Showing papers in "Asian Journal of Andrology in 2003"

Effect of sodium arsenite on spermatogenesis, plasma gonadotrophins and testosterone in rats.

Abstract: Aim To investigate the effect of arsenic on spermatogenesis. Methods Mature (4 months old) Wistar rats were intraperitoneally administered sodium arsenite at doses of 4, 5 or 6 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) for 26 days. Different varieties of germ cells at stage VII seminiferous epithelium cycle, namely, type A spermatogonia (ASg), preleptotene spermatocytes (pLSc), midpachytene spermatocytes (mPSc) and step 7 spermatids (7Sd) were quantitatively evaluated, along with radioimmunoassay of plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and assessment of the epididymal sperm count. Results In the 5 and 6 mg/kg groups, there were significant dose-dependent decreases in the accessory sex organ weights, epididymal sperm count and plasma concentrations of LH, FSH and testosterone with massive degeneration of all the germ cells at stage VII. The changes were insignificant in the 4 mg/kg group. Conclusion Arsenite has a suppressive influence on spermatogenesis and gonadotrophin and testosterone release in rats.

Cooperative function of antioxidant and redox systems against oxidative stress in male reproductive tissues.

Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced under oxidative stress, such as high oxygen concentration and during the metabolic consumption of oxygen molecules Male reproductive tissues appear to be continuously exposed to ROS produced by active metabolism In addition, spermatozoa must pass through a high oxygen environment during the mating process Thus, to maintain viable reproductive ability, a protective mechanism against oxidative stress is of importance Here, we overview our current understanding of the cooperative function of antioxidative and redox systems that are involved in male fertility Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase are major enzymes that scavenge harmful ROS in male reproductive organs In turn, glutathione and thioredoxin systems constitute the main redox systems that repair oxidized and damaged molecules and also play a role in regulating a variety of cellular functions While glutathione functions as an antioxidant by donating electrons to glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin donates electrons to peroxiredoxin as a counterpart of glutathione peroxidase In addition, aldo-keto reductases, which detoxify carbonyl compounds produced by oxidative stress, are present at high levels in the epithelia of the genital tract and Sertoli cells of the testis Since these systems are involved in cross-talk, a comprehensive understanding will be required to maintain the physiological functions of male reproductive system

Human protamines and the developing spermatid: their structure, function, expression and relationship with male infertility.

Abstract: During spermiogenesis, the protamine proteins play an integral role in spermatid chromatin compaction. Recent research has focused on many facets of protamine biology, including protamine gene and protein structure/function relationships, mechanisms of protamine expression regulation and involvement of the protamines in male fertility. In this paper, we review our current understanding of the structure and function of the protamine-1 (P1) and protamine-2 (P2) proteins and genes, the expression and regulation of these genes and the relationship between the protamines and male fertility. In addition, we offer a brief outlook on future investigation into protamine proteins.

Potential role of reactive oxygen species on testicular pathology associated with infertility.

Abstract: AIM To investigate the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a direct indicator of lipid peroxidation-induced injury by reactive oxygen species (ROS), in testicular biopsy specimens from infertile patients. METHODS Levels of MDA were measured in testicular biopsy specimens from 29 consequent-randomized infertile men, aged 29.58+/-4.76 (21 to approximately 45) years. All patients were evaluated by a complete medical and reproductive history, physical examination, semen analysis (at least two), serum follicle-stimulating hormone and free testosterone levels, testicular biopsy and contact imprint. Scrotal colour Doppler ultrasonography was used to confirm suspected varicocele. The testicular MDA level was measured using the thiobarbituric acid test and the results were expressed per unit tissue weight. RESULTS As a causal factor in infertility, varicocele was identified in 17 (58.6 %) patients, and idiopathic infertility, testicular failure and obstruction in 4 (13.8 %) patients each. The testicular MDA level was 13.56 (6.01), 49.56 (24.04), 58.53 (48.07), and 32.64 (21.51), 32.72 (13.61), 23.07 (7.82), 42,12 (34.76) pmol/mg tissue in the normal spermatogenesis (control), late maturation arrest, Sertoli cell only (SCO) and hypospermatogenesis (mild, moderate, severe) groups, respectively. The elevation of MDA levels was significant in the testicular tissue from SCO and maturation arrest groups compared with the controls (P<0.05). In addition, the elevation in testicular MDA levels between the SCO and the moderate hypospermatogenesis, and the moderate hypospermatogenesis and the maturation arrest groups was significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Severe pathologic changes in the testicular tissue are associated with a high level of lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest that overproduction of ROS may play a role in the mechanism of testicular degeneration associated with infertility.

Effect of androgen deprivation on penile ultrastructure.

Abstract: Aim To investigate the ultrastructural changes of penile corpus cavernosum and tunica albuginea in rats treated with castration or finasteride. Methods Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats of nine weeks old were randomly divided into three groups with 6 rats each. Group A served as the control, Group B was castrated and Group C, treated with finasteride. Four weeks later, rats were anesthetized and blood samples obtained for the determination of serum testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels; penile tissues were taken for scanning electron microscopy. Results The T, free T and DHT levels in Group B and the DHT level in Group C were significantly lower than those in Group A (P 0.05). Elastic fibers in the tunica albuginea of Group A were very rich and arranged regularly and undulatedly, but in Group B, most of the elastic fibers were replaced by collagenous fibers. In Group C, the tunica albuginea was mainly composed of thick and irregular-arranged collagenous fibers. In Group A, there were abundant smooth muscle fibers in the trabeculae of corpus cavernosum, but they were much less in Group C and scarce or even disappeared in Group B. In Groups B and C, the diminished/disappeared smooth muscle fibers were replaced by irregularly arranged collagenous fibers. Conclusion In rats, androgen is essential for maintaining the normal structure of penile tunica albuginea and corpus cavernosum.

Effect of bisphenol A and co-administration of bisphenol A and vitamin C on epididymis of adult rats: a histological and biochemical study.

Abstract: Aim To study the effect of bisphenol A on the epididymis and epididymal sperm of rats and the possible amelioration action of co-administration with vitamin C. Methods Male Wistar rats were orally administered bisphenol A (0.2 microg x kg (-1) x day(-1), 2 microg x kg(-1) x day(-1) and 20 microg x kg(-1) x day(-1)) and 0.2 microg, 2 microg and 20 microg bisphenol A + 40 mg vitamin C x kg(-1) x day(-1) for 60 days. On day 61, rats were killed with anesthetic ether and sperm collected from epididymis were used or assessment of sperm count, motility and viability and biochemical studies. A 1 % homogenate of epididymis was prepared and used for biochemical estimations. Caput, corpus and cauda epididymis were fixed in Bouin's fixative for histological studies. Results Administration of bisphenol A caused a reduction in the epididymal sperm motility and count and the sperm viability remained unchanged. The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase decreased, while the levels of lipid peroxidation increased in epididymal sperm and epididymis at all doses. Co-administration with vitamin C reversed the effect of bisphenol A-induced oxidative stress in epididymal sperm and epididymis. A complete degeneration of epididymal epithelium in caput, corpus and cauda regions with reduction in the number of sperms were observed at all doses of bisphenol A-treated rats. Conclusion Bisphenol A induced oxidative stress in epididymis and caused degeneration of the epididymal epithelium of rats. Co-administration with vitamin C had a protective effect against the bisphenol A-induced toxicity in epididymal sperm and epididymis.

Effect of a single dose of malathion on spermatogenesis in mice.

Abstract: Aim To observe the acute effect of the organophosphorous insecticide malathion on testicular function in mice. Methods The effects of a single dose of malathion [240 mg/kg (1/12 LD(50))] on plasma acetylcholinesterase (ACE) activity, spermatozoa (epididymal cauda counts and teratozoospermia), testis and plasma testosterone concentration) were evaluated at day 1, 8, 16, 35 and 40 after treatment. Results The sperm count was decreased significantly 24 h after treatment and teratozoospermia was increased at day 35 and 40. The height of the seminiferous epithelium and the diameter of tubular lumen were decreased at day 8. The percentage of tubular blockade was increased between day 8 and 35. A decrease in testosterone plasma level was observed at day 16 after treatment. Conclusion Malathion damages male reproduction. The depletion of seminiferous tubules and the increase in teratozoospermia may be a genotoxic damage to the renewing spermatogonia, but the possibility of spermatogenic/spermiogenic disfunction due to a decrease in the plasma testosterone level can not be ruled out.

Effects of icariin on cGMP-specific PDE5 and cAMP-specific PDE4 activities

Abstract: Aim To clarify the mechanism of the therapeutic action of icariin on erectile dysfunction (ED) Methods PDE5 was isolated from the human platelet and PDE4 from the rat liver tissue using the FPLC system (Pharmacia, Milton Keynes, UK) and the Mono Q column The inhibitory effects of icariin on PDE5 and PDE4 activities were investigated by the two-step radioisotope procedure with [(3)H]-cGMP/[(3)H]-cAMP Papaverine served as the control drug Results Icariin and papaverine showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects on PDE5 and PDE4 activities The IC(50) of Icariin and papaverine on PDE5 were 0432 micromol/L and 0680 micromol/L, respectively and those on PDE4, 7350 micromol/L and 307 micromol/L, respectively The potencies of selectivity of icariin and papaverine on PDE5 (PDE4/PDE5 of IC(50)) were 16767 times and 454 times, respectively Conclusion Icariin is a cGMP-specific PDE5 inhibitor that may be developed into an oral effective agent for the treatment of ED

Seminal concentrations of trace elements in various animals and their correlations.

Abstract: AIM To determine the seminal concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, cadmium, lead and nickel in bulls, rams, boars, stallions and foxes and study their correlations. METHODS Semen samples were obtained, digested and analyzed by means of the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed statistically with the Student's t-test and Scheffe's test using PC programs SAS and Excel. RESULTS The seminal copper concentration was significantly higher in ram [(2.49+/-0.18) mg/kg] and fox [(2.16+/-0.53) mg/kg] than that in bull [(1.64+/-0.21) mg/kg], boar [(1.64+/-0.28) mg/kg] and stallion (0.86 mg/kg). In boar a significantly higher seminal zinc concentration (171.74+/-65.72) mg/kg] was found in comparison with stallion [(86.20+/-45.88) mg/kg], bull [(83.15+/-61.61) mg/kg], ram [(60.46+/-35.37) mg/kg] and fox (13.09+/-5.22) mg/kg]. The iron concentration in semen was significantly higher in ram [(40.32+/-10.81) mg/kg), bull [(38.04+/-22.07) mg/kg] and fox [(33.16+/-24.36) mg/kg] than that in boar [(16.14+/-10.35) mg/kg] and stallion (12.68 mg/kg). The seminal cadmium concentration was relatively low [(0.05~0.12) mg/kg] in all studied species. The seminal lead concentration was the highest in ram [(0.35+/-0.68) mg/kg], which was much higher than in fox [(0.08+/-0.06) mg/kg], bull [(0.06+/-0.04) mg/kg], stallion [(0.05+/-0.05) mg/kg] and boar [0.02+/-0.03) mg/kg]. The level of seminal nickel was significantly higher in fox [(0.35+/-0.24) mg/kg] and ram [(0.31+/-0.19) mg/kg] in comparison with bull [(0.12+/-0.07) mg/kg] and boar [(0.06+/-0.08) mg/kg]. The concentration of nickel in the semen of stallion was (0.20 +/-0.24) mg/kg. There was a high positive correlation between seminal iron and zinc in bull (r=0.723) and stallion (r=0.723), between cadmium and lead in ram (r=0.976) and boar (r=0.973) and between iron and cadmium (r=0.783) and iron and lead (r=0.791) in boar. A high negative correlation between seminal nickel and copper in ram (r=-0.709) and between seminal copper and lead in fox (r=-0.854) was found. CONCLUSION There are significant differences in the concentrations of seminal elements in different animals. There is a high concentration of seminal copper in ram and fox, a high zinc level in boar, a high iron level in bull, ram and fox and a high nickel level in ram and fox.

Sperm immobilization activity of Allium sativum L. and other plant extracts.

Abstract: Aim To identify possible spermicidal agents through screening a number of edible medicinal plants with antimicrobial activity. Methods Initial screening was made on the basis of ram cauda epididymal sperm immobilization immediately after addition of extracts. The most potent extract was selected and was evaluated on both ram and human spermatozoa. To unravel its mode of action several sperm functional tests were carried out, namely viability of cells, hypo-osmotic swelling test for membrane integrity and assays of membrane-bound enzyme 5'-nucleotidase and acrosomal marker enzyme acrosin. Results The crude aqueous extract of the bulb of Allium sativum L. showed the most promising results by instant immobilization of the ram epididymal sperm at 0.25 g/mL and human ejaculated sperm at 0.5 g/mL. Sperm immobilizing effects were irreversible and the factor of the extract responsible for immobilization was thermostable up to 90 deg. On boiling at 100 deg for 10 minutes, this activity was markedly reduced. Moreover, this extract was able to cause aggregation of ram sperms into small clusters after 30 minutes of incubation at 37 deg. However this property was not found in human spermatozoa. More than 50 % reduction in sperm viability and hypo-osmotic swelling occurred in treated sperm as compared with the controls, indicating the possibility of plasma membrane disintegration which was further supported by the significant reduction in the activity of membrane bound 5'-nucleotidase and acrosomal acrosin. Conclusion The crude aqueous extract of A. sativum bulb possesses spermicidal activity in vitro.

Effect of alcoholic extract of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on testicular function in male rats.

Abstract: Aim To evaluate the effect of the alcoholic extract of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on the spermatogenesis in male rats Methods In Holtzman rats, Maca alcoholic extract (5 %) was given by oral route at doses of 48 mg/day or 96 mg/day for 7 days, 14 days and 21 days Testicular function was assessed by measurements of lengths of different stages of seminiferous epithelia and by epididymal sperm count Results Ethanolic extract of Maca increased the length of stages IX-XI of seminiferous epithelium at treatment day 7, day 14 and day 21 Progression of spermatogenesis was evident only after day 21 when lengths of stages XII-XIV of seminiferous epithelium were increased; at day 7 and day 14, no important change in spermatogenesis was observed Epididymal sperm count was increased with 48 mg/day at all times With 96 mg/day an increase in sperm count was observed at day 7, but it was reduced at day 14 and day 21 of treatment Serum testosterone levels were not affected Conclusion The alcoholic extract of Maca activates onset ant progression of spermatogenesis at 48 mg/day or 96 mg/day in rats

Studies on self-esteem of penile size in young Korean military men.

Abstract: Aim: To investigate the flaccid and stretched penile sizes of young Korean men and their complexes or pride about their penile size. Methods: After an explanation and agreement to the purpose and methods of this study, 123 Korean men in their early 20's visiting the Jinhae Military General Hospital were included in the study. The flaccid penile length, flaccid mid-shaft circumference, stretched length and pre-pubic bone fat pad depth were measured in a warm comfortable environment. The accuracy the subjects assessed their penile size was investigated by asking them to rate their penile size, as 'very small', 'small', normal', 'large' or 'very large'. All subjects were asked to complete the Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory (MMPI) test. Results: The mean flaccid length, flaccid circumference, stretched length and fat pad depth of the 123 subjects were (6.9 ± 0.8) cm, (8.5 ± 1.1) cm, (9.6 ± 0.8) cm and (1.1 ± 0.4) cm, respectively. The answer distribution on penile size was 1 (0.8 8 %) 'very small', 29 (23.6 %) 'small', 86 (69.9 %) 'normal', 6 (4.9 %) 'large' and 1 (0.8 %) 'very large'. Subjects who underestimated their penile size showed significantly higher scores on the hypochondriasis (Hs), depression (D) and psychasthenia (Pt) subscales of the MMPI than those in the Unbiased Group (P<0.05). Conclusion: In consultation, with a patient requesting penile augmentation, the urologist should consider the psychologic attitude of the patient to his penile size.

Male fertility following childhood cancer: current concepts and future therapies.

Abstract: Prepubertal boys treated for cancer may exhibit impaired fertility in later life A number of chemotherapeutic agents have been identified as being gonadotoxic, and certain treatment regimens, such as that used for Hodgkin's disease, are particularly associated with subsequent infertility Radiotherapy may also cause gonadal damage, most notably following direct testicular irradiation or total body irradiation Because of the varied nature of the cytotoxic insult, it can be difficult to predict the likelihood of infertility in later life Currently it is not possible to detect gonadal damage early due to the lack of a sensitive marker of gonadal function in the prepubertal age group Semen cryopreservation is currently the only method of preserving fertility in patients receiving gonadotoxic therapy This is only applicable to postpubertal patients and can be problematic in the adolescent age group At present there is no provision for the prepubertal boy, although there are a number of experimental methods currently being investigated By harvesting testicular tissue prior to gonadotoxic therapy, restoration of fertility could be achieved following treatment, either by germ cell transplantation or by in vitro maturation of the germ cells harvested Alternatively, rendering the testes quiescent during cytotoxic treatment may protect the germ cells from subsequent damage In addition to the many scientific and technical issues to be overcome prior to clinical application of these techniques, a number of ethical and legal issues must also be addressed to ensure a safe and realistic prospect for future fertility in these patients

Androgen and prostatic stroma.

Abstract: AIM To investigate the effect of androgen on the proliferation, differentiation and regression of canine prostatic stromal cells in vivo and human stromal cells in vitro. METHODS Twenty-two dogs, including 15 normal prostate dogs and 7 prostatic hyperplasia dogs, had their serum concentration of testosterone and estrodiol determined by radioimmunoassay before and after castration. The expression of androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER) in the prostate were analysed by immunohistochemistry and semi-quantitative RT-PCR before and after castration. Light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and TUNEL assay were carried out successively before and after castration to evaluate the prostatic histomorphology. In vitro serum-free cell cultures from human prostatic stroma were established and exposed to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The proliferation of the cell culture was detected by MTT assay. The expression of TGFbgr, bFGF, AR, and smooth muscle cell (SMC) specific proteins (myosin and/or smoothelin) were detected using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. The differentiation from fibroblasts to smooth muscle cells was deduced by measuring the expression of SMC specific proteins. RESULTS Before castration, the serum concentrations of testosterone and estrodiol were not statistically different between normal and hyperplasia groups. Following castration, the serum concentration of testosterone decreased rapidly in 2 days, and the concentration of estrodiol had no significant change compared with the pre-castration data. In the prostate, AR was presented in both the epithelial and stromal cells and the AR mRNA level was higher in hyperplasia than in normal prostate tissues (P<0.05). While ER predominantly existed in the prostate stromal cells and the ER mRNA had no difference between the hyperplasia and the normal group. Within the early phase of castration (

Cryopreservation-induced decrease in heat-shock protein 90 in human spermatozoa and its mechanism.

Abstract: AIM To study the protein changes of spermatozoa associated with sperm motility during sperm cryopreservation and its mechanism METHODS In 18 healthy men, the seminal sperm motility and HSP90 levels were studied before and after cryopreservation using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and computerized image analysis RESULTS The sperm motility declined significantly after cryopreservation (P<001) The average grey level and the integrated grey level of sperm HSP90 before cooling were 341+/-32 and 2430+/-216, respectively, while those after thawing were 232+/-25 and 1057+/-285, respectively Both parameters were decreased significantly (P<001) No HSP90 was found in the seminal plasma before and after cryopreservation CONCLUSION HSP90 in human spermatozoa was decreased substantially after cryopreservation This may result from protein degradation, rather than leakage into the seminal plasma

Evaluation of trend in semen analysis for 11 years in subjects attending a fertility clinic in India.

Abstract: The data on semen analysis of subjects attending the Fertility Clinic at NIHFW (National Institute of Health and Family Welfare) Munirka New Delhi for the last 11 years were analyzed to verify the claims and speculations on declining sperm counts in men. Approximately 10 % of the records every year starting from 1990 to 2000 (numbering 1176 in total) were randomly selected for analysis. Subjects with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia were excluded from analysis. The average age of the men attending the infertility clinic was 31.2 years. The average semen volume and sperm count were found to be (2.6±0.1) mL and (60.6±0.9) ×106/mL respectively. No significant decline in sperm counts was observed in any year during the entire study period. Only 1.8 % of the total number of sperm counts in the random sampling were less then 20×106/mL. On the basis of WHO criteria on motility the total percentage of non-progressive and non-motile sperm in the ejaculate was higher (63 %) as compared to the combined categories of slow and rapid linear progressive. The present study has confirmed similar findings from other different countries that declining sperm counts in humans is not a global phenomenon. (authors)

Clinical trial of Butea superba, an alternative herbal treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Abstract: Aim: To study the effect of Butea superba on erectile dysfunction (ED) in Thai males. Methods: A 3-month randomized double-blind clinical trial was carried out in volunteers with ED, aged 30 years-70 years, to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the crude preparation of Butea superba tubers on ED. Results: There was a significant upgrading in 4 of the 5 descriptive evaluations of the IIEF-5 questionnaire. Estimation of the sexual record indicated that 82.4 % of the patients exhibited noticeable improvement. Haematology and blood chemistry analysis revealed no apparent change. Conclusion: The plant preparation appears to improve the erectile function in ED patients without apparent toxicity. ( Asian J Andro12003 Sep; 5: 243-246)

Effect of Semecarpus anacardium fruits on reproductive function of male albino rats.

Abstract: Aim To evaluate the effect of an ethanolic extract of Semecarpus anacardium fruits on spermatogenesis in albino rats. Methods Male albino rats were fed with a 50 % ethanolic extract of Semecarpus anacardium fruit at 100 mg.kg(-1).day(-1), 200 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) and 300 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) for 60 days. Fertility test was performed after 60 days of treatment. Sperm motility and density were observed in the cauda epididymis. Biochemical and histological analyses of the blood and reproductive organs were done. Recovery of fertility was followed to evaluate the reversibility of drug action. Results S. anacardium fruit extract administration resulted in spermatogenic arrest in albino rats. The sperm motility and density was reduced significantly. The RBC and WBC counts, haemoglobin, haematocrit, blood sugar and urea were found to be within the normal range in the whole blood. The protein, cholesterol and glycogen in the testes and the fructose in the seminal vesicle were significantly decreased after the treatment. The fruit extract feeding caused marked reduction in the number of primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. The number of mature Leydig cells was also decreased and degenerating cells increased proportionately. Conclusion S. anacardium fruit extract causes spermatogenic arrest in albino rats.

Sexual function and psychological characteristics of penile paraffinoma.

Abstract: Aim To identify the sexual, emotional and psychological status of men who augmented their penis with mineral oil injection for their small penis. Methods Men who had penile paraffin were asked to answer the semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to assess the motivation, method of penile injection, changes in erectile function and satisfaction after penile injection. SCL (Symptom checklist)-90-R, STAI (State and Trait Anxiety Inventory) and Zung SDS (Self-rating depression scale) were also included in the questionnaire for psychological evaluation. Results A total of 357 men completed the questionnaire. The first-ranked motivation of the injection was recommendation by their acquaintances (48.9 %). The majority of the respondents had the procedure by non-medical person (78.0 %). Before injection, 17.2 % had a sense of inferiority in their penis and 32 % worried about their weak erectile function. After injection, 33.0 % have found relief from their sense of inferiority and 17.8 % wish to feel improvement in their erectile function. Most of the respondents (91 %) were not satisfied with their penis and 74 % of them replied that they want to remove the injected material. Only 15.6 % did not experience side effects. Most of the subjects have suffered from various side effects such as inflammation, skin necrosis, pain, etc. No evidence of psychiatric pathology was found in psychological evaluation. Conclusion The motivations of mineral oil injection were recommendation by their acquaintances or desire to be more mannish. Most of them had suffered from various side effects and only a small number of them felt improvement in their sense of inferiority, in their penis and erectile function. Increased public awareness is needed for the prevention of this physically and psychologically debilitating problem.

Effects of acupuncture and moxa treatment in patients with semen abnormalities

Abstract: Aim: To evaluate the effect of Chinese Traditional Medicine, acupuncture and moxa treatment, on the semen quality in patients with semen abnormalities. Methods: In a prospective, controlled and blind study, nineteen patients, aged 24 years ~ 42 years and married for 3 years ~ 11 years without children with semen abnormalities in concentration, morphology and/or progressive motility without apparent cause, were randomized into two groups and submitted to acupuncture and moxa treatment at the therapeutic (Study Group) and the indifferent points (Control Group), respectively, for 10 weeks. Semen analyses were performed before and after the treatment course. Results: The patients of the Study Group presented a significant increase in the percentage of normal-form sperm compared to the Control Group (calculated U=16.0, critical U=17.0). Conclusion: The Chinese Traditional Medicine acupuncture and moxa techniques significantly increase the percentage of normal-form sperm in infertile patients with oligoastenoteratozoospermia without apparent cause.

Male genital schwannoma, review of 5 cases.

Abstract: AIM: To study the clinical features of male genital schwannoma. METHODS: Five male patients with genital schwannoma admitted from 1991 to 2000 were reviewed. The lesions were located in the prostate, spermatic cord, testis or penis. Tumors were simply resected in 3 patients and radically eradicated in 2. RESULTS: The average age of the cohort was 37 years. The most common sign at presentation was a palpable genital mass accidentally discovered by the patient or detected by the physician during a physical check. Diagnosis was made through postoperative pathological examination. Follow-up ranged from 2 years to 6 years (mean 4.5 years). Four cases were cured by simple excision and 1 patient with malignant testis schwannoma died of recurrence 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSION: Owing to the lack of characteristic clinical manifestation, the final diagnosis relies on postoperative pathological examination. S-100 and vimentin are useful markers for the diagnosis of these tumors.

Free radical scavenger effect of rebamipide in sperm processing and cryopreservation

Abstract: Aim To study the effect of rebamipide added to semen samples and cryoprotectant on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Methods Semen samples from 30 fertile and healthy volunteers were collected by masturbation after 2 days approximately 3 days of abstinence. After liquefaction, the specimens were diluted with sperm wash media to a uniform density of 20 x 10(6)/mL. Rebamipide was added to semen samples and cryoprotectant to a final concentration of 10 micromol/L, 30 micromol/L, 100 micromol/L or 300 micromol/L. Specimens were incubated at 37 degree C in a 0.5 % CO(2) incubator for 1 h or cryopreserved at -196 degree C LN(2) for 3 days. The sperm motility and viability and the levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation of sperm membrance were assessed before and after incubation and cryopreservation by means of computer assisted semen analyzer, eosin-nigrosin stain, chemiluminescence and thiobarbituric acid assay, respectively. Results The sperm motility was significantly increased after incubation with 100 micromol/L and 300 micromol/L rebamipide (P 0.05). The levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation in semen were significantly decreased in proportion to the concentrations of rebamipide both after incubation and cryopreservation (P Conclusion Rebamipide is an effective free radical scavenger in semen in vitro.

Tamoxifen induced multinucleated cells (symplasts) and distortion of seminiferous tubules in rat testis

Abstract: Aim To evaluate the effect of tamoxifen citrate on male reproductive system of rat. Methods Groups of male rats were gavaged with tamoxifen at doses of 200 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), 400 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) or 800 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) in 0.1 mL olive oil for 10 consecutive days. Controls were treated with 0.1 mL olive oil. Rats were anesthetized and killed on d 3, d 15 or d 35 after the last dose. Testes were collected, processed for paraffin embedding, sectioned at 5 microm thickness, stained with HE and analyzed microscopically. Results There was a dose-dependent increase in the occurrence of seminiferous tubular distortion with germinal cell sloughing. The highest dose increased the number of multinucleated giant cells on d 3 and d 15. Conclusion Tamoxifen citrate induces multinucleated giant cells and germinal epithelial sloughing in a dose-dependent manner and these changes are detrimental to male fertility.

Chlamydia trachomatis and sperm lipid peroxidation in infertile men.

Abstract: Aim: To relate the presence of anti-Chlamydial trachomatis IgA in semen with sperm lipid membrane peroxidation and changes in seminal parameters. Methods: Semen samples of the male partners of 52 couples assessed for undiagnosed infertility were examined for the presence of IgA antibody against C. trachomatis. The level of sperm membrane lipid peroxidation was estimated by determining the malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. Results: Sperm membrane of infertile males with positive IgA antibodies against C. trachomatis showed a higher level of lipid peroxidation than that of infertile males with negative IgA antibody (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation (P< 0.01) between the level of C. trachomatis antibody and the magnitude of sperm membrane lipid peroxidation. All the other tested semen parameters were found to be similar in the two groups. Conclusion: The activation of immune system by C. trachomatis may promote lipid peroxidation of the sperm membrane. This could be the way by which C. trachomatis affects fertility.

Predictive value of hypo-osmotic swelling test to identify viable non-motile sperm.

Abstract: Aim To determine the predictive value of the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test to identify viable, non-motile sperm. Methods Semen samples from 20 men with severe asthenozoospermia underwent traditional seminal analysis, eosin-nigrosin (EN) staining and the HOS test. A further EN stain was then performed on a HOS pre-treated aliquot and a total of 2000 further sperm examined. Results The median sperm density was 5.1 million/mL (IQR 4.3 approximately 13.1) and the median motility was 3.0% (IQR 0 approximately 7). Seven samples showed complete asthenozoospermia. Initial EN staining showed 59% viability (range 48 approximately 69) despite the poor standard parameters and 47% (range 33 approximately 61) in the complete asthenozoospermia subgroup. The HOS test showed 49.9% reacted overall (range 40 approximately 59) and 41.7% (range 22 approximately 61) in the complete asthenozoospermia subgroup. The combined HOS/EN stain showed the positive predictive value of the HOS test to identify viable sperm was 84.2 % overall and 79.7% in the complete asthenozoospermia subgroup. Conclusion The HOS test can effectively predict sperm viability in patients with severe and complete asthenozoospermia.

Effect of experimental varicocele on structure and function of epididymis in adolescent rats.

Abstract: Aim: To study the effect of experimental left varicocele (ELV) on epididymal structure and function in adolescent Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods: ELV was induced by partial ligation of the left renal vein. Sham-operated animals served as the controls. Four and 8 weeks after the operation, the histological, ultrastructural and biochemical (alpha-glucosidase activity and carnitine content) changes in different segments of the epididymis were observed. Results: In the treated animals, there were degeneration of the epididymal epithelium and edema of the interstitial tissue; numerous shedding cells, residual bodies, deformed sperm and macrophages appeared in the epididymal lumen. Morphometric measurement indicated a significant reduction in the epididymal tubular diameter (P<0.05) and a significant increase in the epididymal interstitial area (P<0.05) compared with the controls. Ultrastructural study showed sparse microvilli of the columnar epithelium, increased and enlarged lysosomes in the principal cells with defected organelles and the presence of large cytoplasmic vacuoles. The protein and carnitine contents and the alpha-glucosidase activity in the caput, corpus and cauda epididymis of the ELV rats were lower than those of the controls (P< 0.05). Conclusion: There were structural and functional changes in the epididymis of adolescent ELV rats, which may contribute to the infertility caused by varicocele.

Biofeedback therapy for chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Abstract: AIM To evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback therapy in patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) METHODS From November 2001 to April 2002, patients visiting the Urological Outpatient Clinic of this Hospital were evaluated by means of the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) and classified by the NIH classification standard Sixty-two patients of CPPS category III were involved in this study All patients had been treated by conventional approaches such as antibiotics and alpha-blockers for more than half a year without any improvement The expressed prostatic secretion results were as follows: WBC 5 to 9/high power field, lipid + approximately +++ and bacterial culture negative Their NIH-CPSI were 12 approximately 40 All the 62 cases complained of micturitional irritation (frequency, urgency, splitted stream and sense of residual urine), 32 cases, of pain or discomfort at the testicular, penile, scrotal, pelvic or rectal region and 13 cases, of white secretion-dripping The patients were treated by the Urostym Biofeedback equipment (Laborie Co, Canada) 5 times a week for 2 weeks with a stimulus intensity of 15 mA approximatley 23 mA and duration of 20 minutes RESULTS Sixty patients were significantly improved or cured, while no significant improvement in the remaining 2 No apparent side effect was observed The NIH-CPSI dropped to 6 to 14 with an average reduction of 21 (P<001) In the 60 improved cases, pain was relieved after 2 approximately 3 treatment courses and other symptoms disappeared after 4 approximately 5 courses CONCLUSION Biofeedback therapy is a safe and effective treatment for CPPS Large randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and to explore the mechanism of action

Androgen and bone mass in men.

Abstract: Androgens have multiple actions on the skeleton throughout life. Androgens promote skeletal growth and accumulation of minerals during puberty and adolescence and stimulate osteoblast but suppress osteoclast function, activity and lifespan through complex mechanisms. Also androgens increase periosteal bone apposition, resulting in larger bone size and thicker cortical bone in men. There is convincing evidence to show that aromatization to estrogens was an important pathway for mediating the action of testosterone on bone physiology. Estrogen is probably the dominant sex steroid regulating bone resorption in men, but both testosterone and estrogen are important in maintaining bone formation.

Antifertility effect of ethanolic extract of Amalakyadi churna in male albino mice.

Abstract: Aim: To evaluate the antifertility activity of the ethanolic extract of Amalakyadi churna by oral administra-tion in male albino mice Methods: The ethanol extract of Amalakyadi churna at the dose of 250 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight was administered orally for 30 days to adult male mice On day 31, the mice were sacrificed and the testis and accessory reproductive organs were removed and weighed The organs were processed for biochemical estimation and histological work Results: Treatment with Amalakyadi chuma resulted in decrease in the weights of testis and accessory reproductive organs The diameters of testis, seminiferous tubules and Leydig cell nucleus were decreased The spermatogenic elements, like spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids in the testis were re-duced significantly as well as the sperm count in cauda epididymis There was a significant reduction in the protein,glycogen, DNA and RNA contents and the activity of acid phosphatase in the testis of extract treated mice compared with the control The cholesterol content and the alkaline phophatase activity were increased significantly in treated mice Conclusion: Amalakyadi churna extract arrests spermatogenesis in male mice without noticeable side effects(Asian J Andro12003 Sep; 5: 247-250)

Effect of Stephania hernandifolia leaf extract on testicular activity in rats.

Abstract: Aim: The testicular inhibitory effect of the aqueous fraction of methanol extract of Stephania hernandifolia leaf was studied in male Wistar rats. Methods: The supernatent and the precipitate part of aqueous fractions of the methanol extract of the leaf were gavaged separately to rat at a similar dose of 200 mg/mL per 100 g body weight per day for 28 days. After cessation of treatment, various observations were conducted. Results: In both treated groups, there were significant decreases in the relative weights of the sex organs, the testicular key androgenic enzymes activities, the plasma level of testosterone, the number of different germ cells at stage VII of seminiferous epithelial cell cycle and the seminiferous tubular diameter in comparison to the controls. Neither of the parts had somatic, renal and hepatic toxicity. This study suggested that the active molecules present in the aqueous fraction of methanol extract of Stephania hernandifolia leaves might be steroids as indicated by thin layer chromatography using specific staining substance for steroid molecules. Conclusion: In rats, the aqueous fraction of methanol extract of the S. hernandifolia leaves possesses certain testis-inhibitory substances, which may be steroid-like agents. ( Asian J Androl 2003 Jun; 5:125-129 )