Journal Of Andrology[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Outcomes of microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy for painful varicoceles.
Kim SO, Jung H, Park K
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22174387 · Publisher ↗
We assessed the effectiveness of microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy for the treatment of painful varicoceles. Patients with painful varicocele (n = 81) treated by microsurgical varicocelectomy who attended a 1-year...
We assessed the effectiveness of microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy for the treatment of painful varicoceles. Patients with painful varicocele (n = 81) treated by microsurgical varicocelectomy who attended a 1-year follow-up were retrospectively evaluated. We documented patient age, grade and location of the varicocele, duration and quality of pain, and response to surgical therapy. Telephone interviews and chart reviews were conducted to assess resolution of pain, recurrence of the varicocele, and complications of the procedure. Of the patients, 29 (35.8%) described the soreness as a sharp pain, 35 (43.2%) as a pulling sensation, and 17 (21%) as a dull pain. The varicocele was grade III in 62 patients (76.5%) and grade II in 19 (23.5%). After microsurgical varicocelectomy, 74 patients (91.3%) experienced improvement in their symptoms: 58 patients (71.6%) experienced a complete resolution of pain postoperatively, and 16 patients (19.7%) experienced partial resolution. Seven patients (8.6%) experienced no change. Of the 7 patients with persistent pain, 2 patients had sharp pain, 4 patients had a pulling sensation, and 1 experienced dull pain postoperatively. The resolution of pain was correlated with preoperative varicocele grade (P = .026) but not with quality of pain (P = .807). Subinguinal microsurgical varicocele ligation is an effective treatment for painful varicoceles.
Soy lecithin interferes with mitochondrial function in frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa.
Del Valle I, Gómez-Durán A, Holt WV … +2 more , Muiño-Blanco T, Cebrián-Pérez JA
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22134371 · Publisher ↗
Egg yolk and milk are the 2 major membrane cryoprotectants commonly used in freezing media for the long-term preservation of semen (alone or in combination with others). However, in recent years, there have been increasi...
Egg yolk and milk are the 2 major membrane cryoprotectants commonly used in freezing media for the long-term preservation of semen (alone or in combination with others). However, in recent years, there have been increasing arguments against the use of egg yolk or milk because of the risk of introducing diseases through the use of cryopreserved semen. In this study, we analyzed the protective effect of lecithin as an alternative to egg yolk for the cryopreservation of ram semen, using a range of functional markers for sperm viability, motility, apoptosis, and mitochondrial functionality analyses (mitochondrial inner membrane surface [MIMS], mitochondrial inner membrane potential [MIMP], and cell membrane potential) as methods of assessment in samples diluted in 3 different media: Tris-citrate-glucose as control and 2 media supplemented with soy lecithin or egg yolk. The results showed that lecithin was able to effectively protect certain sperm quality characteristics against freezing-induced damage. However, lecithin induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential or mitochondrial loss that was not reflected by modifications in sperm motility in fresh semen. MIMS and MIMP values decreased in thawed lecithin-treated samples, concomitant with a lower (P < .05) percentage of total and progressively motile cells, compared with those in egg yolk-containing samples. Further incubation of thawed samples revealed changes in motility and mitochondrial functionality that otherwise would not have been detected. These results indicated that lecithin may have affected the inner mitochondrial membrane in frozenthawed spermatozoa and confirmed that sublethal damages that seriously affect sperm functionality, not detected by classic sperm quality analyses, can be evidenced by changes in the inner mitochondrial membrane surface. These findings strengthen the relationship between mitochondrial membrane potential and motility and show that the mitochondrial alterations induced by the cryopreservation process could be specific targets for the improvement of semen cryopreservation protocols.
Penile cavernosal artery pseudoaneurysm.
Köse O, Sağlam HS, Adsan O
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22096087 · Publisher ↗
A patient presented with a mass in the cavernous body. The mass, 1 cm in diameter, was detected in the left cavernous body on the MRI and color Doppler ultrasound of the penis of the patient, who presented with pain appr...
A patient presented with a mass in the cavernous body. The mass, 1 cm in diameter, was detected in the left cavernous body on the MRI and color Doppler ultrasound of the penis of the patient, who presented with pain approximately 3 months after a blunt trauma to the pelvic region. According to the statement of the patient, any direct trauma to the penis was obscure. The lesion was resected and pathological examination of the removed mass revealed pseudoaneurysm.
A possible role for perforin and granzyme B in resveratrol-enhanced radiosensitivity of prostate cancer.
Fang Y, Herrick EJ, Nicholl MB
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22096086 · Publisher ↗
Perforin and granzyme B are expressed primarily by activated lymphocytes (cytotoxic T cells, natural killer cells, and natural killer T cells) and function together to induce apoptosis of target cells. Typically, these p...
Perforin and granzyme B are expressed primarily by activated lymphocytes (cytotoxic T cells, natural killer cells, and natural killer T cells) and function together to induce apoptosis of target cells. Typically, these proteins are not expressed in tumor cells. In the present study, we established the constitutive expression of perforin and granzyme B by the PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer (PCA) cell lines with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, or a combination of techniques. The combination of radiation and resveratrol (XRT/RSV) additively/synergistically decreased survival of PCA because, at least in part, of increased apoptosis. We further demonstrated that treatment with RSV up-regulated the expression of both perforin and granzyme B, whereas treatment with XRT up-regulated the expression of granzyme B, but not that of perforin. Combined XRT/RSV treatment of PCA cells further increased the expression of both perforin and granzyme B compared with RSV or XRT alone. Thus, increased radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cells induced by RSV correlated with up-regulation of perforin and granzyme B, demonstrating a possible mechanism for tumor apoptosis. These findings might be helpful in devising new strategies for treating PCA.
Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy using a 6F vesiculoscope for ejaculatory duct obstruction: initial experience.
Wang H, Ye H, Xu C … +6 more , Liu Z, Gao X, Hou J, Wang L, Piao S, Sun Y
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22096085 · Publisher ↗
Ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) is a surgically correctable condition that occurs in some infertile men. The standard therapy is transurethral resection of ejaculatory ducts (TURED). However, TURED has been associated...
Ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) is a surgically correctable condition that occurs in some infertile men. The standard therapy is transurethral resection of ejaculatory ducts (TURED). However, TURED has been associated with a high risk of complications, including the impairment of semen parameters and retrograde ejaculation. In our clinical practice, vesiculoscopy has demonstrated potential as a minimally invasive alternative technique for the diagnosis and treatment of EDO. Very few studies have examined transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy (TRU-SVS) in recent years, and no study has examined 6F vesiculoscopes. Therefore, we performed a retrospective study of TRU-SVS using a 6F vesiculoscope and its effect on the diagnosis and treatment of EDO. A total of 21 patients who underwent this procedure were included in the study. The mean patient age was 28.8 years (range, 23-36 years). The procedure was completed successfully in all patients within a mean time of 31.5 minutes and a mean hospital stay of 1.17 days. All patients had EDO. Calculi were found in the ejaculatory ducts or in the seminal vesicles of 5 patients. Sperm was detected in 11 patients 1-3 months postsurgery and in another 8 patients 3-12 months postsurgery. No sperm was detected in the remaining 2 patients by 12 months postsurgery. Epididymitis, retrograde ejaculation, urinary incontinence, and rectal injury were not observed. These data indicate that TRU-SVS using a 6F vesiculoscope affords direct access to the seminal vesicle and offers the advantages of fewer complications and more optimal sperm recovery as well as direct, dynamic video imaging.
Sperm chromatin structure components are differentially repaired in cancer survivors.
O'Flaherty CM, Chan PT, Hales BF … +1 more , Robaire B
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22052778 · Publisher ↗
Chemotherapy is often associated with male infertility. Our aim was to determine the effect of chemotherapy on sperm chromatin quality in cancer survivors. Sixteen men with advanced testicular cancer and 15 with Hodgkin...
Chemotherapy is often associated with male infertility. Our aim was to determine the effect of chemotherapy on sperm chromatin quality in cancer survivors. Sixteen men with advanced testicular cancer and 15 with Hodgkin lymphoma requiring chemotherapy were compared with 11 community volunteers. Eleven idiopathic infertile men with abnormal sperm chromatin were included as a positive control group. Semen analysis and sperm chromatin quality were determined prechemotherapy and at 6, 18, and 24 months posttreatment. DNA damage was determined by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). The level of DNA compaction was assayed by determining high DNA stainability (HDS, SCSA), the percentage of free thiols (monobromobimane-labeling assay), and the level of protamination (chromomycin A3-labeling assay). Sperm concentration and motility were dramatically decreased in cancer patients 6-18 months after chemotherapy compared with community volunteers but were not statistically different from community volunteers at 24 months posttreatment. High levels of DNA damage were observed prechemotherapy, with a tendency to remain high during the 24-month posttreatment period in testicular cancer patients; low DNA compaction (HDS, SCSA) persisted in testicular cancer patients 24 months postchemotherapy. Low levels of sperm DNA compaction were observed in cancer patients compared with community volunteers and infertile men. Sperm monobromobimane and chromomycin A3 labeling in cancer patients were similar to those from community volunteers by 18 months after treatment. Chemotherapy-induced damage to components of the sperm chromatin structure was repaired differentially over time. However, significant sperm DNA damage and low DNA compaction remained up to 24 months posttreatment. The assessment of complementary aspects of sperm chromatin quality is necessary to evaluate sperm samples in cancer survivors.
Statins and erectile dysfunction: a critical summary of current evidence.
La Vignera S, Condorelli RA, Vicari E … +1 more , Calogero AE
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22052777 · Publisher ↗
Recently, it was reported that the administration of statins (lipid-lowering drugs) is associated with reduced levels of testosterone, and this evidence has opened a debate on the consequences these widely used drugs mig...
Recently, it was reported that the administration of statins (lipid-lowering drugs) is associated with reduced levels of testosterone, and this evidence has opened a debate on the consequences these widely used drugs might have on the quality of erection. This is a very important clinical problem because patients with dyslipidemia are at increased risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED); hence, statins exert a protective effect. At the same time, the administration of these drugs reduce endothelial dysfunction, a key etiopathogenetic factor in the onset of ED. Moreover, statins are universally considered a key element of secondary prevention for vascular events; therefore, several points are opened. In this critical summary, we attempt to evaluate the effects of statins on ED and to understand the mechanisms through which statins improve the quality of erection and the possible synergism with V phosphodiesterase inhibitors, drugs largely used for the treatment of ED.
The origin of lymphatic capillaries in murine testes.
Hirai S, Naito M, Terayama H … +6 more , Qu N, Kuerban M, Musha M, Ikeda A, Miura M, Itoh M
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22052776 · Publisher ↗
It is known that the seminiferous tubules are bathed in a sea of lymph in mice, which are commonly used in reproductive and immunological studies. Although testicular lymphatic vessels arising from the tunica albuginea c...
It is known that the seminiferous tubules are bathed in a sea of lymph in mice, which are commonly used in reproductive and immunological studies. Although testicular lymphatic vessels arising from the tunica albuginea can be macroscopically observed in mice, the exact distribution of the lymphatic capillaries remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of lymphatic capillaries in normal testes by immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies against lymph vessel endothelium HA-receptor 1 (LYVE-1) and a platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31). Moreover, normal lymphocytes were locally injected into the testes of recipient mice, and their migration was investigated with the use of LYVE-1 and CD31. The results showed that lymphatic capillaries were in and just beneath the tunica albuginea but not in the interstitium between the seminiferous tubules. It was also noted that these were abundant in the thickened tunica albuginea adjacent to the epididymis, but they were scarce in the thin tunica albuginea opposite the epididymis. When normal lymphocytes were locally injected into testes, the injected lymphocytes migrated between the seminiferous tubules and then drained into the lymphatic vessels in the tunica albuginea. These results suggest that tissue fluid might drain from lymphatic capillaries that arise just beneath the tunica albuginea.
Effects of castration and hormone replacement in the urinary bladder of rats: structural, ultrastructural, and biochemical analysis.
Gallo CB, Miranda AF, Felix-Patricio B … +4 more , Ramos CF, Cardoso LE, Costa WS, Sampaio FJ
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22052775 · Publisher ↗
We evaluated, by qualitative and quantitative methods, the structural alterations in the bladder wall of rats submitted to surgical castration, as well as the role of hormone replacement in reversing the possible structu...
We evaluated, by qualitative and quantitative methods, the structural alterations in the bladder wall of rats submitted to surgical castration, as well as the role of hormone replacement in reversing the possible structural alterations. Twenty-four 12-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The animals were divided into 3 groups comprising 8 animals each and treated as follows. Members of group CONTR (control) underwent a sham operation only and were sacrificed after 2 months. Members of group ORCH (orchiectomy) underwent bilateral orchiectomy and were sacrificed after 2 months. Members of group ORCH+TEST (testosterone) underwent orchiectomy, received testosterone replacement after 1 month, and were sacrificed 1 month later. We performed a qualitative and quantitative analysis of collagen by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, biochemistry, and a histomorphometric analysis of smooth muscle and elastic fibers in the 3 groups. The results showed a significant decrease in absolute values of elastic fibers in the castrated group. The histomorphometric analysis of epithelial height did not show differences among the groups. There was no statistical difference in quantitative analysis of collagen, either by histomorphometry or by biochemistry. Also, there was no difference in the smooth muscle cells. However, the qualitative analysis revealed differences in collagen (castrated group) when compared with controls and with rats submitted to hormone replacement. Hormone replacement with testosterone was able to revert the alterations observed. The findings suggest that hormone replacement, even when instituted at a late stage, is effective in reversing the bladder wall alterations produced by secondary hypogonadism.
Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Ureaplasma urealyticum infections and seminal quality in infertile and fertile men in Kuwait.
Al-Sweih NA, Al-Fadli AH, Omu AE … +1 more , Rotimi VO
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22052774 · Publisher ↗
This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, mycoplasmas, and ureaplasmas in semen samples of infertile compared with fertile men and to evaluate the seminological variables of semen fr...
This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, mycoplasmas, and ureaplasmas in semen samples of infertile compared with fertile men and to evaluate the seminological variables of semen from infected and noninfected men. A total of 127 infertile and 188 fertile men seen in a maternity hospital clinic were recruited into the study over a period of 14 months. Specimens were obtained by masturbation and examined for the presence of Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and C trachomatis by polymerase chain reaction. Semen analysis was performed according to World Health Organization guidelines. U urealyticum, M hominis, M genitalium, and C trachomatis were demonstrated in the semen samples of 31 (24.4%) vs 49 (26.1%), 22 (17.1%) vs 61 (32.4%), 6 (4.7%) vs 6 (3.2%), and 5 (3.9%) vs 7 (3.7%), respectively, of infertile and control men. Mixed infections were detected in 14 (11%) of infertile and 29 (15.4%) of fertile men. The infertile men positive for M hominis had semen samples that showed statistically significant differences in the mean of sperm pH and leukocyte count between infected and uninfected men (P < .03 and P < .001, respectively). Similarly, there was statistically significant difference in the leukocyte counts of M genitalium and C trachomatis in infected compared with uninfected men. A similar trend was noted in infected fertile compared with uninfected men. The difference in prevalence of these urogenital pathogens among infertile compared with fertile men was not statistically significant. However, genital mycoplasmas and chlamydial infections appeared to influence semen quality negatively.
Secular changes in the semen quality in India during the past 33 years.
Dama MS, Rajender S
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22016357 · Publisher ↗
Several studies have described a change in semen quality over last 60 years in many regions of the world, but such studies are lacking for the Indian population. In the present study, we aimed at investigating if semen q...
Several studies have described a change in semen quality over last 60 years in many regions of the world, but such studies are lacking for the Indian population. In the present study, we aimed at investigating if semen quality has changed during the last 3 decades in normal healthy Indians. We retrieved data on semen quality for Indian men without a history of infertility from published studies and analyzed it for trends in individual semen quality parameters using regression modeling. The semen parameters of 19,734 normal, healthy men from studies published over the past 33 years (from 1978 onward) were used for this purpose. Linear regression analysis weighted by sample size and controlling for age of the subjects revealed a significant decline in sperm motility and a significant increase in sperm concentration. Other semen parameters did not change significantly over this period. In conclusion, there has been a genuine decline in sperm motility and an increase in sperm concentration, which is corroborated by a recent study on Indian subjects.
Simultaneous quantification of steroids in rat intratesticular fluid by HPLC-isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry.
Renne A, Luo L, Jarow J … +5 more , Wright WW, Brown TR, Chen H, Zirkin BR, Friesen MD
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22016356 · Full text
An isotope dilution mass spectrometry method has been developed for the simultaneous measurement of picolinoyl derivatives of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 17β-estradiol (E(2)), and 5α-androstan-3α,17β-dio...
An isotope dilution mass spectrometry method has been developed for the simultaneous measurement of picolinoyl derivatives of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 17β-estradiol (E(2)), and 5α-androstan-3α,17β-diol (3α-diol) in rat intratesticular fluid. The method uses reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Following derivatization of 10-μL samples of testicular fluid with picolinoyl chloride hydrochloride, the samples were purified by solid phase extraction before analysis. The accuracy of the method was satisfactory for the 4 analytes at 3 concentrations, and both inter- and intraday reproducibility were satisfactory for T, DHT, and E(2). Measurements of intratesticular T concentrations in a group of 8 untreated adult rats by this method correlated well with measurements of the same samples by radioimmunoassay. As in men, there was considerable rat-to-rat variability in T concentration, despite the fact that the rats were inbred. Although its levels were more than an order of magnitude lower than those of T, DHT was measured reliably in all 8 intratesticular fluid samples. DHT concentration also varied from rat to rat and was highly correlated with T levels. The levels of E(2) and 3α-diol also were measurable. The availability of a sensitive method by which to measure steroids accurately and rapidly in the small volumes of intratesticular fluid obtainable from individual rats will make it possible to examine the effects, over time, of such perturbations as hormone and drug administration and environmental toxicant exposures on the intratesticular hormonal environment of exposed individual males and thereby to begin to understand differences in response between individuals.
Role of hydrogen sulfide in the physiology of penile erection.
Qiu X, Villalta J, Lin G … +1 more , Lue TF
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22016355 · Full text
Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), which is a well-known toxic gas, has recently been recognized as a biological messenger that plays an important role in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Relatively high levels of...
Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), which is a well-known toxic gas, has recently been recognized as a biological messenger that plays an important role in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Relatively high levels of H(2)S have been discovered in mammalian tissues. It is mainly synthesized by 2 enzymes, including cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lysase, which utilize L-cysteine as substrate to produce H(2)S. H(2)S has been demonstrated to exhibit potent vasodilator activity both in vitro and in vivo by relaxing vascular smooth muscle. Recently, H(2)S has been discovered in penile tissue with smooth muscle relaxant effects. Furthermore, other effects of H(2)S could play a role in the physiology of erection. Understanding H(2)S in the physiology of erection might provide alternative erectile dysfunction strategies for those patients with poor or no response to type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors. This review intends to present the H(2)S pathway in penile tissue and the potential role of H(2)S in the physiology of erections.
Null mutation of the transcription factor inhibitor of DNA binding 3 (ID3) in male mice adversely impacts on fertility and reproductive outcome.
Carroll M, Robaire B
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22016354 · Publisher ↗
Inhibitor of DNA binding 3 (ID3) protein binds to and inhibits the function of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors. The expression of ID3 protein in postproliferative Sertoli cells in the testis, as well as its...
Inhibitor of DNA binding 3 (ID3) protein binds to and inhibits the function of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors. The expression of ID3 protein in postproliferative Sertoli cells in the testis, as well as its unique, highly region-specific expression profile along the adult epididymis, implies novel functional roles for this regulator of transcription. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Id3 deficiency on male fertility and progeny outcome. We observed that fertility status of Id3(-/-) males is adversely affected. Males having this null mutation did not sire any litters when crossed with wild-type C57Bl/6 females; although pregnancies were induced in these females, these never resulted in the birth of live pups. Additionally, abnormal reproductive outcomes and developmental phenotypes were observed in gestational day 18 fetuses resulting from crosses with an Id3-deficient sire and wild-type CD-1 females; these were characterized by an elevated rate of fetal death, reduced body weights of live fetuses, a higher rate of external malformations, and aberrant skeletal development. Importantly, we observed that mutation of this gene differentially affects the phenotype of resulting offspring, depending on the genotype of the parent, not necessarily the genotype of the fetus itself. These results provide novel insight into the role of Id3, suggesting that Id3 might coordinate gene expression programs in the male reproductive system associated with the generation of healthy offspring.
The TGF-β1/Smad/CTGF pathway and corpus cavernosum fibrous-muscular alterations in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.
Zhou F, Li GY, Gao ZZ … +6 more , Liu J, Liu T, Li WR, Cui WS, Bai GY, Xin ZC
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22016353 · Publisher ↗
Diabetes-associated erectile dysfunction is associated with increased extracellular matrix deposition and reduced smooth muscle content in the corpus cavernosum. The mechanisms of these processes are not well understood....
Diabetes-associated erectile dysfunction is associated with increased extracellular matrix deposition and reduced smooth muscle content in the corpus cavernosum. The mechanisms of these processes are not well understood. In this study, we investigated fibromuscular changes in the corpus cavernosum of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes to determine the mechanisms underlying pathologic changes in penile structure and function. Forty 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into control and diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by a one-time intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 60 mg/kg. Twelve weeks later, erectile function was measured by cavernous nerve electrostimulation with real-time intracorporal pressure assessment. The penis was harvested for histologic examination (Masson trichrome stain, picrosirius red stain, Hart elastin stain, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling, and immunohistochemistry) and Western blot. Diabetes significantly attenuated erectile response to cavernous nerve electrostimulation. Diabetic animals exhibited a decreased smooth muscle/collagen ratio in the corpus cavernosum. The ratio of collagen I to II fibers was significantly lower in the corpora of diabetic rats compared with controls. Cavernous elastic fibers were fragmented in diabetic rats. There was up-regulation of the transforming growth factor β1/Smad/connective tissue growth factor signaling pathway in diabetic rats. Phospho-Smad2 expression was higher in smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts of diabetic rats, as was the apoptotic index. The up-regulation of the transforming growth factor β1/Smad/connective tissue growth factor signaling pathway might play an important role in diabetes-induced fibrous-muscular structural changes and deterioration of erectile function.
Ectopic opening of cystic dilatation of the ejaculatory duct into enlarged prostatic utricle.
Lin JZ, Wu HF, Wang JC … +3 more , Le MZ, Yu HB, Zhou HT
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22016352 · Publisher ↗
A 28-year-old man was referred to our department for the management of recurrent hemospermia during the past 5 years. Genital examination and hormonal levels were normal. Semen analysis showed no change in volume and pH;...
A 28-year-old man was referred to our department for the management of recurrent hemospermia during the past 5 years. Genital examination and hormonal levels were normal. Semen analysis showed no change in volume and pH; however, hemospermia and asthenozoospermia were observed. Ultrasonography and computed tomography scan revealed the presence of a cystic lesion with calcification in the terminal part of seminal vesicles adjoining the prostate gland. The following vasography and endoscopic retrograde urethrography demonstrated 2 communicating cystic dilatations arising from the verumontanum. The diagnosis of cystic dilatation of the ejaculatory duct opening into an enlarged prostatic utricle was reached. Transurethral unroofing of the cyst was separately performed with a successful outcome. The characteristic of the 2 cystic dilatations was confirmed by pathologic examination. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of ectopic cystic dilatation of the ejaculatory duct opening into an enlarged prostatic utricle.
Association study of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in FASLG, JMJDIA, LOC203413, TEX15, BRDT, OR2W3, INSR, and TAS2R38 genes with male infertility.
Plaseski T, Noveski P, Popeska Z … +2 more , Efremov GD, Plaseska-Karanfilska D
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22016351 · Publisher ↗
Infertility is a major health problem today, affecting about 15% of couples trying to conceive a child. Impaired fertility of the male factor is causative in 20% of infertile couples and contributory in up to another 30%...
Infertility is a major health problem today, affecting about 15% of couples trying to conceive a child. Impaired fertility of the male factor is causative in 20% of infertile couples and contributory in up to another 30%-40%. Based on association studies, an increasing number of gene polymorphisms have been proposed to modulate the efficiency of spermatogenesis. Here, we have investigated the possible association of 9 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 8 different genes-FASLG, JMJDIA, LOC203413, TEX15, BRDT, OR2W3, INSR, and TAS2R38--with male infertility. We analyzed a total of 136 men with idiopathic infertility (60 azoospermic and 76 oligozoospermic) and 161 fertile controls. Our study group included individuals of different ethnic origin: 93 of the infertile men were Macedonians, 32 were Albanians, and 11 were of other origin. The control group was composed of 125 Macedonian and 36 Albanian men. The methodology included multiplex polymerase chain reaction/SNaPshot analyses, followed by capillary electrophoresis on an ABI3130 Genetic Analyzer. Of the 9 SNPs evaluated, 3 are significantly associated (P < .05) with male infertility: SNPs rs5911500 in LOC203413, rs3088232 in BRDT, and rs11204546 in OR2W3. SNP rs5911500 showed the strongest association with infertility among Albanians (P = .0001), whereas rs3088232 was most significantly associated with azoospermia among Macedonians (P = .0082). Moreover, the frequency of co-occurrence of LOC203413 minor T allele with either homozygosity or heterozygosity for the BRDT minor G allele was significantly higher among both azoospermic (6 of 60 [10%]; P = .0057; odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 8.83 [1.73-45.08]) and oligozoospermic (10 of 76 [13.2%]; P = .0002; odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 12.04 [2.57-56.47]) men in comparison with fertile controls (2 of 161 [1.2%]).
Help-seeking interval in erectile dysfunction: analysis of attitudes, beliefs, and factors affecting treatment-seeking interval in Turkish men with previously untreated erectile dysfunction.
Gülpinar O, Haliloğlu AH, Abdulmajed MI … +2 more , Bogga MS, Yaman O
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22016350 · Publisher ↗
In this study, we report data on attitudes, beliefs, and factors affecting the help-seeking interval among Turkish men with erectile dysfunction to determine whether they are different from those previously published in...
In this study, we report data on attitudes, beliefs, and factors affecting the help-seeking interval among Turkish men with erectile dysfunction to determine whether they are different from those previously published in the literature. Out of 279 Turkish men complaining of erectile dysfunction attending our clinic between December 2006 and March 2008 without the need for referral, 202 were interviewed from a standardized questionnaire covering demographic details, relationships, help-seeking intervals, and attitudes and beliefs. Eleven patients interrupted the questionnaire and only 191 individuals who had never sought medical help for their erectile dysfunction completed the study. The mean age of the study population was 50.1 (20-80) years. Overall, 93.7% of participants had engaged in sexual intercourse during the year preceding the interview. The mean help-seeking interval and the mean estimated time elapsed since last satisfactory sexual intercourse were 24.5 (1-360) and 10.5 (1-180) months, respectively. Patients with low household income and education level had a relatively longer help-seeking interval than the remaining sample. No statistical correlation was seen between treatment-seeking interval and patient age, duration of marriage or continued relationship, and presence of premature ejaculation. Main reasons for delayed consultation included embarrassment (n = 63, 33%) and thinking of erectile dysfunction as a natural process of aging (n = 51, 26.7%). To enable earlier diagnosis and management of erectile dysfunction, emphasis should be put into the provision of affordable health care and wide public education about erectile dysfunction as an entity requiring prompt medical consultation.
Low androgen sensitivity is associated with low levels of Akt phosphorylation in LNCaP-E9 cells.
Iguchi K, Fukami K, Ishii K … +4 more , Otsuka T, Usui S, Sugimura Y, Hirano K
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22016349 · Publisher ↗
We previously characterized LNCaP-E9, a low-androgen-sensitive LNCaP cell subline. LNCaP-E9 cells exhibit lower expression of androgen-regulated genes, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA), FK506 binding protein 5 (...
We previously characterized LNCaP-E9, a low-androgen-sensitive LNCaP cell subline. LNCaP-E9 cells exhibit lower expression of androgen-regulated genes, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA), FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5), and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAcP), compared with LNCaP cells after treatment with the synthetic androgen R1881, confirming that the cells have low sensitivity to androgens. To understand the mechanism underlying low androgen sensitivity of LNCaP-E9 cells, we examined the activities of the Akt, p44/42, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways, all of which are known to be linked to androgen receptor signaling. We found that the phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 was markedly lower in LNCaP-E9 cells than in LNCaP cells. Inhibition of Akt phosphorylation by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 resulted in reduction of PSA expression in LNCaP cells. Conversely, activation of Akt by serum starvation led to the induction of PSA expression in LNCaP-E9 cells. These results suggest that the impaired Akt phosphorylation in LNCaP-E9 cells is associated with low androgen sensitivity.
Addition of metformin to sildenafil treatment for erectile dysfunction in eugonadal nondiabetic men with insulin resistance. A prospective, randomized, double-blind pilot study.
Rey-Valzacchi GJ, Costanzo PR, Finger LA … +4 more , Layus AO, Gueglio GM, Litwak LE, Knoblovits P
J Androl · 2012 · PMID 22016348 · Publisher ↗
Erection depends largely on the release of nitric oxide (NO) by vascular endothelial cells. Insulin resistance (IR) is a metabolic abnormality that produces endothelial dysfunction characterized by decreased synthesis an...
Erection depends largely on the release of nitric oxide (NO) by vascular endothelial cells. Insulin resistance (IR) is a metabolic abnormality that produces endothelial dysfunction characterized by decreased synthesis and release of NO. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect of treatment with metformin on the response to sildenafil in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and IR enrolled in a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind placebo study. We included 30 male patients with ED, IR, and poor response to sildenafil. Exclusion criteria included pharmacologic, anatomic, or endocrine ED; diabetes; prostatic surgery; or chronic illnesses. Erectile function was rated according to the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5); IR was measured by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA; IR = HOMA ≥ 3). Patients were randomized to receive metformin (n = 17) or placebo (n = 13). After treatment with metformin, patients with ED showed a significant increase in IIEF-5 score and a significant decrease in HOMA, both occurring at month 2 (IIEF-5: 17.0 ± 6.0 vs 14.3 ± 3.9, P = .01; HOMA: 3.9 ± 1.6 vs 5.5 ± 2.4, P = .01) to 4 of treatment (IIEF-5: 19.8 ± 3.8 vs 14.3 ± 3.9, P = .005; HOMA: 4.5 ± 1.9 vs 5.5 ± 2.4, P = .04), with no changes in these parameters in patients with ED receiving placebo. Patients treated with metformin had more adverse events than those who received placebo: 61.5% compared with 7.7%, P = .03, respectively. Adverse events were mild, mainly gastrointestinal, and did not cause discontinuation of treatment. Treatment with metformin in patients with ED and poor response to sildenafil reduced the IR and improved erectile function.
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