinical outcomes, and adverse events. RESULTS Fifty-five studies met inclusion criteria. Surgical technique and sperm retrieval rates were the most reported criteria. Reporting on the presence of an embryologist intraoperatively was observed in approximately 30% of articles, while other procedural details including method of sperm quantification, quantity retrieved, and number of cryopreserved vials were observed in fewer than 10% of articles. Clinical outcomes, including pregnancy rates and live birth rates, were reported in fewer than 40% of the articles. Fetal outcomes including fetal and neonatal anomalies were rarely reported. Fetal growth restriction, preterm delivery, small or large for gestational age, and NICU admissions were never reported. CONCLUSION There are inconsistencies in reporting quality of mTESE outcomes, specifically a lack of information on the quantity and quality of sperm retrieved, the role of embryology intraoperatively, and clinical outcomes, such as live birth rate and fetal anomalies. These gaps may guide development of standardized reporting guidelines to better assess and compare clinical outcomes across institutions and maintain focus on couples-centric fertility outcomes in future mTESE studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brittany Berk
- Division of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tracy Han
- Division of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ramy Abou Ghayda
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Martin Kathrins
- Division of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Lacey L, Henderson I, Hassan S, Hunter H, Sajjad Y, Akhtar MA. Can preoperative parameters predict successful sperm retrieval and live birth in couples undergoing testicular sperm extraction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection for azoospermia? MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43043-021-00052-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
We aimed to determine if the success of TESE and live-birth following TESE-ICSI can be predicted from readily available preoperative parameters for couples with azoospermia. Our methodology was as follows, this was a cohort study of couples who attended the fertility service (from 2009-2019) at an NHS hospital in whom the male partner was diagnosed with azoospermia and required conventional TESE with multiple biopsies to obtain sperm. Of 414 men included, 223 had successful TESE and of those 178 have used sperm in ICSI cycle(s). Predictive models were developed using logistic regression. We assessed model performance by internally validated concordance statistics and calibration plots. Successful sperm retrieval was defined as the presence of motile sperm which survived the freeze-thaw process and live-birth defined as delivery after 34 weeks of gestation.
Results
Successful TESE was associated with higher male age and lower FSH. The TESE model discriminated well with a c statistic of 0.81 (0.77-0.85). Live-birth was associated with lower maternal age, earlier ICSI cycle, and lower testicular volume. The live-birth model also discriminated well with a c statistic of 0.70 (0.64-0.76).
Conclusions
These results support the pragmatic counselling of couples diagnosed with azoospermia about the chances of success of the TESE procedure and of biological parenthood prior to surgical intervention. The models help to discriminate between men who have a high or low chance of successful TESE and couples who have a higher chance of achieving a live-birth after successful TESE. This will allow couples to make a better assessment of the balance of risk versus benefit prior to commitment to surgical interventions.
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16
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Kailash Y, Raheem AA, Homa ST. How Successful Is Surgical Sperm Retrieval in Klinefelter Syndrome? FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:636629. [DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.636629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) is characterized by the presence of an extra X chromosome. It was first diagnosed in 1942 in a group of azoospermic men. KS is the most common chromosomal abnormality encountered in infertile men and accounts for more than 10% of the causes of azoospermia. Men who are azoospermic may still father children via testicular sperm extraction followed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This review article summarizes the success rates of the available techniques for surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) in KS including conventional testicular sperm extraction (cTESE) and micro testicular sperm extraction (mTESE), as well as the risks of these procedures for future fertility. The evidence indicates that the SSR rate is as successful in non-mosaic men with KS as those with normal karyotypes, with retrieval rates of up to 55% reported. The influence of different factors that affect the chances of a successful outcome are discussed. In particular, the impact of aneuploidy rate, physical characteristics, co-morbidities, reproductive endocrine balance and the use of different hormone management therapies are highlighted. Evidence is presented to suggest that the single most significant determinant for successful SSR is the age of the patient. The success of SSR is also influenced by surgical technique and operative time, as well as the skills of the surgeon and embryology team. Rescue mTESE may be used successfully following failed TESE in KS patients in combination with hormone stimulation.
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17
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Caroppo E, Colpi GM. Hormonal Treatment of Men with Nonobstructive Azoospermia: What Does the Evidence Suggest? J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10030387. [PMID: 33498414 PMCID: PMC7864204 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10030387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormonal stimulation of spermatogenesis prior to surgery has been tested by some authors to maximize the sperm retrieval yield in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia. Although the rationale of such an approach is theoretically sound, studies have provided conflicting results, and there are unmet questions that need to be addressed. In the present narrative review, we reviewed the current knowledge about the hormonal control of spermatogenesis, the relationship between presurgical serum hormones levels and sperm retrieval rates, and the results of studies investigating the effect of hormonal treatments prior to microdissection testicular sperm extraction. We pooled the available data about sperm retrieval rate in patients with low vs. normal testosterone levels, and found that patients with normal testosterone levels had a significantly higher chance of successful sperm retrieval compared to those with subnormal T levels (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.08–2.45, p = 0.02). These data suggest that hormonal treatment may be justified in patients with hypogonadism; on the other hand, the available evidence is insufficient to recommend hormonal therapy as standard clinical practice to improve the sperm retrieval rate in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Caroppo
- Asl Bari, PTA “F Jaia”, Andrology Outpatients Clinic, 70014 Conversano (BA), Italy
- Correspondence:
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18
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Amjad S, Mushtaq S, Rehman R, Munir A, Zahid N, Siddique PQR. Protamine 1/Protamine 2 mRNA ratio in nonobstructive azoospermic patients. Andrologia 2021; 53:e13936. [PMID: 33427330 DOI: 10.1111/and.13936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered protamine 1 (PRM1)/ protamine 2 (PRM2) mRNA ratio in testicular biopsy samples correlates with sperm quality and its fertilising ability. This study is planned to assess PRM1/ PRM2 mRNA ratio in subgroups of azoospermia to suggest a more reliable and accurate marker for assessing sperm quality in nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). A cross-sectional study was done on testicular biopsy samples, taken from 106 azoospermic patients. Samples were histologically classified into subgroups: 36 obstructive azoospermia (OA), and two groups of NOA: 41 round spermatid maturation arrest (SMA) and 29 Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS). OA samples showed histologically normal spermatogenesis and serve as a positive control. mRNA expression of jumonji domain-containing 1A (JMJD1A), PRM1, PRM2 and transition nuclear proteins (TNP1, TNP2) genes was determined, by RT-qPCR. Significantly lower expression of JMJD1A (p < .001), PRM1 (p = .0265) and PRM2 (p = .0032) has been seen in the SCOS group of NOA. We found significant (p < .001) increase in PRM1/PRM2 mRNA ratio in testicular biopsy samples of SCOS group of NOA patients and significant negative correlation of PRM1/PRM2 mRNA ratio with JMJD1A. Hence, PRM1/PRM2 mRNA ratio may represent a more reliable and accurate marker to assess sperm quality in NOA in addition to standard semen parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Amjad
- Department of Physiology, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shamim Mushtaq
- Department of Biochemistry, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rehana Rehman
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Adnan Munir
- Department of Andrology, Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Nida Zahid
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Kavoussi PK, West BT, Chen SH, Hunn C, Gilkey MS, Machen GL, Kavoussi KM, Esqueda A, Wininger JD, Kavoussi SK. A comprehensive assessment of predictors of fertility outcomes in men with non-obstructive azoospermia undergoing microdissection testicular sperm extraction. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:90. [PMID: 32847601 PMCID: PMC7448981 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00646-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the procedure that results in the highest number of sperm cells retrieved for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This study presents a novel assessment of predictors of sperm retrieval as well as downstream embryology and pregnancy outcomes in cases of men with NOA undergoing microTESE. METHODS A retrospective chart review of 72 men who underwent microTESE for predictors of fertility outcomes including sperm retrieved at microTESE, embryology progression to embryo transfer (ET), clinical pregnancy, live birth, and surplus sperm retrieved for additional IVF/intracytoplasmic injection cycles beyond one initial cycle. Statistical models for each of these outcomes were fitted, with a p-value of < 0.05 considered significant for the parameters estimated in each model. RESULTS Seventy-two men underwent microTESE, and 51/72 (70.8%) had sperm retrieved. Of those, 29/43 (67.4%) reached ET. Of the couples who underwent ET, 21/29 (72.4%) achieved pregnancy and 18/29 (62.1%) resulted in live birth. Of the men with sperm retrieved, 38/51 (74.5%) had surplus sperm cryopreserved beyond the initial IVF cycle. Age, testicular volume, FSH, and testicular histopathology were assessed as predictors for sperm retrieved at microTESE, progression to ET, pregnancy, live birth, and surplus sperm. There were no preoperative predictors of sperm retrieval, clinical pregnancy, or live birth. Age predicted reaching ET, with older men having increased odds. FSH level had a negative relationship with surplus sperm retrieved. Men with hypospermatogenesis histology had higher rates of sperm retrieval, clinical pregnancy, live birth, and having surplus sperm. CONCLUSIONS Men who underwent microTESE with a hypospermatogenesis histopathology had better outcomes, including higher rates of sperm retrieval, clinical pregnancy, live birth, and having surplus sperm retrieved. Increasing male partner age increased the odds of reaching ET. No other clinical factors were predictive for the outcomes considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parviz K. Kavoussi
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, 300 Beardsley Lane, Building B, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78746 USA
| | - Brady T. West
- grid.214458.e0000000086837370Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Shu-Hung Chen
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, 300 Beardsley Lane, Building B, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78746 USA
| | - Caitlin Hunn
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, 300 Beardsley Lane, Building B, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78746 USA
| | - Melissa S. Gilkey
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, 300 Beardsley Lane, Building B, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78746 USA
| | - G. Luke Machen
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, 300 Beardsley Lane, Building B, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78746 USA
| | - Keikhosrow M. Kavoussi
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, 300 Beardsley Lane, Building B, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78746 USA
| | - Amy Esqueda
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, 300 Beardsley Lane, Building B, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78746 USA
| | - J. David Wininger
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, 300 Beardsley Lane, Building B, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78746 USA
| | - Shahryar K. Kavoussi
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, 300 Beardsley Lane, Building B, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78746 USA
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20
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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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21
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Xu HY, Zhang HX, Xiao Z, Qiao J, Li R. Regulation of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in males and the associations of serum AMH with the disorders of male fertility. Asian J Androl 2020; 21:109-114. [PMID: 30381580 PMCID: PMC6413543 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_83_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a functional marker of fetal Sertoli cells. The germ cell number in adults depends on the number of Sertoli cells produced during perinatal development. Recently, AMH has received increasing attention in research of disorders related to male fertility. This paper reviews and summarizes the articles on the regulation of AMH in males and the serum levels of AMH in male fertility-related disorders. We have determined that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes AMH transcription in the absence of androgen signaling. Testosterone inhibits the transcriptional activation of AMH. The undetectable levels of serum AMH and testosterone levels indicate a lack of functional testicular tissue, for example, that in patients with anorchia or severe Klinefelter syndrome suffering from impaired spermatogenesis. The normal serum testosterone level and undetectable AMH are highly suggestive of persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS), combined with clinical manifestations. The levels of both AMH and testosterone are always subnormal in patients with mixed disorders of sex development (DSD). Mixed DSD is an early-onset complete type of disorder with fetal hypogonadism resulting from the dysfunction of both Leydig and Sertoli cells. Serum AMH levels are varying in patients with male fertility-related disorders, including pubertal delay, severe congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, nonobstructive azoospermia, Klinefelter syndrome, varicocele, McCune-Albright syndrome, and male senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yu Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hong-Xian Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhen Xiao
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
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22
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Caroppo E, Colpi EM, Gazzano G, Vaccalluzzo L, Piatti E, D'Amato G, Colpi GM. The seminiferous tubule caliber pattern as evaluated at high magnification during microdissection testicular sperm extraction predicts sperm retrieval in patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia. Andrology 2018; 7:8-14. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Caroppo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Reproductive and IVF Unit Asl Bari Conversano Italy
| | - E. M. Colpi
- Andrology and IVF Unit Clinica San Carlo Paderno Dugnano Italy
| | - G. Gazzano
- Division of Anatomic Pathology Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS Milano Italy
| | - L. Vaccalluzzo
- Andrology and IVF Unit Clinica San Carlo Paderno Dugnano Italy
| | - E. Piatti
- Andrology and IVF Unit Clinica San Carlo Paderno Dugnano Italy
- Andrology Unit Procrea Institute Lugano Switzerland
| | - G. D'Amato
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Reproductive and IVF Unit Asl Bari Conversano Italy
| | - G. M. Colpi
- Andrology and IVF Unit Clinica San Carlo Paderno Dugnano Italy
- Andrology Unit Procrea Institute Lugano Switzerland
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23
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Klami R, Mankonen H, Perheentupa A. Successful microdissection testicular sperm extraction for men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Reprod Biol 2018; 18:137-142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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24
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Uçar M, Oksay T, Özorak A, Soyupek S, Armağan A, Koşar A. Nonobstruktif Azospermik Hastalarda Yapılan Mikrocerrahi Testiküler Sperm Ekstraksiyonu Sonuçları ve Bu Sonuçları Etkileyen Faktörlerin Değerlendirilmesi. ACTA MEDICA ALANYA 2017. [DOI: 10.30565/medalanya.342563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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