Showing papers in "Archives of Andrology in 2005"

Is there a relationship between cell phone use and semen quality

Abstract: This study was conducted to determine a possible relationship between regular cell phone use and different human semen attributes. The history-taking of men in our university clinic was supplemente...

Effect of diabetes mellitus on female sexual function and risk factors.

Abstract: The study was conducted to investigate the effect of diabetes mellitus upon female sexual function, and to detect possible risk factors that might predict sexual dysfunction. The study consisted of 127 married women: 21 women with type 1 diabetes, 50 women with type 2 diabetes and 56 healthy women as a control. Female sexual functions were evaluated with a questionnaire to assess sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 71% in the type 1 diabetic group, 42% in the type 2 diabetic group and 37% in the control subjects. The scores for sexual desire, arousal and lubrication were significantly lower in the type 1 diabetes group than in the control subjects (p < 0.05). The scores of orgasm, satisfaction, dyspareunia and total sexual function were slightly lower in the type 1 diabetic group than in the other groups. No factor predicted sexual dysfunction in the diabetic women while further age, poor education, absence of occupation and menopause predicted sexual dysfunction in the control subjects. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was significantly higher in the type 1 diabetic women than in the type 2 diabetics and control subjects. However, no risk factors that might cause sexual dysfunction could be predicted in diabetic women.

Effect of an abnormal sperm chromatin structural assay (SCSA) on pregnancy outcome following (IVF) with ICSI in previous IVF failures.

Abstract: A high DNA fragmentation index (DFI) when performing the sperm chromatin structural (SCSAr) assay was claimed to be so specific for male subfertility that even IVF with ICSI did not result in live pregnancies The present study was designed to corroborate or refute these findings The SCSA test was performed on the male partner from couples failing to have a successful pregnancy despite at least 2 previous IVF attempts In contrast to the aforementioned studies, ongoing pregnancies were found despite working with a group of recalcitrant patients Nevertheless, a high DFI score was associated with a trend for lower ongoing pregnancy rates especially related to a high miscarriage rate Other more recent studies seem to support our conclusions A high DFI score should influence a patient to choose IVF as a therapeutic modality sooner, especially with ICSI

Effect of body weight on sperm concentration in normozoospermic males

Abstract: A total of 274 men (aged: 26 ± 4.9 years) with normozoospermia were enrolled into this study. Their body mass index (BMI: kg/m2) varied between 17 and 39. According to BMI, the patients were divided into four groups: Group 1: 17–20, Group 2: 20.1–25, Group 3: 25.1–30 and Group 4: 30.1–39. Twenty-nine subjects were found in the first, 96 in the second, 91 in the third and 58 men in the fourth group. Sperm concentration was significantly lower in the obese group (29 × 106/ml, p < 0.05) than in the group of BMI 17–20, 20–25 and 25–30. In advance, in the obese group, sperm count continuously decreased with aging. We conclude that obesity is associated with a lower sperm count in case of normozoospermia.

Expression of cannabinoid receptor 1 in mouse testes.

Abstract: Marijuana smoke and cannabinoids adversely affect male reproductive function in human and rodent through the cannabinoid receptors. To understand the possible function of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in spermatogenesis, expression of CB1 in testis during the postnatal development was examined in mice. Semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that testicular CB1 mRNA level was relatively high at 1 week post partum (p.p.). Following decrease during prepubertal development (2 weeks p.p.) and CB1 mRNA level re-increased during puberty (4 weeks p.p.) and reached the peak in adult testis. At 1 week p.p., some spermatogonia and Leydig cells showed strong immunoreactivity of CB1. At 2 weeks p.p., CB1 immunoreactivity was largely found in the primary spermatocytes as well as spermatogonia, and Leydig cells showed a weak signal. In adult testis, strong immunoreactivity was found in Leydig cells and luminal epithelia of seminiferous tubule. Germ cells including spermatozoa were positive for CB1 immunoreactivity. On Western blot, multiple forms of CB1 proteins were detected in testes, suggesting oligomerization of CB1. Ubiquitous, but spatiotemporal difference in expression of CB1 in soma and germ line during postnatal development of testis suggests functional involvement of CB1 signaling in steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis and fertilization.

Chromatin remodeling in spermatids: a sensitive step for the genetic integrity of the male gamete.

Abstract: Several causes of male infertility remain idiopathic. Recently, the condensed state of the sperm head has been demonstrated as a discriminating parameter for the assessment of male infertility. Altered DNA condensation is associated with an increase in DNA strand breakage so the genetic integrity of the male gamete is threatened. The origin of the DNA strand breaks in unknown. However, transient DNA strand breaks appear in the whole population of elongating spermatids during mid-spermiogenesis steps. Most likely, these transient breaks are required to support the change in DNA topology associated with chromatin remodeling at these steps. Histones hyperacetylation is also coincident with the DNA strand breakage steps. Hyperacetylation of histones may represent a necessary condition for strand breakages to form allowing access to the yet unknown enzymatic activity involved in the removal of DNA supercoils. A better characterization of this enzyme activity at these steps is necessary as this may represent a very sensitive process where altercations in the genetic integrity of the male gamete may arise and persist up to the mature spermatozoa. During the chromatin remodeling in spermatids, the combined DNA-condensing activities provides by the basic transition proteins and protamines may optimize the strand repair process emphasizing the link between altered sperm DNA condensation and DNA fragmentation. The mutagenic potential of these events may have been overlooked as it may result in fertility and/or developmental problems.

Erectile dysfunction: anatomical parameters, etiology, diagnosis, and therapy.

Abstract: Functional anatomy of the human penis involves various parameters: cavernous tissue, covering integument, prepuce foreskin, corpora cavernosa, corpus spongiosum, glans, facia, arterial supply, venous drainage, lymph drainage, musculature, and nerve supply. Several factors affect the expression/degree of erectile dysfunction (ED) endocrine profile, aging/senescence, demyelinating diseases, and surgery. Risk factors of ED are: age, vascular factors, metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus), neurologic diseases, and HIV/AIDS. Several drugs are associated with ED: antiandrogenic, anticholinergic, antidepressants, antihypertensive, major tranquilizers, anxiolytics, and certain medicines/metabolites. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is a multidimensional scale for assessment of erectile dysfunction. The main structures mediating erection are the corpora cavernosa or "erectile bodies," which are fused distally for approximately three-quarters of their length. They separate proximally to fuse with each ischial tuberosity of the pelvis. On their ventral surface lies the corpus spongiosum, which surrounds the urethra. Coital dysfunction is classified into "erectile dysfunction" (psychosexual and endocrine/neuro-endocrine) and "ejaculatory dysfunction" (psychosexual, and genitourinary surgery). Vasculogenic impotence was evaluated by high-resolution ultrasonography and pulsed Doppler spectrum analysis. Cavernosal, alpha-blockade is a technique used to evaluate and treat ED. Another diagnostic procedure for ED involves color floro and spectural Doppler imaging after papaverine-induced erection in impotent men. Color Doppler and duplex ultrasonography are used to evaluate Peyronie's disease. Sildenafil cilrate (Viagra) is an effective therapy of ED in men. Vardenavil is a highly selective phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor which improved ED. Prostagland E1, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and phentolamine mesylate (administered by autoinjectors) have been applied to treat ED in patients resistant to other intracavernosal agents. Clinical trials were conducted on self-injection of vasoactive drugs, apomorphine SL, and tadalafil in diabetic men. Medical therapy of ED includes: medicated urethral system for erection (MUSE), intravenous pharmacotherapy, arterial revascularization, vacuum devices, two- and three-component inflatable penile prosthesis, semi-rigid penile prosthesis in situ, and inflatable one-piece penile prosthesis. Surgical therapy include procedures to correct Peyronie's penile deformity and penile deformity, procedures to avoid inevitable shortening accompanying Nesbit's disease, and for penile lengthening.

Sperm Dna Integrity: Correlation With Sperm Plasma Membrane Integrity In Semen Evaluated For Male Infertility

Abstract: Previous independent studies have indicated that abnormally low parameters of sperm DNA integrity and sperm membrane integrity correlate to reduced fertility due in part to implantation disorders. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the relationship between sperm plasma membrane functional integrity assessed by the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) and sperm DNA integriy test assesed by DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Semen samples from 102 random patients were evaluated in terms of standard semen parameters and assessed by DFI and HOST. Both tests showed a significant correlation to standard semen parameters (p<.05). In addition, patients with abnormal HOST results had a higher likehood of a subnormal or abnormal DFI result (p<.001). Our results suggest that a common sublethal insult may manifest as abnormalities in both the nucleus and the plasma membrane that act at the implantation and/or subsequent levels of development rather than at the fertilization stage.

Identification of c-kit-positive cells in the human prostate: the interstitial cells of cajal

Abstract: The prostate exhibits electric activity in the form of slow waves (SWs) and action potentials (APs). As the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are considered the pacemaker cells which generate the electric waves, we investigated the hypothesis that the prostate contains ICC. Prostatic biopsies were obtained from 15 healthy volunteers (mean age 36 +/- 3.8 SD years). They were subjected to c-kit immunohistochemistry. Controls for the specificity of the antisera consisted of tissue incubated with normal rabbit serum substituted for the primary antiserum. C-kit-positive cells were identified as fusiform with dendritic processes. The cytoplasm was granular and the nucleus large and oval. Mast cells, also c-kit-positive, were round and lacked the dendritic processes. Immunoreactivity was absent in the negative controls. There were cells in the prostate with morphological and immunological phenotypes similar to ICCs of the gut. We predict an abnormal distribution of these cells in prostatic diseases. The study of the integrity of these cells may prove to be a useful investigative tool in the diagnosis of prostatic diseases and in the planning of an appropriate treatment.

Comparison of two different microsurgical methods in the treatment of varicocele

Abstract: We reviewed records from patients who underwent two different microsurgical varicocelectomy methods: 147 (high inguinal (MHIV) and 65 sub-inguinal (MSIV) microsurgery) to compare the therapeutic activity and complications. Patients who had 2 different microsurgical varicocelectomies were compared according to preoperative connected vein, number of designated arteries, postoperative semen and improvement degree in hormone parameters, increased ratio related with pregnancy and complications. The ratio of improvement of postoperative semen parameters in patients where MHIV and MSIV were performed was, 42% and 38% (p > 0.05). Pregnancy was achieved in MHIV at a ratio of 41% (34/82) and 33% (22/65) in MSIV (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference according to mean operation periods, the vein connected between the groups. The number of testicular arteries were significantly higher than the ones in MHIV (p < 0.01). However, as a postoperative complication, hydrocele was not seen in any of the patients, wh...

Sperm caspases become more activated in infertility patients than in healthy donors during cryopreservation.

Abstract: The programmed cell death (PCD, the apoptosis) is associated with the activation of the “death enzymes” caspases and very likely plays a role in the decrease of sperm vitality during cryopreservation. The activation of pan-caspases was examined in fresh and cryostored sperm by fluorescence microscopy applying a cell permeable and noncytotoxic carboxy-fluorescein labelled caspase inhibitor. Cryopreservation increased significantly the percentage of spermatozoa with activated pan-caspases (aCP) from 21 ± 2.6 to 47 ± 5.8 % (mean ± SEM). Quantitative Western blot analyses confirmed the activation of caspase-1, -8, and -9 in detail on protein level after cryopreservation, whereas, the caspases of sperm of infertility patients showed a higher activation status than donors' sperm. This effect raised with increasing glycerol concentration from 7–14 %. The higher level in activation of caspases in cryostored spermatozoa of infertility patients may indicate that these cells have a lower cryotolerance and a higher s...

Sperm Chromosomal Abnormalities In Patients With Unexplained Recurrent Abortions

Abstract: Cytogenetic studies showed that about half of concepti were chromosomally abnormal in first trimester abortions. Sperm chromosomal abnormalities in men with normal karyotype could occur during spermatogenesis. The objective of this study was to evaluate sperm chromosomal abnormalities in patients with unexplained recurrent abortions. A total of 14 couples with normal karyotype, and negative workup for endocrine, immune and anatomical causes of recurrent abortion was investigated. Semen analysis was performed and chromosomal abnormalities were assessed by fluorescent in situ hybridization for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y. The average number of abortions was 5.8. The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities was 16.5% that was higher when compared to baseline (4.6%). In conclusion, a high rate of sperm chromosomal abnormalities was observed in recurrent abortion patients. These abnormalities might form during spermatogenesis since all patients had normal karyotype. Sperm chromosomal abnormality analysis can be included into recurrent abortion workup when no other cause is detected.

Leptin expression in the testicular tissue of fertile and infertile men

Abstract: There have been several studies about the presence of leptin in serum and testicular tissue, and none of them compares the leptin expression in the testicular tissue of fertile and infertile men. We assessed the presence of leptin expression in the testicular tissue of fertile and infertile men. 20 azoospermic infertile men were included in the study. All patients underwent testicular sperm extraction (TESE) for ICSI. For the detection of leptin, the immunohistochemistry was carried out. Intensity of immunohistochemical staining was subjectively estimated and expressed as negative (−), weak positive (+), intermediate positive (++) and strong positive (+++). Testicular tissues of 5 fertile patients, aged 50–60 years, was stained with leptin for control group. Mann-Whitney U test was used as the statistical method. There was no statistically significant difference in leptin staining between infertile patients and control group (p < 0.05). Leptin staining in tubuli seminiferi and Leydig cells were generally ...

Individual cryopreservation with dimethyl sulfoxide and polyvinylpyrrolidone of ejaculates and pooled semen of three avian species.

Abstract: Artificial insemination (AI) has been used for avian reproduction due to the discovery of cryoprotectants extending its usefulness both in production of domestic fowl and conservation of wild species. The goal of this study was to assess the effect on domestic and wild fowl pooled semen and individual ejaculate cryopreservation with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Twenty ejaculates and twenty samples of pooled semen of roosters, pheasants and hawks were frozen in media containing DMSO or PVP. DMSO and PVP cryopreservation are equally effective both for ejaculates and pooled semen. Even PVP is a good alternative since no significant difference was found when compared to DMSO. The fertilizing capacity of fresh and cryopreserved pooled semen was analyzed through AI of hens and female pheasants. Similar fertility rates using DMSO, PVP or frozen-thawed samples demonstrated that reproduction is possible through the use of cryopreserved semen. In the case of female pheasants, the same values were obtained with both cryopreserved and fresh semen.

Effects of exposure to new inhalational anesthetics on spermatogenesis and sperm morphology in rabbits

Abstract: The effects of chronic exposure to new inhalation anesthetics (sevoflurane and isoflurane) on spermatogenesis and sperm morphology were examined in 23 rabbits, randomly divided in 3 groups. Rabbits received 20 exposure hours (four hours/day x 5 days), as follows: group I: 2.3% (1.2 MAC) sevoflurane + 2L/min oxygen, group II: 1.3% (1.2 MAC) isoflurane + 2L/min oxygen, and group III (control): 2L/min oxygen. Semen was collected on the 12th, 19th, 26th, 33rd, and 41st days of exposure. Sperm concentration, motility and morphological changes were evaluated. On the 41st day, testicular biopsies were taken and observed with light microscopy. Sperm concentration and motility significantly decreased in the sevoflurane and the isoflurane groups, compared to control. There were no significant changes in the control group. It is concluded that chronic exposure to the new inhalational anesthetics had negative effects on spermatogenesis and sperm morphology.

Probability of sperm recovery in non-obstructive azoospermic patients presenting with testes volume less than 10 ml/FSH level exceeding 20 mIU/ml.

Abstract: We evaluated the sperm recovery rate in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients presenting with bilateral testicular atrophy characterized by testes volume of less than 10 ml and FSH levels exceeding 20 mIU/ml (group NOA-1), and compared the results to those NOA cases displaying unilateral testis volume exceeding 10 ml or FSH levels less than 20 mIU/ml (group NOA-2). Sperm retrieval was conducted in 261 azoospermic patients from April 1995 to December 2002. Forty-six NOA-1 and 37 NOA-2 individuals underwent microdissection TESE or 3–4 standard biopsies. Sperm recovery was achieved in 11 (24%) and 12 (32%) cases in NOA-1 and NOA-2, respectively. All couples received ICSI. Four clinical pregnancies (36.3%) in NOA-1 and two (17%) in NOA-2 resulted. Five subsequent healthy deliveries were obtained. NOA patients presenting with bilateral severe atrophic testes volume and obviously elevated FSH levels exhibited approximately 24% probability of sperm recovery. On the other hand, NOA characterized by testicula...

Prostatic stromal sarcoma in a young adult: a case report.

Abstract: Prostate stromal sarcoma is quite rare, comprising only 0.1–0.2% of all prostate cancers. Here, we report one case of prostate stromal sarcoma in a 38-year-old man. Initially, the patient suffered ...

Control of spermatogenesis in primate and prospect of male contraception.

Abstract: The present review is a summary of mechanisms of spermatogenesis in primates with emphasis on anti-spermatogenesis of testosterone (T), gossypol, and “testicular heat stress” for development of male contraception. Both FSH and testosterone stimulate all phases of spermatogenesis. FSH is capable of amplifying the population of the differentiated spermatogonia (B1, B2, B3 and B4) and controls the spermatogonia production rate, and, in synergy with testosterone, regulating spermatogenesis in adult monkeys. Pituitary FSH beta gene expression is governed by a feedback of Beta inhibin, which is a major component of the testicular negative feedback signals. Beta inhibin secreted by Sertoli cells is in turn inhibited by testosterone from Leydig cells under the control of LH. Disturbance of the normal interaction of pituitary FSH with Sertoli cell Beta inhibin is responsible for azoospermia or oligozoospermia induced by exogenous T. Three possible regimens of T, gossypol and “heat stress” have been suggested for m...

Single UV excitation of Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide for viability assessment of rhesus monkey spermatozoa using flow cytometry.

Abstract: Many fluorescent probes excited by visible light have been used to assess sperm quality by flow cytometry. Developing a viability evaluation method using UV excited stains would be useful for multiparameter analysis of sperm function. This investigation was conducted to determine the efficacy of Hoechst 33342 (H342) and propidium iodide (PI) dual staining for evaluating rhesus monkey sperm viability through use of flow cytometry and excited by a single UV laser. The results showed that the live cells stained only with H342 strongly correlated with expected sperm viability, and flow cytometric analyses were highly correlated with fluorescence microscopic observation. Using H342/PI/SYBR-14 triple staining method, it was found that the live/dead sperm distributions were completely concordant in both H342/PI and SYBR-14/PI assays. In addition, this dual staining was extended with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated peanut agglutinin (FITC-PNA) to simultaneously analyze viability and acrosome integrity of sperm cryopreserved using two different extenders, TTE and TEST, and indicated that TTE offered better preservation of plasma and acrosome integrity than TEST. Therefore, the H342/PI dual staining provides an accurate technique for evaluating viability of rhesus monkey sperm and should be valuable for multiparameter flow cytometric analysis of sperm function.

Gonadal effect of radiation from 131i in male patients with thyroid carcinoma

Abstract: The role of iodine-131 therapy in the management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma is well established. Because the spermatogonia are very sensitive to radiation, there is concern that large doses of the latter could result in azoospermia and permanent infertility. For patients treated with a single ablation dose, testicular function recovers within months and the risk of infertility is diminished. Gonadal damage may be cumulative in those requiring multiple administrations. In all young male patients, but especially in those with metastatic or pelvic disease or both, the long-term storage of semen should be addressed prior to therapy. Sperm banking should be considered in patients likely to be given cumulative doses greater than 14 GBq of 131I. However, the patient's threshold for sperm banking might be even lower than that.

Power doppler ultrasound mapping in nonobstructive azoospermic patients prior to testicular sperm extraction

Abstract: This study was conducted to localize the testicular regions, which have better blood circulation by power Doppler ultrasonography in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia before testicular sperm extraction (TESE), and to investigate whether these vascularized areas have a high sperm retrieval rate or not. We evaluated 110 testes of 55 cases that were diagnosed as nonobstructive azoospermia. The mean age of the study group was 33 years (range 26 to 42). Patients with Y chromosome microdeletions, karyotype and hormonal abnormalities (except elevated FSH levels) were excluded from the study. In all cases, testes were evaluated by power Doppler ultrasonography before testicular sperm extraction. Testis was divided vertically into five equal parts and the area with maximum vascularity was determined subjectively. During testicular sperm extraction, starting from best-perfused areas, biopsies were done. If no motile or sufficient amount of sperm was found, TESE procedure was tried on the contralateral testis. TESE were performed from 82 testes and for the regions that show good and poor vascularity. The sperm finding rate was 38% and 14%, respectively (OR = 3.55)(p = 0.001). Power Doppler ultrasound mapping of the testis in nonobstructive azoospermic cases is a reliable and informative method to assess spermatogenic foci. It is a noninvasive technique that minimizes the unnecessary removal of hormone producing tissue and gives chance to end the TESE earlier than currently practiced procedures.

Evaluation of cell membrane integrity of spermatozoa by hypoosmotic swelling test - "water test" in mice after intraperitoneal daidzein administration.

Abstract: The functional integrity of the cell membrane of the mice sperm after daidzein administration intraperitoneal was assessed by studying the swelling reaction of the sperm when suspended in distilled water. The results obtained in water test indicate that daidzein, one of the phytoestrogens, decreases the number of normal and live sperm (swollen) in the samples obtaining from vas deferens. This effect was statistically significant in the mice after 7 and 14 days of daidzein administration. In mice treated with daidzein the number of dead (unswollen) sperm was increased, especially in animals after 14 days of experiment.

Human papillomavirus hpv-16 DNA as an epitheliotropic virus that induces hyperproliferation in squamous penile tissue.

Abstract: The prevalence of human papillomavirus HPV-16DNA sequences in 57 penile carcinoma biopsies was examined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with type specific internal probes, employing HPV consensus primers from the L1 region. The cases comprised 39 typical squamous cell carcinoma and 18 specimens with different subtype. PCR products were analyzed and HPV-16DNA was detected in a high percentage of specimens. Thirty-eight biopsies were HPV-16DNA positive. This determination was correlated with cellular differentiation and growth pattern. Our data corroborates that squamous cell carcinoma was invariably associated with HPV-16DNA.

Relationship between mast cell and inos expression in testicular tissue associated with infertility

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate mast cells and iNOS expression in testis tissue, and to correlate these results with spermatogenetic disorders. A total of 136 testicular biopsies were obtained from the testes of 80 patients with infertility. Their age ranged from 21 to 45 years. The biopsy specimens were immunohistochemically stained with antihuman tryptase for mast cells. In each section, all interstitial fields were evaluated for the total number of mast cells as well as the total number of Leydig cells. The number of mast cells per Leydig cell was calculated and recorded as mast cell index. Immunohistochemical iNOS staining was evaluated semiquantitatively according to intensity and the proportion of the stained cells. There was a significant increase of the mast cell index in all groups with testicular disorder compared with normal spermatogenesis group (p < 0.05). Increase of the index was in the order of hypospermatogenesis, maturation arrest and SCO, and index of SCO group was especi...

Usefulness of sperm quality analyzer-V (SQA-V) for the assessment of sperm quality in infertile men.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of new of Sperm Quality Analyzer (SQA-V) with the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and manual semen analysis estimates. One hundred five fresh semen samples were analyzed using SQA-V and CASA and manual semen analysis. Significant correlations of sperm concentration (p < 0.0001), sperm motility (p < 0.0001), and normal morphology (p < 0.0001) were observed between SQA-V variables and manual semen analysis estimates. There also were significant correlations of sperm concentration (p < 0.0001), sperm motility (p < 0.0001), and sperm velocity (p = 0.0235) between SQA-V variables and CASA estimates. Meanwhile, it did not correlate with amplitude of lateral head displacement, beat cross frequency, lineality assessed by CASA. The value of the sperm concentration and the sperm motility measured by SQA-V showed high correlations with the value of those measured by CASA and manual semen analysis. In addition, velocity and sperm morphology may also be evaluated to some extent using SQA-V.

Effect of sperm subpopulation's kinetics on human fertilization in vitro.

Abstract: The present study was carried out to investigate the relationship between sperm subpopulation kinetics on in vitro fertilization rate. The ability of human sperm to achieve fertilization oocytes was investigated in relation to particular motility parameters obtained on a computer aided sperm analysis system base. Analysis covers velocity straight linear (VSL), cross beat frequency (CBF), lateral head displacement (LHD) and homogeneity of progressive motility velocity (HPMV) of fresh semen and semen after density gradient selection. Investigation was based on sperm samples from 82 infertile couples undergoing IVF. Two subpopulations were extracted from each sample using the clustering method with respect to VSL parameter: a slow and rapid one. Comparison of obtained results before and after selection shows no significant change of subpopulations percentage. However, this method of selection strongly influences motility parameters of both subpopulations. There was found a positive correlation for VSL, LHD a...

A comparison of modulation of proliferation of thymocyte by testosterone, dehydroisoandrosterone and androstenedione in vitro

Abstract: Although the relationship between androgens and the immune system has been well established, the immunomodulatory function of different kinds of androgens on the cellular immunity remains to be defined In the present study, the in vitro influences of testosterone, dehydroisoandrosterone and androstenedione on the Con A induced proliferation of thymocyte were determined The results showed that both dehydroisoandrosterone and testosterone suppressed the Con A induced proliferation of thymocyte, while dehydroisoandrosterone was less potent than testosterone In contrast, relatively high doses of androstenedione augmented the proliferative activities of thymocytes Taken together, these data implied that small structural changes of androgens result in markedly different biological effects These findings suggest that the balance between these steroids may be a significant determinant in maintaining immune homeostasis

Immunohistochemical, histological and ultrastructural evaluation of the effects of leptin on testes in mice.

Abstract: This study was undertaken to examine the effects of leptin on testes in mice. For this purpose, 12 male mice were divided into two groups. Animals in Group I were designated as control. Mice in Gro...

Corrosion casts of convoluted testicular arteries in mice and rats

Abstract: The preparation of vascular corrosion casts enables us to observe the minute feautures of blood vessels. For mice and rats, reports on the macroscopical appearance of testicular arteries with the cast technique have been quite limited. Therefore, in the present study, we tried to prepare corrosion casts of such arteries in order to observe the three-dimensional structures in mice and rats. Vascular casts of testicular arteries were produced by intravenous injection of a polymethylmethacrylate solution, followed by treatment of the whole animal bodies with NaOH. Additionally, the gross appearance of human testicular arteries in cadavers was compared with that of the vascular casts. The results showed that the testicular arteries of humans, mice, and rats run from the abdominal aorta to the testes, with various configurations (straight, meandering, spiral, or coiled forms), and each species exhibits a specific pattern. The specific forms of testicular arteries may play several roles in protection of normal ...

The only presence of sperm in urine does not imply retrograde ejaculation

Abstract: This is a retrospective study of clinical experience collected at the University Clinical Hospital over a 19-year period. Semen samples were analyzed according to WHO criteria. In the postmasturbatory urine, sperm count was performed. Data were expressed as total sperm number in urine (TSNU) and using a retroejaculation index. Patients were categorized into four groups according to the presence of sperm in the studied samples: a) in semen and urine; b) only in urine; c) only in semen; d) neither in semen nor in urine. A control group included nonretroejaculator patients. Retroejaculator patients are those whose TSNU is superior to 3.8 x 10(6) and the RI superior to 2.16%. While diagnosing retroejaculation, the only presence of sperm in the postmasturbatory urine is not adequate. The proposed index added to total sperm number in urine and semen volume may identify true retroejaculator patients.