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Gonzalez-Daza SJ, Díaz-Hung AM, García-Perdomo HA. Association between varicocele and hypogonadism, or erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Actas Urol Esp 2024:S2173-5786(24)00084-2. [PMID: 38960064 DOI: 10.1016/j.acuroe.2024.06.006] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between varicocele and hypogonadism, or erectile dysfunction. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, CENTRAL, and other sources. We included cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies. The primary outcome was the association between varicocele and hypogonadism, or erectile dysfunction, and the secondary outcome included semen analysis. We assessed the risk of bias with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We performed statistical analysis in Review Manager 5.3 and reported information about the Odds Ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval. We produced a forest plot for the primary outcome. RESULTS We included ten studies in qualitative analysis and six studies in quantitative analysis. Most of the cross-sectional studies showed a low risk of bias, not so for the two case-control studies, which represented a high risk of bias. Most of the reports described a correlation between having varicocele and presenting low testosterone levels: the meta-analysis showed that there is a significant association between varicocele and hypogonadism (OR 3.27 95% CI 1.23 to 8.68). Regarding varicocele and erectile, only one study showed a significant difference in erectile function in comparison to varicocele patients and men without varicocele. CONCLUSION There is an association between varicocele presence and hypogonadism, although more studies are needed. Besides, not much is reported about an association between varicocele and erectile dysfunction, but impairment can occur through hormone disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Gonzalez-Daza
- Grupo de Investigación UROGIV, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - A M Díaz-Hung
- Grupo de Investigación UROGIV, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia; Unidad de Urología, Departamento de Cirugía, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - H A García-Perdomo
- Grupo de Investigación UROGIV, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia; Unidad de Urología, Departamento de Cirugía, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
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2
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White J, Cartaya S, Black K, Ledesma B, Arbelaez MCS, Muthigi A, Ramasamy R. Are varicoceles the holy grail of Andrology? Int J Impot Res 2024; 36:177-180. [PMID: 37069437 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00696-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Varicoceles are a common condition affecting up to 15% of men in the general population, and up to 40% of men with infertility. A varicocele is an abnormal dilation of the veins within the scrotum, which can lead to reduced sperm production and testicular damage, resulting in infertility. Despite the prevalence of varicoceles, much remains to be discovered about their diagnosis, treatment, and long-term impact. Varicoceles are considered the 'holy grail' of Andrology because they represent a complex, multifactorial condition that requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. While surgical repair of varicoceles has been shown to improve fertility outcomes in some cases, there is still debate about the best approach to diagnosis and treatment, and long-term outcomes are not well understood. Advances in diagnostic imaging, such as color Doppler ultrasound, have improved our ability to identify varicoceles, but more research is needed to fully understand the impact of this condition on male fertility and overall health. As such, varicoceles represent an ongoing area of investigation in Andrology with much progress to be made in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and long-term impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua White
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Urology, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Sofia Cartaya
- University of South Florida, Undergraduate Education, Tampa Bay, FL, USA
| | | | - Braian Ledesma
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Urology, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Akhil Muthigi
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Urology, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Urology, Miami, FL, USA
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Hariri MK, Rajabalian MB, Narouie B, Ahmadaghayi S, Rostami G, Ezoji K, Momeni H, Radpour N. Semen parameter enhancement after varicocelectomy: Insights into varicose vein diameter and BMI influence: A cross-sectional study. Urologia 2024:3915603241247290. [PMID: 38634553 DOI: 10.1177/03915603241247290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Varicocele is a condition in which the veins in the spermatic cord become enlarged and twisted. Varicocele is widely recognized as the leading cause of male infertility due to its significant impact on reproductive health in men. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the diameter of the varicose vein and the recovery rate of the spermogram after varicocelectomy. Also, the effect of body mass index (BMI) on sperm parameters after varicocelectomy. METHODS This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Valiasr Hospital's urology clinic in Qaemshahr, Iran from August 2018 to August 2019 and involved 27 men with unilateral left varicocele who met the inclusion criteria for surgical repair. Before the operation, we recorded demographic information, the maximum diameter of varicose veins in the pampiniform plexus, and spermogram results. We repeated semen analysis 3 months after the operation and analyzed the data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21 software. RESULTS Our findings showed that the diameter of the varicose vein before varicocelectomy was not significantly associated with the improvement of main semen parameters after the operation. Furthermore, our study suggested that a lower body mass index might contribute to a greater improvement in sperm motility, as individuals with lower BMI showed more significant improvement. DISCUSSION There is a significant inverse relationship between BMI and sperm motility improvement after surgery. Patients with a lower BMI showed greater improvement in sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Kazem Hariri
- Department of Urology, Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Sari Branch, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Behzad Narouie
- Department of Urology, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
- Department of Urology, Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Labbafinejad Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Ahmadaghayi
- Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Sari Branch, Sari, Iran
| | - Ghasem Rostami
- Department of Urology, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Ezoji
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Momeni
- Department of Urology, Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Labbafinejad Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Radpour
- Department of Urology, Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Labbafinejad Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Warli SM, Nabil RA, Kadar DD, Prapiska FF, Siregar GP. A comparison between the efficacy and complication of laparoscopic and microsurgical varicocelectomy: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Urol Ann 2024; 16:113-119. [PMID: 38818427 PMCID: PMC11135350 DOI: 10.4103/ua.ua_3_23] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is the dilatation of the scrotal veins and may affect sperm count and infertility. It is caused by congenital vein insufficiency or absence of venous valve. The main treatment is by surgery, and currently, there are two minimally invasive choices: laparoscopic and microsurgical varicocelectomy. This systematic review aimed to record randomized clinical trials from various sources using all qualified studies up to June 2022. The assessed outcomes were operation time, hydrocele, hospital stay, change in semen parameter, recurrence rate, and pregnancy rate. The essential data extracted were Jadad score, publication year, age, and sample size. This systematic review consisted of 509 and 512 patients in the laparoscopic and microsurgery group, respectively, taken from 12 out of 281 studies. The result of this systematic review was significant difference in operation time between patients from two groups (weighted mean difference [WMD] -21.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -28.90--13.89); length of hospitalization (WMD: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.02-0.74); laparoscopic could significantly increase the risk of hydrocele by 3.30-fold (risk ratio [RR]: 3.30, 95% CI: 1.07-10.12); laparoscopic could significantly increase the recurrence rate by 6.98-fold (RR: 6.98, 95% CI: 3.46-14.08); no significant difference in spontaneous pregnancy between patients in both groups (RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.57-1.16); and laparoscopic surgery decreased the occurrence of sperm parameter changes by 40% (RR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.25-0.62).
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Affiliation(s)
- Syah Mirsya Warli
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara – Haji Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia
- Department of Urology, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Rizky An Nabil
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia – Haji Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Dhirajaya Dharma Kadar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara – Haji Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Fauriski Febrian Prapiska
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara – Haji Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Ginanda Putra Siregar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara – Haji Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia
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Munoz-Lopez C, Wong A, Lewis K, Bole R, Vij SC, Lundy SD. The Evolving Landscape of Male Varicocele Pathophysiology in the Era of Multi-Omics: A Narrative Review of the Current Literature. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:80. [PMID: 38392299 PMCID: PMC10886418 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Male-factor infertility is implicated in over half of the millions of cases of infertility worldwide, and varicoceles are the most common correctable cause of male-factor infertility. The pathophysiologic mechanism for varicoceles is complex and next-generation technologies offer promising insights into the molecular underpinnings of this condition. In this narrative review, we highlight historical and contemporary paradigms associated with varicoceles, with an emphasis on the biological underpinnings of this disease. Specifically, we review the literature describing the underlying causes of varicoceles, discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms causing pathological changes in some (but not all) men, and highlight key articles regarding the next-generation analyses (e.g., transcriptome, epigenome, proteome, and microbiome) being applied to better understand the condition and its treatment. These data demonstrate an ongoing evolution of the knowledge of varicoceles and the potential for improved personalized care in the future for men with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Munoz-Lopez
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Anne Wong
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kieran Lewis
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Raevti Bole
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Sarah C Vij
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Scott D Lundy
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Minas A, de Oliveira Rodrigues L, Camargo M, Bertolla RP. Insight into inflammation involvement in varicocele: A narrative review. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13786. [PMID: 37881120 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicocele is one of the main causes of male infertility. Although the pathophysiology mechanism of varicocele is very well described and understood, there are some unanswered questions that remains unknown. Some studies have previously described the state of testicular inflammation and sperm in animal models, especially the mouse model, and the seminal plasma of men with varicocele, with or without changes in semen parameters. METHODS OF STUDY This review intended to verify the role of inflammatory mechanism in varicocele, using clinical studies as well as animal model studies on the effect of inflammation caused by varicocele on the function of testicular somatic and germ cells. RESULTS In-vivo studies confirmed whether anti-inflammatory molecules could treat the semen of men with varicocele and rats with varicocele. The use of different anti-inflammatory agents in mouse model studies provided a new perspective for future clinical studies to investigate the effect of concurrent treatment with surgery to improve surgical outcomes. CONCLUSION Similar to animal model studies, previously conducted clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory therapy in varicocele patients. However, clinical trials using anti-inflammatory are needed to be conducted agents to evaluate different aspects of this therapeutical approach in varicocele patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aram Minas
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, São Paulo Federal University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa de Oliveira Rodrigues
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, São Paulo Federal University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Camargo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, São Paulo Federal University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, São Paulo Federal University, São Paulo, Brazil
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7
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Huyghe E, Methorst C, Faix A. [Varicocele and male infertility]. Prog Urol 2023; 33:624-635. [PMID: 38012908 DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicocele is the most common correctable cause of male infertility. It was the subject of recent Association française d'urologie (AFU) Comité d'andrologie et de médecine sexuelle (CAMS) recommendations. Since then, the literature has provided additional information. This review will comprehensively reassess current indications for the treatment of varicocele, and revisit contemporary issues in the light of current advances. METHODS Update of the literature search carried out as part of the CAMS recommendations for the period between 2020 and 2023. RESULTS Microsurgical sub-inguinal varicocelectomy remains the surgical treatment of choice for infertile men with clinical varicocele and abnormal sperm parameters. It offers recurrence rates of less than 4%. It significantly improves both natural and in vitro fertilization live birth and pregnancy rates, as well as sperm count, total and progressive motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation rates. All in all, it modifies the MPA strategy in around one in two cases. Varicocele grade and bilaterality are predictive of improved sperm parameters and pregnancy rate. Treatment of subclinical varicocele is not recommended. Complications are rare, notably hydroceles (0.5%), unilateral testicular atrophy due to arterial damage (1/1000), hematomas, delayed healing and postoperative pain. Retrograde embolization is an alternative to surgery. CONCLUSION Whenever possible, the urologist should present and discuss treatment options for varicocele with the MPA team and the patient, taking a personalized approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Huyghe
- Département d'urologie, hôpital de Rangueil, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Paule-de-Viguier, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; UMR DEFE, Inserm 1203, université de Toulouse, université de Montpellier, Toulouse, France.
| | - C Methorst
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital des Quatre Villes, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - A Faix
- Clinique Saint-Roch, 560, avenue du Colonel-Pavelet-dit-Villars, 34000 Montpellier, France
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Kaltsas A, Markou E, Zachariou A, Dimitriadis F, Symeonidis EN, Zikopoulos A, Mamoulakis C, Tien DMB, Takenaka A, Sofikitis N. Evaluating the Predictive Value of Diagnostic Testicular Biopsy for Sperm Retrieval Outcomes in Men with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1362. [PMID: 37763130 PMCID: PMC10532560 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091362] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) presents a challenge in male infertility management. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of diagnostic testicular biopsy (DTB) in predicting sperm retrieval success via therapeutic testicular biopsy (TTB) and to understand the role of systemic inflammation in microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) outcomes. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 50 NOA males who underwent mTESE at the University of Ioannina's Department of Urology from January 2017 to December 2019. All participants underwent thorough medical evaluations, including semen analyses and endocrinological assessments. RESULTS DTB did not detect spermatozoa in half of the patients who later showed positive sperm findings in TTB. Preoperative variables, such as age, plasma levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone (TT), prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2), and inflammation biomarkers (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-eosinophil ratio (MER)), were not consistently predictive of sperm retrieval success. Notably, TTB-negative patients had elevated NLR and PLR values, suggesting a possible link between systemic inflammation and reduced sperm retrieval during mTESE. CONCLUSIONS The findings question the necessity of an initial DTB, which might provide misleading results. A negative DTB should not deter further TTB or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) attempts. The study emphasizes the need for further research to refine diagnostic approaches and deepen the understanding of factors influencing sperm retrieval in NOA patients, ultimately enhancing their prospects of biological parenthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Kaltsas
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.)
| | - Eleftheria Markou
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.)
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.D.); (E.N.S.)
| | - Evangelos N. Symeonidis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.D.); (E.N.S.)
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.)
| | - Charalampos Mamoulakis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Dung Mai Ba Tien
- Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam;
| | - Atsushi Takenaka
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan;
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.K.); (A.Z.)
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Tian D, Yang C, Xie B, Li H, Li J, Yang D, Zhu Z. Effects of Varicocele Surgical Repair on Serum Hormone and Inhibin B Levels for Patients With Varicocele: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Mens Health 2023; 17:15579883231199400. [PMID: 37694823 PMCID: PMC10496478 DOI: 10.1177/15579883231199400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicocele surgical repair can improve the function of the testis for patients with varicocele. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of varicocele surgical repair on serum hormones and inhibin B levels in patients with varicocele. A literature search was performed in August 2022, and no language or geographic region restrictions were applied. The search included the following databases: PubMed, Embase, and Medline. A literature review was performed to identify all published clinical trials assessing serum hormone and inhibin B levels before and after varicocele surgical repair. The reference lists of retrieved studies were also investigated. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Eight articles were selected from 162 articles, including 452 patients. The combined analysis showed that after surgical treatment, mean serum testosterone, inhibin B, and sperm concentration levels increased compared with preoperative levels (p < .05). After surgical treatment, mean serum follicle-stimulating hormon (FSH), and Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels decreased compared with preoperative levels (p < .05). This meta-analysis demonstrates that varicocele surgical repair can improve testicular function, increase serum testosterone, and inhibin B levels and decrease serum FSH and LH levels in patients with varicocele. This might be related to the improvement of infertility. A large-scale multicenter randomized controlled study is needed for further confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daxue Tian
- Department of Urology, Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Chenchen Yang
- Department of Urology, Tengzhou Central People’s Hospital, Tengzhou, China
| | - Bing Xie
- Department of Medical Engineering, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Haijuan Li
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Diandong Yang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Zaisheng Zhu
- Department of Urology, Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
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Elahi M, Hojati V, Hashemitabar M, Afrough M, Mohammadpour Kargar H, Dastoorpoor M. Negative effect of varicocele on sperm mitochondrial dysfunction: A cross-sectional study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2023; 21:323-332. [PMID: 37260549 PMCID: PMC10227351 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v21i4.13271] [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: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Varicocele is an abnormal dilation and enlargement of the scrotal venous pampiniform plexus that impairs normal blood drainage and finally leads to infertility if not treated. Objective This study aimed to figure out the impact of mitochondria status through the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assessment and its correlation with semen parameters to illuminate the impact of sperm mitochondria healthiness on normal sperm functionality. Materials and Methods This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 men including 50 cases in the normozoospermic group (normal) and 50 in an infertile group with the non-varicocelectomy operation (varicocele) referring to Infertility Research and Treatment Center, ACECR Khuzestan, Iran. Routine semen analysis was performed according to World Health Organization guidelines, DNA fragmentation index, the MMP assay, ATP content, and apoptosis were carried out for all samples. Results The results showed that the concentration, progressive motility, normal morphology, MMP, and ATP contents of sperm in varicocele were significantly lower than the normal group. In addition, the sperm DNA fragmentation index was significantly higher in the varicocele group in comparison with the normal group. Conclusion Reduction in MMP and ATP contents, besides the loss of sperm parameters quality and increase in sperm DNA fragmentation, were seriously implicating sperm mitochondria dysfunctionality in varicocele men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Elahi
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Vida Hojati
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Hashemitabar
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahsa Afrough
- Health Education Research Department, ACECR, Khuzestan, Ahvaz, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Dastoorpoor
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ahvaz Jondishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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11
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Kagami Y, Nakashima H, Satake K, Ito K, Tsushima M, Segi N, Tomita H, Ouchida J, Morita Y, Ode Y, Imagama S, Kanemura T. Anatomical Analysis of the Gonadal Veins and Spine in Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12083041. [PMID: 37109377 PMCID: PMC10142342 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12083041] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current study aimed to investigate the anatomical position of the gonadal veins (GVs) from the viewpoint of spine surgery and the risk factors associated with lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). METHODS This retrospective study included 99 consecutive patients. The GV locations were divided into the ventral (V), dorsal medial (DM), and dorsal lateral (DL) sides based on lumbar disk levels on axial contrast-enhanced computed tomography images. The DM region surrounded by the vertebral body and psoas muscle had the highest risk of GV injury. The GV at each intervertebral disk level was examined in terms of laterality and sex. The patients were divided into group M (which included those with GV in the DM region at any vertebral level) and group O (which included those without GV in the DM region at any vertebral level). Then, the two groups were compared. RESULTS In the case of lower lumbar levels and in women, the GVs were commonly observed in the DM region. Group M had a higher incidence of degenerative scoliosis than group O and a significantly larger Cobb angle. CONCLUSIONS We should pay close attention to the GV location on the preoperative image when using LLIF, particularly in female patients with degenerative scoliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiro Kagami
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konan Kosei Hospital, Konan 483-8704, Japan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Anjo Kosei Hospital, Anjo 446-8602, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nakashima
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konan Kosei Hospital, Konan 483-8704, Japan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Shouwa-ku, Nagoya 466-8560, Japan
| | - Kotaro Satake
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konan Kosei Hospital, Konan 483-8704, Japan
| | - Kenyu Ito
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konan Kosei Hospital, Konan 483-8704, Japan
| | - Mikito Tsushima
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konan Kosei Hospital, Konan 483-8704, Japan
| | - Naoki Segi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konan Kosei Hospital, Konan 483-8704, Japan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Shouwa-ku, Nagoya 466-8560, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tomita
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konan Kosei Hospital, Konan 483-8704, Japan
| | - Jun Ouchida
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konan Kosei Hospital, Konan 483-8704, Japan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Shouwa-ku, Nagoya 466-8560, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Morita
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konan Kosei Hospital, Konan 483-8704, Japan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Shouwa-ku, Nagoya 466-8560, Japan
| | - Yukihito Ode
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konan Kosei Hospital, Konan 483-8704, Japan
| | - Shiro Imagama
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Shouwa-ku, Nagoya 466-8560, Japan
| | - Tokumi Kanemura
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konan Kosei Hospital, Konan 483-8704, Japan
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12
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Robinson BR, Netherton JK, Ogle RA, Baker MA. Testicular heat stress, a historical perspective and two postulates for why male germ cells are heat sensitive. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:603-622. [PMID: 36412227 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we compare the different experimental regimes used to induce testicular heat stress and summarise their impact on sperm production and male fertility. Irrespective of the protocol used, scrotal heat stress causes loss of sperm production. This is first seen 1-2 weeks post heat stress, peaking 4-5 weeks thereafter. The higher the temperature, or the longer the duration of heat, the more pronounced germ cell loss becomes, within extreme cases this leads to azoospermia. The second, and often underappreciated impact of testicular hyperthermia is the production of poor-quality spermatozoa. Typically, those cells that survive hyperthermia develop into morphologically abnormal and poorly motile spermatozoa. While both apoptotic and non-apoptotic pathways are known to contribute to hyperthermic germ cell loss, the mechanisms leading to formation of poor-quality sperm remain unclear. Mechanistically, it is unlikely that testicular hyperthermia affects messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance, as a comparison of four different mammalian studies shows no consistent single gene changes. Using available evidence, we propose two novel models to explain how testicular hyperthermia impairs sperm formation. Our first model suggests aberrant alternative splicing, while the second model proposes a loss of RNA repression. Importantly, neither model requires consistent changes in RNA species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Robinson
- Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Jacob K Netherton
- Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Rachel A Ogle
- Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Mark A Baker
- Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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13
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Chen Q, Zhou R, Yang C, Jiang Q, Yuan H, Qiu X, Tian H, Zhou J, Liu C. Ergothioneine attenuates varicocele-induced testicular damage by upregulating HSP90AA1 in rats. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23301. [PMID: 36644941 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23301] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanisms of ergothioneine (EGT) on the testicular damage caused by varicocele (VC) in vivo, in vitro, and in silico. This preclinical study combines a series of biological experiments and network pharmacology analyses. A total of 18 Sprague Dawley (SD) male rats were randomly and averagely divided into three groups: the sham-operated, VC model, and VC model with EGT treatment (VC + EGT) groups. The left renal vein of the VC model and the VC + EGT groups were half-ligated for 4 weeks. Meanwhile, the VC + EGT group was intragastrically administrated with EGT (10 mg/kg). GC1 and GC2 cells were exposed to H2 O2 with or without EGT treatment to re-verify the conclusion. The structure disorder of seminiferous tubules ameliorated the apoptosis decrease in the VC rats receiving EGT. EGT can also increase the sperm quality of the VC model rats (p < 0.05). The exposure to H2 O2 decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of GC1 and GC2 cells, which was revisable by adding EGT to the plates (p < 0.05). The network pharmacology and molecular docking were conducted to explore the potential targets of EGT in VC, and HSP90AA1 was identified as the pivotal gene, which was validated by western blot, immunohistochemistry, and RT-qPCR both in vivo and in vitro (p < 0.05). Overall, EGT attenuates the testicular injury in the VC model both in vivo and in vitro by potentially potentiating the expression of HSP90AA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ranran Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qijun Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoyu Yuan
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Qiu
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hu Tian
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junhao Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cundong Liu
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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14
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The contemporary role of varicocele repair: why operate when in-vitro fertilization results are so good? Curr Opin Urol 2023; 33:1-4. [PMID: 36444648 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000001053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW A male factor is either the primary cause or is contributory in at least half of all couples with infertility. Currently, many male factor problems may be disregarded, as reproductive technology has advanced so much that in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) allows the use of even a single sperm to achieve pregnancy. RECENT FINDINGS Varicocele is the most commonly diagnosed correctable cause. Microsurgical repair is considered the gold standard for repair. Research has shown that varicocele repair can impact the outcome of reproductive management and upgrade male infertility from adoption or donor sperm only to IVF/ICSI and microTESE, or IVF/ICSI with ejaculated sperm, or from IVF/ICSI to intrauterine insemination (IUI) or often naturally conceived. SUMMARY Varicocele diagnosis and repair is an essential part of infertility evaluation. Not only does it potentially impact antiretroviral therapy choices, but it can also increase testosterone levels benefiting long-term male health.
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15
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Marinaro J, Goldstein M. Microsurgical Management of Male Infertility: Compelling Evidence That Collaboration with Qualified Male Reproductive Urologists Enhances Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Outcomes. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154593. [PMID: 35956208 PMCID: PMC9369943 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A male factor plays a significant role in a couple's reproductive success. Today, advances in reproductive technology, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), have allowed it to be possible for just a single sperm to fertilize an egg, thus, overcoming many of the traditional barriers to male fertility, such as a low sperm count, impaired motility, and abnormal morphology. Given these advances in reproductive technology, it has been questioned whether a reproductive urologist is needed for the evaluation and treatment of infertile and subfertile men. In this review, we aim to provide compelling evidence that collaboration between reproductive endocrinologists and reproductive urologists is essential for optimizing a couple's fertility outcomes, as well as for improving the health of infertile men and providing cost-effective care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Marinaro
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Marc Goldstein
- Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Microsurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th St., Starr Pavilion, 9th Floor (Starr 900), New York, NY 10065, USA
- Correspondence:
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16
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Bao B, Ke M, Guo J, Pan Z, Huang H, Ke Z, Zhou X, Liu B. Bibliometrics and visualisation analysis of literature on varicocele: From 2002 to 2021. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14537. [PMID: 35920088 DOI: 10.1111/and.14537] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is a common disease in men, with a global incidence of approximately 25%. A comprehensive and systematic analysis of the knowledge map on it will help in assessing frontier research and identify knowledge gaps. In total, 4103 articles published from 2002 to 2021 in 1066 journals were included. They represent the current research status worldwide, potential hotspots and future research directions. In the past decades, the number of publications and citations of varicocele-related studies have increased steadily. Academic institutions in the United States played a leading role in varicocele research. The country, institution, journal and author with the most publications were the United States (779), Cleveland Clinic Foundation (132), Andrologia (246) and Agarwal A (106), respectively. The most frequently used keywords were Varicocele (1620), Male Infertility (944), Varicocelectomy (288), Testis (245), Sperm (166), Oxidative Stress (144), Azoospermia (119), Semen Analysis (118), Laparoscopy (116) and Adolescent (97). Currently, the main focus of current varicocele research is its surgical treatment method and effect on sperm quality. The frontier research hotspot is the specific mechanism of varicocele-induced decrease in sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binghao Bao
- Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Department of Andrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Minghui Ke
- Department of Andrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianqiang Guo
- Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Department of Andrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengkun Pan
- Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Department of Andrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haonan Huang
- Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Department of Andrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenghao Ke
- Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Department of Andrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhou
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Baoxing Liu
- Department of Andrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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17
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Ioannidou PG, Papanikolaou DA, Bosdou JK, Goulis DG, Lambropoulos AF, Grimbizis GF, Κolibianakis EM. Improvement in sperm quality by oral antioxidant supplementation in infertile men with varicocele who have not undergone surgical repair: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14533. [PMID: 35819022 DOI: 10.1111/and.14533] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess whether oral antioxidant supplementation improves sperm quality in men with infertility and varicocele (VCL) who have not undergone surgical repair. In men with infertility and VCL who had not undergone surgical repair oral antioxidant supplementation significantly increased sperm concentration (WMD +5.86 × 106 /ml 95% CI: +1.47 to +10.24, p < 0.01; random effects model, six studies, 213 patients), total motility (WMD + 3.76%, 95% CI: +0.18 to +7.34, p = 0.04; random effects model, three studies, 93 patients), progressive motility (WMD + 6.38%, 95% CI: +3.04 to +9.71, p < 0.01; random effects model, three studies, 84 patients) and seminal volume (WMD +0.55 ml, 95%CI: +0.06 to +1.04, p = 0.03; random effects model, four studies, 120 patients). On the other hand, no significance difference was observed in sperm morphology (WMD +3.89%, 95% CI: -0.14 to +7.92, p = 0.06; random effects model, five studies, 187 patients). In conclusion, limited evidence suggests that the use of oral antioxidants in men with infertility and VCL, who have not undergone surgical repair improves their seminal volume, sperm concentration, total and progressive motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinelopi G Ioannidou
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios A Papanikolaou
- 2nd Department of Urology, Medical School,, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Julia K Bosdou
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros F Lambropoulos
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Grigoris F Grimbizis
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Efstratios M Κolibianakis
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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18
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Aprioku JS, Boms R, Ife-Tubiyele DO. Effect of simultaneous coffee/caffeine and ethanol administration on sperm quality and reproductive hormones: an experimental study in Sprague Dawley rats. Drug Chem Toxicol 2022; 45:1012-1020. [PMID: 32772731 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2020.1802479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Chronic alcohol or coffee/caffeine consumption has been associated with negative effects on male reproductive system. The present study evaluated the possible interaction (combination treatment) of coffee/caffeine and alcohol and its resultant consequence on sperm parameters in rats. Ten groups of adult Sprague Dawley rats (n = 5 per group) were orally gavaged with different quantities of coffee (≈5, 10, and 20 mg/kg caffeine); 30% v/v ethanol (0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg); coffee + ethanol or vehicle (distilled water) daily for 60 days. Sperm parameters, serum sex hormone levels, together with antioxidants and lipid peroxidation status of testis homogenate were evaluated. Single and combined administration of coffee/caffeine and ethanol caused a reduction in sperm count dose-dependently (p = 0.0002), but this effect was highest in the combined treatment. Sperm viability, motility, and morphology were unaffected by coffee or ethanol administration, but the combination produced detrimental effects on them. While changes in follicle stimulating hormone were not significant, testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels were decreased significantly and dose-dependently in all experimental groups (p < 0.05-0.0001). This effect was most pronounced in the groups that received the combination. Testicular superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and reduced glutathione and malondiadehye (MDA) levels were not affected by coffee/caffeine, but ethanol decreased (p < 0.05) the antioxidants and elevated MDA levels mostly at 2 g/kg. The combination reduced (p < 0.0001) the antioxidants and increased MDA levels in testis homogenates at all doses. Combination of coffee/caffeine and ethanol potentiates their detrimental effects on sperm quality and reproductive hormones via reduction in testicular antioxidants activities and elevation of lipid peroxidation in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Aprioku
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - R Boms
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - D O Ife-Tubiyele
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
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19
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Mulati Y, Li X, Maimaitiming A, Apizi A, Wang Y. Is there any predictive value of testicular shear wave elastic modulus in testicular functions for varicocele patients? Andrologia 2022; 54:e14393. [PMID: 35277869 DOI: 10.1111/and.14393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yelisudan Mulati
- Urology Department The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University Xinjiang Medical University Urumqi Xinjiang China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Urology Department Xinjiang Clinical Research Center for Genitourinary System The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University Urumqi Xinjiang China
| | - Abulaiti Maimaitiming
- Urology Department Xinjiang Clinical Research Center for Genitourinary System The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University Urumqi Xinjiang China
| | - Aireti Apizi
- Urology Department Xinjiang Clinical Research Center for Genitourinary System The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University Urumqi Xinjiang China
| | - Yujie Wang
- Urology Department Xinjiang Clinical Research Center for Genitourinary System The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University Urumqi Xinjiang China
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20
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Varicocele in an Adult Ram: Histopathological Examination and Sperm Quality Evaluation. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9020086. [PMID: 35202339 PMCID: PMC8877391 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9020086] [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: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is a common pathological condition of testis that is related to male fertility problems. A 3-year age Chios ram had an abnormally enlarged scrotal area, was excluded from reproductive duties, and was euthanized with the owners’ permission. The main pathological finding was the presence of bilateral multinodular spermatic cord enlargement with laminated vascular thrombi. Histopathological examination revealed commonly mineralized thrombi within the lumen of veins of the pampiniform plexus, inflammation and testicular degeneration. The epididymides were transported to the laboratory and each cauda region was sliced and washed (8 mL water for injection/epididymis), and the epididymal sperm samples were collected. Sperm motility variables (CASA), viability (eosin-nigrosine), morphology (SpermBlue®), and DNA integrity (Acridine Orange Test, AOT) were assessed. The total and progressive motility were low in semen samples of both sides (30.00% and 1.00% vs. 42.60% and 2.50% for left and right epididymis, respectively). Low viability values were observed for both sides (26.00% vs. 23.00% for left and right epididymis, respectively), while sperm morphological abnormalities were within normal limits. No sperm with DNA damage were detected. The results of this case report indicate that varicocele is associated with testis dysfunction and degradation of ram semen quality, mainly affecting motility and kinematics.
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21
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Kızılay F, Altay B, Aşçı R, Çayan S, Ekmekçioğlu O, Yaman Ö, Kadıoğlu A. Retrospective analysis of factors affecting sperm retrieval with microscopic testicular sperm extraction in infertile men with Klinefelter syndrome: A multicentre study. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14379. [PMID: 35102587 DOI: 10.1111/and.14379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the data currently available on predictors of sperm retrieval (SR) in infertile men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). The data of infertile patients with KS who were evaluated for primary infertility in the andrology outpatient clinics of six centres were retrospectively reviewed. SR, fertilization and pregnancy rates were evaluated. While SR was achieved with microscopic testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in 57.7% of the cases, the positive pregnancy rate was 22%. While mosaicism was significantly associated with achieving pregnancy, it was not significant for SR (p = 0.002 and p = 0.136 respectively). However, receiving medical treatment prior to mTESE was a positive factor for both achieving pregnancy (p = 0.010) and successful SR (p = 0.032). Unsurprisingly, fertilization rate was a variable that increased the pregnancy rate (p = 0.001). In addition, total testosterone value correlated with SR (p < 0.001). For patients with KS, pregnancy can be achieved by obtaining sperm through mTESE, especially in those with mosaic karyotype, normal partner fertility, a high fertilization rate and who receive appropriate medical treatment before mTESE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuat Kızılay
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Barış Altay
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Aşçı
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Selahittin Çayan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Oğuz Ekmekçioğlu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Önder Yaman
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ateş Kadıoğlu
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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22
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Nowicka-Bauer K, Malcher A, Włoczkowska O, Kamieniczna M, Olszewska M, Kurpisz MK. Evaluation of seminal plasma HSPA2 protein as a biomarker of human spermatogenesis status. Reprod Biol 2021; 22:100597. [PMID: 34959194 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, testicular Heat shock-related 70 kDa protein 2 (HSPA2) is a chaperon strictly linked to spermatogenesis status, whereas its presence in spermatozoa ensures successful oocyte fertilization. However, there is little information on this protein in seminal plasma in infertile males. Based on our previous two independent studies, we have selected HSPA2 to evaluate this seminal plasma protein is a potential biomarker of correct spermatogenesis. Using immunoblotting and mass spectrometry (MS) we have screened human seminal plasma samples for the presence of HSPA2. Samples were obtained from individuals with normozoospermia, cryptozoospermia, non-obstructive and obstructive azoospermia. Our results showed a lack of HSPA2 in seminal plasma in all azoospermic males however, in cryptozoospermia the results were extremely diversified. Additionally, the application of 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) indicated the presence of additional protein isoforms suggesting possible mechanisms underlying the male infertility. Our findings suggest seminal plasma HSPA2 protein as a possible biomarker not only of spermatogenesis status, especially in cryptozoospermic males, but also as a biomarker predicting the success of reproductive treatment including assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agnieszka Malcher
- Institute of Human Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Olga Włoczkowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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23
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Han L, Xiang S, Rong B, Liang Y, Zhao S. Verbascoside attenuates experimental varicocele-induced damage to testes and sperm levels through up-regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 59:715-722. [PMID: 34148492 PMCID: PMC8216254 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1933085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Verbascoside (VB), which is found in many medicinal plant families, exhibits biological activities in various diseases. However, its effects on varicocele (VCL)-induced damage remain unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of VB on experimental rats with varicocele (VCL)-induced damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty sexually mature male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups (n = 10): control, control-sham, VCL-vehicle (normal saline), and VCL + VB groups (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally). After 4 weeks of VB treatment, all animals were sacrificed, and the body and testicular weight, sperm quality parameters, histopathology, antioxidant status, and hormone levels were tested. The levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone in the hypothalamus were detected by western blot. RESULTS Compared with the VCL-vehicle group (41.14%), administration of VB significantly increased the sperm viability (59.29, 65.45, 84.93%). VB groups showed higher Johnson's score (3.57 ± 0.15, 4.71 ± 0.26, 7.93 ± 0.37) than VCL-vehicle group (2.72 ± 0.24). Antioxidant status and hormone levels alterations were also observed. Meanwhile, the mean number of apoptotic tubules (8.15 ± 0.96, 6.61 ± 1.05, 2.17 ± 0.08) and apoptotic index showed a marked decrease. Compared with the VCL-vehicle group (0.21 ± 0.09), the VB groups (0.36 ± 0.07, 0.42 ± 0.06, 0.88 ± 0.10) showed considerable increases in GnRH. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS VB has protective effects on reproductive organs and VB may be therapeutically useful in the treatment of varicocele through up-regulation of the HPG axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letian Han
- The First Clinical School, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shan Xiang
- The First Clinical School, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Baohai Rong
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yanchen Liang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shengtian Zhao
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Wood GJA, Cardoso JPG, Paluello DV, Nunes TF, Cocuzza M. Varicocele-Associated Infertility and the Role of Oxidative Stress on Sperm DNA Fragmentation. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:695992. [PMID: 36304050 PMCID: PMC9580684 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.695992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele has been extensively described and studied as the most important reversible cause of male infertility. Its impact on semen parameters, pregnancy rates, and assisted reproductive outcomes have been associated with multifactorial aspects, most of them converging to increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS). More recently, sperm DNA fragmentation has gained significant attention and potential clinical use, although the body of evidence still needs further evolution. The associations between sperm DNA damage and a variety of disorders, including varicocele itself, share common pathways to ROS increase. This mini-review discusses different aspects related to the etiology of ROS and its relation to varicocele and potential mechanisms of DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Jacom Abdulmassih Wood
- Huntington Medicina Reprodutiva, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Urology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Guilherme Jacom Abdulmassih Wood
| | - João Paulo Greco Cardoso
- Division of Urology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Davi Vischi Paluello
- Division of Urology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marcello Cocuzza
- Division of Urology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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25
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Zhang L, Zhao X, Wang W. lncRNA and mRNA sequencing of the left testis in experimental varicocele rats treated with Morinda officinalis polysaccharide. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1136. [PMID: 34466146 PMCID: PMC8383328 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is a common disease of the male reproductive system. Morinda (M.) officinalis is a Chinese herbal medicine, whose main bioactive component M. officinalis polysaccharide (MOP) is believed to have a therapeutic effect on varicocele; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this effect are poorly understood. In the present study, 24 rats were randomly divided into three groups: i) Control group; ii) experimental varicocele group; and iii) 300 mg/kg MOP administration group. Analysis of mRNA and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression in rat left testicular tissue was performed. The results suggested that a total of 144 mRNAs and 63 lncRNAs, 63 mRNAs and 148 lncRNAs, and 173 mRNAs and 54 lncRNAs were differentially expressed between the varicocele non-treatment and control groups, the varicocele treatment and varicocele non-treatment groups, and the varicocele treatment and control groups, respectively. Following validation by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, the Yip1 domain family member 7 (YIPF7) gene was identified as a key mediator of varicocele pathogenesis and repair effect of MOP. Additionally, genes such as purinergic receptor P2X 4 (P2RX4), transmembrane protein 225B (TMEM255B) and Wnt family member 9B (WNT9B) were confirmed to be differentially expressed between the varicocele non-treatment and control groups. We hypothesize that TMEM255B could be a potential novel diagnostic biomarker for varicocele; WNT9B and P2RX4 likely play notable roles in the pathophysiology of the disease through the Wnt signaling pathway and regulation of transmembrane ion channels, respectively. In summary, the present study delineated the molecular mechanisms underlying varicocele pathogenesis and the therapeutic effect of MOP, identified a potential novel diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for varicocele, and provided feasible directions for further studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China
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26
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Addar AM, Nazer A, Almardawi A, Al Hathal N, Kattan S. The yield of microscopic varicocelectomy in men with severe oligospermia. Urol Ann 2021; 13:268-271. [PMID: 34421263 PMCID: PMC8343284 DOI: 10.4103/ua.ua_53_20] [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: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Varicocele is detected in 35%–50% of men with primary infertility and up to 81% with secondary infertility. Various studies have shown that varicocele is related to testicular hypotrophy and impaired spermatogenesis. The effect of varicocelectomy in mild-to-moderate male factor infertility has been well reported. However, only a few studies addressed the impact of varicocelectomy in severe oligospermia. Methods: We included 45 patients with severe oligospermia (<5 million/mL) who underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy between May 2014 and November 2017. Results of semen analysis taken at 6 months after varicocelectomy were compared and patients were divided into responders and nonresponders. Chi-square was used to compare the preoperative and postoperative sperm count, motility, and volume. Results: After 6 months only one patient was found to be a responder with a pre- to post-operative motility of 45%–74% and a sperm concentration of 1 million/mL to 28.1 million/mL. There was a significant improvement in the mean sperm concentration after varicocelectomy which improved from 1.31 million/mL to 5.32 million/mL. However, a significant decrease in sperm motility was noted which decreased from 35.62% to 28.64% postoperatively. Postoperative semen volume increased from 2.56 mL to 3.19 mL, but this difference was not found to be statistically significant (P > 0.05). Four patients (8.9%) were found to have azoospermia after a 6-month follow-up. In these four patients who turned azoospermic had count <50,000 sperm/mL, two of them had a history of cryptospermia before varicocelectomy. Ejaculate sperm returned in two of these four patients in long-term follow-up (>6 months). Conclusion: The magnitude of improvement after microsurgical varicocelectomy for severely oligospermic patients is less profound than reported in mild male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmalik M Addar
- Division of Urology, College of Medicine, King Abdullah Internationl Medical Reasearch Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nazer
- Division of Urology, College of Medicine, King Abdullah Internationl Medical Reasearch Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Naif Al Hathal
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Said Kattan
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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27
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Xu YW, Ou NJ, Song YX, Wang XH, Kang JQ, Yang YJ, Chen YG, Liu XQ. Seminal plasma miR-210-3p induces spermatogenic cell apoptosis by activating caspase-3 in patients with varicocele. Asian J Androl 2021; 22:513-518. [PMID: 31670279 PMCID: PMC7523610 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_114_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of seminal plasma miR-210-3p in the impairment of semen quality caused by varicocele. This study included 102 patients whose semen quality was normal when they were diagnosed with varicocele. A 2-year follow-up for included patients was performed, and they were divided into Group A (semen quality became abnormal) and Group B (semen quality remained normal) according to the results of semen analysis during the follow-up. Semen parameters and seminal plasma miR-210-3p expression were investigated by semen analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. In vitro experiments with GC-2 cells were performed to explore the role of miR-210-3p in spermatogenic cells. The results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that the level of seminal plasma miR-210-3p in Group A was higher than that in Group B both after 2-year follow-up and when they were diagnosed with varicocele (both P < 0.01). Apoptosis and proliferation assays showed that miR-210-3p induces apoptosis of spermatogenic cells by promoting caspase-3 activation. In conclusion, our study indicated that seminal plasma miR-210-3p induces spermatogenic cell apoptosis by activating caspase-3 in patients with varicocele. Seminal plasma miR-210-3p may be a potential biomarker for predicting impaired semen quality caused by varicocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wei Xu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Ning-Jing Ou
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Song
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Xian-Hao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Jia-Qi Kang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yong-Jiao Yang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Ye-Gang Chen
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
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28
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Zhang L, Zhao X, Wang W. Disruption of anchoring junctions in the testes of experimental varicocele rats. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:887. [PMID: 34194565 PMCID: PMC8237278 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is a common disease of the male reproductive system and is the main cause of male infertility; however, the pathological mechanisms of varicocele remain unclear. The anchoring junctions (AJs) in the testies are located between Sertoli cells, or between Sertoli cells and germ cells. Intact and functional AJs are crucial for spermatogenesis. In the present study, the histomorphology, ultrastructure of AJ, cell cycle, expression of AJ structural proteins, and the level of AJ-associated signaling molecules were investigated in the left testes of experimental varicocele rats at 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. The results revealed that varicocele induced the loss of premature germ cells from the seminiferous epithelium. Furthermore, the results of the present study also revealed damage to the AJ ultrastructure, disorientation of the spermatid head, deregulation of the cell cycle, downregulation of AJ structural proteins, enhanced phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) at Tyr397 and its downstream adapter Src at Tyr416, and activation of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1 (ERK1) signaling pathway. Thus, the present study demonstrated that varicocele disrupted the structure and function of AJs in the left testes of rats, and that enhancement of FAK phosphorylation may contribute to AJ damage by activating ERK1 signaling, disrupting actin-based filament networks, and altering the balance of the apical ectoplasmic specialization-blood testis barrier functional axis. These findings provide important insights into the pathological mechanisms through which varicocele contributes to male infertility and could help to identify new therapeutic targets for varicocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China
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29
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Punjani N, Wald G, Gaffney CD, Goldstein M, Kashanian JA. Predictors of varicocele-associated pain and its impact on semen parameters following microsurgical repair. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14121. [PMID: 34118088 DOI: 10.1111/and.14121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Our study aimed to assess for predictors of varicocele-associated pain and whether it predicts semen parameters after microsurgical varicocelectomy. We assessed all men diagnosed with a varicocele by two surgeons from 2017 to 2020, excluding those who did not undergo surgical treatment. Patients were stratified based on the presence of pain at clinical assessment, and these groups were compared. Logistic regression models were utilised to assess for predictors of pain. A total of 313 men were included, with relatively similar proportions completed by both surgeons (48.2% and 51.8%). A total of 98 (31.3%) had typical varicocele-associated pain at the time of assessment. The pain group was younger than the no pain group (30.5 versus. 35.0, respectively, p < .01), and those with pain had greater varicocele grades (p = .008). Although not statistically different, there was a greater portion of left-sided only varicoceles in the pain group (p = .09). No significant differences were demonstrated between sperm concentration, motility, volume or morphology pre-operatively, or post-operatively between groups. Younger age and varicocele grade were predictive of varicocele-associated pain. In conclusion, almost 1/3 of men presented with varicocele-associated pain. Pain does not predict response to varicocelectomy, but these men tend to be younger, and have higher grade varicoceles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Punjani
- Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Institution for Reproductive Medicine and Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Urology, Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gal Wald
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher D Gaffney
- Department of Urology, Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marc Goldstein
- Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Institution for Reproductive Medicine and Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - James A Kashanian
- Department of Urology, Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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30
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Hu K, He C, Sun X, Li L, Xu Y, Zhang K, Liu X, Liang M. Integrated study of circRNA, lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA networks in mediating the effects of testicular heat exposure. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 386:127-143. [PMID: 34014398 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03474-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization has recognized that testicular function is temperature dependent. Testicular heat exposure caused by occupational factors, lifestyle, and clinical diseases can lead to different degrees of reproductive problems. The aim of this study was to reveal the transcriptional regulatory network and its potential crucial roles in mediating the effects of testicular heat exposure. Testicular tissue was collected from a group of mice subjected to scrotal heat exposure as well as a control group. RNA was isolated from both groups and used for high-throughput sequencing. Using differential transcriptome expression analysis, 172 circRNAs, 279 miRNAs, 465 lncRNAs, and 2721 mRNAs were identified as significantly differentially expressed in mouse testicular tissue after heat exposure compared with the control group. Through Gene Ontology (GO) term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were found to have potentially important functions in meiotic cell cycle (GO:0051321), cytoplasm (GO:0005737), membrane raft (GO:0045121), MAPK signaling (mmu04010), purine metabolism (mmu00230), and homologous recombination (mmu03440). Some of the most upregulated and downregulated lncRNAs and circRNAs were predicted to be associated with numerous miRNAs and mRNAs through competing endogenous RNA regulatory network analysis, which were validated with molecular biology experiments. This research provides high-throughput sequencing data of a testicular heat exposure model and lays the foundation for further study on circRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs that are involved in male reproductive diseases related to elevated testicular temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Hu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Chaofan He
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xunying Sun
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Longhui Li
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yifan Xu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Kejia Zhang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics (Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Meng Liang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China.
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31
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Kang C, Punjani N, Lee RK, Li PS, Goldstein M. Effect of varicoceles on spermatogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:114-124. [PMID: 33965333 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Varicoceles are dilated veins within the spermatic cord and a relatively common occurrence in men. Fortunately, the large majority of men are asymptomatic, however, a proportion of men with varicoceles can suffer from infertility and testosterone deficiency. Sperm and testosterone are produced within the testis, and any alteration to the testicular environment can negatively affect the cells responsible for these processes. The negative impact of varicoceles on testicular function occurs mainly due to increased oxidative stress within the testicular parenchyma which is thought to be caused by scrotal hyperthermia, testicular hypoxia, and blood-testis barrier disruption. Management of varicoceles involves ligation or percutaneous embolization of the dilated veins. Repair of varicoceles can improve semen parameters and fertility, along with serum testosterone concentration. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology of varicoceles, their impact on testicular function, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Kang
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 525 East 68th Street, Starr 900, New York, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Nahid Punjani
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 525 East 68th Street, Starr 900, New York, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Richard K Lee
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 525 East 68th Street, Starr 900, New York, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Philip S Li
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 525 East 68th Street, Starr 900, New York, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Marc Goldstein
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 525 East 68th Street, Starr 900, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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32
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Torres-Arce E, Vizmanos B, Babio N, Márquez-Sandoval F, Salas-Huetos A. Dietary Antioxidants in the Treatment of Male Infertility: Counteracting Oxidative Stress. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:241. [PMID: 33804600 PMCID: PMC8003818 DOI: 10.3390/biology10030241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Infertility affects about 15% of the population and male factors only are responsible for ~25-30% of cases of infertility. Currently, the etiology of suboptimal semen quality is poorly understood, and many environmental and genetic factors, including oxidative stress, have been implicated. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the capacity of the body to counteract their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. The purpose of this review, by employing the joint expertise of international researchers specialized in nutrition and male fertility areas, is to update the knowledge about the reproductive consequences of excessive ROS concentrations and oxidative stress on the semen quality and Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART) clinical outcomes, to discuss the role of antioxidants in fertility outcomes, and finally to discuss why foods and dietary patterns are more innocuous long term solution for ameliorating oxidative stress and therefore semen quality results and ART fertility outcomes. Since this is a narrative review and not a systematic/meta-analysis, the summarized information in the present study should be considered cautiously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Torres-Arce
- Center of Health Sciences, Institute of Translational Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics, Universidad de Guadalajara, 44340 Guadalajara, Mexico; (E.T.-A.); (B.V.)
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Barbara Vizmanos
- Center of Health Sciences, Institute of Translational Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics, Universidad de Guadalajara, 44340 Guadalajara, Mexico; (E.T.-A.); (B.V.)
| | - Nancy Babio
- Human Nutrition Unit, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain;
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere i Virgili, 43204 Reus, Spain
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P., Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (ciBeRobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabiola Márquez-Sandoval
- Center of Health Sciences, Institute of Translational Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics, Universidad de Guadalajara, 44340 Guadalajara, Mexico; (E.T.-A.); (B.V.)
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P., Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (ciBeRobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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33
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Zhao XD, Ma XL, Ma PC, Wang JW. A network meta-analysis protocol of efficacy and safety evaluation of different surgery regimens for varicocele patients with infertility: A study protocol. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e21150. [PMID: 33655904 PMCID: PMC7939170 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000021150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical treatment of varicocele is still one of the most common important treatments for male infertility. Surgery regimens for varicocele (VC) is various, including high ligation, sub-inguinal, inguinal, retroperitoneal, laparoscopic, and microsurgery. The surgery regimens applied for VC patients are various in clinic, however, the significance, advantages, and disadvantages of different varicocelectomies for male infertility are still in controversial. Therefore, this network meta-analysis is mainly to assess the relative efficacy and safety of different surgery regimens for VC patients with infertility. METHODS To compare the relative efficacy and safety among different varicocelectomies for VC patients, we systematic searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were in five electronic databases: Pubmed, Web of Science, EMBASE database, Clinical Trials, and Cochrane Library. Using R-3.4.1 software to process and analyze data. The bias risk of RCTs and non-RCTs will be evaluated through the tool of Cochrane Handbook version 5.1.0 and non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I), respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The result of this network meta-analysis aim is to evaluate the relative effectiveness and safety and rank the interventions among all surgery methods for VC patients and provide more evidence-based guidance in clinical practice. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020162051.
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NLRP3 Inflammasome: A New Pharmacological Target for Reducing Testicular Damage Associated with Varicocele. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031319. [PMID: 33525681 PMCID: PMC7865407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many bioactive natural compounds are being increasingly used for therapeutics and nutraceutical applications to counteract male infertility, particularly varicocele. The roles of selenium and Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) were investigated in an experimental model of varicocele, with particular regard to the role of NLRP3 inflammasome. Male rats underwent sham operation and were daily administered with vehicle, seleno-L-methionine (Se), PDRN, and with the association Se-PDRN. Another group of rats were operated for varicocele. After twenty-eight days, sham and varicocele rats were sacrificed and both testes were weighted and analyzed. All the other rats were challenged for one month with the same compounds. In varicocele animals, lower testosterone levels, testes weight, NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1β and caspase-1 increased gene expression were demonstrated. TUNEL assay showed an increased number of apoptotic cells. Structural and ultrastructural damage to testes was also shown. PDRN alone significantly improved all considered parameters more than Se. The Se-PDRN association significantly improved all morphological parameters, significantly increased testosterone levels, and reduced NLRP3 inflammasome, caspase-1 and IL-1β expression and TUNEL-positive cell numbers. Our results suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome can be considered an interesting target in varicocele and that Se-PDRN may be a new medical approach in support to surgery.
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Karna KK, Choi NY, Kim CY, Kim HK, Shin YS, Park JK. Gui-A-Gra Attenuates Testicular Dysfunction in Varicocele-Induced Rats via Oxidative Stress, ER Stress and Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239231. [PMID: 33287403 PMCID: PMC7730328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gui-A-Gra, a commercial insect powder from Gryllus bimaculatus, is registered as an edible insect by the Korean food and drug administration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Gui-A-Gra on testicular damage induced by experimental left varicocele in male Sprague Dawley rats. A total of 72 rats were randomly divided into the following six groups (12 rats in each group): a normal control group (CTR), a group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 1.63 gm/kg (G1.63), a group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 6.5 gm/kg (G6.5), a varicocele (VC)-induced control group (VC), a VC-induced group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 1.63 gm/kg (VC + G1.63), and a VC-induced group administrated with Gui-A-Gra 6.5 gm/kg (VC + G6.5). Rats were administrated 1.63 or 6.5 gm/kg Gui-A-Gra once daily for 42 days. Indicators of sperm parameters, histopathology, reproductive hormones, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial apoptosis were analyzed to evaluate effects of Gui-A-Gra on VC-induced testicular dysfunction. Gui-A-Gra administration to VC-induced rats significantly (p < 0.05) increased sperm count and sperm motility, Johnsen score, spermatogenic cell density, serum testosterone, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, GPx4, and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) level. Moreover, pretreatment with Gui-A-Gra significantly (p < 0.05) decreased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells/tubules, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testicular tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) level, glucose-regulated protein-78 (Grp-78), phosphorylated c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), phosphorylated inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endoribonuclease 1α (p-IRE1α), cleaved caspase-3, and BCL2 associated X protein: B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bax: Bcl2) ratio in VC rats. These results suggest that protective effects of Gui-A-Gra on VC-induced testicular injury might be due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and androgenic activities that might be mediated via crosstalk of oxidative stress, ER stress, and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshab Kumar Karna
- Department of Urology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (K.K.K.); (N.Y.C.)
- Biomedical Research Institute and Clinical Trial Center for Medical Device, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea
| | - Na Young Choi
- Department of Urology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (K.K.K.); (N.Y.C.)
- Biomedical Research Institute and Clinical Trial Center for Medical Device, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea
| | - Chul Young Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 426791, Korea;
| | - Hye Kyung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan 48434, Korea;
| | - Yu Seob Shin
- Department of Urology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (K.K.K.); (N.Y.C.)
- Biomedical Research Institute and Clinical Trial Center for Medical Device, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.S.S.); (J.K.P.); Tel.: +82-63-250-1565 (Y.S.S.); +82-63-250-1510 (J.K.P.); Fax: +82-63-250-1564 (Y.S.S.); +82-63-250-1564 (J.K.P.)
| | - Jong Kwan Park
- Department of Urology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (K.K.K.); (N.Y.C.)
- Biomedical Research Institute and Clinical Trial Center for Medical Device, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.S.S.); (J.K.P.); Tel.: +82-63-250-1565 (Y.S.S.); +82-63-250-1510 (J.K.P.); Fax: +82-63-250-1564 (Y.S.S.); +82-63-250-1564 (J.K.P.)
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Wang D, Zhao W, Liu J, Wang Y, Yuan C, Zhang F, Jin G, Qin Q. Effects of HIF-1α on Spermatogenesis of Varicocele Rats by Regulating VEGF/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:1161-1174. [PMID: 33237516 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00395-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) participates in the regulation of spermatogenic function in rats with varicocele (VC), and the PI3K/Akt pathway plays an important role in it. In the present research, we applied the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique to silence the HIF-1α gene of VC rat testis, to explore the effect of HIF-1α on apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in VC rats through the PI3K/Akt pathway. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups, including the normal rat group (group N), VC model group (group V), VC + HIF-1α-lentivirus group (group H), and VC + luciferase-lentivirus group (group L). Apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in rat testis was tested by TUNEL Kit. The morphologic changes of seminiferous tubules were viewed by a light microscope. Expressions of VEGF, Akt, p-Akt, p70S6K, and p-p70S6K were detected by means of Western blot, immunofluorescence, or immunohistochemistry methods. One-way ANOVA was applied to analyze the diverseness between groups. Compared with group N, the distribution of germ cells was disordered, apoptosis of spermatogenic cells increased significantly, and the expression of VEGF, p-Akt, and p-p70S6K was also increased in group V. Compared with group V, the damage of seminiferous epithelium in group H was improved, and the arrangement of the seminiferous epithelium was almost orderly. Apoptosis of spermatogenic cells decreased significantly, and the expression of VEGF, p-Akt, and p-p70S6K protein was decreased (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between group N and group H (P > 0.05).In conclusion, HIF-1α is regulated by hypoxia in rats with varicocele to regulate its downstream gene VEGF which regulates spermatogenesis, and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway plays a regulatory role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danfeng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjiannan Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjiannan Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Jianrong Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medical, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, 29 Shuangtasi Street, Taiyuan, 030012, Shanxi, China
| | - Yimin Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, 29 Shuangtasi Street, Taiyuan, 030012, Shanxi, China
| | - Caixia Yuan
- Department of Reproductive Medical, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, 29 Shuangtasi Street, Taiyuan, 030012, Shanxi, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, 29 Shuangtasi Street, Taiyuan, 030012, Shanxi, China
| | - Guorong Jin
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, 29 Shuangtasi Street, Taiyuan, 030012, Shanxi, China
| | - Qin Qin
- Department of Reproductive Medical, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, 29 Shuangtasi Street, Taiyuan, 030012, Shanxi, China.
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Qiu D, Shi Q, Pan L. Efficacy of varicocelectomy for sperm DNA integrity improvement: A meta-analysis. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13885. [PMID: 33118219 DOI: 10.1111/and.13885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele is common among male adolescents and adults. Varicocelectomy is the major means of varicocele repair. There is evidence that varicocelectomy could decrease sperm DNA fragmentation. However, studies evaluating the efficacy of varicocelectomy for sperm DNA integrity usually have a small sample size, and there is no up-to-date meta-analysis in this area. The present meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of varicocelectomy for sperm DNA integrity. A literature search was conducted to identify all relevant studies from Medline database (PubMed), Cochrane Library, and OVID Embase from the inception dates to 08 June 2020. A total of 11 prospective studies including 394 cases were included in this meta-analysis. All analysis was performed using Stata version 16.0. In the random-effect model for 11 studies, DNA fragmentation index (%) of clinical varicocele patients decreased by 5.79 (95% CI, -7.39 to -4.19) after varicocelectomy. While after excluding one study with high heterogeneity, from the results of fixed-effect model, DNA fragmentation index decreased by 6.14 (95% CI, -6.90 to -5.37) on average. Sperm DNA integrity of clinical varicocele patients was significantly improved following varicocelectomy. Therefore, it is necessary to include elevated sperm DNA fragmentation index as a molecular indicator for varicocelectomy among clinical varicocele cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoxian Qiu
- Department of Urology, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, Qingzhou, China
| | - Qingjing Shi
- Department of Reproductive Health, Yixing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Yixing, China
| | - Lianjun Pan
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
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Ren W, Qu J, Xue B, Hu J, Zu X. Infertility duration and pre-operative sperm progressive motility are significant factors of spontaneous pregnancy after varicocele repair. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 84:e13318. [PMID: 32770830 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Varicocele may lead to testicular dysfunction and male infertility. Varicocelectomy can improve both semen quality and post-operative spontaneous pregnancy. However, different patients benefit distinctly from the surgery. Therefore, the study aims at examining the possible factors of spontaneous pregnancy after laparoscopic varicocelectomy in infertile men. METHOD OF STUDY Clinical data of 196 infertile men who underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy at our institute were collected from December 2013 to February 2019. Follow-up data were available for 148 patients. All the patients were treated with laparoscopic varicocelectomy performed by experienced urological doctors. Possible pre-operative factors of spontaneous pregnancy after laparoscopic varicocelectomy were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS After a mean follow-up of 29.1 ± 12.6 months (range 12-74 months), 74 (50%) of couples achieved spontaneous pregnancy. Univariate analysis revealed that short infertility duration, secondary infertility, and high sperm progressive motility were significant predictors of spontaneous pregnancy after laparoscopic varicocelectomy. Multivariate analysis revealed that short infertility duration (≤2 years) and high sperm progressive motility (>30%) were independent predictors. CONCLUSION Both infertility duration and pre-operative sperm progressive motility could serve as independent factors of spontaneous pregnancy after laparoscopic varicocelectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbiao Ren
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiandong Qu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bichen Xue
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiao Hu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiongbing Zu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Lu X, Liu J, Yin H, Ding C, Wang Y, Zhang F, Jin G, Ma Y, Dong L, Qin Q. Effects of liver-regulating herb compounds on testicular morphological and ultrastructural changes in varicocele rats through SCF/C-KIT pathway. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13658. [PMID: 32478883 DOI: 10.1111/and.13658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver-regulating herb compound (LRHC) has good effects on improving sperm quality and male fertility of varicocele (VC) patients. But the mechanism of LRHC on VC is still not clear. This study explored the effects of LRHC on histomorphological and ultrastructural changes and expression of stem cell factor (SCF) and C-KIT of VC rat testis. Twenty-four male rats were divided into three groups with eight rats in each group as sham, varicocele and LRHC groups. Testis specimens were collected for light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy respectively. The expression of SCF/C-KIT was detected with Western blot. Results showed that seminiferous tubules in VC rats were damaged and cell numbers were decreased. Ultrastructural alterations were observed, such as increased thickness of lamina propria, vacuolation in Sertoli cells, spermatocytes and spermatids, and abnormal head and mitochondria in spermatozoa. While in LRHC-treated rats, the architectures of seminiferous tubules were as organised and compact as that of sham animals, and ultrastructure of Sertoli, Leydig and germ cells developed well. LRHC ameliorated histological appearance and ultrastructure by VC. In addition, the abnormal expression of SCF and C-KIT were observed in testicular tissues from rats with VC, which were brought back to normal level by LRHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianfeng Lu
- Pediatrics Department, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jianrong Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.,Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Haizhen Yin
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Caiyun Ding
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yimin Wang
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Guorong Jin
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yuehong Ma
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Lina Dong
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qin Qin
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Jayadevan R, Amighi A, Mills S, Almuzeni A, Nork J, Pollard M, Kwan L, Eleswarapu S, Mills J. Decisional Conflict and Knowledge Among Patients With Varicocele Seeking Treatment for Infertility. Urology 2020; 142:112-118. [PMID: 32445765 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study disease-specific knowledge and decisional quality in men with varicocele being counseled for infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS An instrument designed to measure decisional quality by evaluating disease-specific knowledge, decisional conflict, and the impression that shared decision-making was administered to 92 men identified to have a varicocele seeking their initial infertility consultation. Mean scores on disease-specific knowledge questionnaire, prevalence of decisional conflict, and impact of consultation on preferred infertility treatment were analyzed. RESULTS Fifty-five percent of patients were found to have decisional conflict. Compared to those with decisional conflict, men without decisional conflict scored higher on the infertility knowledge assessment (63% vs 53% correct) and were more likely to feel that they discussed treatment options with their physician in detail (98% vs 82%) (all P <0.01). Prior to consultation, 28% of all patients preferred assisted reproductive technologies and 2% preferred varicocelectomy as the primary treatment for infertility. Following consultation, 12% and 17% preferred assisted reproductive technologies and varicocelectomy, respectively. The increase in preference for varicocelectomy was greater in men without decisional conflict (5%-31%) than those with conflict (0%-8%) (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION Infertile men with varicocele have limited knowledge of their disease and high rates of decisional conflict. Before consultation, men with varicoceles showed preference for assisted reproductive technology over varicocele surgery; this trend reversed after consultation. Men with decisional conflict were less likely to prefer varicocelectomy, even after consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Jayadevan
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Arash Amighi
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Steven Mills
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Ali Almuzeni
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Justin Nork
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Matthew Pollard
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lorna Kwan
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Sriram Eleswarapu
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jesse Mills
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
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Xu H, Medina-Sánchez M, Maitz MF, Werner C, Schmidt OG. Sperm Micromotors for Cargo Delivery through Flowing Blood. ACS NANO 2020; 14:2982-2993. [PMID: 32096976 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b07851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Micromotors are recognized as promising candidates for untethered micromanipulation and targeted cargo delivery in complex biological environments. However, their feasibility in the circulatory system has been limited due to the low thrust force exhibited by many of the reported synthetic micromotors, which is not sufficient to overcome the high flow and complex composition of blood. Here we present a hybrid sperm micromotor that can actively swim against flowing blood (continuous and pulsatile) and perform the function of heparin cargo delivery. In this biohybrid system, the sperm flagellum provides a high propulsion force while the synthetic microstructure serves for magnetic guidance and cargo transport. Moreover, single sperm micromotors can assemble into a train-like carrier after magnetization, allowing the transport of multiple sperm or medical cargoes to the area of interest, serving as potential anticoagulant agents to treat blood clots or other diseases in the circulatory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Xu
- Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, Leibniz IFW Dresden, Helmholtzstraße 20, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), TU Chemnitz, Rosenbergstraße 6, 09126 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Mariana Medina-Sánchez
- Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, Leibniz IFW Dresden, Helmholtzstraße 20, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Manfred F Maitz
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Carsten Werner
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Oliver G Schmidt
- Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, Leibniz IFW Dresden, Helmholtzstraße 20, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), TU Chemnitz, Rosenbergstraße 6, 09126 Chemnitz, Germany
- School of Science, TU Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
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Tanaka T, Kobori Y, Terai K, Inoue Y, Osaka A, Yoshikawa N, Shimomura Y, Suzuki K, Minami T, Iwahata T, Onota S, Yamamoto A, Sugimoto K, Okada H. Seminal oxidation-reduction potential and sperm DNA fragmentation index increase among infertile men with varicocele. HUM FERTIL 2020; 25:142-146. [PMID: 31955637 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2020.1712747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility. It is reported that low sperm concentration, motility and morphology are indicative of increased sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in men with varicocele. Although research has been conducted into the relationship between varicocele and DFI, little is known about seminal oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) in varicocele patients. We assessed the relationship between varicocele with seminal ORP and sperm DFI in both fertile and infertile men. This prospective case-control study compared the findings from infertile men with varicocele to those of men with normal spermatogenesis without varicocele. Semen samples were collected and assessed using the WHO (2010) guidelines. ORP was measured (mV) and normalized to sperm concentration (mV/106 sperm/mL). DFI was measured using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) method. For group comparisons, only samples with a concentration >1 × 106 sperm/mL were included. Infertile men with varicocele had significantly lower mean sperm concentration, motility and total sperm count. Conversely, infertile men with varicocele had a significantly higher mean serum FSH level, and higher ORP and DFI values than fertile controls. ORP was higher in patients with varicocele and positively correlated with DFI (p < 0.01). ORP and DFI showed significant negative correlations with semen parameters (sperm concentration, motility and total sperm count) in infertile men with a varicocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Tanaka
- Department of Reproduction Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Yoshitomo Kobori
- Department of Reproduction Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Terai
- Department of Reproduction Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Inoue
- Department of Reproduction Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Osaka
- Department of Reproduction Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Naoki Yoshikawa
- Department of Reproduction Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Yukihito Shimomura
- Department of Reproduction Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Keisuke Suzuki
- Department of Reproduction Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Minami
- Department of Reproduction Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Iwahata
- Department of Reproduction Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Shin Onota
- Department of Reproduction Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yamamoto
- Department of Reproduction Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Kouhei Sugimoto
- Department of Reproduction Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Okada
- Department of Reproduction Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Japan
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Karna KK, Choi BR, You JH, Shin YS, Cui WS, Lee SW, Kim JH, Kim CY, Kim HK, Park JK. The ameliorative effect of monotropein, astragalin, and spiraeoside on oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial signaling pathway in varicocelized rats. Altern Ther Health Med 2019; 19:333. [PMID: 31771569 PMCID: PMC6880392 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2736-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Monotropein, astragalin, and spiraeoside (MAS) are active compounds extracted from medicinal herbs; monotropein from Morinda officinalis How (Rubiaceae), astragalin (kaempferol 3-O-glucoside) from Cuscuta chinensis Lamark (Convolvulaceae) and spiraeoside from the outer scales of Allium cepa L. (Liliceae) in a ratio of 6.69:0.41:3.61. Monotropein, astragalin, and spiraeoside are well-known antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive agents. The current investigation aims to study the molecular mechanism of varicocele-induced male infertility and the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of MAS. Methods Four groups were included: control (CTR), MAS 200 group (MAS 200 mg/kg), varicocele group (VC), and VC + MAS 200 group (MAS 200 mg/kg). Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with 200 mg/kg MAS or vehicle once daily for 28 days. The possible signaling mechanism and effects of MAS were measured via histological staining, immunohistochemistry, western blot, and biochemical assays. Results Parameters such as sperm motility and count, Johnsen’s scores, spermatogenic cell density, serum testosterone, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) improved significantly in the VC + MAS 200 group compared with the VC group. MAS treatment of varicocele-induced group significantly decreased the levels of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as testicular interleukin-6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), ROS/RNS, and malondialdehyde (MDA). It also decreased the apoptotic index and reduced the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein levels (Grp78, p-IRE1α, and p-JNK) and apoptotic markers such as cleaved caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Conclusion This study suggests that the crosstalk between oxidative stress, ER stress, and mitochondrial pathway mediates varicocele-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis. MAS promotes spermatogenesis in varicocele-induced SD rat, probably by decreasing cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) levels, regulating abnormal sex hormones, and decreasing oxidative stress, ER stress, and apoptosis.
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Panner Selvam MK, Agarwal A. Sperm and Seminal Plasma Proteomics: Molecular Changes Associated with Varicocele-Mediated Male Infertility. World J Mens Health 2019; 38:472-483. [PMID: 31385477 PMCID: PMC7502311 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.190018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a rising problem and the etiology at the molecular level is unclear. Use of omics has provided an insight into the underlying cellular changes in the spermatozoa of infertile men. Proteomics is one the promising omics techniques for biomarker screening that can provide complete information on molecular processes associated with male infertility. Varicocele is a pressing issue in the field of male infertility and the search for an appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker is still ongoing. In this review, we discuss the reports on proteomic profiles of sperm and seminal plasma in male infertility and provide an in-depth insight into varicocele studies associated with male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Kurihara S, Shibata Y, Arai S, Sekine Y, Miyazawa Y, Koike H, Matsui H, Ito K, Suzuki K, Nakamura T. Improved Arterial Preservation Achieved by Combined Use of Indocyanine Green Angiography and Doppler Detector During Microsurgical Subinguinal Varicocelectomy. J INVEST SURG 2019; 33:941-947. [PMID: 31070068 DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2019.1577516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: The microsurgical approach is considered the most reliable procedure in varicocelectomy. However, as there are difficulties in identifying the spermatic artery at the peripheral level, we had introduced intraoperative indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) for identification of arteries. In this study, we further investigated the usefulness of intraoperative ICGA in combination with an ordinary Doppler detector in microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy. Methods: A total of 140 men who underwent microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy at Gunma University Hospital were included. An operating microscope equipped with a near-infrared charge-coupled device was used for intraoperative ICGA. After exposing the vessels, arteries were identified using endoscopic vision only or with assistance of Doppler detector or ICGA, or of both. The number of preserved arteries was compared among the groups. Results: ICGA clearly visualized the internal spermatic arteries in all cases, allowing the surgeon to perform real-time identification and isolation of the spermatic artery intraoperatively. The use of ICGA or Doppler detector significantly increased the number of preserved arteries compared to the microscope-only operation from 1.11 to 1.75 (p < 0.05) and 1.57 (p < 0.05), respectively. The additional use of ICGA with Doppler detector further increased the number of preserved arteries to 2.41 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Intraoperative ICGA facilitated safe and quick microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy by enabling visualization of thin spermatic cord blood vessels. Improved preservation of thin arteries, which is essential for patients with infertility, can be achieved with the combined use of ICGA and ordinary Doppler detector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sota Kurihara
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.,Department of Clinical Investigation and Research Unit, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Shibata
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Seiji Arai
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Sekine
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Miyazawa
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Koike
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Matsui
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Kazuto Ito
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Suzuki
- Department of Urology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nakamura
- Department of Clinical Investigation and Research Unit, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
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Duong HQ, Tang VKH, Liperis G, Khoa LD. Orchidopexy Results in the Recovery of Sperm in the Ejaculate of a Non-obstructive Azoospermic Adult with Bilateral Cryptorchidism — A Case Report. FERTILITY & REPRODUCTION 2019. [DOI: 10.1142/s2661318219500014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism or undescended testis is one of the most common pediatric disorders of the male endocrine glands and the most typical congenital abnormality identified at birth. Bilateral cryptorchidism is frequently associated with azoospermia and male infertility. The standard therapy is the surgical repositioning of the testes (orchidopexy) within the scrotal sac after the age of six months to eighteen months. Current findings suggest that no sperm is recovered in the ejaculate, for patients with bilateral cryptorchidism, when the mean age at the time of orchidopexy is around 16 years and above. Here we report an unusual case of an adult patient with bilateral cryptorchidism and non-obstructive azoospermia for which orchidopexy resulted in the recovery of sperm in the ejaculate, improving his options for future fertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy Quang Duong
- Department of Andrology, Au Co Hospital, Bien Hoa City, Vietnam
| | | | - Georgios Liperis
- Westmead Fertility Centre, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Le Dang Khoa
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Effect of royal jelly on testicular antioxidant enzymes activity, MDA level and spermatogenesis in rat experimental Varicocele model. Tissue Cell 2019; 57:70-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Hariri A, Abbarh S, Ameen A, Sabra A, Salman A, Alhulaimi Y, Aabed M, Habous M, Madbouly K, Binsaleh S. Prevalence and awareness of varicocele among athletes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Res Rep Urol 2019; 11:21-27. [PMID: 30859094 PMCID: PMC6386205 DOI: 10.2147/rru.s195582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the prevalence and awareness about symptoms, and complications of varicocele among athletes (bodybuilding and aerobics exercises) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study of male athletes aged between 18 and 48 years old was carried out in multiple branches of fitness centers over a period of 13 months in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 382 face-to-face interviews using a predesigned questionnaire were conducted to identify the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice. A randomly selected 48 subjects were examined. Varicocele was diagnosed and graded based on clinical examination and Doppler ultrasonography. Results Of the participants, 157 (41%) lacked knowledge and awareness regarding varicocele, its symptoms and complications. Of the examined participants, 22 (46%) were found to have varicocele. No difference in varicocele was found among bodybuilders and aerobic athletes (P=0.249). Similarly, no difference was related to duration of exercise session whether for 1 hour or more (P=0.131). However, our study revealed a higher rate of varicocele among athletes who exercised more than three times per week (P=0.009). Testicular volume was neither significantly different among respondents with and without varicocele nor between the left or right sides within each group. Conclusion Knowledge about varicocele, its symptoms and complications is poor among male athletes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Varicocele is more common in athletic men who are frequently exercising. Efforts to increase knowledge and enhance awareness of varicocele in young males, in general, are strongly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albara Hariri
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Maarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahem Abbarh
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Maarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aref Ameen
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Maarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Sabra
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Maarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Salman
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Maarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yaser Alhulaimi
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Maarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Aabed
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Maarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamad Habous
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Elaj Medical Centers, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled Madbouly
- Department of Urology, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Binsaleh
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
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Xu Y, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Liu X, Chen Y. Seminal plasma miR‐210‐3p is a biomarker for screening dyszoospermia caused by varicocele. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13244. [PMID: 30714182 DOI: 10.1111/and.13244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Xu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University Tianjin China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Yongjiao Yang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University Tianjin China
| | - Xiaoqiang Liu
- Department of Urology Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Tianjin China
| | - Yegang Chen
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University Tianjin China
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Pan J, Zhu Z, Xu G, Niu L, Yu L, Luo Z, Yan J. Expression of claudin‑11 in a rat model of varicocele and its effects on the blood‑testis barrier. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:5647-5651. [PMID: 30365105 PMCID: PMC6236223 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele (VC) is an abnormal tortuosity and venous distension of the pampiniform plexus in the spermatic cord. VC is the most common surgically correctable cause of male infertility. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of VC on the tight junctions and the blood‑testis barrier (BTB) of Sertoli cells in the bilateral testes of rats. A model of VC was established by left renal vein narrowing in Sprague‑Dawley rats; control rats underwent dissection of the vein without narrowing. The bilateral testes were harvested at 4, 6 and 8 weeks after the operation. The relative expression of claudin‑11 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β in the testis was determined by reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expression level of claudin‑11 was prominently downregulated in the VC model group compared with the control group, while the level of TGF‑β in the testes was higher in the VC group. IHC examination demonstrated that VC led to destruction of the integrity of the BTB, and the degree of destruction increased with time. Furthermore, it was also observed that unilateral VC affected contralateral testicular function. In conclusion, the present study partially explained the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of VC and provided grounds for further research into the treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangang Pan
- Department of Urology, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Zhirong Zhu
- Department of Urology, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Urology, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Lili Niu
- Department of Urology, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Lihang Yu
- Department of Urology, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Zhengang Luo
- Department of Urology, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Jiajun Yan
- Department of Urology, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
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