Journal Of Andrology[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Acute effects of sildenafil on uroflowmetric parameters in erectile dysfunction patients with and without lower urinary tract symptoms.
Öztürk MI, Koca O, Sertkaya Z … +3 more , Keles MO, Kaya C, Karaman MI
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22492839 · Publisher ↗
Using phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms continues to draw attention. Despite clinical improvements in patients, it is still debatable whether urinary flow rates are...
Using phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms continues to draw attention. Despite clinical improvements in patients, it is still debatable whether urinary flow rates are increased or not. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, on uroflowmetry parameters. A total of 110 men who had applied to our outpatient clinics and who had had no history of alpha blocker and PDE5 inhibitor use were included in our study. Two uroflowmetries were performed within 24-72 hours without any treatment. Participants received 50 mg of sildenafil at their third visit, and uroflowmetry was repeated after 2 hours. A total of 102 men were included in the analysis, and baseline uroflowmetry values were compared with values obtained after sildenafil use. The mean age of the 102 participants who had attended all three visits (92.7%) was 52.1 ± 12.2 years. Mean of baseline maximal flow rate values were 17.1 ± 5.1 mL/s, mean of baseline maximal flow rate after sildenafil was 18.2 ± 5.1 mL/s; average flow rate values at the baseline and after sildenafil were 9.5 ± 3.5 and 9.9 ± 3.5 mL/s, respectively. Means of postvoid residual urine volume for baseline and after sildenafil were 31.2 ± 20.1 and 27.7 ± 18.4 mL, respectively. Statistically significant difference is determined between baseline and postsildenafil values in terms of average flow rates at baseline and postvoid residual urine values. Results of this study suggest that sildenafil has an effect on uroflowmetric parameters during an acute period.
Perspectives and editorials: letter to the editor.
Lu CC
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22492838 · Publisher ↗
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High-fat diet obesity associated with insulin resistance increases cell proliferation, estrogen receptor, and PI3K proteins in rat ventral prostate.
Ribeiro DL, Pinto ME, Rafacho A … +5 more , Bosqueiro JR, Maeda SY, Anselmo-Franci JA, Taboga SR, Góes RM
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22441765 · Publisher ↗
In this study, we evaluated the effects of obesity and insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet on prostate morphophysiology, focusing on cell proliferation, expression of androgen (AR) and estrogen receptors (ER) a...
In this study, we evaluated the effects of obesity and insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet on prostate morphophysiology, focusing on cell proliferation, expression of androgen (AR) and estrogen receptors (ER) and proteins of the insulin signaling pathway. Adult male Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet (20% fat) for 15 weeks, whereas control animals received a balanced diet (4% fat). Both groups were then divided and treated for 2 weeks with 1 mg/kg body weight/day of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole or vehicle only. The ventral prostate was analyzed with immunohistochemical, histopathological, stereological, and Western blotting methods. Obese rats showed insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and reduced plasma testosterone levels. The incidence of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) was 2.7 times higher in obese rats and affected 0.4% of the gland compared with 0.1% PIN areas found in control rats. Obesity doubled cell proliferation in both prostate epithelium and stroma. AR content decreased in the prostate of obese rats and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) increased in this group. Protein levels of insulin receptor substrate 1 and protein kinase B diminished in the obese group, whereas phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) increased significantly. Most structural changes observed in the prostate of obese rats normalized after letrozole treatment, except for increased stromal cell proliferation and ERβ expression, which might be associated with insulin resistance. This experimental model of obesity and insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet increases cell proliferation in rat prostate. Such alterations are associated with decreased levels of AR and increased ERβ and PI3K proteins. This change can facilitate the establishment of proliferative lesions in rat prostate.
Methylation-specific PCR allows for fast diagnosis of X chromosome disomy and reveals skewed inactivation of the X chromosome in men with Klinefelter syndrome.
Mehta A, Malek-Jones M, Bolyakov A … +3 more , Mielnik A, Schlegel PN, Paduch DA
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22441764 · Publisher ↗
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) remains the most common, yet often undiagnosed, chromosomal aberration in men. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the health of patients with KS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the...
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) remains the most common, yet often undiagnosed, chromosomal aberration in men. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the health of patients with KS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inactivation pattern of supernumerary X chromosomes. The secondary aim was to design a reliable and cost-effective molecular test for detection of X chromosome disomy. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR), with primers for familial mental retardation (FMR1) and X chromosome inactive-specific transcript (XIST) genes, was used to detect the presence of X chromosome disomy in men. Seventeen fertile males, 12 females, and 35 males with KS (28 with 47,XXY karyotype, and 7 with 47,XXY/46,XY mosaics) were included in the study. Results of the karyotype were compared with the results of semiquantitative M-PCR. Inactivation of X chromosomes was measured by XIST/FMR-1 methylation ratio. Differences in the methylation patterns of FMR1 and XIST genes between 46,XY men and men with X chromosome disomy allowed for rapid detection of the presence of an additional X chromosome, achieving 100% sensitivity and specificity using M-PCR. The methylated:unmethylated FMR1 amplicon ratio allowed the detection of 1 additional X chromosome per 100 normal XY cells (1% of XX/XY mosaicism). In our series, 50% of 47,XXY men showed skewed inactivation of the X chromosome. Men with KS can have incomplete inactivation of supernumerary X chromosomes. M-PCR is a sensitive, specific, fast, and relatively inexpensive test for the diagnosis of X chromosome disomy.
Ion channels in sperm physiology and male fertility and infertility.
Shukla KK, Mahdi AA, Rajender S
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22441763 · Publisher ↗
Ion channels regulate the membrane potential and intracellular ionic concentration and thus serve a central role in various cellular processes. Several ion channels have been identified in the germ cells, including sperm...
Ion channels regulate the membrane potential and intracellular ionic concentration and thus serve a central role in various cellular processes. Several ion channels have been identified in the germ cells, including sperm, emphasizing their importance in male fertility and reproduction. The molecular mechanism of ion transport and the nature of the ion channels involved have begun to emerge only recently despite the fact that several ligand-gated and voltage-gated channels have been identified and localized on sperm. The presence of the sperm-associated cation channel (CatSper1-4) gene family, proton voltage-gated ion channel (Hv1), potassium voltage-gated ion channel (SLO3/KCNU1), sodium voltage-gated channel (NaV1.1-1.9), and the members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel family suggest an indispensable role for ion channels in sperm physiology and fertility potential. Ion channels are the key players in very important processes such as capacitation and the acrosome reaction, which are critical steps in sperm physiology preparing for fertilization. For example, CatSper, Hv1, SLO3, and TRP channel family members have been proposed to participate in the acrosome reaction, thereby making them most important for sperm fertility. Similarly, NaV channels could play a crucial role in noncapacitated sperm and in the initial capacitation steps. The role of ion channels seems indispensable for sperm fertility as evidenced by studies on animal models; however, the functional defects in infertile human males await further exploration. This article represents an update on the role of ion channels in sperm physiology, male fertility, and infertility.
Activity of the Na,K-ATPase α4 isoform is regulated during sperm capacitation to support sperm motility.
Jimenez T, Sánchez G, Blanco G
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22441762 · Publisher ↗
The α4 polypeptide is a testis-specific isoform of the catalytic subunit of the Na,K-ATPase, which is essential for sperm motility and fertility. In the present study, we have investigated the regulation of activity of t...
The α4 polypeptide is a testis-specific isoform of the catalytic subunit of the Na,K-ATPase, which is essential for sperm motility and fertility. In the present study, we have investigated the regulation of activity of the α4 isoform and the relevance of this event for sperm capacitation. We have performed this by taking advantage of the selective high affinity of α4 for the inhibitor ouabain. Our results show that ouabain-sensitive hydrolysis of ATP and uptake of (86)Rb, corresponding to the enzymatic and ion transport activities of α4, respectively, increased during sperm capacitation in a time-dependent manner. Specific labeling of α4 with the fluorescent indicator bodipy-ouabain and immunoblot analysis of biotinylated and streptavidin-precipitated sperm plasma membrane proteins indicated a capacitation- and time-dependent rise in levels of active α4 isoform at the sperm surface. Ouabain inhibition of α4 blocked the increase in total sperm motility and the hyperactive motility pattern characteristic of sperm capacitation. Moreover, interference of α4 activity with ouabain partially prevented the intracellular decrease in Na(+) and the plasma membrane hyperpolarization that typically accompany sperm capacitation. In contrast, ouabain inhibition of α4 did not affect the spontaneous sperm acrosomal reaction following capacitation. Together, these results demonstrate that Na,K-ATPase α4 activity is up-regulated during sperm capacitation through mechanisms that involve both increases in molecular activity and levels of α4 at the sperm plasma membrane. This increase in α4 activity helps maintain the changes in motility that are associated with sperm capacitation, emphasizing the biologic relevance of the Na,K-ATPase α4 isoform in sustaining sperm function.
Influence of dihydroergotoxine, bromocriptine, and ergotamine on penile erection in Wistar rats.
Radosavljevic M, Pajovic B, Radunovic M … +2 more , Radojevic N, Bjelogrlic B
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22441761 · Publisher ↗
The pilot study presented was conducted to determine as to whether ergot alkaloids (alpha-adrenergic blockers) have a potential effect on penile erectile function. The influence of dihydroergotoxine, bromocriptine, and e...
The pilot study presented was conducted to determine as to whether ergot alkaloids (alpha-adrenergic blockers) have a potential effect on penile erectile function. The influence of dihydroergotoxine, bromocriptine, and ergotamine was studied on the erection ability in intact, two-grade outbred male Wistar albino rats that were out of their estrous phase. The experimental animals were injected intrapenially with the substances under examination: dihydroergotoxine mesylate (0.1 mg/0.1 mL, 0.3 mg/0.1 mL, and 1 mg/0.1 mL), bromocriptine mesylate (0.3 mg/0.1 mL, 1 mg/0.1 mL, and 3 mg/0.1 mL), and ergotamine tartrate (0.1 mg/0.1 mL, 0.3 mg/0.1 mL, and 1mg/0.1 mL). Every dose was tested on a pattern of 30 rats. These mentioned substances were injected in the amount of 1 mm to the left of the proximal part of the superficial dorsal vein of the penis, in the region of the penis root. After injection, the animals were then observed within the next 90 minutes. In the trial, the following was observed: the number of rats with an erection achieved, the period of time from intrapenial application to the appearance of the first erection, and the duration of the erection. Ultimately, the research results confirm the efficiency of dihydroergotoxine and bromocriptine as erectogenic agents, as well as ergotamine as a detumescent compared with saline solutions.
Quality of sperm obtained by penile vibratory stimulation and percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration in men with spinal cord injury.
Qiu Y, Wang LG, Zhang LH … +2 more , Zhang AD, Wang ZY
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22441760 · Publisher ↗
The aim of this study was to explore sperm chromosomal aneuploidy and DNA integrity in infertile patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Semen samples were collected from 12 infertile men with SCI by percutaneous vasal s...
The aim of this study was to explore sperm chromosomal aneuploidy and DNA integrity in infertile patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Semen samples were collected from 12 infertile men with SCI by percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration (PVSA) and from 14 male SCI patients by penile vibratory stimulation (PVS). These semen samples as well as samples from 16 donors were analyzed using the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test, the sperm chromatin dispersion test, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated terminal uridine nick-end labeling assay, and multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization with probes specific for the chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y. There were significant differences in the percentages of motile sperm, normal morphologic sperm, normal HOS/eosin staining, and sperm DNA fragmentation between the infertile men with SCI and the control group (P < .05 and P < .01). The sperm forward motility was significantly greater in the PVSA group than in the PVS group (P < .01). The number of round cells per milliliter of semen obtained from the 14 SCI patients by PVS was between 1 million and 12 million. The rate of sperm DNA fragmentation, as identified by the sperm chromatin dispersion test, was higher in the PVS group than in the PVSA group (P < .05). The aneuploidy rates for the SCI patients were 1.5- to 1.6-fold higher for chromosomes 13, 18, and 21, and were 2.3- to 2.4-fold higher for chromosomes X and Y than for patients in the control group (P < .001). These results suggest that for men with SCI, the semen quality is poorer, the prevalence of abnormal HOS/eosin staining is greater, and sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm chromosomal aneuploidies are seen at a higher rate compared with healthy, fertile, and normospermic men.
Pharmacokinetic evaluation and dosing of subcutaneous testosterone pellets.
Pastuszak AW, Mittakanti H, Liu JS … +3 more , Gomez L, Lipshultz LI, Khera M
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22403285 · Publisher ↗
Subcutaneous testosterone (T) pellets are a viable treatment modality for hypogonadism. Optimal dosing, frequency of reimplantation, and long-term safety of T pellets remain incompletely elucidated parameters. A retrospe...
Subcutaneous testosterone (T) pellets are a viable treatment modality for hypogonadism. Optimal dosing, frequency of reimplantation, and long-term safety of T pellets remain incompletely elucidated parameters. A retrospective review of 273 patients treated for hypogonadism using subcutaneous T pellets was performed. Serum total T (TT), free T (FT), and estradiol (E2) levels were analyzed as a function of time from implantation, number of pellets implanted (6-9 or 10-12), body mass index (BMI; <25 or ≥ 25 kg/m(2)), number of implantations (≤ 4 rounds, 501 insertions), and preimplantation T levels (<300 or ≥ 300 ng/dL). T decay was determined using linear regression and TT levels immediately postimplantation and the time for TT levels to reach 300 ng/dL extrapolated for all variables. Mean patient age ± SD was 56 ± 12.6 years. Baseline TT level was 328 ± 202 ng/dL, FT 9.49 ± 27.8 pg/mL, and E2 25.1 ± 17.3 pg/mL. Extrapolated TT and FT peaks were lower in men receiving 6 to 9 pellets than men receiving 10 to 12, although decay rates differed insignificantly. E2 levels rose significantly in men receiving 10 to 12 but not 6 to 9 pellets. Men with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) attained lower TT peaks with slower decay than men with BMI <25 kg/m(2) receiving 10 to 12 pellets, although 300 ng/dL TT levels were reached at approximately 100 days in both groups. No differences were seen in decay rates for men with multiple implant rounds, and no differences in T peaks or decay rates were seen in men with preimplant T level <300 or ≥ 300 ng/dL. One patient developed erythrocytosis, and no prostate-specific antigen recurrences were observed in men with prostate cancer treated with T pellets. Men with BMI <25 kg/m(2) should receive fewer pellets, and reimplantation for all men should occur 100 to 120 days after prior implantation. Men receiving 10 to 12 pellets have higher E2 levels, potentially reflecting increased aromatization of T. Reimplantation and preimplantation TT levels do not affect pellet decay kinetics.
Gene therapy with an erythropoietin enhancer-mediated, hypoxia-inducible gene expression system in the corpus cavernosum of mice with high-cholesterol diet-induced erectile dysfunction.
Ryu JK, Lee M, Choi MJ … +7 more , Kim HA, Jin HR, Kim WJ, Yin GN, Song KM, Kwon MH, Suh JK
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22403284 · Publisher ↗
Cavernous hypoxia is an important factor in the pathogenesis of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). Therefore, the hypoxia-inducible gene expression system can be exploited as gene therapy for vasculogenic ED. This s...
Cavernous hypoxia is an important factor in the pathogenesis of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). Therefore, the hypoxia-inducible gene expression system can be exploited as gene therapy for vasculogenic ED. This study was undertaken to examine the effectiveness of a hypoxia-inducible gene expression system, namely, the RTP801 promoter or the erythropoietin enhancer, in a mouse model of hypercholesterolemic ED in vivo and in primary cultured mouse cavernous endothelial cells in vitro. Two-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed a diet containing 4% cholesterol and 1% cholic acid, and age-matched control animals were fed a normal diet for 3 months. Mouse cavernous endothelial cells were isolated and cultured under normoxic or hypoxic conditions. After treatment of animals or endothelial cells with pSV-Luc, pRTP801-Luc, or pEpo-SV-Luc vector, gene expression was evaluated by luciferase assay, and the gene expression area was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Plasmids pRTP801-Luc and pEpo-SV-Luc induced gene expression significantly in the hypercholesterolemic mice and in cavernous endothelial cells under hypoxia, and the highest gene expression was noted in the group treated with pEpo-SV-Luc. Gene expression was higher for more than 7 days in the hypercholesterolemic mice injected with pEpo-SV-Luc than in mice injected with pSV-Luc. As shown by immunohistochemistry, the gene expression area was also greater in the pEpo-SV-Luc group than in the pSV-Luc group, but the difference was not as great as that in luciferase activity. The hypoxia-specific gene expression system could be a valuable tool for facilitating gene delivery into ischemic corpus cavernosum tissue resulting from vascular causes.
Human sperm chromatin undergoes physiological remodeling during in vitro capacitation and acrosome reaction.
de Lamirande E, San Gabriel MC, Zini A
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22403283 · Publisher ↗
Capacitation (CAP) and acrosome reaction (AR) are sequential processes of sperm activation. Beside the known ionic, membrane, and transduction events and final release of proteolytic enzymes that help sperm movement towa...
Capacitation (CAP) and acrosome reaction (AR) are sequential processes of sperm activation. Beside the known ionic, membrane, and transduction events and final release of proteolytic enzymes that help sperm movement toward the egg, chromatin changes, such as a physiological remodeling, are also possible. Our aims were to ascertain that CAP and AR do not induce DNA damage and to evaluate changes occurring in the human sperm head during these physiological processes using cytochemical stains. Percollpurified spermatozoa from normal donors were incubated in Biggers, Whitten, and Whittingham medium ± fetal cord serum ultrafiltrate (CAP inducer) and then with lysophosphatidylcholine (AR inducer). CAP and AR were associated with increases in aniline blue (AB, for histones; ∼70%) and toluidine blue (TB, for chromatin compaction; ∼40%) staining but had no influence on that of chromomycin A3 (for protamines). The increase (∼40%) in iodoacetamide-fluorescein (IAF, for sulfhydryl groups) staining observed during CAP was absent after AR. CAP and AR did not damage DNA (percentage of DNA fragmentation index remained low) nor affect histone content. CAP, and even more AR, primed sperm heads to decondense (∼80% and ∼140% increases, respectively) when challenged with sodium dodecyl sulfate + dithiothreitol. Interestingly, induced decondensation correlated with all other tests (CAP, AB, TB, and IAF). Therefore, the data strongly support a physiological remodeling of nondamaged human sperm chromatin during CAP and AR, and modifications are probably interlinked and help prepare chromatin for postfertilization events.
Surgical treatment of hemangioma on the dorsum of the penis.
Cheng G, Song N, Hua L … +5 more , Yang J, Xu B, Li P, Yin C, Zhang W
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22403282 · Publisher ↗
Therapies for hemangiomas of the penis include surgical excision, electrofulguration, cryotherapy, sclerotherapy, and neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser treatment. Urologists often face difficulties in deciding whet...
Therapies for hemangiomas of the penis include surgical excision, electrofulguration, cryotherapy, sclerotherapy, and neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser treatment. Urologists often face difficulties in deciding whether to use surgery in penile hemangioma cases. In this study, we investigated the safety and feasibility of surgical treatment of hemangioma in the penis. The study included 6 patients, 19 to 42 years of age (median age 23 years), with hemangiomas on the dorsal aspect of the penis. All patients were treated with surgery. All operations were successful, and no complications were observed. Patients were followed up for 2 to 5 years (median 2.5 years) after discharge from the hospital. Five patients were assessed for sexual function. Lesions healed completely, and all patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. All patients had returned to normal sexual activity within 3 months of the operation. Sexual function and sexual satisfaction were well maintained after the operation. A therapeutic reference standard for the treatment of penile hemangioma is still lacking because of the rarity of the disease. The results of our experience confirm that surgical treatment for penile hemangioma represents a safe radical curative procedure. Surgical treatment offers an alternative to the more conservative therapy previously advocated.
Involvement of Fas/Fas-L and Bax/Bcl-2 systems in germ cell death following immunization with syngeneic testicular germ cells in mice.
Kuerban M, Naito M, Hirai S … +6 more , Terayama H, Qu N, Musha M, Ikeda A, Koji T, Itoh M
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22403281 · Publisher ↗
Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is characterized by T cell-dependent lymphocytic inflammation and seminiferous tubule damage, which can result in the death of germ cells. The aim of the present study is to investi...
Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is characterized by T cell-dependent lymphocytic inflammation and seminiferous tubule damage, which can result in the death of germ cells. The aim of the present study is to investigate the roles of the Fas/Fas-L and Bax/Bcl-2 systems in the death of germ cells in mice with EAO that is induced by immunization with syngeneic testicular germ cells (TGC). The results using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining show that many terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining germ cells were present in seminiferous tubules during the active inflammation stage, and these cells were persistently observed in the seminiferous epithelium until the postactive inflammation stage. Intratesticular mRNA expression levels of both Fas and Bax were increased during the active inflammation stage and were dramatically decreased during the post-active inflammation stage. In contrast, the intratesticular mRNA expression levels of both Fas-L and Bcl-2 did not show significant changes during the active inflammation stage but showed extreme increases during the post-active inflammation stage. Immunohistochemically, some Fas- and Bax-positive germ cells were detected during the active inflammation stage, but these were hardly found during the post-active inflammation stage. In contrast, some Fas-L- and Bcl-2-positive germ cells were found during the active inflammation stage, and many of these were also observed during the post-active inflammation stage. These results indicate that germ cell death during TGC-induced EAO is mediated by the Fas/Fas-L and Bax/Bcl-2 systems during the active inflammation stage but not during the post-active inflammation stage.
Penile methadone injection in suicidal intent: life-threatening and fatal for erectile function.
Prado LG, Huber J, Huber CG … +5 more , Mogler C, Ehrenheim J, Nyarangi-Dix J, Pahernik S, Hohenfellner M
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22403280 · Publisher ↗
We present the case of a 31-year-old man who was admitted to our emergency department after injection of 10 mL of methadone into his penis. He had a history of drug abuse over the last 15 years and a background of 3 atte...
We present the case of a 31-year-old man who was admitted to our emergency department after injection of 10 mL of methadone into his penis. He had a history of drug abuse over the last 15 years and a background of 3 attempted suicidal episodes with a combination of at least 2 drugs over the past 12 months. The current suicide attempt had serious consequences: he suffered from acute renal and liver failure. One previously unreported side effect of methadone is erectile dysfunction following injection into the penis. In our case, the patient received vardenafil 10 mg once daily without any signs of functional improvement. Ten months after the event, there still was complete erectile dysfunction.
Effects of icariside II on improving erectile function in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.
Zhou F, Xin H, Liu T … +8 more , Li GY, Gao ZZ, Liu J, Li WR, Cui WS, Bai GY, Park NC, Xin ZC
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22403279 · Publisher ↗
Icariin and icariside II (ICA II), 2 active components isolated from herba epimedii, have a closely structural relationship. There is evidence that icariin may be useful in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED); how...
Icariin and icariside II (ICA II), 2 active components isolated from herba epimedii, have a closely structural relationship. There is evidence that icariin may be useful in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED); however, the study on the therapeutic efficacy of ICA II on ED is currently scant. We investigated the effects of ICA II on improving erectile function of rats with streptozocin-induced diabetes. Fifty 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into normal control and diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by a one-time intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (60 mg/kg). Three days later, the diabetic rats were randomly divided into 4 groups including a saline-treated placebo arm and 3 ICA II-treated models (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg/d). After 3 months, penile hemodynamics was measured by cavernous nerve electrostimulation (CNE) with real time intracorporal pressure assessment. Penises were harvested with subsequent histological examination (picrosirius red stain, Hart elastin stain, and immunohistochemical stain) and Western blots to explore the expression of the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)/Smad2 signaling pathways. Diabetes significantly attenuated erectile responses to CNE. Diabetic rats had decreased corpus cavernosum smooth muscle/collagen ratio and endothelial cell content relative to the control group. The ratio of collagen I to III was significantly lower in the corpora of diabetic rats; furthermore, cavernous elastic fibers were fragmented in the diabetic animals. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and vascular endothelial growth factor were expressed at lower levels in the diabetic group; ICA II-treated diabetic rats had higher expression in the penis relative to placebo-treated diabetic animals. Both the TGFβ1/Smad2/connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) signaling pathway and apoptosis were down-regulated in the penis from ICA II-treated rats. ICA II treatment attenuates diabetes-related impairment of penile hemodynamics, likely by increasing smooth muscle, endothelial function, and nNOS expression. ICA II could alter corpus cavernosum fibrous-muscular pathological structure in diabetic rats, which could be regulated by the TGFβ1/Smad2/CTGF and NO-cGMP signaling pathways.
Arterial erectile dysfunction and peripheral arterial disease: reliability of a new phenotype of endothelial progenitor cells and endothelial microparticles.
Condorelli RA, Calogero AE, Vicari E … +4 more , di Pino L, Giacone F, Mongioì L, la Vignera S
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22362078 · Publisher ↗
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the blood concentrations of a new immunophenotype of circulating late endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and endothelial microparticles (EMP) varies in patients with arterial...
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the blood concentrations of a new immunophenotype of circulating late endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and endothelial microparticles (EMP) varies in patients with arterial erectile dysfunction (aED) and abnormalities in other arterial districts. To accomplish this, cavernous artery peak systolic velocity (PSV), acceleration time (AT), and intima-media thickness (IMT) were determined after intracavernous administration of alprostadil by echo-color Doppler in 80 consecutive patients (age range, 50-75 years). Fifteen patients had aED alone (group A) and served as controls; 22 had aED plus atheroma plaques and/or increased IMT of the common carotid artery (group B); 20 had aED plus lower limb artery abnormalities (group C); and 23 had aED plus carotid and lower limb artery abnormalities (group D). EPC and EMP blood concentrations were evaluated by flow cytometry. Blood mononuclear cells with the immunophenotype CD45(neg)/CD34(pos)/CD144(pos) were defined as EPCs, whereas CD45(neg)/CD144(pos)/annexin V(pos) cells were defined as EMPs. Group B and C patients had a similar PSV, AT, and IMT at the level of the cavernous arteries. Their PSV values were significantly lower and mean values of AT and IMT significantly higher compared with group A patients. Patients of group D had a significantly lower PSV and significantly higher AT and IMT compared with all other groups. As far as serum concentrations of EPCs and EMPs, group D patients had significantly higher EPC and EMP mean values compared with all other groups. Group B and C patients had similar EPC and EMP values. This study showed that a more generalized peripheral atherosclerotic process is associated with a more severe penile artery insufficiency and endothelial dysfunction. Moreover, this study confirms the diagnostic reliability of the immunophenotype of EPCs and EMPs chosen in the clinical practice.
Cystic schwannoma of a seminal vesicle.
He R, Yang X, Li X … +2 more , He Z, Zhou L
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22362077 · Publisher ↗
We present a case of a cystic schwannoma of the seminal vesicle that occurred in a 50-year-old man who presented asymptomatic. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic mass within the lef...
We present a case of a cystic schwannoma of the seminal vesicle that occurred in a 50-year-old man who presented asymptomatic. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic mass within the left seminal vesicle. A laparoscopic surgery was performed to remove the mass on request. Histopathological examination finally confirmed a schwannoma of the seminal vesicle. The patient was free of disease 3 months postoperatively.
Retraction.
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22362076 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
The epididymis: present progress, future directions. Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on the Epididymis (Epididymis V). October 25-28, 2010. Águas de São Pedro, Brazil.
J Androl · 2011 · PMID 22329031
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Diet, obesity, and prostate health: are we missing the link?
Tewari R, Rajender S, Natu SM … +4 more , Dalela D, Goel A, Goel MM, Tandon P
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22323623 · Publisher ↗
Prostate problems, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic intra-epithelial neoplasia, prostatitis, and prostate cancer have been recognized as problems largely related to androgens and genetic factors. They affe...
Prostate problems, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic intra-epithelial neoplasia, prostatitis, and prostate cancer have been recognized as problems largely related to androgens and genetic factors. They affect a large fraction of the elderly population, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Estrogen has also now been recognized as one of the important regulators of prostate growth. Diet, general health, and obesity were disregarded as the causative or complicating factors until very recently. Increasing episodes of prostate problems, complications in overweight/obese individuals, or both have attracted attention toward these contemporary risk factors. Prostate problems are reportedly less frequent or less severe in areas in which a plant-based diet is predominant. Consumption of certain fatty acids, particularly of animal origin, has been correlated with increased prostate problems. As adipose tissue is increasingly being regarded as hormonally active tissue, high body fat and obesity need in-depth exploration to understand the associated risk of prostate problems. Adipose tissue is now known to affect circulating levels of several bioactive messengers and therefore could affect the risk of developing prostate problems in addition to several other well-recognized health problems. Nevertheless, increased plasma volume, excess tissue growth, and fat deposition could affect resection and number of biopsies required, thus adding further complications because of a delayed diagnosis. In short, evidence is gathering to support the influence of diet and obesity on prostate health. In this review article, we have tried to make this connection more apparent using supporting published data.
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