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Vickram AS, Anbarasu K, Jeyanthi P, Gulothungan G, Nanmaran R, Thanigaivel S, Sridharan TB, Rohini K. Identification and Structure Prediction of Human Septin-4 as a Biomarker for Diagnosis of Asthenozoospermic Infertile Patients-Critical Finding Toward Personalized Medicine. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:723019. [PMID: 34926486 PMCID: PMC8677696 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.723019] [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: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Semen parameters are been found as a key factor to evaluate the count and morphology in the given semen sample. The deep knowledge of male infertility will unravel with semen parameters correlated with molecular and biochemical parameters. The current research study is to identify the motility associated protein and its structure through the in-silico approach. Semen samples were collected and initial analysis including semen parameters was analyzed by using the World Health Organization protocol. Semen biochemical parameters, namely, seminal plasma protein concentration, fructose content, and glucosidase content were calculated and evaluated for correlation. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) were carried out for identification of Septin-4 presence in the semen sample. Mascot search was done for protein conformation and in-silico characterization of Septin-4 by structural modeling in Iterative Threading Assembly Refinement (I-TASSER). Twenty-five nanoseconds molecular dynamics (MD) simulations results showed the stable nature of Septin-4 in the dynamic system. Overall, our results showed the presence of motility-associated protein in normospermia and control samples and not in the case of asthenospermia and oligoasthenospermia. Molecular techniques characterized the presence of Septin-4 and as a novel biomarker for infertility diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Vickram
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering (SSE), SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - K Anbarasu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Saveetha School of Engineering (SSE), SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - Palanivelu Jeyanthi
- Department of Biotechnology, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
| | - G Gulothungan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering (SSE), SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - R Nanmaran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering (SSE), SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - S Thanigaivel
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering (SSE), SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - T B Sridharan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, India
| | - Karunakaran Rohini
- Unit of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Bedong, Malaysia
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Finelli R, Leisegang K, Kandil H, Agarwal A. Oxidative Stress: A Comprehensive Review of Biochemical, Molecular, and Genetic Aspects in the Pathogenesis and Management of Varicocele. World J Mens Health 2021; 40:87-103. [PMID: 34666421 PMCID: PMC8761243 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.210153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a condition due to an imbalance between the concentrations of oxidants and antioxidants, and it is a well-recognized contributor in several male infertility conditions. Varicocele, a common vascular condition, may cause male infertility due to hyperthermia, hypoxia and/or exposure to toxic adrenal and renal metabolites. In this review, the mechanisms by which oxidative stress can affect cellular integrity and functions are described, along with molecular markers of cellular oxidative damage, and the most commonly performed techniques for their detection in seminal fluid. Moreover, we focus on the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of varicocele based on recently published evidence from omics based studies, such as proteomics and genomics. Finally, we discuss strategies for the management of oxidative stress and the clinical guidelines for testing oxidative stress-related sperm DNA fragmentation in this group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Finelli
- Department of Urology, American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hussein Kandil
- Fakih IVF Fertility Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Department of Urology, American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Sperm Lipid Markers of Male Fertility in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168767. [PMID: 34445473 PMCID: PMC8395862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm plasma membrane lipids are essential for the function and integrity of mammalian spermatozoa. Various lipid types are involved in each key step within the fertilization process in their own yet coordinated way. The balance between lipid metabolism is tightly regulated to ensure physiological cellular processes, especially referring to crucial steps such as sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction or fusion. At the same time, it has been shown that male reproductive function depends on the homeostasis of sperm lipids. Here, we review the effects of phospholipid, neutral lipid and glycolipid homeostasis on sperm fertilization function and male fertility in mammals.
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Razi M, Tavalaee M, Sarrafzadeh-Rezaei F, Moazamian A, Gharagozloo P, Drevet JR, Nasr-Eshafani MH. Varicocoele and oxidative stress: New perspectives from animal and human studies. Andrology 2020; 9:546-558. [PMID: 33145958 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicocoele (VCL), one of the main causes of male subfertility, negatively affects testicular function. Due to limited access to human testicular tissue, animal model studies have been used to evaluate molecular and, recently, epigenetic changes attributed to pathophysiology induced by VCL. OBJECTIVES This review aims to provide an update on the latest findings regarding the link between VCL-induced biochemical stress and molecular changes in germ cells and spermatozoa. Endocrine and antioxidant status, testicular chaperone-specific hemostasis failure, altered testicular ion balance, metabolic disorders, and altered carbon cycling during spermatogenesis are among the many features that will be presented. DISCUSSION Literature review coupled with our own findings suggests that ionic imbalance, hypoxia, hyperthermia, and altered blood flow could lead to severe chronic oxidative and nitrosative stress in patients with VCL leading to defective spermatogenesis and impairment of the integrity of all sperm cell components and compartments down to the epigenetic information they carry. CONCLUSION Since oxidative stress is an important feature of the reproductive pathology of VCL, therapeutic strategies such as the administration of appropriate antioxidants could be undertaken as a complementary non-invasive treatment line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazdak Razi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farshid Sarrafzadeh-Rezaei
- Department of Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | | | | | - Joël R Drevet
- Faculty of Medicine, GReD Institute, INSERM U1103, CNRS UMR6293, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mohammad-Hossein Nasr-Eshafani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
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Santoro M, Aquila S, Russo G. Sperm performance in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic patients is induced by a nutraceuticals mix, containing mainly myo-inositol. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2020; 67:50-63. [PMID: 33094655 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2020.1826067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The action of myo-inositol (MI), belonging to the inositol family, has been shown to improve sperm quality. To further elucidate the efficacy of this substance in male fertility, we investigated in vivo the effects of a nutraceuticals mix, containing mainly myo-inositol (MI) and in vitro the action of the MI on human male gamete performance. Sperm samples were evaluated from 51 men: 21 healthy normozoospermic and 30 oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT). In the latter group, 15 patients were orally treated with the nutraceutical mix and in the remaining 15 patients only MI was used directly on their ejaculated sperm. Comparing the pathologic samples with respect to normal samples we observed that motility, viability, Bcl-2 phosphorylation, and cholesterol efflux increased after in vitro and in vivo treatments. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity as well as triglycerides level and lipase activity highlighted an enhancement of energy expenditure upon the treatment. Uncapacitated sperm is characterized by an anabolic metabolism, to generate an energy reservoir which will be spent during the capacitation, an energy-consuming process needed to acquire the competence for the fertilization. Intriguingly, our finding highlights that the treatment with these substances facilitated the switch from uncapacitated to capacitated sperm, promoting the acquisition of the male gamete fertilizing capacity. Our data suggested that these substances act both directly on sperm and on spermatogenesis, improving the performance of OAT sperm invitro and invivo. The positive effects of these treatments could be of great help for men and couples who have difficulty to conceive achild in anatural way and/or during medical-assisted reproduction.Abbreviations: 30 OAT-untreated patients; B: 15 OAT patients treated in vivo; Bovine serum albumin (BSA); C: 15 OAT patients treated in vitro; cholesterol oxidase-peroxidase (CHOD-POD); H: Normozoospermic samples; HM: sperm from normospermic patients treated in vitro with MI; MI: Myoinositol: IM: Immobile motility; NP: Non-progressive motility; OAT: Oligoasthenoteratozoospermic; PPP: Pentose Phosphate Pathway; PR: Progressive motility; WHO: World Health Organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Santoro
- Department of Pharmacy and Sciences of Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata Di Rende, Italy.,Health Center, University of Calabria Arcavacata Di Rende, Italy
| | - Saveria Aquila
- Department of Pharmacy and Sciences of Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata Di Rende, Italy.,Health Center, University of Calabria Arcavacata Di Rende, Italy
| | - Giampiero Russo
- Family Counseling Center (ASP Cosenza), Arcavacata Di Rende, Italy
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Hassani-Bafrani H, Najaran H, Razi M, Rashtbari H. Berberine ameliorates experimental varicocele-induced damages at testis and sperm levels; evidences for oxidative stress and inflammation. Andrologia 2018; 51:e13179. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Hassani-Bafrani
- Gametogenesis Research Center; Kashan University of Medical Sciences; Kashan Iran
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center; Kashan University of Medical Sciences; Kashan Iran
| | - Hamed Najaran
- Gametogenesis Research Center; Kashan University of Medical Sciences; Kashan Iran
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center; Kashan University of Medical Sciences; Kashan Iran
| | - Mazdak Razi
- Department of Basic Science, Comparative Histology and Embryology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Urmia University; Urmia Iran
| | - Hamid Rashtbari
- Gametogenesis Research Center; Kashan University of Medical Sciences; Kashan Iran
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center; Kashan University of Medical Sciences; Kashan Iran
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Malivindi R, Rago V, De Rose D, Gervasi MC, Cione E, Russo G, Santoro M, Aquila S. Influence of all‐
trans
retinoic acid on sperm metabolism and oxidative stress: Its involvement in the physiopathology of varicocele‐associated male infertility. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:9526-9537. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Malivindi
- Department of Pharmacy and Sciences of Health and Nutrition University of Calabria Cosenza Italy
| | - Vittoria Rago
- Department of Pharmacy and Sciences of Health and Nutrition University of Calabria Cosenza Italy
| | - Daniela De Rose
- Department of Pharmacy and Sciences of Health and Nutrition University of Calabria Cosenza Italy
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria Cosenza Italy
| | | | - Erika Cione
- Department of Pharmacy and Sciences of Health and Nutrition University of Calabria Cosenza Italy
| | - Giampiero Russo
- Consultorio Familiare UNICAL, ASP—National Health Service, Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria Rende Italy
| | - Marta Santoro
- Department of Pharmacy and Sciences of Health and Nutrition University of Calabria Cosenza Italy
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria Cosenza Italy
| | - Saveria Aquila
- Department of Pharmacy and Sciences of Health and Nutrition University of Calabria Cosenza Italy
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria Cosenza Italy
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Moretti E, Sutera G, Collodel G. The importance of transmission electron microscopy analysis of spermatozoa: Diagnostic applications and basic research. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2016; 62:171-83. [PMID: 26980361 DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2016.1155242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This review is aimed at discussing the role of ultrastructural studies on human spermatozoa and evaluating transmission electron microscopy as a diagnostic tool that can complete andrology protocols. It is clear that morphological sperm defects may explain decreased fertilizing potential and acquire particular value in the field of male infertility. Electron microscopy is the best method to identify systematic or monomorphic and non-systematic or polymorphic sperm defects. The systematic defects are characterized by a particular anomaly that affects the vast majority of spermatozoa in a semen sample, whereas a heterogeneous combination of head and tail defects found in variable percentages are typically non-systematic or polymorphic sperm defects. A correct diagnosis of these specific sperm alterations is important for choosing the male infertility's therapy and for deciding to turn to assisted reproduction techniques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) also represents a valuable method to explore the in vitro effects of different compounds (for example drugs with potential spermicidal activity) on the morphology of human spermatozoa. Finally, TEM used in combination with immunohistochemical techniques, integrates structural and functional aspects that provide a wide horizon in the understanding of sperm physiology and pathology. ABBREVIATIONS transmission electron microscopy: TEM; World Health Organization: WHO; light microscopy: LM; motile sperm organelle morphology examination: MSOME; intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection: IMSI; intracytoplasmic sperm injection: ICSI; dysplasia of fibrous sheath: DFS; primary ciliary dyskinesia: PCD; outer dense fibers: ODF; assisted reproduction technologies: ART; scanning electron microscopy: SEM; polyvinylpirrolidone: PVP; tert-butylhydroperoxide: TBHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Moretti
- a Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Gaetano Sutera
- a Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Giulia Collodel
- a Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine , University of Siena , Siena , Italy
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Human sperm molecular anatomy: the enzyme 5α-reductase (SRD5A) is present in the sperm and may be involved in the varicocele-related infertility. Histochem Cell Biol 2015; 144:67-76. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-015-1320-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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10
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Aquila S, De Amicis F. Steroid receptors and their ligands: effects on male gamete functions. Exp Cell Res 2014; 328:303-13. [PMID: 25062984 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years a new picture of human sperm biology is emerging. It is now widely recognized that sperm contain nuclear encoded mRNA, mitochondrial encoded RNA and different transcription factors including steroid receptors, while in the past sperm were considered incapable of transcription and translation. One of the main targets of steroid hormones and their receptors is reproductive function. Expression studies on Progesterone Receptor, estrogen receptor, androgen receptor and their specific ligands, demonstrate the presence of these systems in mature spermatozoa as surface but also as nuclear conventional receptors, suggesting that both systemic and local steroid hormones, through sperm receptors, may influence male reproduction. However, the relationship between the signaling events modulated by steroid hormones and sperm fertilization potential as well as the possible involvement of the specific receptors are still controversial issues. The main line of this review highlights the current research in human sperm biology examining new molecular systems of response to the hormones as well as specific regulatory pathways controlling sperm cell fate and biological functions. Most significant studies regarding the identification of steroid receptors are reported and the mechanistic insights relative to signaling pathways, together with the change in sperm metabolism energy influenced by steroid hormones are discussed.The reviewed evidences suggest important effects of Progesterone, Estrogen and Testosterone and their receptors on spermatozoa and implicate the involvement of both systemic and local steroid action in the regulation of male fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saveria Aquila
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Via P Bucci cubo 34 B, Rende 87036, CS, Italy
| | - Francesca De Amicis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Via P Bucci cubo 34 B, Rende 87036, CS, Italy.
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Guido C, Santoro M, De Amicis F, Perrotta I, Panza S, Rago V, Cesario MG, Lanzino M, Aquila S. Human sperm anatomy and endocrinology in varicocele: role of androgen receptor. Reproduction 2014; 147:589-98. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The study of androgens involved in male reproduction has been object of intense efforts, while their reported action on human male gametes is limited. We previously described the presence of androgen receptor (AR) in sperm with a role related to the modulation of the PI3K pathway. In the present study, we investigated the expression of AR and its ultrastructural location in normal sperm as well as in spermatozoa obtained from varicocele patients. We observed a reduced AR content in varicocele sperm with respect to healthy sperm by western blot analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ultrastructural location of AR was detected mainly on the head membrane as well as in the nucleus, neck, and mitochondria. Influence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment on cholesterol efflux was increased in normal sperm, while it was reduced or absent in varicocele sperm. To better understand DHT/AR significance in human male gametes, we evaluated triglyceride content and lipase, acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities upon DHT treatment. The metabolic outcome glimpsed in normal sperm was an increased metabolic rate, while ‘varicocele’ sperm economized energy. Taken together, our results reveal DHT and AR as new players in sperm endocrinology, indicating that varicocele sperm may have difficulty in switching to the capacitated status. A decreased AR expression and a consequent reduced responsiveness to DHT in sperm may represent molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of varicocele leading to male infertility. This study revealed new detrimental effects of varicocele on sperm at the molecular level.
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Sheehan MM, Ramasamy R, Lamb DJ. Molecular mechanisms involved in varicocele-associated infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:521-6. [PMID: 24643631 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0200-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is a pathologic enlargement of the pampiniform venous plexus within the spermatic cord, a condition that is a common cause of impaired sperm production and decreased quality of sperm. While varicocele is the most common surgically correctable risk factor for male infertility, not all males with varicocele experience infertility. In fact, most men with varicocele have normal spermatogenesis. Despite its prevalence, the molecular mechanisms of varicocele and its effect on testicular function are yet to be completely understood. We postulate that men with varicocele-associated infertility could have preexisting genetic lesions or defects in molecular mechanisms that make them more susceptible to varicocele-mediated testicular injury affecting spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Sheehan
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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