Journal Of Andrology[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Imaging diagnosis, transurethral endoscopic observation, and management of 43 cases of persistent and refractory hematospermia.
Li YF, Liang PH, Sun ZY … +8 more , Zhang Y, Bi G, Zhou B, Li K, Bai W, Wang LF, Zhang J, Jin FS
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22323622 · Publisher ↗
The goal of this study was to explore minimally invasive transurethral imaging and surgery for the treatment of severe, persistent hematospermia in cases that were refractory to conservative treatments. The study include...
The goal of this study was to explore minimally invasive transurethral imaging and surgery for the treatment of severe, persistent hematospermia in cases that were refractory to conservative treatments. The study included 43 patients (aged 22-77 years; average, 44.6 years) with long-lasting, severe hematospermia, accompanied by discomfort or pain in the lumbosacral or perineal region, dysuria, frequent micturition, decreased semen volume, and/or azoospermia. Patient symptoms had persisted for 1 to 10 years (average, 5.3 years). Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of each patient was evaluated, and transurethral surgery was performed. The causes of hematospermia were identified in all 43 patients, and their ejaculatory duct obstruction or seminal vesiculitis was successfully treated. No serious intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Pathologic analyses revealed that all of the resected or biopsied seminal vesicle tissues had chronic nonspecific inflammation in the seminal vesicle wall, and no tumors were identified. Preoperative symptomology of hematospermia disappeared in all patients followed up for 2 to 30 months (average, 16 months). A single patient experienced recurrence at 11 months and had a second minimally invasive surgery that was curative. A total of 95.3% (41 of 43) of the patients experienced normal orgasmic intensity after surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable and accurate diagnostic method for the identification of causative factors underlying hematospermia. Transurethral dilation of ejaculatory ducts, incision of the verumontanum or the distal end of the ejaculatory ducts, and incision or resection of the relevant cysts represent simple, safe, and reliable approaches for the management of refractory cases of hematospermia that do not respond to conservative treatments.
Editorial commentary.
Galosi AB
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22323621 · Publisher ↗
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Specialized distribution of the histone methyltransferase Ezh2 in the nuclear apical region of round spermatids and its interaction with the histone variant H1t2.
Lambrot R, Jones S, Saint-Phar S … +1 more , Kimmins S
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22323620 · Publisher ↗
The formation of sperm requires tightly regulated gene expression and unique chromatin remodeling. In the present study, we investigated the spermatogenic distribution of the lysine-specific histone H3 methyltransferase...
The formation of sperm requires tightly regulated gene expression and unique chromatin remodeling. In the present study, we investigated the spermatogenic distribution of the lysine-specific histone H3 methyltransferase Ezh2 in mice. The distribution of Ezh2 was highly regulated with its localization predominantly restricted to round spermatids in the perinuclear acrosome region. This localization is concomitant with the dramatic epigenetic reorganization that occurs during spermiogenesis leading to an extreme compaction of the chromatin. Spermiogenesis involves the incorporation of sperm-specific nuclear proteins, including the testis-specific histone variant H1t2. Using immunofluorescence, Ezh2 was shown to juxtapose H1t2, and an interaction in chromatin was confirmed by immunoprecipitation. These findings suggest that, in the testis, the apical region of the round spermatid nucleus could be a specialized epigenetic region where methylation of histones serves a role in the spermiogenic chromatin remodeling and that Ezh2 might be a key effector of this event.
Defining the "normal" postejaculate urinalysis.
Mehta A, Jarow JP, Maples P … +1 more , Sigman M
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22282438 · Publisher ↗
Although sperm have been shown to be present in the postejaculate urinalysis (PEU) of both fertile and infertile men, the number of sperm present in the PEU of the general population has never been well defined. The obje...
Although sperm have been shown to be present in the postejaculate urinalysis (PEU) of both fertile and infertile men, the number of sperm present in the PEU of the general population has never been well defined. The objective of this study was to describe the semen and PEU findings in both the general and infertile population, in order to develop a better appreciation for "normal." Infertile men (n = 77) and control subjects (n = 71) were prospectively recruited. Exclusion criteria included azoospermia and medications known to affect ejaculation. All men underwent a history, physical examination, semen analysis, and PEU. The urine was split into 2 containers: PEU1, the initial voided urine, and PEU2, the remaining voided urine. Parametric statistical methods were applied for data analysis to compare sperm concentrations in each sample of semen and urine between the 2 groups of men. Controls had higher average semen volume (3.3 ± 1.6 vs 2.0 ± 1.4 mL, P < .001) and sperm concentrations (112 million vs 56.2 million, P = .011), compared with infertile men. The presence of sperm in urine was common in both groups, but more prevalent among infertile men (98.7% vs 88.7%, P = .012), in whom it comprised a greater proportion of the total sperm count (46% vs 24%, P = .022). The majority of sperm present in PEU were seen in PEU1 of both controls (69%) and infertile men (88%). An association was noted between severe oligospermia (<5 million/mL) with low semen volume (<0.5 mL), and significant sperm counts in PEU (<5 million). Although infertile men tend to have a higher proportion of their total sperm in the urine compared with control, there is a large degree of overlap between the 2 populations, making it difficult to identify a specific threshold to define a positive test. Interpretation of a PEU should be directed by whether the number of sperm in the urine could affect subsequent management.
Protective effect of gangliosides on DNA in human spermatozoa exposed to cryopreservation.
Gavella M, Lipovac V, Garaj-Vrhovac V … +1 more , Gajski G
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22282437 · Publisher ↗
Gangliosides, the sialic acid-containing glycosphyngolipids, are amphiphilic compounds which in micellar form affect the properties and functions of a cellular membrane. The aim of this study was to test whether exogenou...
Gangliosides, the sialic acid-containing glycosphyngolipids, are amphiphilic compounds which in micellar form affect the properties and functions of a cellular membrane. The aim of this study was to test whether exogenous gangliosides supplied to cryopreservation media before freezing could protect sperm cells from cryopreservation-induced DNA damage assessed by Comet assay. Additionally, to investigate whether gangliosides were also able to reduce membrane integrity damage, malonaldialdehyde as a measure of lipid peroxidation and sperm-specific lactate dehydrogenase-C4 activity as an enzyme marker of sperm membrane leakage were determined. The monosialogangliosides (GM1) and trisialogangliosides (GT1b) were examined at a concentration of 100 μM, which was above their respective critical micellar concentrations. Exogenous gangliosides were not found to protect sperm membrane from lipid peroxidation. However, a freezing-/thawing-induced increase in Comet parameters was equally significantly prevented by the presence of both GM1 and GT1b (P < .05), indicating that the ceramide moiety, rather than the polar groups, is involved in the protective ability of gangliosides. The observed phenomena suggest that ganglioside micelles could modulate hydrophobic properties of the sperm membrane responsible for better tolerance to DNA fragmentation, thus protecting DNA integrity from cryopreservation-induced damage.
The effect of chilled storage and cryopreservation on the sperm DNA fragmentation dynamics of a captive population of koalas.
Johnston SD, Zee YP, López-Fernández C … +1 more , Gosálvez J
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22282436 · Publisher ↗
This experiment documented the incidence and variability of sperm characteristics found in freshly collected and ex vivo-manipulated semen samples from a population of disease-free captive koalas with a special emphasis...
This experiment documented the incidence and variability of sperm characteristics found in freshly collected and ex vivo-manipulated semen samples from a population of disease-free captive koalas with a special emphasis on the dynamic aspects of DNA fragmentation. These changes were analyzed in light of the putative negative effect of iatrogenic damage after chilled storage and cryopreservation with respect to different semen extender compositions to maximize sperm longevity. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) dynamics (SDF assessment after a varying period of time) was investigated with the sperm chromatin dispersion assay after either dilution in tris-citrate media and chilled preservation at 4°C for upward of 16 days or cryopreservation in either glycerol or dimethylacetamide (DMA) tris-citrate-based cryoprotectant media; corresponding data on progressive sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, and the proportion of koala sperm with relaxed chromatin were also recorded. SDF analysis of the captive koala population revealed a low mean (± SEM) basal level of only 6.7% ± 0.9%. The percentage of progressive sperm motility, percentage of intact sperm plasma membranes, and the percentage of relaxed chromatin did not correlate significantly with that of basal SDF. Moreover, despite the absence of cysteine residues in marsupial protamines, koala spermatozoa showed remarkable stability in terms of their DNA integrity after the incubation of either fresh, chilled, or frozen-thawed semen samples; observations of progressive motility (P < .05) and plasma membrane integrity (P < .05) revealed that chilled koala spermatozoa declined after 4 days, whereas the incidence of relaxed chromatin increased after 8 days. Although koala SDF increased significantly (P < .05) with the period of chilled storage, these values remained less than 16% after 16 days storage and subsequent incubation at 35°C for a further 48 hours. Survivorship of prefreeze sperm DNA damage was not different when compared with sperm frozen in DMA or between sperm frozen in DMA or glycerol; however, spermatozoa frozen in glycerol showed a higher (P = .042) rate of DNA fragmentation than prefreeze spermatozoa. This result differed from that of observations of progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity, and relaxed chromatin, which were all adversely affected (P < .05) after cryopreservation in either glycerol or DMA; however, the postthaw characteristics of sperm cryopreserved in either glycerol or DMA were not different. After thawing, koala sperm chromatin tended to decondense; however, the incidence of sperm DNA fragmentation was not correlated with the incidence of sperm chromatin relaxation after glycerol (R = .2) or DMA (R = -.04) cryopreservation.
Artificial insemination with seminal plasma improves the reproductive performance of frozen-thawed boar epididymal spermatozoa.
Okazaki T, Akiyoshi T, Kan M … +3 more , Mori M, Teshima H, Shimada M
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22282435 · Publisher ↗
Frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa have good fertilization capability in vitro; however, their artificial insemination conception rate is less than half of that of frozen-thawed ejaculated spermatozoa. Because the addi...
Frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa have good fertilization capability in vitro; however, their artificial insemination conception rate is less than half of that of frozen-thawed ejaculated spermatozoa. Because the addition of seminal plasma to the thawing solution enhances the in vivo fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed ejaculated spermatozoa, we hypothesized that the reproductive performance of frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa could also be improved by the inclusion of seminal plasma. When frozenthawed epididymal spermatozoa were incubated for up to 6 hours, the motility of the sperm significantly decreased in a time-dependent manner. The acrosomal membrane was damaged in the majority of frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa. The addition of seminal plasma to the thawing solution significantly decreased the percentage of sperm with abnormal acrosomes and increased their total motility in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the addition of seminal plasma reduced the abundance of a 15-kDa tyrosinephosphorylated protein in frozen-thawed sperm, and the maximum effect was observed at 15% (vol/vol) seminal plasma. When cryopreserved epididymal spermatozoa from 3 different boars were thawed with a 15% (vol/vol) seminal plasma-containing solution, the conception rate and mean litter size obtained by artificial insemination were significantly increased as compared with those in the control without seminal plasma. From these results, we concluded that the addition of seminal plasma to the thawing solution is a key step in obtaining an optimal number of piglets by artificial insemination using frozen-thawed boar epididymal spermatozoa.
Are we doing our best to prevent the (unexpected) disappointing side effects of an otherwise successful cancer treatment?
Sanguedolce F, Cormio L
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22282434 · Publisher ↗
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Freezability and semen parameters in candidates of sperm bank donors: 1992-2010.
Yogev L, Paz G, Kleiman SE … +6 more , Shabtai E, Gamzu R, Botchan A, Lehavi O, Yavetz H, Hauser R
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22282433 · Publisher ↗
There has been considerable concern worldwide about possible semen quality deterioration over the last 2 decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate freezability and semen quality of healthy young males during the yea...
There has been considerable concern worldwide about possible semen quality deterioration over the last 2 decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate freezability and semen quality of healthy young males during the years 1992-2010. A total of 1211 young (20-32 years old) candidates for sperm bank donation were recruited into the study with no exclusion criteria. They were instructed to observe 2 to 3 days of abstinence from sexual activity, and most of them supplied 2 specimens each. Average values of the various semen parameters, including freezing survival, were calculated for each participant. The change in different semen parameters over years, according to yearly and monthly average temperatures, was evaluated by SAS PROC SURVEYREG analysis. During that period, there were significant increases in motility and vitality percentages, as well as in the percentage of thawed sperm motility. The parameters of volume, concentration, normal morphology, total count, and total motile count showed a significant decrease with years (P < .01). The significant increase in average yearly temperature (P < .004) had limited, nonsignificant association with any of the semen variables. However, average monthly temperature contributed significantly to the trend of semen quality parameters (ie, specimen volume, concentration, percentage of normal morphology, and thawed motility). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the occurrence of an improvement in percent thawed motility over the years, and its significance lies in enabling a higher proportion of sperm bank candidates to be suitable for donation. It is suggested that the global warming phenomenon might have only partial contribution to semen variable changes over the years.
"Andrology"--The New Journal of the American Society of Andrology and the European Academy of Andrology.
Meistrich ML, Huhtaniemi IT
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22240560 · Publisher ↗
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The comparison of the aging male symptoms (AMS) scale and androgen deficiency in the aging male (ADAM) questionnaire to detect androgen deficiency in middle-aged men.
Chueh KS, Huang SP, Lee YC … +9 more , Wang CJ, Yeh HC, Li WM, Wu WJ, Tsai YF, Tsai CC, Juan HC, Huang CH, Liu CC
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22240559 · Publisher ↗
The prevalence of androgen deficiency in men increases with aging. Two common instruments, the Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) scale and the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire, are often used to screen...
The prevalence of androgen deficiency in men increases with aging. Two common instruments, the Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) scale and the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire, are often used to screen for androgen deficiency in clinical practice. The aim of this study is to compare the capability of the AMS scale and the ADAM questionnaire to detect androgen deficiency in middle-aged Taiwanese men. In April 2008, a free health screening was conducted by Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. All participants completed a health questionnaire and had blood samples drawn between 8:00 am and noon. Serum total testosterone (TT), albumin, and sex hormone-binding globulin levels were measured. The level of free testosterone (FT) was calculated. Clinical symptoms associated with androgen deficiency were screened by using the AMS scale and ADAM questionnaire. Androgen deficiency was defined as TT < 300 ng/dL or both TT < 300 ng/dL and FT< 5 ng/dL. In total, 339 men were included in the final analysis, with the mean age of 54.6 ± 4.9 years (range, 47-65 years). Androgen deficiency was found in 75 men (22.1%) based on the criteria of TT < 300 ng/dL, and in 54 men (15.9%) based on the criteria of TT < 300 ng/dL and FT < 5 ng/dL. When detecting participants with both TT < 300 ng/dL and FT < 5 ng/dL, the sensitivity and specificity of the AMS scale were 57.4% and 48.1%, compared with 66.7% and 25.6% for the ADAM questionnaire. In a sample of middle-aged Taiwanese men, neither the AMS scale nor the ADAM questionnaire had sufficient sensitivity and specificity to detect androgen deficiency. In addition to using those 2 screening instruments, a thorough physical and biochemical workup should still be conducted in patients at risk or suspected of androgen deficiency.
Optimization of a filter-lysis protocol to purify rat testicular homogenates for automated spermatid counting.
Pacheco SE, Anderson LM, Boekelheide K
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22240558 · Full text
Quantifying testicular homogenization-resistant spermatid heads (HRSH) is a powerful indicator of spermatogenesis. These counts have traditionally been performed manually using a hemocytometer, but this method can be tim...
Quantifying testicular homogenization-resistant spermatid heads (HRSH) is a powerful indicator of spermatogenesis. These counts have traditionally been performed manually using a hemocytometer, but this method can be time consuming and biased. We aimed to develop a protocol to reduce debris for the application of automated counting, which would allow for efficient and unbiased quantification of rat HRSH. We developed a filter-lysis protocol that effectively removes debris from rat testicular homogenates. After filtering and lysing the homogenates, we found no statistical differences between manual (classic and filter-lysis) and automated (filter-lysis) counts using 1-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni's multiple comparison test. In addition, Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to compare the counting methods, and there was a strong correlation between the classic manual counts and the filter-lysis manual (r = 0.85, P = .002) and the filter-lysis automated (r = 0.89, P = .0005) counts. We also tested the utility of the automated method in a low-dose exposure model known to decrease HRSH. Adult Fischer 344 rats exposed to 0.33% 2,5-hexanedione in the drinking water for 12 weeks demonstrated decreased body (P = .02) and testes (P = .002) weights. In addition, there was a significant reduction in the number of HRSH per testis (P = .002) when compared to controls. A filterlysis protocol was optimized to purify rat testicular homogenates for automated HRSH counts. Automated counting systems yield unbiased data and can be applied to detect changes in the testis after low-dose toxicant exposure.
Secretory phospholipase A2 group IID Is involved in progesterone-induced acrosomal exocytosis of human spermatozoa.
Li K, Jin JY, Chen WY … +3 more , Shi QX, Ni Y, Roldan ER
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22240557 · Publisher ↗
Phospholipase A2 (PLA(2)) plays a major role during acrosomal exocytosis (AE) in mammalian spermatozoa, but the identity of PLA(2) subtypes present in spermatozoa remains elusive. This study explored whether secretory PL...
Phospholipase A2 (PLA(2)) plays a major role during acrosomal exocytosis (AE) in mammalian spermatozoa, but the identity of PLA(2) subtypes present in spermatozoa remains elusive. This study explored whether secretory PLA(2) Group IID (sPLA(2)-IID) isoform is present in human spermatozoa and whether it is involved in AE. Localization and expression of sPLA(2)-IID in human spermatozoa were explored by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis. Occurrence of AE was evaluated by triple staining, and arachidonic acid (AA) levels were quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sperm motion parameters and hyperactivation were analyzed by computer-assisted sperm analysis. sPLA(2)-IID was localized in the postacrosomal region of the head and the midpiece of tail in human sperm. A 16-kd protein band was detected by Western blotting in sperm extracts. Progesterone-induced AE was significantly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner using a sPLA(2)-IID neutralizing antibody. The increase in AA levels seen during progesterone-stimulated exocytosis was significantly abrogated by the antibody. The sPLA(2)-IID antibody significantly inhibited hyperactivation, sperm curvilinear velocity, and amplitude of lateral head displacement, but it did not affect the proportion of motile sperm. In conclusion, sPLA(2)-IID is present at the head and midpiece in the human sperm, and activation of such sPLA(2)-IID seems to be involved in AE. Therefore, sPLA(2)-IID isoform plays a functional role during the AE in human sperm.
A new practical model of testes shield: the effectiveness during abdominopelvic computed tomography.
Sancaktutar AA, Bozkurt Y, Önder H … +6 more , Söylemez H, Atar M, Penbegül N, Ziypak T, Tekbaş G, Tepeler A
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22207708 · Publisher ↗
The goal of our prospective study was to measure the effect of a new standard model male gonad shield on the testicular radiation exposure during routine abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT). Two hundred male patients...
The goal of our prospective study was to measure the effect of a new standard model male gonad shield on the testicular radiation exposure during routine abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT). Two hundred male patients who underwent upper abdominal and pelvic CT examinations were included in our study. To prepare the testes shield (TS), 2 No. 8 fluoroscopy radiation-protection gloves made of bismuth (0.35 mm lead equivalent) were used. These gloves were invaginated into one another and their fingers were turned inside out. Scrotums of all patients were pushed into these lead-containing gloves. Upper abdominal CT (n = 6), pelvic CT (n = 9), and abdominopelvic scanning (n = 185) were performed. Immediately after the CT examinations and at postprocedural day 1, the scrotal examinations were repeated. None of the patients exhibited scrotal laceration, edema, eruption, erythema, tenderness, or pain. During the CT examinations, 22 patients (11%) felt unrest because of their exposed genital regions, without any adverse effect on the procedure. Dosimetric measurements of radioactivity inside the TS (dosimeter I) and outside it (dosimeter II) were 6.8 and 69.00 mSv, respectively. Accordingly, the TS we used in our study reduced the radiation exposure of the testes by 90.2% (10.1 times). We think that the use of this radioprotective TS during radiological diagnostic and therapeutic procedures is an appropriate approach from both a medical and legal perspective. Therefore, we recommend this userfriendly, practical, low-cost, and effective TS for all radiologic procedures.
Prospective inverse associations of sex hormone concentrations in men with biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Haring R, Baumeister SE, Völzke H … +4 more , Dörr M, Kocher T, Nauck M, Wallaschofski H
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22207707 · Publisher ↗
The suggested associations between sex hormone concentrations and inflammatory biomarkers in men originate from cross-sectional studies and small-scale clinical trials. But prior studies have not investigated longitudina...
The suggested associations between sex hormone concentrations and inflammatory biomarkers in men originate from cross-sectional studies and small-scale clinical trials. But prior studies have not investigated longitudinal associations. Overall, 1344 men aged 20-79 years from the population-based cohort Study of Health in Pomerania were followed up for 5.0 (median) years. We used multivariable regression models to analyze cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of serum sex hormone concentrations (total testosterone [TT], sex hormone-binding globulin [SHBG], calculated free testosterone [free T], and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEAS]) with biomarkers of inflammation (fibrinogen, high-sensitive C-reactive protein [hsCRP], and white blood cell count [WBC]) and oxidative stress (γ-glutamyl transferase [GGT]) using ordinary least square regression and generalized estimating equation models, respectively. Cross-sectional models revealed borderline associations of sex hormone concentrations with hsCRP, WBC, and GGT levels that were not retained after multivariable adjustment. Longitudinal multivariable analyses revealed an inverse association of baseline TT, free T, and DHEAS concentrations with change in fibrinogen levels (per SD decrement in TT, 0.25 [95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.45]; in free T, 0.30 [0.09-0.51]; and in DHEAS, 0.23 [0.11-0.36]). Furthermore, baseline DHEAS concentrations were inversely associated with change in WBC levels (per SD decrement, 0.53 [0.24-0.82]). Baseline TT, SHBG, free T, and DHEAS concentrations were also inversely associated with change in GGT after multivariable adjustment. The present study is the first to demonstrate prospective inverse associations between sex hormone concentrations and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in men. Additional studies are warranted to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying the revealed associations.
Use of human chorionic gonadotropin in a male Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) to induce rut and achieve a pregnancy in a nulliparous female.
Muraco HS, Coombs LD, Procter DG … +2 more , Turek PJ, Muraco MJ
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22207706 · Publisher ↗
Walrus in US zoos have a very low reproductive rate of 11 births in 80 years, and little is known about Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) reproductive biology. To address this, we initiated a program in which...
Walrus in US zoos have a very low reproductive rate of 11 births in 80 years, and little is known about Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) reproductive biology. To address this, we initiated a program in which detailed biological data were recorded on captive walrus. As part of a 7-year study, 1 male and 1 female 16-year-old captive Pacific walrus were carefully monitored with weekly serum hormone analysis, daily glans penis smears for spermatozoa, and abdominal ultrasound for pregnancy. The female ovulated once annually from late December through mid-January and then exhibited 9 months of sustained elevated progesterone. This nonconceptive estrous cycle profile is consistent with reports from wild walrus females. In contrast, the male's seasonal rut routinely occurred in late February through May with a serum testosterone peak in March. This profile differed from the reported adult male cycle in wild walrus of November through March. During the period of the female's ovulation, the male had nadir testosterone levels and was consistently azoospermic. Likewise, during the male's spermatogenic rut in the spring, the female was anovulatory with elevated progesterone. On this basis, the male was treated for 14 weeks with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in an attempt to increase testosterone levels in synchrony with the female's annual ovulation. The treatment successfully induced rut characterized by sustained elevated serum testosterone levels and production of spermatozoa. The male and female successfully bred, and the female became pregnant. Upon discontinuation of hCG treatment, the male resumed baseline testosterone levels. We theorize that the lack of synchronization of rut and ovulatory cycles is a primary reason for reproductive failure in these captive walrus.
Nitric oxide may mediate nipple erection.
Tezer M, Ozluk Y, Sanli O … +2 more , Asoglu O, Kadioglu A
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22207705 · Publisher ↗
The nipple is a specialized structure that can become erect by cold, sexual arousal, breast-feeding, or other tactile stimulations, which can induce the milk ejection reflex and sexual arousal because of intense sensory...
The nipple is a specialized structure that can become erect by cold, sexual arousal, breast-feeding, or other tactile stimulations, which can induce the milk ejection reflex and sexual arousal because of intense sensory innervation. The studies that have been conducted thus far to identify the mechanism of nipple erection (NE) are not sufficient. It has been stated that NE occurs via activation of the sympathetic nervous system and smooth muscle contraction. The purposes of this study were to investigate the existence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the nipple-areola complex (NAC) to explain the NE mechanism. Considering that smooth muscle relaxation might be effective in NE, endothelial and neuronal NOS expression and localization were investigated via immunohistochemical methods on sagittal sections from 17 human NACs. The results of this study indicate that eNOS is expressed in the vascular endothelium, ductal epithelium, and smooth muscles, whereas nNOS is expressed in the neural fibers, smooth muscles, ductal epithelium, and vascular endothelium in the NAC. Sinusoidal spaces with endothelial layers similar to those found in penile cavernosal tissue are not found in the NAC. Various mediators are known to affect the function of the NAC smooth muscles; however, this study demonstrates that enzymes (eNOS and nNOS) that synthesize nitric oxide are expressed in the NAC.
Epididymosome-mediated acquisition of MMSDH, an androgen-dependent and developmentally regulated epididymal sperm protein.
Suryawanshi AR, Khan SA, Joshi CS … +1 more , Khole VV
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22207704 · Publisher ↗
A differential proteomics approach led to the identification of several novel epididymal sperm proteins. One of the novel proteins was methylmalonate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (MMSDH). In the present study, we carried o...
A differential proteomics approach led to the identification of several novel epididymal sperm proteins. One of the novel proteins was methylmalonate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (MMSDH). In the present study, we carried out an in-depth characterization to study its regulation by androgen, its appearance during ontogeny, and the mechanism of its interaction with and acquisition by the sperm. Western blotting and immunohistochemical studies suggest that the protein is present in both tissue and sperm from all regions of the epididymis, indicating synthesis as well as acquisition of the protein in these regions. Androgen depletion resulted in reduction of the MMSDH protein level in the epididymis, which completely disappeared 1 week after castration. The protein reappeared after testosterone propionate injection, indicating that the protein is regulated by androgens. Ontogeny studies indicated that the protein appeared from day 10 postnatal with a gradual increase at day 30, which maximized at day 50, indicating that the protein is developmentally regulated and is probably involved in epididymal development. Sequential extraction of sperm proteins indicated that MMSDH exists both as a peripheral and integral form on the plasma membrane. We also found that the protein can be transferred from the epididymosomes to testicular sperm in vitro. The study provides evidence regarding the acquisition of this multidomain androgen and developmentally regulated protein in the epididymis via the epididymosomes. The molecule has generated enough interest and deserves to be investigated further for its physiological relevance.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome and semen quality of Korean men in their fourth decade.
Byun JS, Yoon TK, Rhee HW … +4 more , Kim JH, Shin JS, Kim HS, Bak CW
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22207703 · Publisher ↗
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common condition that adversely affects men across a wide range of ages. A number of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies for CP/CPPS have been inve...
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common condition that adversely affects men across a wide range of ages. A number of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies for CP/CPPS have been investigated. Our study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CPPS in Korean men in their thirties and to investigate the effect of CPPS and medical treatment on semen quality. Of 314 men with prostatitis, 74 patients with CPPS class IIIA (23.6%) were eligible for the study; these patients underwent combined α-blocker and cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitor therapy. These 74 men were prospectively studied at a medical center in Seoul, Korea. A number of parameters, including ejaculations per month, semen variables, and the levels of hormones (such as follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol [E(2)], luteinizing hormone [LH], testosterone, and prolactin) were evaluated. The mean number of ejaculations per month, the mean number of daily hours spent sitting at work, smoking, body mass index, LH and E(2) levels, and semen parameters all showed significant differences (P < .0001) between the study patients and the controls. The combined regimen was effective in improving all aspects of semen quality except morphology (P < .05). CPPS class IIIA, which is notably prevalent among Korean men in the fourth decade of life, affects semen quality and poses a challenge to fertility. Proper treatment of CPPS class IIIA results in improved semen quality. Men with CPPS therefore require proper evaluation and treatment by andrologists/urologists before planning a natural conception.
Influence of Helicobacter pylori infection on levels of ghrelin and obestatin in human semen.
Moretti E, Collodel G, Campagna MS … +4 more , Franci MB, Iacoponi F, Mazzi L, Figura N
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22174388 · Publisher ↗
Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection might have negative effects on the semen parameters of infertile men. We explored the possibility that this infection can influence systemic and seminal levels of ghrelin and obestatin,...
Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection might have negative effects on the semen parameters of infertile men. We explored the possibility that this infection can influence systemic and seminal levels of ghrelin and obestatin, hormones mainly produced by the stomach. Ghrelin and obestatin exert many activities, including the regulation of reproductive biology, and are present in many organs and fluids, including human semen. In 78 men, we determined HP infection and cytotoxin-associated gene A protein (CagA) status by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting, semen quality following World Health Organization guidelines, and ghrelin and obestatin levels in the blood stream (47 subjects) and semen by radioimmunoassay. Twenty-seven men (34.6%) were infected (HP+) and 11 out of 27 infected men (40.7%) were seropositive for CagA (CagA+). Sperm motility was significantly reduced in HP+/CagA+ men compared with HP+/CagA- men (P < .01). Ghrelin semen levels were decreased in HP+ men compared with uninfected individuals (P < .05), whereas they were increased in HP+/CagA+ men compared with HP+/CagA- subjects (P < .01). Ghrelin semen concentrations in HP+/CagA- men were lower than those measured in uninfected subjects (P < .001). Semen obestatin concentration was increased, in a nonsignificant manner, in HP+/CagA+ men. The obestatin levels were approximately 4 times higher than those of ghrelin in semen and approximately half the levels of ghrelin in serum specimens of all the analyzed groups. No significant differences were found in systemic levels of ghrelin and obestatin in HP+ to uninfected individuals. HP infection may influence the ghrelin seminal concentrations, probably as a response to a negative effect of infection on the semen quality.
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