Background Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid(GenX),a substitute for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances,has been widely detected in various environmental matrices and foods recently,attracting great attention.Howeve...Background Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid(GenX),a substitute for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances,has been widely detected in various environmental matrices and foods recently,attracting great attention.However,a systematic characterization of its reproductive toxicity is still missing.This study aims to explore the male reproductive toxicity caused by GenX exposure and the potential cellular and molecular regulatory mechanisms behind it.Results Normally developing mice were exposed to GenX,and testicular tissue was subsequently analyzed and validated using single-cell RNA sequencing.Our results revealed that GenX induced severe testicular damage,disrupted the balance between undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonial stem cells,and led to strong variation in the cellular dynamics of spermatogenesis.Furthermore,GenX exposure caused global upregulation of testicular somatic cellular inflammatory responses,increased abnormal macrophage differentiation,and attenuated fibroblast adhesion,disorganizing the somatic-germline interactions.Conclusions In conclusion,this study revealed complex cellular dynamics and transcriptome changes in mouse testis after GenX exposure,providing a valuable resource for understanding its reproductive toxicity.展开更多
Male dzo from the F1 to F3 generations are sterile,which impedes the utilization of hybrid vigor in dzo and constrains the development of plateau animal husbandry in China.The underlying mechanism of this phenomenon h...Male dzo from the F1 to F3 generations are sterile,which impedes the utilization of hybrid vigor in dzo and constrains the development of plateau animal husbandry in China.The underlying mechanism of this phenomenon has long been a focal point in yak crossbreeding improvement research.This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying male sterility in dzo from histological,physiological,and multi-omics perspectives,providing research directions for further exploration of the mechanisms of male sterility in dzo.展开更多
Hedgehog(HH)signaling has been researched for decades and Hedgehog has 3 homologs:Sonic Hedgehog(Shh),Indian Hedgehog(Ihh),and Desert Hedgehog(Dhh).Dhh is the one involved in male gonad and germ cell development.The d...Hedgehog(HH)signaling has been researched for decades and Hedgehog has 3 homologs:Sonic Hedgehog(Shh),Indian Hedgehog(Ihh),and Desert Hedgehog(Dhh).Dhh is the one involved in male gonad and germ cell development.The distribution of molecules in Hedgehog signaling in testis indicated that Hedgehog signaling executes important functions during testis development.The patients with Dhh signaling deficiency develop dysgenesis of gonads and hormone production which demands further exploration of gonad HH signaling.Some results proved the indispensable roles of HH signaling in gonad and germ cell development and the interaction with hormones.This review evaluates HH functions in the testis and how HH affects and is affected by hormones and provides novel insights about HH signaling to the readers.展开更多
Testicular descent occurs in two consecutive stages:the transabdominal stage and the inguinoscrotal stage.Androgens play a crucial role in the second stage by influencing the development of the gubernaculum,a structur...Testicular descent occurs in two consecutive stages:the transabdominal stage and the inguinoscrotal stage.Androgens play a crucial role in the second stage by influencing the development of the gubernaculum,a structure that pulls the testis into the scrotum.However,the mechanisms of androgen actions underlying many of the processes associated with gubernaculum development have not been fully elucidated.To identify the androgen-regulated genes,we conducted large-scale gene expression analyses on the gubernaculum harvested from luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor knockout(Lhcgr KO)mice,an animal model of inguinoscrotal testis maldescent resulting from androgen deficiency.We found that the expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(SPARC)-related modular calcium binding 1(Smoc1)was the most severely suppressed at both the transcript and protein levels,while its expression was the most dramatically induced by testosterone administration in the gubernacula of Lhcgr KO mice.The upregulation of Smoc1 expression by testosterone was curtailed by the addition of an androgen receptor antagonist,flutamide.In addition,in vitro studies demonstrated that SMOC1 modestly but significantly promoted the proliferation of gubernacular cells.In the cultures of myogenic differentiation medium,both testosterone and SMOC1 enhanced the expression of myogenic regulatory factors such as paired box 7(Pax7)and myogenic factor 5(Myf5).After short-interfering RNA-mediated knocking down of Smoc1,the expression of Pax7 and Myf5 diminished,and testosterone alone did not recover,but additional SMOC1 did.These observations indicate that SMOC1 is pivotal in mediating androgen action to regulate gubernaculum development during inguinoscrotal testicular descent.展开更多
Polyorchidism is a rare anomaly of the male urogenital tract characterized by the presence of one or more extra testes.Supernumerary testes can often present with coexistent conditions,including cryptorchidism,inguina...Polyorchidism is a rare anomaly of the male urogenital tract characterized by the presence of one or more extra testes.Supernumerary testes can often present with coexistent conditions,including cryptorchidism,inguinal hernia,and torsion.We report a case of a pediatric patient with initial concern for intra-scrotal left testicular torsion on ultrasonography who was ultimately found to have torsion of an intra-abdominal supernumerary testis.He underwent scrotal exploration with bilateral orchiopexy and laparoscopic excision of the torsed gonad.This case highlights a unique presentation of polyorchidism with incongruent descent of an ipsilateral supernumerary testis.展开更多
To investigate the impact of preoperative serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)levels on the probability of testicular sperm retrieval,we conducted a study of nonobstructive azoospermic(NOA)men with different testic...To investigate the impact of preoperative serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)levels on the probability of testicular sperm retrieval,we conducted a study of nonobstructive azoospermic(NOA)men with different testicular volumes(TVs)who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction(micro-TESE).A total of 177 NOA patients undergoing micro-TESE for the first time from April 2019 to November 2022 in Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital(formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital,Shenzhen,China)were retrospectively reviewed.The subjects were divided into four groups based on average TV quartiles.Serum hormone levels in each TV group were compared between positive and negative sperm retrieval subgroups.Overall sperm retrieval rate was 57.6%.FSH levels(median[interquartile range])were higher in the positive sperm retrieval subgroup compared with the negative outcome subgroup when average TV was<5 ml(first quartile[Q1:TV<3 ml]:43.32[17.92]IU l^(−1) vs 32.95[18.56]IU l−1,P=0.048;second quartile[Q2:3 ml≤TV<5 ml]:31.31[15.37]IU l^(−1) vs 25.59[18.40]IU l^(−1),P=0.042).Elevated serum FSH levels were associated with successful micro-TESE sperm retrieval in NOA men whose average TVs were<5 ml(adjusted odds ratio[OR]:1.06 per unit increase;95%confidence interval[CI]:1.01–1.11;P=0.011).In men with TVs≥5 ml,larger TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval(adjusted OR:0.84 per 1 ml increase;95%CI:0.71–0.98;P=0.029).In conclusion,elevated serum FSH levels were associated with positive sperm retrieval in micro-TESE in NOA men with TVs<5 ml.In men with TV≥5 ml,increases in average TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval.展开更多
Dear Editor,We are much obliged that Hadziselimovic1 has used our data2 to highlight the substantial proportion of boys with cryptorchidism where gonadotropin insufficiency is an important factor related to the pathog...Dear Editor,We are much obliged that Hadziselimovic1 has used our data2 to highlight the substantial proportion of boys with cryptorchidism where gonadotropin insufficiency is an important factor related to the pathogenesis.We have recently presented a study on a series of 453 consecutive boys with bilateral nonsyndromic cryptorchidism,in which we conducted hormonal evaluations and assessed germ cell numbers in testicular biopsies.3 In this series,45%of the boys were classified as having gonadotropin insufficiency.3 Identifying these patients at the time of surgery is important.A recent follow-up study of 208 boys with nonsyndromic bilateral cryptorchidism from our department showed that the boys with gonadotropin insufficiency had an impaired fertility potential after surgery compared to boys with an intact hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal feedback mechanism.4 In a review from 2022,Hadziselimovic5 suggested that infertility in patients diagnosed with cryptorchid testes is a consequence of a hormonal deficiency rather than temperature-induced cellular damage.展开更多
Dear Editor,I would like to congratulate Mamsen et al.i on their extensive and scientifically valuable work.I analyzed their raw data presented in Table 1 of the original article from a different perspective and disco...Dear Editor,I would like to congratulate Mamsen et al.i on their extensive and scientifically valuable work.I analyzed their raw data presented in Table 1 of the original article from a different perspective and discovered an effect not mentioned in the article.My analysis showed that luteinizing hormone(LH)levels are significantly lower in patients at high infertility risk(HIR),whose testes lack A dark(Ad)spermatogonia and display an abnormal ratio of germ cells per crosssectional tubule(G/T).展开更多
The aim of this investigation was to determine the optimal storage medium for testicular hypothermic transportation and identify the ideal concentration for the application of the protective agent 5-aminolevulinic aci...The aim of this investigation was to determine the optimal storage medium for testicular hypothermic transportation and identify the ideal concentration for the application of the protective agent 5-aminolevulinic acid(5-ALA).Furthermore,this study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of the protective effects of 5-ALA.First,we collected and stored mouse testicular fragments in different media,including Hank’s balanced salt solution(HBSS;n=5),Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium/Nutrient Mixture F-12(DMEM/F12;n=5),and alpha-minimum essential medium(αMEM;n=5).Storage of testicular tissue in HBSS preserved the integrity of testicular morphology better than that in the DMEM/F12 group(P<0.05)and theαMEM group(P<0.01).Testicular fragments were subsequently placed in HBSS with various concentrations of 5-ALA(0[control],1 mmol l−1,2 mmol l−1,and 5 mmol l−1)to determine the most effective concentration of 5-ALA.The 2 mmol l−15-ALA group(n=3)presented the highest positive rate of spermatogonial stem cells compared with those in the control,1 mmol l−1,and 5 mmol l−15-ALA groups.Finally,the tissue fragments were preserved in HBSS with control(n=3)and 2 mmol l−15-ALA(n=3)under low-temperature conditions.A comparative analysis was performed against fresh testes(n=3)to elucidate the underlying mechanism of 5-ALA.Gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)for WikiPathways revealed that the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway was downregulated in the 2 mmol l−15-ALA group compared with that in the control group(normalized enrichment score[NES]=−1.57,false discovery rate[FDR]=0.229,and P=0.019).In conclusion,these data suggest that using 2 mmol l−15-ALA in HBSS effectively protected the viability of spermatogonial stem cells upon hypothermic transportation.展开更多
BACKGROUND Spigelian hernia(SH),a protrusion of intra-abdominal contents through a defect in the semilunar line(Spigelian fascia)of the abdominal wall,is extremely rare in the pediatric population.Fewer than 100 cases...BACKGROUND Spigelian hernia(SH),a protrusion of intra-abdominal contents through a defect in the semilunar line(Spigelian fascia)of the abdominal wall,is extremely rare in the pediatric population.Fewer than 100 cases of pediatric SH have been reported in the literature since the first description in 1939.Pediatric SH is often congenital and may present with non-specific symptoms,making diagnosis challenging.Notably,about one-quarter to one-third of reported pediatric cases are associated with ipsilateral undescended testis,an association sometimes termed the"Spigelian-cryptorchidism syndrome".AIM To systematically review all reported cases of Spigelian hernia in children and identify its diagnostic and surgical features.METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed(1939 through 2023)using PubMed and other databases for all publications on Spigelian(semilunar line)hernias in children.Both English and non-English articles were included.Case reports,case series,and relevant reviews were analyzed.Data extracted included patient demographics,hernia side/location,clinical features,imaging and intraoperative findings,coexisting conditions(particularly cryptorchidism),management(open vs laparoscopic repair),and outcomes.RESULTS A total of approximately 90 pediatric SH cases from 44 publications were identified.The median age at presentation was around 3-4 years(range:Neonate to 17 years).Slight male predominance was observed,although SH also occurs in females.About 30%of cases involved an ipsilateral undescended testis within the hernia sac or in the Spigelian region.Rare associations with other anomalies were noted,including concurrent inguinal hernias,umbilical hernia,and even complex syndromic presentations(for example,limb defects,neuroblastoma)in a few cases.Clinical presentation often included a reducible lump or intermittent bulge along the lateral aspect of the lower abdomen,sometimes misdiagnosed as an inguinal hernia.Recurrent localized abdominal pain was a frequent symptom,and some infants presented with acute intestinal obstruction from incarcerated SH.Diagnosis was most commonly established by ultrasound,which is considered the gold standard imaging modality for SH in children due to its ability to detect fascial defects and herniated tissue dynamically.A subset of cases(approximately 10%)were attributed to blunt abdominal trauma(for example,bicycle handlebar injury),causing an acquired SH.Management:All reported pediatric SHs were treated surgically,given the high risk of incarceration.Open hernia repair through a small transverse incision over the defect was the traditional approach,and no recurrences have been reported after adequate fascial closure.Over the last decade,laparoscopic repair has become the method of choice,especially for cases combined with an undescended testis,allowing simultaneous orchiopexy.Laparoscopic techniques have been successful in safely reducing the hernia and closing the defect,with excellent outcomes and minimal morbidity.CONCLUSION Spigelian hernia in children is a rare but clinically important entity that should be considered in cases of unexplained recurrent abdominal pain,lateral abdominal wall swelling,or cryptorchidism.Early recognition using high-resolution ultrasound and prompt surgical intervention are critical to prevent life-threatening incarceration.Congenital defect of the Spigelian fascia underlies most pediatric cases,and the frequent association with ipsilateral undescended testis suggests a developmental interplay.Surgical repair has excellent outcomes.Increased awareness of pediatric SH among clinicians is necessary to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment,thereby avoiding complications and improving patient outcomes.展开更多
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^-day1 for 26 days. Different varietie...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^-day1 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), lutuneizing 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.展开更多
<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....<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 (21-45) 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, moderete, 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 moderete 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.展开更多
Varioocelectomny is a management option for patients with painful varicocele. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of varicocelectomy for painful varicocele and examined the factors that might be predictive of...Varioocelectomny is a management option for patients with painful varicocele. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of varicocelectomy for painful varicocele and examined the factors that might be predictive of outcome. All patients who underwent a varicocelectomy for pain between February 2007 and July 2009 were includecL A review of patient medical records was conducted; patient age,body mass index （BMI）, uede, iocatien of the vericocele, tasticular volume, duration and quality of the pain （dull, draaing, throbbing or sharp） and surgical technique （ingulnal versus subinguinal） were documented. All parameters were compared with the rasolution of pain （complete, partial or failure）. We followed up on 53 of 104 patients （51.0%）. Complete postopanntive resolution of pain was reported by 28 patients （52.8%）, whereas 22 （41.5%） reported partial resolution, Only three patients （5.7%） mpaded failure. No relationship was observed between postoperative pain resolution and age, BMI, grade of varicoceio, location of varicocele, ipsilateral testicular, quality of pain or surgical technique. The duration of pain before surllery was the only factor that correlated with postopaative pain resolution （univariate, P=-0.004; multivariate, P=0.002）. Our rasults indicatethat varicocelectomy isan effective treatmentfar painful varicocele in properly selected patients, and that duration of pain before surgery may be predictive of outcome.展开更多
Aim： To investigate the effect of formaldehyde （FA） on testes and the protective effect of vitamin E （VE） against oxidative damage by FA in the testes of adult rats. Methods： Thirty rats were randomly divided in...Aim： To investigate the effect of formaldehyde （FA） on testes and the protective effect of vitamin E （VE） against oxidative damage by FA in the testes of adult rats. Methods： Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups： （1） control; （2） FA treatment group （FAt）; and （3） FAt ＋ VE group. FAt and FAt ＋ VE groups were exposed to FA by inhalation at a concentration of 10 mg/m^3 for 2 weeks. In addition, FAt ＋ VE group were orally administered VE during the 2-week FA treatment. After the treatment, the histopathological and biochemical changes in testes, as well as the quantity and quality of sperm, were observed. Results： The testicular weight, the quantity and quality of sperm, the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） and glutathione （GSH） were significantly decreased whereas the level of malondialdehyde （MDA） was significantly increased in testes of rats in FAt group compared with those in the control group. VE treatment restored these parameters in FAt ＋ VE group. In addition, microscopy with hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining showed that seminiferous tubules atrophied, seminiferous epithelial cells disintegrated and shed in rats in FAt group and VE treatment significantly improved the testicular structure in FAt ＋ VE group. Conclusion： FA destroys the testicular structure and function in adult rats by inducing oxidative stress, and this damage could be partially reversed by VE.展开更多
Establishment of an in vitro system that allows the development of testicular germ cells to sperm will be valuable for studies of spermatogenesis and future treatments for male infertility. In the present study, we de...Establishment of an in vitro system that allows the development of testicular germ cells to sperm will be valuable for studies of spermatogenesis and future treatments for male infertility. In the present study, we developed in vitro culture conditions using three-dimensional agar culture system （SACS）, which has the capacity to induce testicular germ cells to reach the final stages of spermatogenesis, including spermatozoa generation. Seminiferous tubules from testes of 7-day-old mice were enzymatically dissociated, and intratubular cells were cultured in the upper layer of the SACS in RPMI medium supplemented with fetal calf serum （FCS）. The lower layer of the SACS contained only RPMI medium supplemented with FCS. Colonies in the upper layer were isolated after 14 and 28 days of culture and were classified according to their size. Immunofluorescence and real-time PCR were used to analyse specific markers expressed in undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia （Vasa, Dazl, OCT-4, C-Kit, GFR- a-l, CD9 and a-6-integrin）, meiotic cells （LDH, Crem-1 and Boule） and post-meiotic cells （Protamine-1, Acrosin and SP-IO）. Our results reveal that it is possible to induce mouse testicular pre-meiotic germ cell expansion and induce their differentiation to spermatozoa in SACS. The spermatozoa showed normal morphology and contained acrosomes. Thus, our results demonstrate that SACS could be used as a novel in vitro system for the maturation of pre-meiotic mouse germ cells to post-meiotic stages and morphologically-normal spermatozoa.展开更多
Aim: To evaluate the effects of 60 Hz extremely low frequency (ELF) elelctromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on germ cell apoptosis in the testis of mice. Methods: Adult male BALB/c mice (7 weeks of age) were exposed to ...Aim: To evaluate the effects of 60 Hz extremely low frequency (ELF) elelctromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on germ cell apoptosis in the testis of mice. Methods: Adult male BALB/c mice (7 weeks of age) were exposed to a 60 Hz EMF of 0.1 mT or 0.5 mT for 24 h/day. A sham-exposed group served as the control. After 8 weeks of exposure, the mice were sacrificed. Germ cell apoptosis in the testis was assessed by histopathological examination, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) and flow cytometric examination of isolated spermatogenic cells stained with 7 aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD). Results: EMF exposure did not significantly affect the body and testis weights, but significantly increased the incidence of germ cell death. The distinguishing morphological feature of EMF exposure was a decrement in the number of well organized seminiferous tubules. Quantitative analysis of TUNEL-positive germ cells showed a significantly higher apoptotic rate in the 0.5 mT exposed mice than that in the sham controls (P<0.05), while the difference between the two exposed groups was insignificant. The TUNEL-positive cells were mainly spermatogonia. In flow cytometry analysis, the percentage of live cells [forward scatter count (FSC)high7-AAD-] was lower in the exposed groups than that in the controls (Figure 5A), but the decrease in viability was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Continuous exposure to ELF EMF may induce testicular germ cell apoptosis in mice.展开更多
Aim： To investigate the expression and subcellular localization of chemokine-like factor superfamily 2 （CKLFSF2） in human testis and its potential role in spermatogenesis. Methods： A specific polyclonal antibody a...Aim： To investigate the expression and subcellular localization of chemokine-like factor superfamily 2 （CKLFSF2） in human testis and its potential role in spermatogenesis. Methods： A specific polyclonal antibody against CKLFSF2 was raised. The expression and cellular localization of CKLFSF2 in the seminiferous tubules was checked by immunohistochemistry method. Also, in situ hybridization was applied to localize the mRNA distribution. The EGFP- CKLFSF2 fusion protein was expressed in COS-7 cells to localize its subcellular location in vitro. In addition, the abnormal expression of CKLFSF2 in testes of patients with male infertility was assayed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and immunohistochemistry methods. Results： Having a close correlation with spermatogenesis defects, CKLFSF2 was specifically expressed in meiotic and post-meiotic germ cells, which were localized to the endoplasmic reticulum （ER） near the Golgi apparatus. Conclusion： CKLFSF2 could play important roles in the process of meiosis and spermiogenesis, and might be involved in the vesicular transport or membrane apposition events in the endoplasmic reticulum.展开更多
Magnetic resonance （MR） imaging of the scrotum represents an important supplemental diagnostic tool in the evaluation of scrotal diseases. Diffusion-weighted （DW） MR imaging is a developing technique, proved to im...Magnetic resonance （MR） imaging of the scrotum represents an important supplemental diagnostic tool in the evaluation of scrotal diseases. Diffusion-weighted （DW） MR imaging is a developing technique, proved to improve tissue characterization. We evaluated the feasibility and diagnostic performance of DW MR imaging in the detection and characterization of scrotal lesions. We retrospectively evaluated 31 scrotal lesions （23 intratesticular and 8 extratesticular） in 26 men. All MR examinations were performed on a 1.5-T unit, using a pelvic-phased array coil. DW sequences were obtained using a single shot, multislice spin echo planar diffusion pulse sequence and a b factor of 0 and 900 s mm-2. The DW MR characteristics and the apparent diffusion coefficient （ADC） values of normal scrotal contents and scrotal diseases were evaluated. Comparison between the ADC values of normal scrotum, benign lesions and scrotal malignancies was performed. The accuracy of conventional sequences, DW images alone and DW imaging combined with conventional images in differentiating benign from malignant scmtal lesions was calculated. The ADC values of testicular malignancies were different from those of normal testis and benign intratesticular lesions, and the ADC values of benign extratesticular lesions from those of normal epididymis （P〈0.05）. The overall accuracy of conventional imaging, DW imaging alone and DW MR combined with conventional sequences in the characterization of intratesticular lesions was 91%, 87% and 100%, respectively. Our findings suggest that DW MR imaging and ADC values may provide valuable information in the diagnosis and characterization of scrotal diseases.展开更多
基金supported by the Guangdong Provincial Key Area Research and Development Program[grant number 2022B0202090002]China Postdoctoral Science Foundation[grant number 2024M760977].
文摘Background Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid(GenX),a substitute for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances,has been widely detected in various environmental matrices and foods recently,attracting great attention.However,a systematic characterization of its reproductive toxicity is still missing.This study aims to explore the male reproductive toxicity caused by GenX exposure and the potential cellular and molecular regulatory mechanisms behind it.Results Normally developing mice were exposed to GenX,and testicular tissue was subsequently analyzed and validated using single-cell RNA sequencing.Our results revealed that GenX induced severe testicular damage,disrupted the balance between undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonial stem cells,and led to strong variation in the cellular dynamics of spermatogenesis.Furthermore,GenX exposure caused global upregulation of testicular somatic cellular inflammatory responses,increased abnormal macrophage differentiation,and attenuated fibroblast adhesion,disorganizing the somatic-germline interactions.Conclusions In conclusion,this study revealed complex cellular dynamics and transcriptome changes in mouse testis after GenX exposure,providing a valuable resource for understanding its reproductive toxicity.
基金Supported by Sichuan Beef Cattle Innovation Team Construction Project of National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System(SCCXTD-2025-13)Yaan City's"Challenge Prize Mechanism for Key Technologies"Project for Creating a National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology Innovation Center-Breeding of New Local Beef Cattle Groups in Yaan(kczx2023-2025-18)+1 种基金Yaan City's"Challenge Prize Mechanism for Key Technologies"Project for Creating a National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology Innovation Center-Integrated Application of High-Quality Beef Cattle Development Technology System(kczx2023-2025-22)Yaan City's"Challenge Prize Mechanism for Key Technologies"Project for Creating a National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology Innovation Center-Research and Integration of Key Technologies for Informatization in Yaan Beef Cattle Production(kczx2023-2025-26).
文摘Male dzo from the F1 to F3 generations are sterile,which impedes the utilization of hybrid vigor in dzo and constrains the development of plateau animal husbandry in China.The underlying mechanism of this phenomenon has long been a focal point in yak crossbreeding improvement research.This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying male sterility in dzo from histological,physiological,and multi-omics perspectives,providing research directions for further exploration of the mechanisms of male sterility in dzo.
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.32270555 and 32072954).
文摘Hedgehog(HH)signaling has been researched for decades and Hedgehog has 3 homologs:Sonic Hedgehog(Shh),Indian Hedgehog(Ihh),and Desert Hedgehog(Dhh).Dhh is the one involved in male gonad and germ cell development.The distribution of molecules in Hedgehog signaling in testis indicated that Hedgehog signaling executes important functions during testis development.The patients with Dhh signaling deficiency develop dysgenesis of gonads and hormone production which demands further exploration of gonad HH signaling.Some results proved the indispensable roles of HH signaling in gonad and germ cell development and the interaction with hormones.This review evaluates HH functions in the testis and how HH affects and is affected by hormones and provides novel insights about HH signaling to the readers.
基金supported in part by the Department of OB/GYN research funds(University of Louisville,Louisville,KY,USA)Jilin Province Health Technology Capability Enhancement funds(No.2022JC055).
文摘Testicular descent occurs in two consecutive stages:the transabdominal stage and the inguinoscrotal stage.Androgens play a crucial role in the second stage by influencing the development of the gubernaculum,a structure that pulls the testis into the scrotum.However,the mechanisms of androgen actions underlying many of the processes associated with gubernaculum development have not been fully elucidated.To identify the androgen-regulated genes,we conducted large-scale gene expression analyses on the gubernaculum harvested from luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor knockout(Lhcgr KO)mice,an animal model of inguinoscrotal testis maldescent resulting from androgen deficiency.We found that the expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(SPARC)-related modular calcium binding 1(Smoc1)was the most severely suppressed at both the transcript and protein levels,while its expression was the most dramatically induced by testosterone administration in the gubernacula of Lhcgr KO mice.The upregulation of Smoc1 expression by testosterone was curtailed by the addition of an androgen receptor antagonist,flutamide.In addition,in vitro studies demonstrated that SMOC1 modestly but significantly promoted the proliferation of gubernacular cells.In the cultures of myogenic differentiation medium,both testosterone and SMOC1 enhanced the expression of myogenic regulatory factors such as paired box 7(Pax7)and myogenic factor 5(Myf5).After short-interfering RNA-mediated knocking down of Smoc1,the expression of Pax7 and Myf5 diminished,and testosterone alone did not recover,but additional SMOC1 did.These observations indicate that SMOC1 is pivotal in mediating androgen action to regulate gubernaculum development during inguinoscrotal testicular descent.
文摘Polyorchidism is a rare anomaly of the male urogenital tract characterized by the presence of one or more extra testes.Supernumerary testes can often present with coexistent conditions,including cryptorchidism,inguinal hernia,and torsion.We report a case of a pediatric patient with initial concern for intra-scrotal left testicular torsion on ultrasonography who was ultimately found to have torsion of an intra-abdominal supernumerary testis.He underwent scrotal exploration with bilateral orchiopexy and laparoscopic excision of the torsed gonad.This case highlights a unique presentation of polyorchidism with incongruent descent of an ipsilateral supernumerary testis.
基金supported by the Shenzhen Fundamental Research Program(No.JCYJ20210324121807021).
文摘To investigate the impact of preoperative serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)levels on the probability of testicular sperm retrieval,we conducted a study of nonobstructive azoospermic(NOA)men with different testicular volumes(TVs)who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction(micro-TESE).A total of 177 NOA patients undergoing micro-TESE for the first time from April 2019 to November 2022 in Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital(formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital,Shenzhen,China)were retrospectively reviewed.The subjects were divided into four groups based on average TV quartiles.Serum hormone levels in each TV group were compared between positive and negative sperm retrieval subgroups.Overall sperm retrieval rate was 57.6%.FSH levels(median[interquartile range])were higher in the positive sperm retrieval subgroup compared with the negative outcome subgroup when average TV was<5 ml(first quartile[Q1:TV<3 ml]:43.32[17.92]IU l^(−1) vs 32.95[18.56]IU l−1,P=0.048;second quartile[Q2:3 ml≤TV<5 ml]:31.31[15.37]IU l^(−1) vs 25.59[18.40]IU l^(−1),P=0.042).Elevated serum FSH levels were associated with successful micro-TESE sperm retrieval in NOA men whose average TVs were<5 ml(adjusted odds ratio[OR]:1.06 per unit increase;95%confidence interval[CI]:1.01–1.11;P=0.011).In men with TVs≥5 ml,larger TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval(adjusted OR:0.84 per 1 ml increase;95%CI:0.71–0.98;P=0.029).In conclusion,elevated serum FSH levels were associated with positive sperm retrieval in micro-TESE in NOA men with TVs<5 ml.In men with TV≥5 ml,increases in average TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval.
文摘Dear Editor,We are much obliged that Hadziselimovic1 has used our data2 to highlight the substantial proportion of boys with cryptorchidism where gonadotropin insufficiency is an important factor related to the pathogenesis.We have recently presented a study on a series of 453 consecutive boys with bilateral nonsyndromic cryptorchidism,in which we conducted hormonal evaluations and assessed germ cell numbers in testicular biopsies.3 In this series,45%of the boys were classified as having gonadotropin insufficiency.3 Identifying these patients at the time of surgery is important.A recent follow-up study of 208 boys with nonsyndromic bilateral cryptorchidism from our department showed that the boys with gonadotropin insufficiency had an impaired fertility potential after surgery compared to boys with an intact hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal feedback mechanism.4 In a review from 2022,Hadziselimovic5 suggested that infertility in patients diagnosed with cryptorchid testes is a consequence of a hormonal deficiency rather than temperature-induced cellular damage.
文摘Dear Editor,I would like to congratulate Mamsen et al.i on their extensive and scientifically valuable work.I analyzed their raw data presented in Table 1 of the original article from a different perspective and discovered an effect not mentioned in the article.My analysis showed that luteinizing hormone(LH)levels are significantly lower in patients at high infertility risk(HIR),whose testes lack A dark(Ad)spermatogonia and display an abnormal ratio of germ cells per crosssectional tubule(G/T).
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81971759 and No.82171604)the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2023B1515020108)+3 种基金the Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou(202206010089)the Excellent Talents Training Project of The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University(R20210217202601970)the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF(GZC20233216)the Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province(2021A1515111195).
文摘The aim of this investigation was to determine the optimal storage medium for testicular hypothermic transportation and identify the ideal concentration for the application of the protective agent 5-aminolevulinic acid(5-ALA).Furthermore,this study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of the protective effects of 5-ALA.First,we collected and stored mouse testicular fragments in different media,including Hank’s balanced salt solution(HBSS;n=5),Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium/Nutrient Mixture F-12(DMEM/F12;n=5),and alpha-minimum essential medium(αMEM;n=5).Storage of testicular tissue in HBSS preserved the integrity of testicular morphology better than that in the DMEM/F12 group(P<0.05)and theαMEM group(P<0.01).Testicular fragments were subsequently placed in HBSS with various concentrations of 5-ALA(0[control],1 mmol l−1,2 mmol l−1,and 5 mmol l−1)to determine the most effective concentration of 5-ALA.The 2 mmol l−15-ALA group(n=3)presented the highest positive rate of spermatogonial stem cells compared with those in the control,1 mmol l−1,and 5 mmol l−15-ALA groups.Finally,the tissue fragments were preserved in HBSS with control(n=3)and 2 mmol l−15-ALA(n=3)under low-temperature conditions.A comparative analysis was performed against fresh testes(n=3)to elucidate the underlying mechanism of 5-ALA.Gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)for WikiPathways revealed that the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway was downregulated in the 2 mmol l−15-ALA group compared with that in the control group(normalized enrichment score[NES]=−1.57,false discovery rate[FDR]=0.229,and P=0.019).In conclusion,these data suggest that using 2 mmol l−15-ALA in HBSS effectively protected the viability of spermatogonial stem cells upon hypothermic transportation.
文摘BACKGROUND Spigelian hernia(SH),a protrusion of intra-abdominal contents through a defect in the semilunar line(Spigelian fascia)of the abdominal wall,is extremely rare in the pediatric population.Fewer than 100 cases of pediatric SH have been reported in the literature since the first description in 1939.Pediatric SH is often congenital and may present with non-specific symptoms,making diagnosis challenging.Notably,about one-quarter to one-third of reported pediatric cases are associated with ipsilateral undescended testis,an association sometimes termed the"Spigelian-cryptorchidism syndrome".AIM To systematically review all reported cases of Spigelian hernia in children and identify its diagnostic and surgical features.METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed(1939 through 2023)using PubMed and other databases for all publications on Spigelian(semilunar line)hernias in children.Both English and non-English articles were included.Case reports,case series,and relevant reviews were analyzed.Data extracted included patient demographics,hernia side/location,clinical features,imaging and intraoperative findings,coexisting conditions(particularly cryptorchidism),management(open vs laparoscopic repair),and outcomes.RESULTS A total of approximately 90 pediatric SH cases from 44 publications were identified.The median age at presentation was around 3-4 years(range:Neonate to 17 years).Slight male predominance was observed,although SH also occurs in females.About 30%of cases involved an ipsilateral undescended testis within the hernia sac or in the Spigelian region.Rare associations with other anomalies were noted,including concurrent inguinal hernias,umbilical hernia,and even complex syndromic presentations(for example,limb defects,neuroblastoma)in a few cases.Clinical presentation often included a reducible lump or intermittent bulge along the lateral aspect of the lower abdomen,sometimes misdiagnosed as an inguinal hernia.Recurrent localized abdominal pain was a frequent symptom,and some infants presented with acute intestinal obstruction from incarcerated SH.Diagnosis was most commonly established by ultrasound,which is considered the gold standard imaging modality for SH in children due to its ability to detect fascial defects and herniated tissue dynamically.A subset of cases(approximately 10%)were attributed to blunt abdominal trauma(for example,bicycle handlebar injury),causing an acquired SH.Management:All reported pediatric SHs were treated surgically,given the high risk of incarceration.Open hernia repair through a small transverse incision over the defect was the traditional approach,and no recurrences have been reported after adequate fascial closure.Over the last decade,laparoscopic repair has become the method of choice,especially for cases combined with an undescended testis,allowing simultaneous orchiopexy.Laparoscopic techniques have been successful in safely reducing the hernia and closing the defect,with excellent outcomes and minimal morbidity.CONCLUSION Spigelian hernia in children is a rare but clinically important entity that should be considered in cases of unexplained recurrent abdominal pain,lateral abdominal wall swelling,or cryptorchidism.Early recognition using high-resolution ultrasound and prompt surgical intervention are critical to prevent life-threatening incarceration.Congenital defect of the Spigelian fascia underlies most pediatric cases,and the frequent association with ipsilateral undescended testis suggests a developmental interplay.Surgical repair has excellent outcomes.Increased awareness of pediatric SH among clinicians is necessary to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment,thereby avoiding complications and improving patient outcomes.
文摘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^-day1 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), lutuneizing 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.
文摘<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 (21-45) 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, moderete, 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 moderete 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.
文摘Varioocelectomny is a management option for patients with painful varicocele. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of varicocelectomy for painful varicocele and examined the factors that might be predictive of outcome. All patients who underwent a varicocelectomy for pain between February 2007 and July 2009 were includecL A review of patient medical records was conducted; patient age,body mass index （BMI）, uede, iocatien of the vericocele, tasticular volume, duration and quality of the pain （dull, draaing, throbbing or sharp） and surgical technique （ingulnal versus subinguinal） were documented. All parameters were compared with the rasolution of pain （complete, partial or failure）. We followed up on 53 of 104 patients （51.0%）. Complete postopanntive resolution of pain was reported by 28 patients （52.8%）, whereas 22 （41.5%） reported partial resolution, Only three patients （5.7%） mpaded failure. No relationship was observed between postoperative pain resolution and age, BMI, grade of varicoceio, location of varicocele, ipsilateral testicular, quality of pain or surgical technique. The duration of pain before surllery was the only factor that correlated with postopaative pain resolution （univariate, P=-0.004; multivariate, P=0.002）. Our rasults indicatethat varicocelectomy isan effective treatmentfar painful varicocele in properly selected patients, and that duration of pain before surgery may be predictive of outcome.
基金grants from the SciTechnical Development Project of Shaanxi Province, China （2005K15-G2） Traditional Chinese Project of Shaanxi Province, China （2005024） Natural Science Foundation of Xi＇ an Jiaotong University （573026）.
文摘Aim： To investigate the effect of formaldehyde （FA） on testes and the protective effect of vitamin E （VE） against oxidative damage by FA in the testes of adult rats. Methods： Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups： （1） control; （2） FA treatment group （FAt）; and （3） FAt ＋ VE group. FAt and FAt ＋ VE groups were exposed to FA by inhalation at a concentration of 10 mg/m^3 for 2 weeks. In addition, FAt ＋ VE group were orally administered VE during the 2-week FA treatment. After the treatment, the histopathological and biochemical changes in testes, as well as the quantity and quality of sperm, were observed. Results： The testicular weight, the quantity and quality of sperm, the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） and glutathione （GSH） were significantly decreased whereas the level of malondialdehyde （MDA） was significantly increased in testes of rats in FAt group compared with those in the control group. VE treatment restored these parameters in FAt ＋ VE group. In addition, microscopy with hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining showed that seminiferous tubules atrophied, seminiferous epithelial cells disintegrated and shed in rats in FAt group and VE treatment significantly improved the testicular structure in FAt ＋ VE group. Conclusion： FA destroys the testicular structure and function in adult rats by inducing oxidative stress, and this damage could be partially reversed by VE.
文摘Establishment of an in vitro system that allows the development of testicular germ cells to sperm will be valuable for studies of spermatogenesis and future treatments for male infertility. In the present study, we developed in vitro culture conditions using three-dimensional agar culture system （SACS）, which has the capacity to induce testicular germ cells to reach the final stages of spermatogenesis, including spermatozoa generation. Seminiferous tubules from testes of 7-day-old mice were enzymatically dissociated, and intratubular cells were cultured in the upper layer of the SACS in RPMI medium supplemented with fetal calf serum （FCS）. The lower layer of the SACS contained only RPMI medium supplemented with FCS. Colonies in the upper layer were isolated after 14 and 28 days of culture and were classified according to their size. Immunofluorescence and real-time PCR were used to analyse specific markers expressed in undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia （Vasa, Dazl, OCT-4, C-Kit, GFR- a-l, CD9 and a-6-integrin）, meiotic cells （LDH, Crem-1 and Boule） and post-meiotic cells （Protamine-1, Acrosin and SP-IO）. Our results reveal that it is possible to induce mouse testicular pre-meiotic germ cell expansion and induce their differentiation to spermatozoa in SACS. The spermatozoa showed normal morphology and contained acrosomes. Thus, our results demonstrate that SACS could be used as a novel in vitro system for the maturation of pre-meiotic mouse germ cells to post-meiotic stages and morphologically-normal spermatozoa.
文摘Aim: To evaluate the effects of 60 Hz extremely low frequency (ELF) elelctromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on germ cell apoptosis in the testis of mice. Methods: Adult male BALB/c mice (7 weeks of age) were exposed to a 60 Hz EMF of 0.1 mT or 0.5 mT for 24 h/day. A sham-exposed group served as the control. After 8 weeks of exposure, the mice were sacrificed. Germ cell apoptosis in the testis was assessed by histopathological examination, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) and flow cytometric examination of isolated spermatogenic cells stained with 7 aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD). Results: EMF exposure did not significantly affect the body and testis weights, but significantly increased the incidence of germ cell death. The distinguishing morphological feature of EMF exposure was a decrement in the number of well organized seminiferous tubules. Quantitative analysis of TUNEL-positive germ cells showed a significantly higher apoptotic rate in the 0.5 mT exposed mice than that in the sham controls (P<0.05), while the difference between the two exposed groups was insignificant. The TUNEL-positive cells were mainly spermatogonia. In flow cytometry analysis, the percentage of live cells [forward scatter count (FSC)high7-AAD-] was lower in the exposed groups than that in the controls (Figure 5A), but the decrease in viability was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Continuous exposure to ELF EMF may induce testicular germ cell apoptosis in mice.
基金Acknowledgment This work was supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 30471729） and the ＂211＂ Project of the ＂Tenth-Five＂ Program for Peking University Health Science Center, China （No. 219）.
文摘Aim： To investigate the expression and subcellular localization of chemokine-like factor superfamily 2 （CKLFSF2） in human testis and its potential role in spermatogenesis. Methods： A specific polyclonal antibody against CKLFSF2 was raised. The expression and cellular localization of CKLFSF2 in the seminiferous tubules was checked by immunohistochemistry method. Also, in situ hybridization was applied to localize the mRNA distribution. The EGFP- CKLFSF2 fusion protein was expressed in COS-7 cells to localize its subcellular location in vitro. In addition, the abnormal expression of CKLFSF2 in testes of patients with male infertility was assayed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and immunohistochemistry methods. Results： Having a close correlation with spermatogenesis defects, CKLFSF2 was specifically expressed in meiotic and post-meiotic germ cells, which were localized to the endoplasmic reticulum （ER） near the Golgi apparatus. Conclusion： CKLFSF2 could play important roles in the process of meiosis and spermiogenesis, and might be involved in the vesicular transport or membrane apposition events in the endoplasmic reticulum.
文摘Magnetic resonance （MR） imaging of the scrotum represents an important supplemental diagnostic tool in the evaluation of scrotal diseases. Diffusion-weighted （DW） MR imaging is a developing technique, proved to improve tissue characterization. We evaluated the feasibility and diagnostic performance of DW MR imaging in the detection and characterization of scrotal lesions. We retrospectively evaluated 31 scrotal lesions （23 intratesticular and 8 extratesticular） in 26 men. All MR examinations were performed on a 1.5-T unit, using a pelvic-phased array coil. DW sequences were obtained using a single shot, multislice spin echo planar diffusion pulse sequence and a b factor of 0 and 900 s mm-2. The DW MR characteristics and the apparent diffusion coefficient （ADC） values of normal scrotal contents and scrotal diseases were evaluated. Comparison between the ADC values of normal scrotum, benign lesions and scrotal malignancies was performed. The accuracy of conventional sequences, DW images alone and DW imaging combined with conventional images in differentiating benign from malignant scmtal lesions was calculated. The ADC values of testicular malignancies were different from those of normal testis and benign intratesticular lesions, and the ADC values of benign extratesticular lesions from those of normal epididymis （P〈0.05）. The overall accuracy of conventional imaging, DW imaging alone and DW MR combined with conventional sequences in the characterization of intratesticular lesions was 91%, 87% and 100%, respectively. Our findings suggest that DW MR imaging and ADC values may provide valuable information in the diagnosis and characterization of scrotal diseases.
